South Korea is poised to significantly boost its tourism sector by potentially extending visa-free entry for Chinese group visitors indefinitely. This strategic move, currently under final review by government ministries including Justice and Culture, aims to accelerate economic recovery by targeting the crucial Chinese market. Building on a planned short-term trial starting late 2025, the policy could become permanent from 2026 onwards, signaling a long-term commitment to welcoming Chinese travelers. Concurrently, authorities are exploring options to expand this benefit to individual tourists in the future, recognizing the substantial economic impact of Chinese visitation. Bilateral Tourism Surges Recent statistics highlight the strong rebound in travel between South Korea and China. During the first quarter of 2025 alone, 1.12 million Chinese tourists visited South Korea, constituting 28% of all international arrivals. This momentum builds on the 4.6 million Chinese visitors recorded in 2024, a significant jump from 2.02 million in 2023, though still below the 2019 peak. The reciprocal flow is equally robust, with 912,000 South Koreans traveling to China in the first four months of 2025, marking a 48.5% year-on-year increase. Demographic diversification is underway. Korean data shows retirees joining youth travelers to China, drawn by affordable high-speed rail passes and…

Building genuine connections across cultures enriches our lives. When birthdays or holidays arrive, choosing the right gift for foreign friends becomes more than a gesture—it’s an opportunity to share your heritage while honoring theirs. Thoughtful presents spark joy, foster mutual understanding, and create lasting memories. This guide explores unique, culturally resonant gifts that transcend borders. Handcrafted Cultural Treasures Traditional crafts tell stories of heritage and artistry. Chinese embroidery, like Suzhou or Sichuan styles, showcases intricate techniques passed down for generations. Pieces featuring nature themes—birds, flowers, or pandas—capture attention with vivid detail. These works transform into elegant wall hangings or table displays, offering daily inspiration. One diplomat displayed Suzhou embroidery in her office, prompting colleagues to ask about its symbolism, turning the gift into a conversation starter. Yixing clay teapots represent another timeless choice. Crafted from porous purple clay, these teapots enhance tea flavors over time. Classic designs like the "Shi Piao" (stone dipper) balance form and function. For tea enthusiasts, gifting a small Yixing pot with premium oolong creates an interactive experience. A London-based chef uses his daily, noting how the ritual centers him—proof that utility and tradition coexist beautifully. Culinary Delights from the Region Regional flavors offer edible adventures.…

Against expectations, an audacious Chinese game set in the neglected late Tang Dynasty period has ignited international fervor. Blood Message (归唐), developed by NetEase’s Lin’an 24 Studio, defied industry skepticism about its niche historical backdrop. Its debut trailer soared past a million YouTube views, sparking fervent demands from players worldwide for localized versions in Spanish, Turkish, Arabic, and Portuguese. This surge highlights a potent convergence of meticulous historical recreation, cutting-edge technical execution, and resonant storytelling ambition, positioning Blood Message as a potential milestone for Chinese AAA development. Authenticity Fuels Fascination The game’s foundation lies in the tumultuous era following the An Lushan Rebellion, specifically focusing on the Guiyi Army’s desperate struggle to reclaim lost territories in the Hexi Corridor. Choosing this lesser-known chapter of Tang history was initially seen as commercial folly. However, Blood Message leverages this specificity to immerse players in a richly textured world. Authenticity permeates every visual element, from the intricate designs of Tang-era armor and weaponry to the stark, sweeping landscapes of the northwest frontier. Collaboration with Gansu Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism underscores this commitment. Developers utilized advanced scanning technology to digitally preserve real-world historical sites, artifacts, and geological formations. This data directly informs…

Song Zuer's eyebrows are truly iconic! In ancient - costume TV dramas, her Han - style makeup and styling as Xiao Qiao have once again won praise from netizens. Chinese classical eyebrow shapes are incredibly appealing! Let me first state that this kind of eyebrow shape is called a "curved eyebrow" in ancient times. It's one of the traditional eyebrow shapes that enjoyed the longest popularity in ancient China. The main features of the curved eyebrow are thick at the brow head and thin at the brow tail. The brow head gently rises to the brow peak and then smoothly falls. The boundary of the eyebrow shape is indistinct, and the color is like a stroke of ink, lighter at the brow head and darker at the brow tail, exuding a sense of fragility. Some netizens dug out Song Zuer's childhood look as Nezha, which also had thick curved eyebrows. They joked that even her eyebrows have grown proportionally! Now, about curved eyebrows, it's a general term. Any eyebrows with a curve can be called "curved eyebrows". Logically, the classic willow eyebrows in history are also a type of curved eyebrows. The willow eyebrows are thinner and longer than the…

When the monumental folk painting Fujian’s Jubilant Song (3.23m × 2.51m) debuted at China’s inaugural Rural Art Exhibition, its crimson hues and dynamic scenes—from ancient Tulou buildings to lion dances—captured the essence of Fujian’s spirit. Created by seven artists from Zhangping, this work symbolizes the revival of a 400-year-old tradition nearly lost to urbanization. Wu Yuhuan (吴玉环), a master painter, describes the style: "Bold colors, whimsical figures, and auspicious themes that radiate sincerity." Once fading, Zhangping’s folk art now thrives through innovation and community effort. Roots in Resilience Zhangping’s painting legacy began in Xin’qiao Township during the Ming-Qing transition. Local artisans blended folk customs with daily life observations, developing a distinct aesthetic recognized as Fujian’s intangible cultural heritage. By the 1980s, "The Zhangping Phenomenon" emerged—a golden era where artists won national awards for works bursting with rural vitality. Yet by the 2000s, economic pressures drove painters toward commercial replica art. Chen Yongfeng (陈永凤), director of Zhangping Art Museum, recalls, "The exodus left villages silent. We feared the tradition would vanish." The 2010 founding of Zhangping Folk Painting Academy reversed this decline. Veteran artists like Wu Yuhuan and Liu Wenying (刘文英) led free workshops, attracting teachers, farmers, and artisans. Lan Yanping,…

Shoukai LONG Street transformed into a portal to ancient China during its spectacular second anniversary celebration, held June 28-29, 2025. Partnering with the Changping District government and leveraging cinematic inspiration, the event, themed "Tang Dynasty Elegance," propelled the district's "Night Economy 3.0" initiative to unprecedented heights. Over two pulsating nights, the open-air complex drew a staggering 120,000 visitors – a 50% surge from the previous year – generating over ¥6 million in sales (up 28.5%) and amassing 120 million social media impressions. This wasn't merely a festival; it was a cultural and commercial phenomenon, establishing Shoukai LONG Street as the undisputed epicenter of Beijing's northern nightlife and setting a new benchmark for experiential retail. Reimagining History Stepping onto Shoukai LONG Street felt like entering a meticulously crafted Tang Dynasty dreamscape. Architects and designers masterfully utilized the venue's layered terraces and expansive walkways. They reconstructed iconic scenes from beloved historical dramas, transporting visitors along the legendary Empress Yang Guifei's litchi delivery route. Vibrant vermillion hues dominated, accented by intricate Tang brocade patterns adorning facades and installations, subtly echoing imperial aesthetics while infusing artistry into the urban fabric. The centerpiece was a sprawling, immersive recreation of a Tang market district, exceeding a…

The recent conclusion of the second "Study in Pu'er" program marked another successful chapter in cultural diplomacy between China and Laos. Over six immersive days, 44 young ethnic Chinese students and teachers from Laos explored Pu'er's unique identity where ancient tea traditions meet vibrant coffee culture. Hosted in Yunnan's southwestern city bordering Laos, Vietnam, and Myanmar, the initiative builds on last year's inaugural program. Participants engaged deeply with Chinese heritage while discovering shared roots along the historic Tea Horse Road. Their experiences—from hands-on tea processing to collaborative art projects—forged personal connections that transcend borders. As one student noted, the taste of Pu'er tea lingered far longer than the beverage itself, symbolizing the program's enduring impact on cross-cultural understanding and friendship. Cultural Immersion Experiences Pu'er's dual identity as a global tea source and China's coffee capital provided rich learning grounds. Students explored specialized workshops where they witnessed traditional Pu'er tea production techniques. Song Fanghu (宋方浒), whose family works in Laos' tea sector, discovered distinct processing methods enhancing the tea's fragrance and aftertaste. "The depth of flavor here is remarkable," he observed, planning to share these techniques back home. Parallel coffee workshops revealed surprising versatility. Song Yuping (宋雨平) marveled at cascara—coffee cherry…

In a defining moment on July 4th's episode of China's blockbuster variety show Keep Running, Li Yunrui didn't just leap across a 7-meter gap – he vaulted into a new stratosphere of fame. Perched on a swing high above a swimming pool, the actor-athlete released his grip at the perfect apex, landing flawlessly on the distant mat. The feat, captured in countless viral clips and met with stunned reactions from co-stars like Zheng Kai and Fan Chengcheng, sent social media into overdrive, amassing over 400 million engagements overnight. This gravity-defying jump wasn't merely a stunt; it crystallized a trajectory years in the making, showcasing the potent blend of physical prowess, disciplined preparation, and magnetic screen presence that defines his burgeoning career. As audiences marveled at his "legendary core strength," Li was simultaneously orchestrating another kind of leap: a commanding sweep across the commercial landscape and a deepening commitment to his craft, all while building fervent anticipation for his upcoming historical drama, Feast Encounter in Yong'an (宴遇永安). The Athletic Engine Li Yunrui's 7-meter swing jump wasn't an isolated flash of brilliance; it was the latest eruption of a long-simmering athletic volcano. Viewers familiar with his past instantly recalled his dominance at…

The air in Jiangyou, Sichuan, vibrates with recited verses as a nine-year-old’s clear voice delivers Li Bai’s "Quiet Night Thoughts." This simple recitation, radiating pure emotion, captures the essence of the "Li Bai Calls You for a Poetry Showdown" festival unfolding in the great poet’s birthplace. Orchestrated by the China Media Group under guidance from the Chinese Poetry Association and Jiangyou’s Municipal Party Committee Propaganda Department, this grand celebration transcends mere competition. It’s a nationwide awakening to classical poetry’s enduring power, inviting everyone—from seasoned scholars to curious children—to rediscover the beauty of Tang Dynasty verse within Jiangyou’s deeply poetic landscape. The festival weaves together fierce poetic challenges, creative expression, and immersive cultural tourism, proving Li Bai’s spirit is very much alive in modern China. Where Poetry Lives Jiangyou’s Li Bai Memorial, the festival’s vibrant heart, buzzes from dawn. Long queues form early, gathering silver-haired couples, eager children, delivery riders in uniform, sanitation workers, and Hanfu-clad youth. They debate Li Bai’s meter and imagery, their shared passion transforming the space into a living library of verse, the very air thick with literary anticipation. Inside, the energy crescendos. Participants dive into intense "Flower Passing Challenges", battling wits using keywords like "moon" or…

International voices echo through Yantai's sun-drenched valleys, drawn by the allure of its burgeoning wine culture. From July 2nd to 4th, a diverse cohort of global social media influencers and cultural enthusiasts descended upon Shandong's coastal gem, invited by China Daily, the Yantai Municipal Publicity Department, and the Commerce Bureau. Their mission: to experience firsthand the unique character of this "International Grape and Wine City." Representing nations like the United States, France, Russia, Italy, and Sri Lanka, these digital storytellers embarked on a journey beyond mere tasting, seeking the essence of Yantai's terroir and its people's passion. This immersive exploration promises to ripple across global platforms, showcasing a region rapidly carving its niche on the world wine map. Yantai's credentials are formidable: a foundational pillar of China's wine industry, its international stature was cemented in 2022 with its pioneering "Partnership" status in the Global Wine Tourism Organization (GWTO), followed by the prestigious "Global Wine Tourism Destination" award in 2023. Vines, Views, and Vinous Character The heart of the discovery lay in the rolling landscapes of Penglai's Qiushan Valley. At Longting Vineyard, the morning mist mingled with focused breaths as guests followed instructors in the graceful movements of Ba Duan Jin,…

Nowadays, many people hold their weddings at noon, and some even insist on finishing before 12:00. However, in ancient times, weddings were usually held at night, and this is often shown in well - made ancient costume dramas. Is there any special significance that we don't know? When faced with such questions, many people around us may be informed that weddings were formerly called "hun li" (昏礼). Since ancient people often held weddings at dusk, it was named so. But this seems to just replace one conclusion with another, without explaining why weddings were held at dusk or close to night. Let me state the conclusion first. There are two main reasons for holding weddings at night: one is related to the theory of yin and yang and the five elements; the other is the evolution of the custom of bride - abduction. Now let's elaborate. The Theory of Yin and Yang and the Five Elements Since men belong to yang and women belong to yin, the intersection of yin and yang is "hun" (昏). According to "The Book of Rites", "A man takes a wife at dusk. Since a woman belongs to yin, it is called 'hun' (marriage)." Here,…

In ancient Chinese dramas inspired by the Han Dynasty style, it's common to see that women regarded small lips as beautiful. Even in the styling of Song Zuer in the drama Zhe Yao, netizens exclaimed that Song's small lips are indeed suitable for Han - Dynasty women. Is it really the case? First, the conclusion: Han - Dynasty women generally considered small lips beautiful. Even if they didn't have small lips originally, they would paint them to look small. The makeup technique was to first apply white powder to cover the original lip color, and then use lip rouge to draw a round lip shape. The larger ones were like cherries, the smaller ones were like beads, or just one - circle smaller than the original lip shape. So this way of painting small lips is also called "dotting the lips". However, it's not absolute, and there was also the full - lip makeup method. This lip shape was generally small, creating a sense of hierarchy in the lip makeup, making the otherwise simple makeup more memorable and also reflecting the gentle personality of Han - Dynasty women. The strong covering ability of the white powder allowed the lip shape…

The salty breeze carries the scent of jasmine and the sea through the ancient lanes of Xunpu Village in Quanzhou, Fujian. Here, amidst houses adorned with oyster shells, a vibrant cultural ritual has transformed into a global tourism phenomenon. Visitors from across China and beyond are drawn not just to observe, but to become part of the living heritage, adorning their hair with elaborate crowns of fresh blooms known as Zanhuawei. This once-intimate custom, deeply rooted in the lives of Xunpu women, now offers travelers a unique, immersive passport into centuries of tradition, turning quiet village streets into bustling open-air studios where history is worn proudly, one flower at a time. Petals Through Time Zanhuawei is far more than an aesthetic accessory; it’s the vibrant heart of theXunpu women’s intangible cultural heritage, recognized nationally in 2008. For generations, Xunpu women have meticulously pinned fresh flowers – jasmine, magnolias, chrysanthemums – into their hair as a daily ritual and a symbol of joy, resilience, and connection to the sea. This practice evolved from heartfelt traditions where flowers were exchanged as precious gifts during celebrations and significant life events. The intricate hairstyle, anchored by a distinctive circular bun secured with bone or…

Stepping into Quanzhou is like entering a living theater where history and modernity dance in harmony. As a former hub of the world's maritime trade and the eastern starting point of the Maritime Silk Road, this ancient port city in China's Fujian province offers a captivating blend of cultural heritage, vibrant street life, and culinary delights. With its UNESCO World Heritage status, featuring 22 sites that narrate tales from the Song and Yuan dynasties, Quanzhou invites travelers on an immersive two-day adventure. Wander through centuries-old temples, bustling markets, and serene alleys, all while riding the iconic "little white" electric carts that whisk you between landmarks. Whether you're a history buff, a foodie, or a seeker of tranquility, this compact yet rich itinerary promises unforgettable moments—from dawn prayers at Taoist shrines to twilight feasts under lantern-lit skies. Embrace the city's rhythm, where every corner reveals stories of emperors, traders, and artisans, making it a perfect escape for a short getaway that feels timeless and transformative. Historic Landmarks Explored Begin your journey by arriving at Quanzhou Jinjiang International Airport or the high-speed rail station, easily accessible by public buses that drop you in the heart of the ancient city. Check into one…

Guangxi, nestled in southern China, borders the vibrant Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao region and Vietnam, boasting China's largest ethnic minority population. This land of 240,000 square kilometers is a tapestry of 12 indigenous groups living in harmony, where world-class natural wonders meet millennia-old cultural legacies. With 2025 designated as the Guangxi Tourism Year, over 800 cultural and leisure activities unfold annually, inviting travelers to explore through scenic trails, ancient relics, festive celebrations, folk songs, and culinary delights. As the seasons shift, Guangxi's allure shines brightest in its dramatic landscapes and cultural spectacles, echoing the timeless Inspirations of Liu Sanjie (印象·刘三姐) — a renowned live-action show that brings local legends to life amid the karst mountains and flowing rivers. From lush forests to serene wellness havens, every journey here promises unforgettable adventures and heartfelt hospitality. Exploring Scenic Wonders Discover Guangxi's breathtaking natural beauty on a journey through its iconic karst formations and cascading waterfalls. Begin in Nanning, the "Green City," where towering skyscrapers blend with verdant canopies. Stroll through the historic Yongzhou Old Town, admiring the preserved arcades and bustling shops that reflect a blend of old and new. As dusk falls, embark on a cruise along the Yong River to witness the…

That unassuming canvas tote slung over your shoulder isn’t just carrying your essentials—it’s rewriting fashion’s rulebook. Once confined to art galleries and indie bookshops, these humble carriers now stride confidently down metropolitan streets and Instagram feeds. They reject luxury branding, champion sustainability, and broadcast individuality through bold prints and minimalist silhouettes. In an era of curated aesthetics, canvas bags offer authenticity—a tactile rebellion against fast fashion’s excess. Canvas Totes A decade ago, canvas totes signaled underground credibility—the unofficial uniform of art students and thrift-store regulars. Their migration from fringe to mainstream began when social platforms like Instagram transformed them into viral style statements. Film festival merch bags and museum collaborations became instant collectibles, merging cultural cachet with everyday utility. Celebrity sightings accelerated the shift. When A-listers traded designer purses for souvenir-laden canvas sacks during travel shows, they validated the trend’s practicality and charm. Suddenly, "unpolished" became aspirational. The bag’s journey mirrors a broader cultural pivot: where status once whispered through logos, it now shouts via curated authenticity. Prints as Personality What elevates canvas beyond mere function? Its canvas becomes a billboard for self-expression. A Klimt reproduction, a line of Sylvia Plath poetry, or a protest slogan—each print serves as a…

Imagine silk-clad scholars from the Wei-Jin period stepping onto a bustling high-speed rail platform, or Tang dynasty noblewomen browsing a sleek concept store. China's sartorial legacy, spanning millennia from the understated elegance praised in the Book of Songs (诗经) to the dazzling Fashion Makeup (时世妆) of the High Tang, possesses an enduring vitality. Far from being relics confined to museums, the core design philosophies – the ethereal drapery of Wei-Jin guīyī (袿衣), the flattering lines of Song bèizi (褙子), the intricate pleating of Ming horse-face skirts (马面裙, mǎmiàn qún) – are experiencing a vibrant renaissance, seamlessly woven into the fabric of contemporary global fashion. This isn't mere revival; it's a dynamic dialogue where whispers from ancient looms inspire cutting-edge design, proving that true style transcends the confines of any single era. The flowing sleeves and structured silhouettes of the past are finding fresh expression on today’s catwalks, city sidewalks, and digital feeds, becoming powerful emblems of cultural confidence and innovative aesthetics. Wei-Jin: Ethereal Flow Reimagined The Wei-Jin period (220-420 AD) prized transcendence and natural grace, reflected in the iconic guīyī. This garment evolved from the deep robe (深衣, shēnyī), distinguished by its dramatic guī (圭) shaped fabric panels and trailing…

"Wait... did Labubu just become queen?" "Is this a coronation?" This might sound like a fever dream to anyone unfamiliar with China's current toy scene, but yes—Labubu, the mischievous little vinyl gremlin from Pop Mart, is now the proud owner of a collection of handmade Chinese imperial crowns. We're talking intricate, blinged-out headdresses inspired by historical palace dramas like Empresses in the Palace—crafted not by costume designers, but by DIY-loving fans with way too much patience and a healthy dose of imperial obsession. Let's back up. The Toy Queen Rises Pop Mart's Labubu has long been a favorite among Chinese collectors. But lately, the fandom has taken a sharp turn toward Qing dynasty cosplay. Why? Because someone, somewhere, realized the elaborate metal puzzle sets from a local brand called Piececool—originally marketed as romantic wedding-themed crafts—fit Labubu's rubbery little head perfectly. And when we say "elaborate," we mean hand-assembled metal pieces smaller than a pinky nail, forming full-on phoenix crowns (a traditional Chinese bridal accessory, often seen in palace dramas). Can't afford the real Qing dynasty phoenix crown on display at the National Museum of China? No worries. Just spend ¥339 (about $45) and a few late nights, and you too…

Integrating traditional culture into historical dramas isn't new. But more and more recent productions are going beyond aesthetics—embedding cultural heritage into the storylines themselves. Take Legend of Zang Hai (藏海传), a recent release that weaves an intricate political tale around the ancient art of geomantic architecture, or kanyu (堪舆营造)—a feng shui-based approach to site planning in traditional Chinese construction. And this is far from an isolated case. In A Dream of Splendor (梦华录), Song dynasty tea culture is not just a visual garnish—it defines the heroine Zhao Pan'er's livelihood and values. Similarly, The Scent of Time (为有暗香来) showcases the traditional art of herbal perfumery, Flourished Peony (国色芳华) explores plant-based fragrance making, and Brocade Odessey (蜀锦人家) dives into Sichuan's iconic brocade weaving. And more of these culture-driven dramas are in the pipeline. Could this be a meaningful evolution in the genre? As traditional Chinese culture continues gaining mainstream appeal, what should period dramas aim to achieve in order to truly tell cultural stories well? Why Does It Feel So Right? The fusion of traditional culture and historical drama isn't exactly groundbreaking—it's just finally being taken seriously. The first phase of this integration largely involved the adoption of Eastern aesthetics across costumes,…

Song Zuer's journey—beginning as a fiery child deity in 2009 and maturing into nuanced historical heroines—offers a unique lens through which to explore C-drama's shifting landscapes. I've curated her most iconic roles that showcase her evolution from child star to versatile leading lady. Here are 5 masterpieces blending visual poetry and storytelling brilliance—perfect for historical/fantasy lovers! The Demon Hunter's Romance 无忧渡 Aired: April 12, 2025 Period: Fictional Tang-dynasty-inspired world with human-yao (supernatural beings) coexistence Genres: Xianxia, romantic fantasy, mystery Main Roles: Song Zuer (Banxia), Allen Ren (Xuanye) Adapted From: Novel Banxia by Banming Ban'ai In a Tang Dynasty-inspired realm fractured by mutual distrust between humans and yao (妖, nature spirits), Banxia is an outcast village girl whose ability to perceive spirits brands her a "cursed seer." Her path collides with Xuanye, a disillusioned demon hunter enforcing the Celestial Ministry's brutal purge of rogue yao. When a series of spirit-related disasters threatens both realms—a plague of nightmare-consuming Mengmo (梦魔) in farming villages, and spectral assassins targeting human officials—they form a reluctant pact to investigate. Their quest uncovers a darker truth: a primordial void entity is manipulating historical human-yao resentments to trigger a war. Banxia's evolving power to communicate with spirits (not…