If you spotted a character in a historical drama twirling in a pink, pleated dress and thought, Wow, that looks surprisingly modern, you're not alone. The outfit in question, featured in The Glory (雁回时), closely resembles a contemporary flared dress, but it actually belongs to a category of Ming Dynasty garments known as tieli (贴里). This style, along with the similar yesa (曳撒), reflects a fascinating blend of influences, practicality, and visual appeal—so much so that modern designers could easily take inspiration from it. Tieli vs. Yesa: Not Just for Women At first glance, tieli and yesa might look like elegant, structured dresses, but in the Ming Dynasty, they were primarily worn by men. Both originated under the influence of Yuan-Mongol styles but were later adapted into Han Chinese fashion. The key difference? Yesa features a smooth front panel known as a Mamian (马面), while tieli is characterized by full pleats from top to bottom. These structured garments were designed for mobility, making them popular choices for officials, scholars, and even military figures. While women occasionally wore these garments, it was often as part of cross-dressing trends in dramas or plays, where they took on male roles. Today, it’s not…

As someone deeply passionate about historical clothing and accessories, people often ask me: "Does your knowledge of ancient fashion ruin your enjoyment of period dramas?" The answer is—quite the opposite! In fact, it adds another layer of enjoyment, turning each viewing into a treasure hunt for accurate details (or amusing anachronisms). Take "Nirvana in Fire 2" (琅琊榜之风起长林), for example. The series boasts stunning visuals, but as I watched, I couldn't help but notice a curious detail—the jewelry worn by characters like Empress Xun (荀皇后) and the Grand Lady of Laiyang (莱阳太夫人) bore striking similarities to Ming Dynasty designs. However, their application in the drama was... unconventional, to say the least. It appears that the production team sourced historically inspired pieces but missed the mark on how they were actually worn. Filigree Gold Phoenix Hairpins One of the most eye-catching pieces worn by Empress Xun is a set of three gold phoenix hairpins (累丝嵌宝石金凤簪). These exquisite accessories have a real-life counterpart: they are modeled after jewelry unearthed from Ming Dynasty imperial tombs in the western suburbs of Beijing. These tombs, unfortunately looted and excavated long ago, left behind only fragments of their once-lavish burial artifacts, yet what remains showcases remarkable craftsmanship.…

The opulent red gown worn by the character of Empress Miao in the historical drama The Glory (雁回时) has left viewers in awe. With its vibrant crimson hue, intricate details, and dramatic silhouette, it conjures up images of Dream of the Red Chamber (红楼梦), especially the scene where the imperial consort visits the imperial court in a ceremonial outfit. Could it be a nod to a regal garment from the Ming Dynasty, the mangpao (蟒袍), a dress that exudes both power and ceremony? The outfit Miao Guifei (苗贵妃) wears in The Glory isn't just any costume—it's an interpretation of the mangpao, a traditional Ming Dynasty ceremonial gown typically worn by high-ranking officials and imperial family members. The gown’s structure is a perfect balance between grandiosity and elegance, characterized by its round collar, long robe length, and the iconic mang (蟒) dragon motif embroidered onto the fabric. The mangpao was often reserved for the most important occasions, worn by figures of the highest stature, such as empresses or consorts. In the case of Miao Guifei, the attire suggests not only her high rank but her formidable presence—no wonder viewers felt like this was more than just a royal entrance; it had…

If you've seen the stills of costume dramas like Moyu Yunjian and For the Sake of the Hidden Fragrance, you'll notice that director Yu has a particular preference for one type of clothing style: the shirt and skirt ensemble. It's the most common style in traditional Chinese clothing and also the easiest to mass - produce and replicate. It's like wearing hundreds of different - colored shirts. Can you really not get aesthetically tired of it? Styles of Shirt and Skirt The upper part of the shirt and skirt can be in the styles of cross - collar, front - closing, or shallow cross - collar. The lower skirt is usually a split skirt or a pleated skirt. Simply put, if you change the fabric and color of the upper shirt and the lower skirt respectively, it counts as a new set of clothes. The dynasties when the shirt and skirt were most popular were the Tang and Song dynasties. The styles of the shirt and skirt in these two periods were different. In the Tang Dynasty, the skirt was tied high to the chest, showing a luxurious and noble style. In the Song Dynasty, the skirt returned to the…

The cheongsam, hailed as the 'second skin' of Chinese women, owes its charm not only to its exquisite tailoring but also to the texture of its fabric. The material of a cheongsam directly determines its comfort, aesthetics, and suitability for different occasions. So, what material is the most suitable? This article combines traditional craftsmanship with fashion trends to reveal the golden rules of cheongsam material selection. I. Top List of Classic Materials: Eastern Charm from Tradition to Modernity 1. Silk: A Synonym for Luxury and Heritage Advantages: Silk cheongsams are known for their softness, skin - friendliness, breathability, and moisture absorption. The natural luster can perfectly present the drape and noble temperament of the cheongsam. Traditional silk fabrics such as double - crepe, habutai, and Hangzhou gauze are especially suitable for summer receptions or banquets, looking as light and elegant as a 'walking work of art'. Points to note: They require professional dry - cleaning and should be protected from direct sunlight and friction to avoid snagging. 2. Satin: The First Choice for High - End Cheongsams Features: Fabrics like brocade and antique satin have a natural high - end luster. When paired with intangible cultural heritage techniques such as…

The national trend has swept through the streets, and one can always catch two distinct charms in the fluttering skirts - the qipao is as graceful as an ink - colored peony, while the Hanfu unfolds like a landscape painting. This is not just a choice of clothing but a profound exploration of how Eastern aesthetics can thrive. Time - honored Codes in Stitches Qipao: A Poetic Declaration of Body Awakening In 1920, on Shanghai's Avenue Joffre, tailors used a copper ruler to measure the contours of the new era. The improved qipao tightened its wide sleeves, locked a bit of reserve with a standing collar, yet revealed a hint of allure through its side slit. The women in gossamer - silk qipaos in Eileen Chang's works walked on the Bund in high - heels, and each step echoed the call for freedom on the cobblestones. Today's silk qipaos still shine. Craftsmen at the Hangzhou Silk Museum have embedded Suzhou - embroidered peonies into the texture of acetate fiber, allowing ancient craftsmanship to blossom on modern fabrics. Hanfu: A Contemporary Narrative of a Thousand - year - old Civilization At the foot of the Xi'an City Wall, girls in cross…

Hello everyone! At the same location but different times, I'm here with you again. Today, I'm enthusiastic to recommend a captivating xianxia masterpiece, A Will Eternal. A Will Eternal builds a grand and wonderful xianxia world with its gripping plot. The story follows the protagonist, Bai Xiaochun (白小纯), a common teenager who grows through numerous hardships on the xianxia path with firm belief and fearless courage. His growth is full of twists and turns, which makes us feel as if we're experiencing joys and sorrows alongside him. Every crisis and breakthrough keeps the audience on the edge of their seats, eager to know what happens next. In terms of character portrayal, A Will Eternal is truly excellent. Bai Xiaochun is a vivid character. He's both innocent and kind, and also sly and witty at times. He's not a perfect hero in the traditional sense but has his own little flaws and thoughts, making him as amiable as a friend around us. Other characters are also distinctive, with their personalities, motives, and actions reasonably developed, which makes the relationships in the story complex and full of tension. Moreover, the visual effects of the series are amazing. The beautiful xianxia scenes and…

As March is almost over, the domestic drama market has reversed its downturn and become increasingly lively. The drama When Yan Returns premiered suddenly and quickly climbed to the top of the national heat list. The suspense drama The Chess Player, in which Wang Baoqiang starred after a 12 - year hiatus, also received a lot of positive feedback. These two dramas are already dark - horses, but the real highlight is yet to come. The Unparalleled Nian took the top spot on the hot list right after its premiere. Initially, people thought it was just another old - fashioned and bad (xianxia drama, a genre of Chinese fantasy drama), but after binge - watching 6 episodes, they were hooked. It seems that there's going to be a new hit in the xianxia drama genre! 1. Outstanding Plot and Stunning Visuals The Unparalleled Nian tells the story of Ji Tanyin (played by Tang Yan), the unparalleled goddess, who is entrusted by the heaven to retrieve the divine artifact "The Left Hand of God" from Yuan Zhong (played by Liu Xueyi), the great priest of the Youhu Clan. The two go from scheming against each other to falling in love and…

Chen Duling (陈都灵) is an actress with a rare ancient charm. In the past, she outshone Bai Lu (白鹿) in every aspect. Ancient costumes are very demanding on body conditions. Especially for tall and slender women, they look very charming, fully embodying the temperament of the ancients. However, they are not friendly to those with a poor body - proportion and a five - five split figure. Although they can cover up their body flaws, the difference is obvious when standing together. This is why Chen Duling outshone Bai Lu in Long Moon Embracing the Star, and Bai Lu was even labeled as an ordinary - looking woman. This time, Chen Duling is stunningly beautiful in Qin - Han Hanfu. She suits these figure - flattering and fate - filled costumes, including some Song - style and Wei - Jin - style Hanfu. The Qin - Han hairstyles are quite simple. Most of them are loose hair with wisps of hair left at the temples, making the person look delicate and vulnerable. Coupled with willow - leaf eyebrows, the image of a gentle and helpless beauty emerges. However, Chen Duling's eyes are sharp. Although she looks like an innocent little…

At 41, Tang Yan has challenged an ancient-style photo shoot for the first time. Soon, we'll also see her last ancient-costume drama. At this age, it's no longer suitable for her to play in ancient idol dramas. Tang Yan, if you're being kidnapped, just blink. She managed to break free from the label of an ancient idol drama actress and upgrade to a serious drama actress because of the drama The Longest Day in Shanghai. Acting in an ancient idol drama again will easily make her a target of ridicule. In ancient idol dramas, we look for handsome men and beautiful women. Although Tang Yan takes good care of herself, her age is still quite obvious. If she gets mocked, it'll be hard for her to recover. We hope she has good luck this time; otherwise, it'll damage her newly-established image. This is Tang Yan's first ancient-style photo shoot, and she's currently the only one among the 85-generation actresses to do so. It's full of a sense of sophistication and is different from those cheap Hanfu photo shoots, instantly raising the bar. Tang Yan's outfit is a collision between modern and ancient styles. A high-end blue feather dress paired with…

In the celestial hierarchy of Journey to the West (西游记), divine mounts (神骑) occupy a paradoxical role: they are both exalted and enslaved. Lions, elephants, and golden-haired beasts—once fearsome demons—are collared, neutered, and pressed into service by bodhisattvas and sages. Their domestication symbolizes Heaven's power to redeem chaos into order. Yet one figure stands apart, unbroken and unbridled: Wukong, the Monkey King. The Anatomy of a Divine Mount Heaven's stables are not filled by chance. To qualify as a mount, a creature must meet strict criteria—criteria Wukong shattered with every swing of his staff. The Biology of Submission Divine mounts are almost exclusively quadrupeds: lions, elephants, oxen, or horses. Their four-legged stance signifies stability, a biological pragmatism for carrying gods across realms. Wukong, however, is a bipedal primate—a mimic of humans who stands upright, wields tools, and laughs at gravity. His very anatomy rebels against the concept of being "ridden." In Chinese symbolism, monkeys represent the restless "heart-mind" (xinyuan), a metaphor for desires that resist control. To mount him would be to tame the untamable, a paradox even the Jade Emperor's bureaucracy couldn't resolve. The Politics of Punishment Divine mounts are not born—they are made. Take the Nine-Headed Lion, a…

When world leaders stepped onto the global stage at the 2014 APEC Summit in Beijing, their attire transcended mere diplomatic protocol. The "New Chinese Attire" (新中装) became an instant cultural phenomenon—a sartorial manifesto that bridged millennia of craftsmanship with 21st-century innovation. This meticulously curated wardrobe did more than clothe dignitaries; it reintroduced the world to Jiangnan's textile heritage while sparking a "Guofeng" (国风) revival that continues to shape China's contemporary fashion identity. Today, as traditional techniques like Su embroidery (苏绣) and Song brocade (宋锦) find fresh relevance in streetwear and haute couture, the South China Museum's exhibition Splendid Jiangnan: The Golden Age of Chinese Textile Art (锦绣江南——中国传统织绣工艺的巅峰创造) revisits this pivotal moment, unpacking how six iconic APEC ensembles became catalysts for cultural reinvention. From Imperial Workshops to Global Runways The Yangtze River Delta's Jiangnan (江南) region, long celebrated as the cradle of Chinese textile excellence, has cultivated textile arts for over 2,000 years. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, Suzhou's embroidery ateliers and Nanjing's brocade looms supplied the imperial court with fabrics so exquisite they were deemed "cloth woven by clouds." Yet by the late 20th century, many of these crafts faced extinction, preserved only in museum archives or practiced by…

China's strongest kids in the street dance scene The roar of the crowd at Paris' Bercy Arena was deafening. Under the bright lights of the 2025 Juste Debout World Street Dance Finals, spectators from around the world held their breath as two young Chinese dancers took the stage. But what followed was unlike anything seen before. Ten-year-old Song Haoming from Jiangsu and twelve-year-old Fu Junxi from Guangxi were about to make history. Blending the fluidity of Tai Chi with the explosive energy of Shaolin whirlwind kicks (少林旋风腿), they performed an electrifying routine that seamlessly fused traditional Chinese martial arts with contemporary street dance. With every precise movement—whether the open-handed elegance of Drunken Fist (醉拳) or the controlled power of Southern Fist (南拳)—they shattered expectations, redefining the boundaries of urban dance. In a competition where age holds no restrictions, the duo's "martial arts street dance" stunned audiences and led them past two foreign teams into the final four—an unprecedented achievement for Chinese contestants. Online reactions exploded: "Are all Chinese kids born as Jackie Chan?" "Chinese artistry is always mesmerizing!" "This dance was mesmerizing—I absolutely love it!" Meanwhile, Chinese netizens celebrated their success, dubbing them "China's strongest kids" in the street dance…

For centuries, studies of Yuan (1271–1368), Ming (1368–1644), and Qing (1644–1912) dynasty art have orbited around Wenrenhua (literati painting), a genre dominated by scholar-officials who fused poetry, calligraphy, and ink landscapes. While masterpieces by iconic figures like Ni Zan or Wang Meng remain celebrated, this narrow focus has flattened our understanding of China's visual culture. How did literati painting ascend to dominance? What role did court commissions or commercial workshops play? And where do female artists and cross-cultural exchanges fit into this narrative? In Chinese Painting: Yuan to Qing (中国绘画：元至清)—the final volume of his groundbreaking trilogy—art historian Wu Hung (巫鸿) dismantles these entrenched hierarchies. By weaving dynastic timelines with layered analyses of materials, regional networks, and social ecosystems, he resurrects a vibrant scene of artistic production. At a recent Beijing forum co-hosted by The Beijing News and Shanghai-based publisher Horizon Media, Wu joined Huang Xiaofeng (黄小峰), a Central Academy of Fine Arts professor, to discuss how this "three-dimensional" approach revives overlooked voices. Below are highlights from their conversation. Rethinking the Grand Narrative The very act of writing a history of Chinese painting is, in itself, a daunting task. As Wu points out, the sources available to us today are vastly…

China, a land of timeless grandeur, boasts a history stretching over 5,000 years. Its legacy is preserved in the country's greatest museums—places where jade burial suits whisper secrets of the afterlife, where ink scrolls unfold poetic landscapes, and where terracotta soldiers stand in silent formation, guarding their emperor in eternity. Whether you are an enthusiast of ancient warfare, an admirer of fine porcelain, or a lover of intricate calligraphy, these institutions offer an immersive experience. Let us embark on a journey through China's most fascinating collections—each artifact a window into an unparalleled past. The Palace Museum 故宫博物院 Standing at the heart of Beijing, the Forbidden City—also known as the Palace Museum—was home to 24 emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties. Beyond its red walls lies a breathtaking collection of 1.86 million artifacts, ranging from imperial robes and jade carvings to ceremonial bronzes and priceless calligraphy. This museum is not only a testament to China's imperial power but also a masterpiece of architectural symmetry and philosophy. Every piece within its walls speaks to the imperial vision of grandiosity, the wisdom of rulers who believed their mandate came from the heavens, and the delicate relationship between life, death, and legacy. Highlights…

When Xiao Zhan's studio announced the global release of his album We / Us / Wild on March 14, even they might not have anticipated the storm it would unleash within 24 hours-all without pre-promotion, no music show performances, and zero TikTok hype. Day One Triumph: Numbers That Speak Volumes Within eight hours of release, the album topped iTunes charts in 19 countries. By the next day, that number had climbed to 21 No. 1s and 41 high rankings globally, securing the second spot on the worldwide album chart. What's more shocking is its dominance in Japan, a notoriously insular market where the Mandarin album debuted at No. 1 on iTunes. In the U.S., it rose from No. 2 to claim the top spot, with its music video also hitting first place. A foreign music critic remarked, "This isn't just a win for Chinese music-it's a triumph of emotional resonance." Unlike K-pop groups that flood global markets with multilingual tracks and worldwide tours, his Mandarin-only album shattered cultural barriers through raw authenticity. His Milan Fashion Week appearances, Cannes Film Festival teasers for The Legend of Eagle Shooter, and casual Barcelona postcards shared on social media became subtle catalysts for this…

The recently premiered historical drama Si Jin (思锦) has captivated audiences with its compelling narrative of personal awakening and growth, seamlessly woven into the exquisite aesthetic of Song Dynasty culture. Adapted from the novel of the same name by Dong Tian De Liu Ye, Si Jin is helmed by artistic director and lead producer Yang Xiaopei. The series follows the journey of Jiang Si, the fourth daughter of the Dongping Marquis household, who is betrayed and seemingly perishes at the hands of her lover, Yu Qi (also known as Yu Jin). However, fate grants her a second chance—this time, she is determined to seize control of her destiny. By reinterpreting a classic "rebirth" trope with a fresh perspective, the series not only explores a nuanced portrayal of female agency but also introduces a more immersive engagement with traditional aesthetics—giving historical elements a more dynamic role in the storytelling rather than treating them as mere decorative backdrops. A New Take on Female Strength While rebirth and revenge narratives are hardly new in historical dramas, Si Jin breaks away from the conventional "black lotus" trope, which often portrays female protagonists as extreme avengers. Instead, the show emphasizes intelligence and strategy as the…

In Suzhou, a bowl of noodles isn't just a meal—it's a symphony of flavors, seasons, and centuries-old craftsmanship. Dive into the world of Suzhou-style noodles, where diners choose from over 20 toppings and recite poetic codes to customize their perfect bowl. Broth, Noodles, and the Art of Jiaotou Walk into any Suzhou noodle shop—Zhu Hong Xing, Yu Xing Ji, or a humble alleyway stall—and you'll witness a ritual as precise as calligraphy. The city's signature noodles revolve around three pillars: tang (broth), mian (noodles), and jiaotou (toppings). But first, you'll need to speak the local lingo. Broth: Suzhou's broth is a study in contrast. Hong tang (red broth), infused with soy sauce and pork bone essence, offers a rich umami depth, while bai tang (white broth), simmered from poultry and fish, is a translucent elixir. Regulars might order kuan tang (extra broth) to savor the liquid gold or jin tang (less broth) to spotlight the noodles. Noodles: Unlike northern China's hand-pulled varieties, Suzhou favors delicate machine-pressed strands as thin as silk threads. The magic lies in the jiyu bei ("crucian carp back") technique—a dome-shaped nest of noodles that traps heat and flavor. "Only the first batch of morning noodles, cooked…

The clock struck 9 PM in Beijing, but inside Paris's Palais de Tokyo, the night was just beginning. Editors from Vogue, influencers clutching their iPhones, and celebrities like Liu Yu and Yuan Shanshan buzzed under the cavernous ceilings, their eyes fixed on towering embroidered tapestries depicting mythical butterflies, celestial cranes, and love stories woven into silk. This wasn't just another Paris Fashion Week spectacle—it was SHIATZY CHEN's Fall/Winter 2025 collection, a masterclass in bridging 1,000-year-old Miao traditions with the pulse of contemporary luxury. For founder Shiatzy Chen (Wang Chen Tsai-Hsia), this show wasn't merely about aesthetics; it was a manifesto. "When I first started, department stores told me, 'No one wants Chinese styles—give us international,'" she recalls, her voice steady yet charged with defiance. Nearly five decades later, her brand stands as a beacon of neo-Chinese chic, proving that heritage isn't a relic—it's a revolution. Ancient Stitches and Avant-Garde Craft The collection, titled Far&Near, hinged on a radical proposition: What if Miao embroidery—a UNESCO-listed intangible cultural heritage—could speak the language of modern urbanites? To answer this, Chen and her team embarked on three pilgrimages to Guizhou's remote Miao villages, collaborating with seven intangible cultural heritage artisans. Their mission? To decode…

Recently, the television adaptation of Northward (北上), based on the Mao Dun Literature Prize-winning novel, has captivated audiences in China. Airing in prime time on CCTV, the drama transports viewers to the banks of the Grand Canal, where a group of young dreamers navigate the currents of life. More than just a coming-of-age story, the series breathes fresh life into the rich heritage of the Grand Canal, bridging historical and contemporary narratives with an innovative approach. In recent years, adapting literary masterpieces for television has become an increasingly popular trend, and Northward offers a compelling case study of how literature and cinema can reinforce one another. By blending traditional storytelling with a fresh cinematic vision, the show opens up new possibilities for literary adaptations. A Bold Reinterpretation of a Literary Classic As one of Xu Zechen's most celebrated novels, Northward carries a distinctive literary voice. The creative team behind the series has worked meticulously to preserve the novel's core themes while reinterpreting them for a contemporary audience. Instead of simply recounting historical events set in the Qing Dynasty, the adaptation shifts the focus to the 1990s, a period of rapid change in China. This bold reimagining places the narrative within…