On July 5th, 2025, a vibrant group of 35 students from Singapore National University and Nanyang Technological University arrived at Jin Cheng (锦城) College in Chengdu. Their half-day visit promised cultural discovery and connection. Greeted warmly by the college leadership, including Founder Professor Zou Guangyan and President Professor Wang Yali, the Singaporean delegation joined Jin Cheng students for an exploration of campus life and shared traditions. The atmosphere buzzed with anticipation for the experiences ahead: discovering campus landmarks, engaging in meaningful dialogue, and diving into hands-on cultural activities designed to foster genuine connection between the young people of both nations. Moments of Shared Discovery The initial encounter dissolved any hesitation. Ice-breaking games sparked laughter and conversation, instantly bridging the gap between the Singaporean visitors and their Jin Cheng hosts. Guided by local students, the group explored the campus heart, including the Entrepreneurship Hall and the History & Alumni Museum. This journey through Jin Cheng's spaces provided context for the institution's spirit. A formal welcome followed in Room Z203 of the Siwei Building. Professor Zou Guangyan (邹广严) expressed heartfelt enthusiasm for the exchange, emphasizing its value for educational collaboration and enduring friendship between Singapore and China. He extended an open invitation…

The cheongsam, a timeless symbol of Chinese elegance, demands more than just the garment itself. Its high collar, intricate closures, and figure-hugging silhouette place unique emphasis on the wearer's posture and poise. While modern adaptations offer greater accessibility, capturing the garment's inherent grace and the wearer's inner charm remains an art. Among the most critical, yet often overlooked, elements are the hands. Restless or awkwardly placed hands can shatter the delicate harmony of a cheongsam portrait. Mastering purposeful, graceful hand gestures is paramount. These subtle movements and placements not only guide the viewer's eye but also become powerful tools for expressing character, enhancing femininity, and weaving a narrative of refined elegance. The following sections explore 7 essential hand positions, transforming them from potential pitfalls into instruments of profound photographic expression. The Waist: Anchor of Poise Positioning hands at the waist is fundamental. A gentle placement, perhaps fingers lightly interlaced or one hand resting slightly higher than the other, creates a sense of balance and composure. This gesture subtly defines the wearer's form, emphasizing the natural curve of the torso inherent to the cheongsam's design. When combined with a slight side angle towards the camera, it elongates the figure and accentuates…

Beneath the cool summer skies of Mudanjiang, Heilongjiang, a living tapestry of tradition unfolds each evening. Dozens of models from Tang Man Culture Company grace parks and plazas, their Manchu qipaos—with sculpted collars, coiled buttons, and artful slits—blending ancestral grace with modern silhouettes. Led by Jia Shujuan (贾淑娟), a provincial intangible heritage inheritor, this daily procession embodies a cultural renaissance where every stitch narrates millennia of Manchu wisdom. Craftsmanship Reimagined Jia’s studio produces over a thousand unique qipaos annually, each a canvas of innovation. Regional motifs merge with ink-wash paintings and botanical dyes, transforming silk into storytelling mediums. The garments honor Qing Dynasty techniques likepan jin(coiling gold) embroidery, while contemporary cuts accentuate natural forms. Seasonal inspirations yield breakthroughs like the Ice-Snow Qipao. Jagged hems mimic glacial formations, while hidden snowflake cutouts along slits create "moving snowfall" illusions under light. This dialogue between environment and craft reflects Jia’s philosophy: "Technology is the bone, culture the soul, nature the muse." Nature’s Silent Language Heilongjiang’s wilderness breathes within every design. Wild tussah silk, harvested locally, provides the foundation. Artisans hand-paint patterns using roots, berries, and leaves—forest hues whispering through fabric. Peonies bloom across bodices, cranes soar on sleeves, each element distilling Northeast China’s…

Forget dusty relics and silent museums. Jian'ou (建瓯), cradled in North Fujian's lush mountains, isn't just a place on a map; it's the vibrant, living origin of "Fujian" itself. This ancient city, once the mighty prefectural seat of Jianzhou, pulses with over three millennia of uninterrupted history. Its streets whisper tales from the founding of Fujian's first commandery, its first prefecture, and its first superior prefecture. Known undisputedly as the "First Prefecture of the Eight Min Regions," Jian'ou offers more than monuments – it offers an immersion into the enduring spirit of a civilization. Here, history isn't confined to textbooks; it resonates in the rhythm of daily life, the texture of weathered stone, and the aroma drifting from centuries-old kitchens. Footsteps Echoing Through Millennia Walking Jian'ou’s core is stepping onto the stage where Fujian’s story began. The weight of history is tangible, worn smooth into the very flagstones. Imagine Buddhist monks meticulously carving scriptures onto steles during the Tang dynasty, or Song administrators drafting decrees that shaped a region. This ground witnessed the birth of institutions that governed vast territories long before Fuzhou or Xiamen rose to prominence. The city’s layout, still discernible, reflects its former administrative grandeur. It’s a…

For four consecutive years, Guangdong Light Industry Polytechnic University students have journeyed to Lianma Village in Conghua. Their mission: resurrecting Liuxi paper, a near-lost craft where bamboo transforms into delicate sheets. Villagers greet them warmly, noting how these young innovators consistently bring fresh energy to the ancient settlement. Since 2022, the "Treasure Hunt Lianma" student team has woven academic rigor with cultural reverence, creating a sustainable bridge between campus and community. Their evolving strategy—from technical restoration to creative reimagination—demonstrates how youthful vision can transform heritage into living, breathing contemporary practice. Roots in Collaboration A formal partnership between the university's Materials School and Lianma Village established continuity. This framework enabled 17 professors and 28 technicians to provide ongoing support, moving beyond sporadic visits to embedded cooperation. Students adopted a "holiday immersion + routine assistance" model, ensuring consistent presence rather than fleeting involvement. During recent discussions, Professor Xie Guowei emphasized this sustained engagement as fundamental to their progress, allowing deep understanding of both the craft's intricacies and the village's needs. Their collaboration birthed unique educational initiatives. "Red Culture+" experiential tours now guide visitors through local revolutionary history using digital platforms, while integrating Liuxi paper motifs into thematic learning about integrity. Lotus and…

On June 28, 2025, Shanghai’s Fangta Garden transformed into a portal through time. Over 110 hanfu enthusiasts gathered for Sohu Video’s "Li Yi Hua Xia" Hanfu Model Competition, their silk robes swirling amid 800-year-old pagodas and moon gates. This was no costume party—it was a deliberate revival of China’s sartorial legacy, where dynastic elegance met contemporary creative expression. Threads Through Time: The Stage is Set Fangta Garden’s Ming-era architecture provided the ultimate backdrop. Towering cypresses framed stone bridges, while the hexagonal Fangta Pagoda watched over contestants adjusting Song-dynasty beizi (褙子) jackets and Tang-style ruqun (襦裙) skirts. The garden’s moss-covered steles and lattice windows didn’t just complement the garments; they whispered stories of the artisans who once inspired them. As models prepared near the Nine-Dragon Wall, stylist Sheng Kaiyuan explained her Song tea-maid ensemble: "The linen changshan and pleated skirt mirror 12th-century practicality. This wine flask?" She lifted a celadon vessel. "A nod to Kaifeng’s tavern culture." Nearby, contestant Wei Shige tested the drape of her Tang daxiushan. "The gauze sleeves must float like poetry," she said, spinning until gold-embroidered phoenixes seemed to take flight. Weavers of Dreams: Crafting Identity Backstage, historical accuracy fused with personal narrative. Wei’s Tang outfit used…

Summer 2025 witnesses a cultural phenomenon reshaping China’s tourism landscape. From mist-shrouded villages in Anhui to canal-lined streets of Shaoxing (绍兴), international visitors are trading T-shirts for Tang dynasty robes. This sartorial shift transcends fashion—it’s a tactile dialogue with history. As Indian student Adnan explores Keqiao Ancient Town, his crimson-sleeved arms gesture toward stone bridges, embodying a silent conversation between eras. Beyond Instagram moments, this trend fuels local economies and rewrites cultural exchange. Threads of Curiosity Adnan’s journey began with a simple observation: flowing sleeves against smartphone screens. "At home, we see hanfu in documentaries," he shares while adjusting his linen sash. "Touching embroidered phoenixes makes legends tangible." His family’s Shaoxing base became a springboard to Keqiao’s silk vendors, where textures bridged his Indian heritage with Ming dynasty motifs. Near Huangshan’s Xixinan Village, Brazilian siblings Maria and Pedro discovered shared symbolism. "Our Carnaval feathers mirror these crane patterns," Pedro notes, tracing gold-threaded birds. Their guide contextualized each stitch: "Cloud collars symbolize heaven’s embrace," she explained, linking cosmology to craftsmanship. For German retiree Helga, the ritual itself resonated. Seated before a Qing-style dressing mirror, artisans transformed her silver braid into coiled palace hairstyles. "This combing ceremony," she reflects, "feels like ancestral…

In eastern China’s Anhui Province, ancient aesthetics are rewriting modern economic narratives. Tax data reveals a 7.4% surge in textile and apparel sales from January to May 2025, driven by the explosive popularity of mamianqun (horse-face skirts) and Hanfu attire. This resurgence isn’t mere nostalgia; it’s a cultural reawakening merging heritage craftsmanship with digital innovation, positioning Anhui at the forefront of China’s "guochao" (national trend) movement. Stitching Success The mamianqun, characterized by its pleated panels and symbolic motifs, has transcended historical reenactments to dominate mainstream fashion. Social media influencers and festivals like the Hefei Hanfu Carnival amplified its visibility, transforming local workshops into supply chain hubs. Artisans now blend traditional dyeing techniques with AI-assisted pattern design, cutting production costs by 30% while preserving authenticity. Anhui’s textile factories report 40% higher export orders for silk-blend fabrics, catering to Southeast Asian and European markets. Provincial tax incentives for heritage crafts further enabled small businesses to scale rapidly. As one Hefei designer noted, "Young consumers seek identity, not costumes—they’re investing in wearable history." Heritage Reimagined Beyond textiles, Anhui’s intangible cultural heritage fuels diverse industries. Ceramics infused with Longkiln techniques saw 8.5% revenue growth, while bamboo-woven handbags and lacquerware suitcases boosted box retail sales…

Summer's heat ignites Beijing's dining scene, but this year, traditional discounts take a backseat to cultural immersion. Restaurants report a 5% surge in both customers and revenue compared to last summer, driven by innovative blends of heritage, storytelling, and local flavors. From noodle workshops in bustling hutongs to panda-themed feasts and lakeside craft markets, eateries are transforming meals into multidimensional journeys. This shift responds to travelers craving authentic connections beyond taste, proving that Beijing’s culinary identity thrives when chefs become culture keepers. Noodle Literacy Takes Root At Fangzhuang 69 Noodle House, queues stretch longer as tourists master the art of eating Zhajiangmian (炸酱面). Servers demonstrate the "three-step ritual": coating noodles with oil, ladling rich soybean paste, and artfully arranging 12 vibrant seasonal toppings like shredded cucumber, radish, and young garlic. Patrons aren’t just eating; they’re decoding centuries of northern Chinese culinary tradition. Demand for cultural context is palpable. Over 40% of visitors now ask about noodle history and vegetable symbolism, prompting staff training in storytelling techniques. Waiters explain fermentation secrets of the savory brown sauce and the significance of seasonal toppings, even offering key phrases in multiple languages. This cultural appetite has tangible impacts. Monthly garlic consumption alone exceeds 15…

Paris Fashion Week’s autumn/winter showcases witnessed an undeniable shift: Chinese celebrities commanded global attention with distinctive aesthetics and unapologetic individuality. Moving beyond traditional "ambassador" roles, stars like Wang Yibo, Xin Zhilei, and Dilraba delivered masterclasses in personal style, blending Eastern sensibility with avant-garde Western design. Their presence wasn't merely noted; it became the focal point of social media buzz and front-row photography, signaling a new era where Chinese influence reshapes high fashion narratives. From Wang Yibo’s (王一博) youthful reinvention to Xin Zhilei’s (辛芷蕾) sharp elegance and Dilraba’s (迪丽热巴) ethereal grace, each moment resonated far beyond the runway, cementing their status as true style innovators. Boyish Charm, Reimagined Wang Yibo’s arrival at the Chanel show shattered expectations. Gone was the aloof idol; in his place stood a sun-kissed, tousle-haired vision of relaxed sophistication. His artfully messy "lamb's wool" curls framed a face radiating ease, a stark contrast to previous polished looks. The choice of Chanel’s AW25 glittering boucle tweed jacket was inspired, its intricate craftsmanship amplified by playful touches: a single swallow brooch pinned low and layered COCO CRUSH rings. The ensemble masterfully balanced haute couture grandeur with an approachable, almost rebellious, boyish energy. His interaction with the crowd—removing sunglasses to…

From the moment Qin Shi Huang declared himself the first emperor in 221 BCE to the abdication of Puyi in 1912, China had more than two millennia of imperial history. Yet strangely enough, it wasn't until much later that Chinese audiences began seeing emperors on their screens. Before the 1980s, non-realist genres were few and far between on Chinese television—let alone any depictions of emperors. When Emperors Finally Entered the Frame According to media scholars, the earliest TV portrayals of emperors date back to 1982. That year, Shanxi TV produced Anecdotes of the Tianbao Era (天宝轶事), Shanghai TV aired Prince Qin Li Shimin (秦王李世民), and Hebei TV released Consort Yi (懿贵妃). All of these shows predate Nurhaci (努尔哈赤), a better-known 1986 drama by China Central Television (CCTV), which is often mistakenly believed to be the first of its kind on the mainland. On-screen emperors in Chinese TV dramas generally fall into two categories: the "official history" type and the "unofficial tales" type. Nurhaci is an example of the former. Directed by Chen Jialin—later crowned "the first director of Chinese historical drama"—the show laid out a grand, epic style that would set the tone for later historical blockbusters like Tang Minghuang,…

Following the success of The Double (墨雨云间), Yu Zheng's heavily promoted The Feud (临江仙) has ignited the summer fantasy romance market. Riding on the momentum of Wonderland of Love, Huanyu TV seems to have found a new formula—recasting long dramas in the mold of short-form content. The strategy: emotional punch over plot depth, and a binge-friendly pace over traditional slow burn. An "immortal romance" centered on a so-called "marital war," The Feud drew both praise and backlash, yet undeniable buzz. Its iQiyi popularity index climbed past 9500, though whether it can break 10,000 remains to be seen. Written by Zhao Na and Ren Yanan, directed by Zhi Lei and Guo Hao, and starring Bai Lu, Zeng Shunxi, He Ruixian, and Chen Xinhai, the drama tells the twisted tale of Hua Ruyue (Bai Lu) and Bai Jiusi (Zeng Shunxi)—immortal sovereigns doomed to love, hate, and marry/divorce three times across realms. Promotion was intense. Within a day of airing, the show's index surpassed 9300, peaking at 9514 by day three. Yet buzz began to slow. Nonetheless, 1873 trending topics—152 on Weibo's Hot Search, 637 on the Hot Rising list, and 305 on the Entertainment list—kept attention strong. Yunhedata confirmed a 12% market…

Finally! The moment we've all been waiting for—the grand finale of The Feud aired! All the suspense and anticipation exploded in Episode 32. When Hua Ruyue travels back through parallel timelines, showing her mortal self everything Bai Jiusi has done... even though the past can't be undone, isn't making amends its own kind of perfect ending? That moment when they declared, "Never to be parted again, in heaven or on earth," melted away all those lingering "what ifs" for the audience! This xianxia series, built on "cross-temporal storytelling," shattered the usual BE (Bad Ending) vs. HE (Happy Ending) mold. The Feud pioneered its own PE (Perfect Ending) path. It's like finding a key to unlock emotional knots—not obsessing over philosophical questions of karma, or wrestling with clear-cut notions of right and wrong. It finds wholeness within regret, showing viewers that the courage to reconcile with yourself is the real power that transcends time and space. The finale's explosive buzz? That energy built up for weeks. Before launch, it smashed past 4 million advance viewers on just one platform. Once it aired, it broke records: "Highest premiere day heat ever on iQiyi (2025)," "Fastest to hit 100 million bullet comments," and…

"Han Li is a protagonist utterly resolute in his pursuit of the Dao." This simple assessment, spoken by Lin Yu'ang, director of Seasons 3 and 4 of the animated series A Record of a Mortal's Journey to Immortality (凡人修仙传), during a live stream with Bilibili creator, reveals his deep understanding of the character. Having evolved from a devoted fan of the original novel to its adaptor, Lin knows Han Li's "Dao heart" is far from an empty concept. It's rooted in his childhood longing for the wider world beyond his mountain village. It's his desperate clutch at the lifeline offered upon discovering his spiritual roots—a chance to alter his destiny. It's the hard-won realization that stopping his journey means only one end: utter annihilation. "On the immortal cultivation path," Lin notes, "a single misstep leads to ruin, to complete destruction." From the sprawling 7.7-million-word source material, Lin sees Han Li's journey at its core as a "chronicle of solitary cultivation." Han Li must train diligently in obscurity to advance his power. He must hide his strength and tread carefully against formidable foes to snatch any chance of survival. And when acquiring rare treasures, extreme discretion is paramount to avoid covetous…

The summer drama season of 2025 is in full swing, and Li Yitong's (李一桐) latest series A Dream Within A Dream (书卷一梦) is generating serious buzz. Despite lacking the support of a big-name IP, this historical fantasy comedy has carved out its place in a crowded market with a gutsy, genre-bending premise—and a lead character who refuses to follow the script, quite literally. At the heart of this surge is Li Yitong's standout performance as Song Yimeng. According to multiple tracking platforms, Li's meticulous interpretation of the character has significantly boosted the show's reach. Her understated yet precise acting style allows the character—a fictional "paper doll" given life—to leap off the page. It's a compelling, layered portrayal that has become a new career milestone for the actress. A Character Who Fights Back A Dream Within A Dream is an original series that had already gained traction before its premiere, with over 3 million users signing up to watch on both iQIYI and Weibo. Once it aired, the show's unusual blend of genre self-awareness and quirky charm quickly caught fire. Within a day, it passed a heat index score of 2 on Datawin, a key metric in Chinese TV ratings. As…

Ling Cage Season 2 is finally here. Back when Season 1 first aired, it made a strong impression with its high production value and detailed worldbuilding. It even picked up some heavyweight awards. No surprise then that fans have been waiting—some would say suffering—for the second season to drop. That wait? Five years long. Yes, some online comments still mock it with terms like "techno-cultivation" (科技修仙)—a tongue-in-cheek way of saying it mixes high-tech settings with the spiritual journey style usually found in xianxia fantasy. But jokes aside, the numbers speak for themselves: over 100 million views and counting. I still remember binging Season 1 back in 2019, and from then to now—through the special episodes and that sneak-peek prequel—we were handed so many carefully planted clues. They were exciting, clever, and, for me at least, unforgettable. One line in particular jumped out at me this season: "Is the body a prison for the soul?" And that was the moment I paused. Could Chinese philosophy be the key to breaking the Western mold that's dominated post-apocalyptic storytelling for decades? Think about it. In the global market, apocalyptic stories have always been a go-to for exploring human nature and survival. Western narratives…

As the dazzling lights of Chang'an illuminate screens worldwide in 2025's blockbuster In the Name of Blossom (锦绣芳华), Li Xian (李现) cements his reign as Chinese historical drama's most magnetic leading man. With his piercing gaze and effortless versatility, Li transforms from a peony-adorned Tang aristocrat to a supernatural detective and vengeful swordsman—each performance radiating intelligence and emotional intensity. Let's explore every era he has conquered. In the Name of Blossom 锦绣芳华 Aired: June 30, 2025–Present Period Background: High Tang Dynasty (circa 713-756 AD), capturing Chang'an's opulent zenith where diplomatic grandeur and luxury masked volcanic political unrest. Genres: Political conspiracy, feminist enterprise, war romance. Adapted From: Sequel to Yi Qianzhong's acclaimed novel Guo Se Fang Hua. The narrative ignites when County Princess Li Youzhen, consumed by envy and political malice, burns He Weifang's (Yang Zi) peony garden—a thriving symbol of female economic independence in Tang-era Chang'an. This act of sabotage forces Weifang, a gifted horticulturist, into an unlikely alliance with Jiang Changyang (Li Xian), the enigmatic "Flower Envoy." Publicly, Jiang embodies aristocratic decadence; privately, he orchestrates a dangerous plot to dismantle Prince Ning's treasonous rebellion against Emperor Xuanzong. Their partnership evolves from transactional necessity to profound loyalty against the backdrop…

Dragon Inn sits in the middle of a desolate desert, looking like just another pit stop for weary travelers. Its thatched roof and mud-brick walls blend into the dry, rocky landscape that stretches for miles. A few strings of chili peppers and bundles of husks hanging on the walls are the only splashes of color. Inside, the layout is bare but orderly: a few wooden tables, and a staircase that leads up to some narrow rooms on the second floor. The place is set somewhere on the northern frontier of China, remote and anonymous—meant to be a quiet, forgettable location. A Standoff Under One Roof But when it first appeared on screen in King Hu's (胡金铨) Dragon Inn (1967), a group of mysterious men were already walking toward its door. You just knew trouble was about to walk in. Like the saloons in Westerns or the empty suburban houses in horror films, the humble setting becomes the perfect arena for a showdown. The flimsy walls and paper windows won't keep anything out. If A Touch of Zen—the three-hour epic Hu made four years later—is considered his most imaginative work, then Dragon Inn is where his visual language becomes the most…

In today's fiercely competitive film and television landscape, only a rare few actors manage to level up across all fronts—critical acclaim, commercial value, and industry influence. Among the standout talents of the post-90s generation, Bai Lu has emerged as a model of multi-dimensional growth, propelled by the positive feedback loop between her on-screen performances and market response. As the summer 2025 season kicked off, Bai Lu's costume fantasy drama The Feud landed with impact. Not only did it shoot straight to the top of DeTavin's weekly rankings for historical dramas, but it also cemented her status as the only female lead on iQIYI's platform to headline two shows that surpassed the coveted 10,000 popularity index. What makes The Feud's success even more impressive is that it didn't rely on a big-name IP. Instead, it captured viewers with a tightly written original script and an unconventional, anti-cliché narrative. As the plot deepened, audience engagement soared—within just nine days of release, pop-up comment interactions exceeded 100 million, and the DeTavin buzz index peaked at 2.5, pushing the show past the 10,000 heat threshold. At the heart of this breakout was Bai Lu's portrayal of Li Qingyue (also known as Hua Ruyue). Her…

When ordinary tourists become accidental paparazzi, magic unfolds. Recently, a Chinese couple vacationing in Paris unintentionally documented entertainment gold: actors Bi Wenjun (毕雯珺) and Zhang Yuxi (张予曦) filming the variety show Paris Partners (巴黎合伙人). Their spontaneous reactions—captured in viral social media posts—reveal more than celebrity glamour; they showcase humanity’s universal appreciation for authenticity. Unlike staged red-carpet moments, this genuine encounter between stars and strangers highlights how unscripted interactions resonate across generations. The couple’s unfiltered admiration, especially their playful nod to Zhang’s comfy sneakers paired with elegant qipao, sparked nationwide delight. This incident isn’t just about fame—it’s about relatable joy in unexpected connections. Authenticity Wins Hearts Celebrity images often live in curated digital ecosystems. But here, Bi and Zhang’s charm transcended screens. The parents’ immediate praise—“What a handsome young man!” and “Such a beautiful girl!”—came without influencer jargon or fandom bias. Their compliments reflected raw, cross-generational appeal. Bi’s crisp casual wear exuded approachable coolness, while Zhang’s qipao-sneaker fusion balanced tradition with modern comfort. What impressed most wasn’t their looks but their conduct. Amid bustling Parisian streets and curious onlookers, both stars maintained warm professionalism. No rushed exits or security barriers—just patient smiles. This dismantles the “diva” stereotype, proving respect leaves louder…