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…

Five prominent Greek content creators embarked on an unforgettable journey through Chengdu this week, immersing themselves in the vibrant tapestry of Sichuan's capital. Their five-day odyssey, commencing July 1st, offered a sensory feast blending ancient traditions with modern dynamism. From the tranquil morning rituals in People's Park to the dazzling lights of Chengdu’s futuristic skyline, the group documented their encounters with Chengdu's unique blend of relaxation and exhilaration. Their cameras captured moments steeped in heritage and buzzing contemporary energy, consistently punctuated by exclamations of "amazing" as they delved into the city’s renowned laid-back charm and profound cultural depths. This exploration promises to showcase Chengdu's allure to their vast European audience. Ancient Arts Come Alive The pulse of Chengdu’s daily life greeted the influencers at People's Park. By 9 AM, the park hummed with activity: groups practiced the graceful movements of Baduanjin, while others reclined in bamboo chairs at the iconic Heming Teahouse, savoring steaming cups of tea. The creators instantly connected with this embodiment of Chengdu’s famed leisure culture. A traditional sugar painting artist captivated them, deftly transforming molten sugar into intricate shapes like a delicate butterfly with swift strokes of a copper ladle. Later, at Heming Tea house, the…

When Bling Bling De Time’ (闪亮的日子) fifth season premiered on Douyin, producer Zhao Wenwen (赵文文) nervously checked the stats after 30 minutes: a mere 3,000 likes. "Is this good or bad?" she wondered. Within weeks, that anxiety dissolved into triumph as the show exploded, amassing 720 million views across its IP content and 1.73 billion for its main hashtag. This unscripted variety gem—chronicling the raw, chaotic lives of young entertainers—didn’t just survive the leap from long-form platforms to short video; it rewrote the rules. Short-Form, Big Impact Bling Bling De Time was always meant for brevity. Inspired by Korean web series Workman and YouTube vlogs, its early seasons prioritized fast cuts and playful editing—"like a friend filming your life," Zhao explains. Yet when platforms like Bilibili and Douyin initially balked at backing a niche variety experiment, the team settled on traditional long-form sites. Season 5’s migration to Douyin wasn’t a gamble but a homecoming. The shift unlocked creative freedom. Beyond core episodes, the team flooded Douyin with micro-content: candid bloopers, highlight reels, and behind-the-scenes slices. Cross-promotions with artists’ personal accounts and collaborations with grassroots creators amplified reach. Crucially, the essence remained intact. Director "Greenfish" resisted algorithmic pressures, insisting the show…

Why are there always such strange arguments about Hanfu (汉服, the traditional clothing of the Han ethnic group)? I'm going to complain about some outrageous statements about Hanfu. Why do people make a mountain out of a piece of clothing? The Debate on Hanfu Firstly, there are always strange arguments under Hanfu-related videos. Oh my god, who can stop those people who keep saying, "People wearing Hanfu these days all look like noble ladies. In ancient times, commoners didn't wear such clothes." Why on earth should people wear hemp clothes when we've achieved a moderately prosperous society? Even until the era of Sherlock Holmes in the West, the suits of working people were full of patches. Then why don't you wear tattered suits with patches when you wear Western-style suits? And some people say that there was no certain color in ancient Hanfu. Secondly, let me complain about some outrageous statements about Hanfu. Every time I see someone say, "The Hanfu that modern people like to wear was worn by nobles in the past. Commoners wore coarse cloth and hemp clothes. Wearing Hanfu means forgetting our ancestors." I just want to laugh. Is it possible that the brightly colored and…

The current popular 'Qing Han Women' costumes give the impression of killing Ming-style Hanfu and arranging a ghost marriage for it! It combines Hu (ethnic minority) styles and the alternation of Hu and Han cultures, presenting two extreme feelings. The Qing and Republican women's clothing, which is the popular 'Qing Han Women' costumes now, really gives such an eerie feeling. It's so gloomy that even when it's just hanging there, it seems to have a gust of cold wind blowing. Just looking at the cheongsam alone doesn't give this sense of death. Tang-style Hanfu also combines Hu styles, but it looks very sunny and bright, full of the feeling of a living person. Is this the difference in clothing characteristics, or does the psychological state of people at that time fully reflect in the clothing culture? The temperaments are really like the two poles of yin and yang. For example, it's like the difference between a ghost marriage and a voluntary marriage. This is an extremely perceptive and poetic observation! It captures the profound cultural and psychological differences behind the clothing. Indeed, the temperaments presented by Tang-style Hanfu that combines Hu styles and Qing and Republican women's clothing (including 'Qing…

Stunning! When Hanfu meets Hefei, you can “travel through time” in a second! “I dream of her gowns as I dream of gorgeous flowers”. When the ancient Hanfu travels through thousands of years and meets modern Hefei, a dreamy cultural feast unfolds. Walking on the streets of Hefei, it's increasingly common to see people in Hanfu. They either look elegant with their fluttering robes or valiant and heroic, adding a unique ancient charm to the city. As more and more Hefei residents take up Hanfu as a hobby, the city has witnessed a “Hanfu craze”. The trend of traditional Chinese culture is on the rise. Hanfu Boom in Scenic Spots Hefei's major scenic spots are experiencing a “Hanfu boom”. On April 26 this year, the “Glorious New Scenes, Graceful Hanfu” — 2025 Yangtze River Delta (Hefei) Hanfu Carnival was held at the Bao Park Scenic Area. At the event, the Hanfu parade team walked through the park, attracting tourists to stop and take photos wherever they went. As the venue of this event, the Bao Park Scenic Area has been renovated and upgraded this year. Many scenic spots such as the red walls, Fuzhuang (Floating Village), and ancient - style…

The first competition in the Northwest Division of the 2025 Sohu Video Li Yi Huaxia (礼衣华夏) Hanfu Model Contest was held at the Xinghan Shengjing Scenic Area in Hanzhong. Hanfu enthusiasts transformed into "time - travelers", presenting a visual feast with their gorgeous costumes and elegant postures. Using Hanfu as the brush and postures as the ink, they outlined a stunning visual event. This event not only pays pious respect to the traditional cultural context but also pushes the aesthetic realm to the extreme. Every stitch of the embroidery tells the texture of civilization, and every swaying step is a modern expression of Eastern charm, enabling a philosophical dialogue about beauty between tradition and fashion in the interplay of light and shadow. Star - studded Guests The guests for the Hanzhong division of Li Yi Huaxia included elites from various fields such as cultural production, hosting, event organization, and Hanfu culture promotion. They, with their professionalism and enthusiasm, provided a high - quality platform for the contestants, jointly promoting the inheritance and development of Hanfu culture. This event has become an important milestone in the development of Hanfu culture in Hanzhong and even across the country, leading more people into…

When the red walls and grey tiles blend with the Danxia red rocks, and when the school motto of Renmin University of China meets Zhu Xi's Neo - Confucianism, a cultural dialogue spanning thousands of miles, from Mingde Building of Renmin University of China to Wuyi Mountain in Fujian, is 'unfolding' with Hanfu as the carrier. On March 22, the parallel sub - forum with the theme of 'Cross - strait Youth Continuing the Chinese Cultural Context' of the Second Wuyi Forum was successfully held in Wuyi Mountain, Nanping, Fujian. At the event, the youth creative achievement of 'Hanfu Customized by Renmin University of China and Nanping' was officially released! 'Zhu Mo Qing Jin' Set The 'Zhu Mo Qing Jin' set is inspired by the red ink and the aspiration of scholars. It combines the solemnity of the red walls of Renmin University of China and the red rocks of Wuyi Danxia, and inherits the profundity of Zhu Xi's Neo - Confucianism and the lasting meaning of the school motto of Renmin University of China. Female Sanjian Skirt Suit: The female style of the 'Zhu Mo Qing Jin' set is a Sanjian skirt suit, which consists of a Song -…

The global tourism landscape is undergoing a seismic shift, and China stands firmly at its epicenter. With a strategic pivot from scale-driven growth to quality-centric experiences, China’s tourism sector is redefining travel paradigms through policy innovation, cultural revitalization, and sustainable practices. As international authorities like Reuters and Travel & Tourism World highlight, the nation welcomed 1.32 billion international visitors in 2024, generating $94.2 billion in revenue—a testament to its soaring influence. By 2025, projections suggest inbound tourism could contribute ¥880 billion ($121 billion) to the economy, cementing China’s role as both a powerhouse and pioneer in shaping travel’s future. Industrial Renaissance Industrial heritage has emerged as an unexpected star in China’s tourism constellation. The nationally designated sites—122 industrial tourism demonstration bases and 232 protected industrial relics—now transform assembly lines into immersive storytelling venues. Visitors explore Guangxi’s machinery museums or Shanghai’s textile mills, where tactile exhibits bridge historical craftsmanship with modern innovation. This resurgence isn’t merely nostalgic; it’s economically transformative. Industrial tourism injects vitality into urban regeneration, turning dormant factories into hubs for education and entertainment. Cities like Shenyang repurpose smokestack districts into art precincts, attracting younger demographics while preserving collective memory. Beyond economics, these sites foster societal reconnection. Tours showcasing…

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…

The vibrant energy of Kuala Lumpur pulsed with a distinct Guangxi rhythm on June 30th, 2025. Against a backdrop of burgeoning ASEAN cooperation, the 2025 Guangxi Cultural Tourism Promotion Event unfolded, marking a pivotal moment in the already flourishing relationship between China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region and Malaysia. Led by Guangxi Vice Chairman Hu Fan (胡帆) and graced by the presence of Chinese Embassy Minister Zheng Xuefang (郑学方) and Malaysia's Secretary-General of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Dato' Shaharuddin Abu Sohot, the event transcended a mere presentation. It became a dynamic exchange, a reaffirmation of deep cultural ties, and a launchpad for ambitious new tourism initiatives. With representatives from tourism, culture, and media sectors filling the venue, the air crackled with anticipation for the tangible opportunities poised to bridge the Andaman Sea and the karst peaks of Guilin. This gathering underscored Guangxi's strategic position as China’s gateway to ASEAN and celebrated Malaysia’s crucial role as Guangxi's top overseas tourism market, a partnership significantly accelerated by the recent reciprocal visa exemption policies. Nature's Masterpiece Beckons Vice Chairman Hu Fan eloquently framed Guangxi's unparalleled appeal. He highlighted its unique geographical advantage as China's sole region sharing both land and sea borders with ASEAN…

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…

No ancient costume drama has truly done justice to Hanfu! In the TV drama The Prisoner Of Beauty (折腰), we can see a kind of "dress" with a curved hem. When worn, it makes one look dignified and slender. Its prototype is the one - piece Shenyi (深衣) popular in the Qin and Han dynasties. However, few ancient costume dramas have managed to get it right. When it comes to Shenyi, we have to mention Quju (曲裾). And when talking about Quju, we can't ignore the Mawangdui Han Tomb. The reports and unearthed cultural relics from this Western Han tomb have further confirmed the structure of Quju, refreshed the understanding of most Hanfu enthusiasts, and reorganized the early systems of "small Quju", "single - wrapped Quju", and "X - wrapped/multiple - wrapped Quju". The Quju robes unearthed from the Western Han tomb are regarded as the orthodox physical standard representing the clothing of the Qin and Han dynasties. The upper - body effect of this type of Quju robe shows a triangular overlapping of the continuous front panel. By the width of the skirt edge, we can distinguish the forms of inner and outer clothes. This form of cutting the…

Is Song Zuer's Han-style look in The Prisoner Of Beauty praised? Some netizens think the makeup and styling of this drama are delicate, while others believe they are overly in the style of internet celebrities. Evidently, the costumes and props in The Prisoner Of Beauty draw inspiration from the Han Dynasty. During this era, the aesthetic of Han-style hair buns was 'hanging without falling apart', rather than the prevalent loose - hair style. Let's start with the conclusion. From various Han Dynasty female figurines, we can observe the gentle and grand style of Han - style hairstyles. Generally, they were hanging buns without loose hair. Although it seems like a simple center - parting from the front, the hair ends were coiled into a bun or wrapped and tied up at the back, revealing elegance and fashion. There were no high buns or high - padded hair like in later times, nor the common loose - hair styles seen in today's TV dramas. Despite being understated, it had a more genuine, classical, and daily - life beauty. This hairstyle with coiled hair ends was a classic in the Western Han Dynasty, sometimes called the 'Falling Horse Bun' or 'Hanging Bun'. Its…

In the cdrama "Huai Shui Zhu Ting (淮水竹亭)", Wang Quanhongye, played by Zhang Yunlong, created a 'heart' for Huai Zhu, played by Liu Shishi. Netizens wondered: Did we have heart - shaped patterns before? I thought they only emerged in modern times. Let me state the conclusion first. As a symbol of love, many believe that the use of heart - shaped patterns on utensils, fabrics, and decorations was introduced into China from the West in modern times. However, this romantic symbol isn't exclusive to the West. The East had its own 'heart - shape' long ago, and it was quite prevalent! As early as in the oracle bone inscriptions unearthed from the Yin Ruins, we found the earliest Chinese character for 'heart'. This indicates that the heart - shape has a long history in China. Through decorative art, more people have a bit of reverie about this kind of romance. Regarding the origin of the character 'heart', there are two main views in the academic circle: one is that it originated from the scene of holding a heart with both hands during sacrifices; the other is that the character 'heart' is a simple pictograph. In 'Shuowen Jiezi', 'heart' is…

Netizens have questioned whether Ci Sha's Hanfu image in the new drama has a Korean style. Some netizens pointed out that his styling in the drama A Good Time and Beautiful Brocade contains elements from Korean historical dramas. Is it really the case? It seems that people don't really understand Ming Dynasty costumes. Let's start with the conclusion. This kind of hat can be generally called "big hat" or "wide - brimmed hat". It was inherited from the Yuan Dynasty and was an important headgear in the Ming Dynasty. Korea was a vassal state of China in the Ming Dynasty, and its clothing was also influenced by China. However, we shouldn't cede our own culture because of the influence of early Korean dramas. Even earlier, the prototype of this kind of hat appeared in the Five Dynasties. It was mostly worn by men to avoid sand and relieve social awkwardness. The bamboo - woven straw hat was a must - have for many scholars when traveling because of its coolness. Women wore veiled hats with gauze. Ming Dynasty big hats had straight brims and wide hat brims. The hat shapes varied in height and could be round or square (nearly…

What exactly do the hairstyles that can clearly distinguish between young ladies and maids look like at a glance? In some current period cdramas, it's really hard to tell who is the young lady and who is the maid because the basic hairstyles and clothing of maids and young ladies are almost the same, with only the difference between a simplified version and an elaborate one. Some maids even dress more 'formally' than the young ladies. Clothing Styles Regarding the maid's styling, although clothing styles have changed over dynasties, hairstyles and hair buns have changed less. Maids' clothing mainly consists of segmented dresses and round - collar robes, presenting a distinct image difference in ladies' paintings. Usually, we can distinguish their dressing styles from ancient paintings, but it's not absolute. Maids mostly wear dresses and trousers inside. In the Tang and Song Dynasties, round - collar robes/shirts were popular, but they became less common after the middle of the Ming Dynasty. In the Tang Dynasty, maids' round - collar robes were looser, with wide sleeves, and a belt was often used to cinch the waist. The colors were bright and eye - catching, and their heads were decorated with various…

Yang Mi's look in the upcoming TV drama The Lychees of Chang'an has caught netizens' attention. They commented that although it's plain, it looks very daily! First, Yang Mi's outfit resembles a Tang-style collar. It can be worn as a draped jacket or buttoned up, with hair styled in a bun. The draped jackets we've seen before usually have widened collars and are worn with the collar turned up. When not worn with the collar turned up, it's similar to a round - collared robe. By adjusting the position of the ties, it can also show a double - overlay effect of a cross - collar and a round collar. The color scheme of this outfit uses earth tones, giving an overall feeling of simplicity and a daily look, and it's very approachable in terms of color. Similar outfits can be seen on Tang dynasty figurines. The round - collared draped jacket generally refers to the round - collared robe and the front - opening robe in terms of its style. When the two sides of the round - collared robe are opened and worn as a draped jacket, it's this style. This draped jacket can be worn open as…

"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…