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…

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…

Tencent just dropped their big lineup for the second half of 2025, and it's packed with some seriously anticipated historical/costume dramas. Let's dive in and see which one has you hitting that 'remind me' button! 1. Hundred Blossoms' Blood (百花杀) Stars: Meng Ziyi, He Yu, Xu Zhengxi The Story: After her family is wiped out, Gu Qingzhi wakes up with a new identity: Shen Xi, the Princess of the Northwest. She transforms from a proud "desert rose" into a ruthless avenger, determined to control her own destiny and play the game of power from the heights. Crown Prince Xiao Huayong, hiding a sharp mind behind a frail exterior, sees through the court's schemes. Their paths intertwine as they join forces to navigate the treacherous political landscape. The Buzz: This is Meng Ziyi's first big historical drama since her hit "The Princess and the Werewolf" (九重紫). She prepped intensely, studying perfumery for six months to nail her role. It's also a reunion for Meng Ziyi and Xu Zhengxi after "Romance of a Twin Flower" (花琉璃轶闻). While Xu Zhengxi isn't the male lead this time (that's He Yu), fans are hyped because their on-screen chemistry might just steal the show. Definitely one…

A saying from ancient China goes like this: "One day, the color fades. Two days, the fragrance goes. Three days, the taste is gone." That's how fragile fresh lychees were—especially when you're trying to haul them over 5,000 miles from Lingnan to the imperial capital of Chang'an. For a low-ranking clerk like Li Shande, the lead character in The Litchi Road, this was basically mission impossible. Fast forward 1,200 years, and author Ma Boyong found himself in a similar bind: finishing a 70,000-word novel in just 11 days. Running on pure adrenaline (or what he called "flow state"), Ma pulled it off. And in his story, Li Shande does too—armed with nothing but math skills and the kind of desperation that leaves no room for failure. This whole "impossible mission" theme didn't stop at the book. It carried over to the TV adaptation too. The production team faced its own version of the lychee run: staying loyal to the book while also making bold changes, and doing it at a time when short-form web content is king and long-format storytelling feels like an endangered species. How hard was it? Well, that depends on how fast the TV industry decides to…

Lately, the term "prefab hit" has become the industry's favorite punching bag. And no one's safe—not even the once-unshakable fantasy dramas aimed at female audiences. In fact, some male-centric detective dramas are getting roasted even harder, sarcastically praised as "glorious ancestral offerings". So what exactly is a "prefab hit"? It's a show that looks like a smash on paper—but only on paper. It might trend on a single platform, flood social media for a hot minute, and boast viral moments. But the actual viewership? Underwhelming. The wider public? Uninterested. Cultural impact? Pretty much a flatline. The formula is painfully familiar: slap a trending IP onto the conveyor belt, attach a big-name idol, lock in some pre-scheduled hashtags, hype up a fictional couple (whether they have chemistry or not), rally fanbases to rig the engagement stats, and let the algorithm handle the rest. Rinse, repeat, regret. The blueprint worked once—spectacularly so—with breakout fantasy dramas like The Journey of Flower and Eternal Love. These were genuine hits, not factory-made illusions. They set off a chain reaction that flooded the market with similar titles. For a while, female-led romance fantasies were the ultimate prefab hit machine. Production companies fought to sign top authors…

You've probably already heard the buzz around The Prisoner of Beauty—this season's hot topic in Chinese historical TV. But let's forget about the plot for a second. As a jewelry person, I couldn't take my eyes off the accessories. The hairpieces, the pendants, the gemstone details—they're not just for show. They're little time capsules of Han dynasty aesthetics, each piece tied to materials and craftsmanship that were actually used two thousand years ago. The story seems set around the late Eastern Han period (roughly 2nd to 3rd century AD). So let's talk about what jewelry looked like back then—what stones they had, where they came from, and who got to wear what. First, let's talk about the crown jewel of the era: Hetian jade (a highly prized nephrite jade from Xinjiang). This wasn't something ordinary people could casually buy. Most of it traveled along what historians call the "Jade Road", a network of ancient trade routes connecting Xinjiang to central China. According to excavated Han dynasty documents from Dunhuang, one stone could cost up to 300 qian. Back then, large-scale mining wasn't really a thing. Miners would wait for seasonal floods to reveal river-polished pebbles, then trek on foot through…

That big fantasy drama Feud just wrapped up, hitting major streaming numbers, but man, the reactions were all over the place. The head honcho at the studio, Yu Zheng, is proudly claiming his first foray into "Xianxia" (Chinese immortal hero fantasy) captured "authentic Chinese mythological essence." Meanwhile, folks outside this bubble are scratching their heads: "What was that? Xianxia? Seriously, who even watches this stuff anymore?" Here's the weird spot Xianxia dramas are in: they do pull big numbers sometimes, no question. But their audience feels super niche. Outside that dedicated fanbase? Barely a blip on the radar. Forget about breaking into the mainstream like other hits do. Creatively? They're stuck in a serious rut. Critics have been hammering this for ages: Predictable world-building checkboxes. Costumes and sets that look copy-pasted. The endless re-runs of the "three lifetimes, sweet-then-bitter romance" template. Way too much "love story," not nearly enough actual "heroics" (the 'Xia' in Xianxia). But maybe the real reason Xianxia feels out of step is simpler: it's not matching the current mood. Think about it. Xianxia's core stories haven't really changed in 20 years. It's always about cultivating immortality and saving the world. The Legend of Sword and Fairy…

For over a decade, Allen Ren Jialun (任嘉伦) has reigned as Chinese television's undisputed "Costume Drama King"—a master of emotional depth who transforms mythical worlds into visceral human experiences. From tortured immortals to morally complex half-demons, his performances fuse breathtaking aesthetics with soul-wrenching storytelling. Here's your definitive guide to his seven most iconic roles. Under the Power 锦衣之下 Aired: December 2019 Period Background: Ming Dynasty Genres: Historical Suspense, Romance, Detective. Main Roles: Ren Jialun (Lu Yi), Seven Tan (Yuan Jinxia) Adapted From: Blue Lion's novel Set in the Ming Dynasty's Jiajing era, the series centers on Lu Yi, a feared Jinyiwei commander whose icy efficiency masks a tormented past, and Yuan Jinxia, a street-smart detective from the Six Gates investigative bureau. Initially adversarial—Lu Yi views Jinxia's optimism as naïveté, while she resents his ruthless methods—their dynamic shifts when ordered to collaborate on a high-stakes corruption case involving royal intrigue and salt smuggling. As they uncover layers of conspiracy, their friction evolves into mutual respect, then forbidden love, complicated by Jinxia's discovery that Lu's father orchestrated her family's massacre years prior. The plot masterfully balances political tension with emotional stakes, culminating in their alliance against a common enemy: a royal faction…

Once known primarily as a singer, Liu Yuning (刘宇宁) has rapidly ascended as a powerhouse in Chinese historical and fantasy dramas. With his commanding presence (cm height), deep vocal delivery, and nuanced portrayals of complex anti-heroes, he's redefined the archetype of the "ruthless yet redeemable" male lead. Here are five essential series showcasing his evolution—and why they dominate streaming charts. The Prisoner of Beauty 折腰 Aired: May , 25 Period: Warring States-inspired fictional dynasty Genres: Historical romance, political intrigue, family saga Main Roles: Liu Yuning (Wei Shao), Song Zuer (Qiao Man) Adapted From: Novel by Penglai Ke Set in a war-torn realm mirroring China's Warring States period, warlord Wei Shao is consumed by vengeance after his family's massacre by the rival Qiao clan. To cement a fragile truce, he forces a political marriage with Qiao Man, the daughter of his enemies. Their union begins as a cage of mutual suspicion: Wei Shao views Qiao Man as a pawn to humiliate her family, while she navigates his court as both hostage and diplomat. Yet Qiao Man transcends her role through strategic brilliance—exposing grain-hoarding conspiracies, redirecting Wei Shao's rage toward shared foes, and brokering alliances using ancestral rituals. As external threats mount…

China's bold visa relaxation and innovative tax refund reforms are igniting an unprecedented wave of international tourism and cross-border shopping. Cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Chengdu have become magnets for global travelers seeking unique experiences and value, transforming China from the "world's factory" into a burgeoning "global consumption hub". Turkish tourist Feridun Koc exemplifies this trend, marveling at Li Ning's (李宁) innovative footwear in Shanghai while his wife Hande stocks up on traditional Chinese remedies, all facilitated by instant tax refund counters that make purchases feel like direct discounts. This synergy of open-door policies and shopping convenience is reshaping perceptions and fueling an economic renaissance, with cultural ambassadors like Italian blogger Ale and influencers such as "Agent00" bridging global audiences through authentic digital storytelling. Policy Innovation: Fueling the Shopping Frenzy The cornerstone of this boom is the groundbreaking "instant refund at purchase" service, now operational nationwide. International shoppers receive their 11% Value-Added Tax (VAT) rebate immediately at partner stores upon presenting their passport and invoice, eliminating the traditional airport queue. This instant gratification, as noted by Huang Huang (黄璜) from the China Tourism Academy, creates a powerful "spending-reimbursement-spending" loop, encouraging tourists to reinvest their refunds in further purchases during their…