In recent days, the "Civilization in Chinese Culture" program of Changning District in 2024 has been making its way into numerous primary and secondary schools, bringing the beauty of traditional Chinese culture to young students. This initiative aims to instill cultural confidence among the youth through various activities such as learning Kunqu opera poetry and appreciating the elegance of Shanghai-style qipaos that have spanned a century. At Weining Road Primary School, Zhao Jinyu, a professional promoter of Kunqu opera and successor of the Peng school's guimen dan (female role), engaged the students with her presentation titled "Endless Art, Endless Learning—Sowing the Seeds of Kunqu Opera." She demonstrated the art of Kunqu opera by performing He Zhizhang's poem "Song of the Willow" in the melodious Kunqu singing style. For many students, this was their first encounter with poetry being recited so melodiously, sparking a strong interest among them. During her presentation, Zhao Jinyu patiently taught the students various hand gestures used in Kunqu opera and led them in practicing dance movements while wearing flowing-sleeved costumes. "During Kunqu opera performances, imagination plays a crucial role. Coupled with the colorful Kunqu costumes, it feels like watching a moving painting," Zhao Jinyu explained. "This…

A fascinating trend has emerged among young men and women who are embracing traditional Chinese cultural elements in their fashion choices. From T-shirts adorned with calligraphy, seals, and classical Chinese landscape paintings to the resurgence of traditional garments like qipao, hanfu, and horse-face skirts, these styles are gaining popularity among the youth. Elements such as embroidery, traditional buttons, and overlapping fronts are seamlessly integrated into daily wear, marking a significant shift in wardrobe choices among the younger generation. Cultural Renaissance in Fashion The phenomenon of "national style dressing" or "neo-Chinese style" has swiftly captivated the imagination of today's youth. It represents more than just a shift in fashion; it signifies a cultural renaissance rooted in confidence and a renewed appreciation for heritage. By incorporating traditional Chinese elements into their attire, young people are not only making a fashion statement but also expressing cultural pride and identity. Behind the transformation of young people's wardrobes lies a deeper societal shift towards cultural confidence and enhanced consumer awareness. These fashion choices reflect a desire among the youth to reconnect with their cultural roots and embrace traditions that resonate with contemporary sensibilities. Whether it's wearing a T-shirt with a classical Chinese motif or donning…

In today's fashion world, new Chinese-style dressing is gradually emerging as a prominent trend. This style of dressing, which combines elements of traditional Chinese culture with modern fashion concepts, not only showcases the unique charm of Chinese culture but also satisfies modern people's pursuit of individuality and cultural connotation. This article will delve into the rise, characteristics, and significance of new Chinese-style dressing in contemporary society. The Rise of New Chinese-Style Dressing The rise of new Chinese-style dressing is not accidental; it is the result of multiple factors. First, with China's rapid economic development and rising international status, people's sense of identity and pride in their native culture has been growing. New Chinese-style dressing, as a way of expressing cultural confidence, has gained popularity among an increasing number of young people. Second, the revival of traditional culture has provided rich sources of inspiration for new Chinese-style dressing. China has a long history and splendid culture, with elements such as Chinese characters, qipao, hanfu, and embroidery all possessing unique aesthetic value. Designers innovate and reinterpret these traditional elements, integrating them with modern fashion to create new Chinese-style clothing that has both traditional cultural heritage and modern aesthetic appeal. Furthermore, the popularity…

Content creators who consistently engage with the public's aesthetic preferences are quicker and more acutely aware of changes in audience demands, down to the finest details. Looking back at the content market of the past two years, blockbusters often resonate with real-life experiences or are born in the spiritual homeland of traditional culture. "The Double," an ancient costume drama about women's growth and inspiration, achieved over 10,000 views within three days of its premiere on Youku. It became the fastest drama to reach this milestone in 2024, with the highest first-day viewership and popularity on its launch day. The series has already secured its status as a national hit, driven by word-of-mouth among viewers. Starring Wu Jinyan, Wang Xingyue, and Chen Xinhai, "The Double (Mo Yu Yun Jian, 墨雨云间)" is a historical romance drama that tells the story of Xue Fangfei (played by Wu Jinyan), the daughter of a county magistrate who loses everything after a major upheaval. Under the request of her savior, Jiang Li (played by Yang Chaoyue), the daughter of the Zhongshu Ling, she returns to the capital under Jiang Li's identity. With the help of Duke Xiao Heng (played by Wang Xingyue) and others, she overcomes…

With the development of time, many Chinese traditional crafts and techniques have fallen into oblivion due to time-consuming nature. In order to protect their inheritance, Intangible Cultural Heritage was born. Recently aired TV culture cdrama "Hi Producer" is a series that involves intangible cultural heritage themes. Directed by Gao Han, written by Zhou Mo, starring Guo Xiaodong as the lead actor alongside Zhang Nan, Li Xiaoran, and Zhang Bo among others; it fully showcases the exquisite craftsmanship and inheritance of intangible cultural heritage skills. The plot of the drama "Hi Producer" revolves around a major cultural program "Chuan Cheng (传承, Heritage)". The program directed by Gu Shiyong (Zheng Kai), and the female lead writer-director Yu Zaizao (Zhang Nan) join in, competing with Yuan Jiaying (Sun Yihan) for the position of chief writer-director. In order to form a high quality production team of programs, the team also invites veteran host Wang Xinin (Li Xiaoran) and young cultural relic expert Tao Tang (Zhang Bo) to join. Through their collective efforts, "Chuan Cheng" finally becomes a phenomenal cultural program. During the filming process, Yu Zaizao initially lacked empathy but gradually opens up his heart and eventually gains fulfilling friendships as well as career…

In the early 1920s, when the popularity of upper coat and lower dresses was dwindling, qipao quietly emerged and underwent bold improvements. This can be considered a remarkable revolution in women's clothing, elevating qipao to become one of the world's distinctive Eastern female outfits. During the Republican era, qipao was a long robe-style one-piece garment that cinched at the waist and highlighted women's natural beauty while accentuating their curves and slender figures. Instead of wearing long pants underneath, silk stockings, thread stockings or underwear were worn. The thin and transparent material of the cheongsam should be worn with a white petticoat, which also has white lace. In this way, the slender legs and lines can also be shown in the slit of the cheongsam. In this article, we will introduce the basic 9 type of cheongsam sleeve for you.   Sleeveless The sleeveless style is a universal design that can be worn by anyone regardless of body type or age. The most significant feature of this style is its coolness and comfort, showcasing one's entire arm, making it perfect for summer wear. Zhang Manyu wore many sleeveless qipaos in "In the Mood for Love", which complemented her tall and slender figure…

The lapel, as an essential component of the cheongsam dress, serves as a critical dividing line in the layout of its style, possessing both functional and ornamental purposes. It complements the collar, buttons, or overlapping pieces in a harmonious manner, thus showcasing the overall beauty of the Qipao. The lapel (Jin, 襟), also known as the opening of the garment, is the unfastening of the Qipao's garment. Changes in the lapel are one of the primary way in which the Qipao's style evolves. Today, let us appreciate the modern styles of Qipao's lapels and savor the charm of Eastern women.   Without Lapel One of the most concise ways of opening a cheongsam is the "Without lapel, 无襟, Wu Jin" style. This kind of lapel style is directly derived from traditional Chinese clothing, appearing dignified and traditional.   Pleated & Without Lapel "Pleated without lapel, 褶皱无襟, Zhezhou & Wu Jin" style adds decorative pleats to the front chest, simple yet sophisticated, enhancing the sense of fashion.   Round Lapel "Round lapel, 圆襟, Yuan Jin" is the most common style of modern cheongsam lapel, with smooth lines from the neckline to the armpits. Depending on the size of the arc, it can…

Weddings are important ceremonies across the globe and one of the most fascinating aspects is the attire worn by the bride and groom. China, in particular, boasts a rich history of traditional wedding clothing that has evolved over thousands of years. From the hanfu of the ancient dynasties to the modern qipao, each style holds significant cultural and symbolic meaning. In this article, we will delve into the captivating history of Chinese wedding attire and explore the significance behind some of the most iconic designs.   Black Wedding Attire in Zhou Dynasty The Zhou Dynasty was known for its emphasis on ritual and its marriage system also highlighted this. The wedding ceremony in the Zhou Dynasty was called the "Hun Ceremony". As the name suggests, "Hun" means dusk, and the ceremony was held at dusk, with a solemn and dignified atmosphere. "The Book of Rites - The Ceremony of the Marriage of a Scholar" is the earliest record of Chinese wedding ceremony, and of course, it is not only applicable to the scholar class. According to "The Book of Rites", the wedding attire of the Zhou Dynasty was mainly black with red as a complementary color. In the eyes of…

Chinese fashion has had an independent, complete, and comprehensive cutting system since ancient times. However, since modern society, it has gradually been replaced by Western cutting techniques. Even traditional and ethnic clothing has to use Western cutting structures in order to survive. This state persisted until the revival of Hanfu. As one of China's traditional clothing, Hanfu not only has considerable influence but also has a different cutting method from Western fashion. However, this did not stop Hanfu from exploring fashion. For the past 20 years, there have been roughly four stages of exploration.   Traditional Shape · Daily Style - The First Exploration of Hanfu Fashionization In the 20 years since the revival of Hanfu, the road to fashionization has been difficult and challenging, but it has never given up moving forward. The audience of Hanfu continues to update, but there are always a group of people who are keen to explore the styles that are more suitable for modern daily life among the historical Hanfu styles. They make subtle adjustments to the size or structure based on the aspects where the wearing experience is not very good through daily wearing practice, making these styles more suitable for daily…

In history, there have been many beautiful clothing styles in every period, such as the Chinese cheongsam, which has formed a unique clothing culture, and the Pan Kou, which was born in response, has gradually developed from an ancient sash to a cheongsam accessory that is both practical and decorative, thus forming a unique handcrafted skill.   01 Origin of Pan Kou The button of the cheongsam is called Pan Kou (盘扣, Chinese frog closures) or Pan Niu (盘钮), which is a kind of button used in traditional Chinese clothing, used to fasten the lapel or decoration, it is developed from the ancient Chinese knot. The Bei Zi (褙子) unearthed in the Southern Song tomb in De'an, Jiangxi, was tied with Pan Kou. This shows that as early as the Song Dynasty in China, people used Pan Kou to fasten loose clothes. The role of Pan Kou in the evolution of Chinese clothing has changed, it not only has the function of connecting the lapels, but is also known as the finishing touch to decorate clothing. It vividly expresses the decorative interest of Chinese costumes that emphasize meaning, connotation, and theme.   02 The production and types of cheongsam button…

Are you looking to add some extra flair to your cheongsam outfit? Cheongsams are already a stunning traditional Chinese dress that exudes elegance and grace, but with the right accessories, you can take your outfit to the next level. Whether you're attending a formal event or simply looking to spice up your daily wardrobe, the right accessories can make all the difference. From jewelry, hats to handbags, there are many options to choose from. Here are some of the best accessories to match with your cheongsam.   01 Shawl A shawl can be a beautiful accessory to pair with a cheongsam outfit. One of the advantages of wearing a shawl with a cheongsam is that it can add an extra layer of warmth and comfort, especially if the dress is made of lightweight fabric. Additionally, a shawl can add a touch of elegance to the outfit, especially if it is made of luxurious fabric such as silk or cashmere. Another advantage of wearing a shawl with a cheongsam is that it can be used to add some color and texture to the outfit. A brightly colored or patterned shawl can complement the dress and create a beautiful contrast. It can…

Cheongsam, as one of the traditional Chinese dresses, can be seen as one of the tags of oriental women. It is like an ink-scented rice paper, which writes the history of Chinese dress, and like an inscription of the ancient time, even the folds of which contain the scent of ancient culture. It is not only a garment, but also a carrier of traditional Chinese culture. As one of the key elements of the composition of cheongsam, the collar shape has a very important influence on the style of cheongsam. Traditional cheongsam collar, often with a stand collar design, formed an elegant effect, with good effect in highlighting the lines of the female neck and body. The details of the cheongsam collar, show the workmanship, also the soul of the cheongsam. The right collar type can fit perfectly with the body, but also with the cheongsam as a whole, to the overall style of cheongsam into more exquisite aesthetic temperament, from the fundamental focus on temperament.   The origin of the cheongsam collar The relationship between modern cheongsam and Qing dynasty Manchu robe is still controversial, but it is undeniable that there is an inextricable relationship between cheongsam and Qi…

For centuries, the cheongsam has been a symbol of elegance, femininity, and Chinese culture. Also known as qipao, this form-fitting dress has been worn by women in China and beyond, captivating the world with its stunning beauty and timeless charm. While the cheongsam is now a fixture on fashion runways and red carpets around the world, its origins and evolution tell a captivating story of cultural exchange, fashion innovation, and societal change. From its early beginnings in the Qing Dynasty to its modern-day reinventions, the history of the cheongsam is one of the most fascinating and enduring tales of fashion history. In this article, Hibetterme explores the rich history of the cheongsam, the characteristics of modified cheongsam, and how to pick the right style of cheongsam for you.   The Evolution of cheongsam The origin of the cheongsam is actually quite controversial. Some scholars believe that it is the robe of the Qing Dynasty, and in the late Qing Dynasty and the early Republic of China, it gradually evolved into the current cheongsam due to social changes and the influence of Western culture. Some scholars also point out that the origin of cheongsam should be older than the Zhou, Qin,…

China is an ancient civilization with a history of more than 5,000 years. There are many kinds of handicrafts, and they are all dazzling. Chinese traditional handicraft, each of them is a treasure of Chinese culture, and these handicrafts are worth inheriting and protecting.   1 Tuanshan Tuanshan (团扇), also known as Gongshan (宫扇) and Wanshan (纨扇), is traditional handwork and art of the Han nationality in China. It is a round fan with a handle, which represents a friendly and auspicious reunion. Fans have long circles, plum blossoms, hexagonal and other shapes; and making with silk, thin silk and so on; the craftsmanship includes Suzhou embroidery, Kesi, gold and silver inlays, and so on; the fan handle has wood, bamboo, bones, and so on. A Tuanshan contains too much learning.   2 Cheongsam The cheongsam (旗袍) is one of the traditional women's clothing that can represent Chinese characteristics. The cheongsam was formed in the 1920s, and some scholars believe that its origin can be traced back to the Shenyi of the pre-Qin and Han dynasties. Although its definition and timing are still controversial, it is still one of the most gorgeous phenomena and forms in China's long-standing clothing culture.…

As a Taiwanese-American, I'm often asked about my interest in Hanfu. Here's y perspective on hanfu and why it's important to my identity.

What hanfu styles are from which dynasties? Can you tell what dynasty the cover photo for this article depicts?

01 The cheongsam loved by women Eileen Chang once said, "Clothes are a language", and every heroine in her novels would use the style of cheongsam to interpret the sorrow and happiness of love, and the prosperity of silk to lament the impermanence of fate. And Eileen Chang's love for cheongsam can be described as close to crazy. Cheongsam is not only an important prop in her novels, but also an indispensable costume in her life, and it is an expression of her views on life, aesthetics and women. The cheongsam maker who made her cheongsam recalled that he couldn't remember how many pieces of cheongsam he made for Eileen Chang, but he remembered that each piece of cheongsam was made "according to the drawing", and the design came from Eileen Chang herself. Not only Eileen Chang, but also Chinese women in the 1930s and 1940s seemed to be very fond of cheongsams. Soong Mei-ling was no less fond of cheongsams than Eileen Chang, and she had hundreds of cheongsams in her closet. Film and television stars such as Hu Die, Ruan Lingyu, and Zhou Xuan are also fans of cheongsam, they not only wear cheongsam out of their own…

Do you like to dress up and transport yourself back in time to another era? Well now you're in luck because the "Hanfu" fashion is coming back with a bang. The Hanfu - Han Ethnic Dress The Hanfu (汉服, hànfú) is the name given to the traditional Chinese clothing worn long before the 17th century by the Han (汉族, hànzú). In fact, it literally means "clothing of the Han" who are the majority ethnic group in China. The hanfu, has influenced different traditional dresses in Asia, such as the kimono in Japan, the hanbok in Korea, or the áo tú thân in Vietnam. It appeared in China more than 3,000 years ago and it is said that it was the Yellow Emperor (黄帝, Huáng dì), an important character in Chinese mythology and legends, who began to wear it as his regular garment. During the Western Zhou Dynasty (c.1046 - 771 BC) it began to be used as a social class differentiator. Status and prestige could be seen in the degree of decoration of the dress, the length of the skirt, the width of the sleeves, and the patterns. When the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) came, which was founded not by Han…

As in all countries, clothing plays an important role in Chinese culture. Chinese culture has existed for over 5000 years, and during this time some traditional clothing has been created. Traditional Chinese clothes are often based on the religion and social status of the person wearing them. Traditional Chinese clothes usually have a straight cut that is not too tight. This makes the clothes comfortable to wear. Light colors are most popular, but you can also find red, yellow, and purple clothes surprisingly often. White is considered the color of mourning in China and is therefore rarely worn in everyday life. In imperial times, the colors red, yellow, and purple were reserved for the ruler, his family, and high nobles. Today, red clothes are particularly popular, because the color stands for happiness and prosperity. This is the reason why many Chinese wear red clothes, especially on Chinese New Year. Chinese women's clothing is often more detailed and decorated with more embroidery than men's clothing. Everyday clothing is usually made of cotton or linen. On special occasions, people wear traditional clothing made of silk. To this day, there are four traditional Chinese garments that are still worn by many Chinese people:…

The Hanfu Movement has lasted for more than 10 years. Today hanfu is becoming popular, we could see more and more young people wearing hanfu clothes on the streets of China. Looking at the last decade, many people have mixed opinions about it. So let's take a look at the latest views on the Hanfu Movement in 2021. What is the Hanfu Movement? First of all, we should know that hanfu is the traditional costume of Chinese Han nationality. Since the Qing dynasty, it has been abolished for more than 300 years. With the development of China in the 21st century, the living conditions of the people have been continuously improved. The Han people realize that their traditional clothes should not be forgotten any more and began to revive the traditional Han clothing, this is the origin of the Hanfu movement. It's also part of the revival of traditional Chinese culture. We interviewed people from different regions and collected many opinions through online and offline, sort out these views listed as pros & cons, and neutral. And we also hope to hear your particular opinion on this topic. One should understand that when we discussing the national costume or clothing…