There’s a certain kind of outfit that turns heads, not just because it’s beautiful, but because it leaves people wondering: Is this really how ancient people dressed? Enter the Qixiong Ruqun (齐胸襦裙), a style of Hanfu where the skirt is tied all the way up to the chest—sometimes even under the armpits. It’s dramatic. It’s feminine. And it’s sparked years of debate over whether it’s based on history or pure fantasy. The Rise of a Silhouette That Defies Gravity At a glance, the Qixiong Ruqun feels like a distant cousin of the Korean Chima Jeogori—a wide-skirted dress worn high on the torso, paired with a short jacket. In fact, when you fluff out the skirt and widen the waistband, the two styles can look eerily similar. But the rabbit hole runs deeper than visual resemblance. Questions around the Qixiong Ruqun don’t just come down to aesthetics. They ask something more fundamental: How do you even keep this thing from sliding down? Anyone who’s tried wearing one has likely felt that awkward sensation—the pull of gravity on a waistband that doesn’t seem to be anchored to anything solid. It’s not a minor wardrobe inconvenience. It’s a design flaw. And it’s raised…

This section contains Ruqun (襦裙), which can be divided into: Jiao Ling Shang Ru (交领上襦), Dui Jin Shang Ru (对襟上襦), Zhe Qun (褶裙) type A, Zhe Qun type B, Qi Xiong Shang Ru (齐胸上襦). Size range: Jiao Ling Shang Ru, Dui Jin Shang Ru, and Qi Xiong Shang Ru (155/80A to 175/96A),  Zhe Qun (155/64A to 175/80A). Please read the introduction of the topic and how to use this guide in advance. The Ruqun in this section should actually be called "Shan Qun (衫裙)". Ruqun is supposed to refer to the Hanfu style from the Wei and Jin dynasties, with a Yaolan (腰襕).   Introduction Ruqun (襦裙) is one of the earliest and most basic clothing forms in the history of Chinese dress. The Ruqun described here generally has a short upper Ru, reaching only to the waist or flush with the chest, while the Qun (skirt) is long and hangs down to the ground. According to the different styles of the collar, can be divided into: Jiao Ling Ruqun(交领襦裙, cross-collar); Dui Jin Ruqun(对襟襦裙, lapel). According to the height of the skirt waist, can be divided into: Zhong Yao Ruqun(中腰襦裙, mid-waist), the same as the Qi Yao Ruqun(齐腰襦裙); Gao Yao…

Ruqun (襦裙), is one of the earliest and most basic forms of Hanfu. Ru means top garment, and Qun means skirt. There are two types of Ruqun if categorized by where the skirt is tied, one with the skirt tied above the chest (the chest-high Ruqun - Qixiong Ruqun), and the other one is tied on the waist, and for today, we are going to talk about the waist-high Ruqun - Qiyao Ruqun. Let's take a look at history and how to wear the Qiyao Ruqun.   1: History of Qiyao Ruqun Ruqun is one of the styles under the Yi Chang (衣裳) category of hanfu, Yi Chang basically means top and skirt, although traditional Chinese clothing varied greatly from each dynasty to the next, the few basic styles remained unchanged for the most part. During the Tang Dynasty, other than the iconic Qixiong Ruqun, a variety of Qiyao Ruqun styles were also in favor. In this famous Chinese painting “Night Revels of Han Xizai (韩熙载夜宴图)”, all the musician ladies were wearing Qiyao Ruqun, with bold and vibrant colors.   2: Wear the Top Garment of Qiyao Ruqun Unlike Qixiong Ruqun, you have to wear a camisole with the Qiyao…

Qixiong Ruqun(齐胸襦裙) is a typical style during the Tang Dynasty, the golden age of China. You can find similar styles of clothing in the famous Tang Dynasty paintings. This is a type of Ruqun with the skirt tied above the breasts and worn with short blouses. Now let’s look at the individual pieces and how to wear Hanfu - Qixiong Ruqun.   1: Wear the Blouse of Qixiong Ruqun The word Ruqun translates into top garment and skirt in Chinese, it is one of the earliest and most basic forms of Hanfu. This blouse has parallel collars and is relatively short to match the long skirt, it is very common to find flower and plant shaped patterns on fabrics during the Tang Dynasty. Put the blouse on first, and tie the knot.   2: Wear the Skirt of Qixiong Ruqun Moving onto the skirt, it is long and pleated, unlike traditional skirts which are usually one piece of fabric wrapped around the body, this modern twist separates the back and front panel and has two sets of ties, it is designed to ensure a better fit and help it stay put on the body. The first step into the center…

Today, we share a group of photos of Ruqun, the posture and style is worth learning Ruqun has always been a popular style, put on your ruqun and take beautiful pictures~

Before, we introduced the way to wear a wist ruqun(one slice), and next, we will simply tell you how to wear a Qi xiong Ruqun(Chest Ruqun). Qi Xiong Ruqun is made up of front and back pieces(as the picture show). Step 1: Separate the front and back pieces and wear the back ones first. Step 2: tie up the back pieces. Step 3: tie up the front one(put white tape and red tape together). Step 4:Put an X-fork behind you, then take the tape to the front. Step 5: Make a knot. Step 6: The next step is to decorate the extra tape, wrap them in circles, just like a kind of Chinese food: Mahua (麻花, Fried Dough Twists). Step 7: Tie a knot at the end. Step 8: The red tape also needs to be wrap in circles. Finished~ Wearing Hanfu does not seem to be such a difficult thing, but it also requires repeated attempts to get the best look. If you have any questions during the wearing process, you are welcome to contact us by email, we will give you a more detailed explanation. More about how to wear Hanfu can be found here.

Many friends who have not touched Hanfu will have a lot of confusion when they wear Hanfu for the first time. How to wear it? Well, we will have a series of articles to simply tell you how to wear Hanfu. Today, let me show you how to wear a Waist Ruqun. First of all, what you have to know is that the Hanfu were without belts and buttons, all by lacing. The first one to introduce is Waist Ruqun(one slice), one slice means that the only one piece of dress. Step 1: Put the skirt over the waist, align the center of the skirt with the middle of the body, wrap the skirt around the waist and wrap the lower body. (This process is similar to a bathrobe after bathing.) Step 2: Sort out, and from the side, the place to be tied is left out. Step 3: Wrap the rope around the back (Note: cross the rope twice) Step 4: Then wrap around the front of the body. Step 5: Pass the rope through the part of the rope that has been tied to the waist Finished~ Wearing Hanfu does not seem to be such a difficult thing, but…

The previous article's introduction focuses on women's Ruqun, and then we introduce men's Ruqun. The men's Ruqun is a male dress, composed of a top blouse and a lower dress, and the upper jaw is mostly handed over(Jiaoling). Compared with the women's skirts, the men's skirt style and pattern are plainer. "Zhou Yi(周易)" said that “Yellow Emperor, Yao, Shun is wearing clothes and the world is ruled”, which shows that in the Yellow Emperor's era, the tops of the blouses were the styles of the ancient Chinese people. This is the prototype of the Ruqun (a top blouse and a lower dress)of the next generation, costumes of the blouses, and other costumes. Although its specific shape still needs further research, but the suit of a top blouse and a lower skirt lays the foundation of Hanfu. Until the appearance of Zhiju, Quju, and so on, the number of people wearing Ruqun(Ru dress) has been reduced, but the official high-standard men's dress was still the Ruqun system(a top blouse and a lower dress), which continued until the Ming Dynasty. The traditional dress of Hanfu is an enclosed skirt, which is made up of several pieces of skirts and is connected to…

In the previous article, we introduced the Ruqun(襦裙), The Ruqun is composed of a short top and a long dress, that is, composed of a top and a lower dress. Song Suzhen's "Silkworm" poem: "I don't worry about the bread bait, I have fortunately had a Ruqun(Ru dress)." The style of the Ruqun has appeared in the Warring States period. The collar of the scorpion is divided into "Jiaoling Ruqun" and "Zhiling Ruqun". The waist of the dress is divided into"Zhongyao Ruqun", "Gaoyao Ruqun" and "Qixiong Ruqun". Ruqun is classified according to whether they are clipped or not. The Ruqun can be divided into single Ruqun and double Ruqun, single Ruqun close to the shirt, and double Ruqun are close to coat. Next to introduce is "Banbi (半臂, half arm)", it and the shawl constitute an important part of the Ruqun. "Banbi" classification: 1.according to the collar type, which can be divided into : Duijin half-armed dress Jiaoling half-armed dress Tanling half-armed dress (Tang Dynasty). It is a short-sleeved top for summer use in ancient China. It was only popular in the private sector and was convenient for the daily life and labor of the working people. The length of…

The Ruqun(襦裙) is one of the earliest and most basic forms of clothing in the history of Han costumes. From the Warring States period with physical evidence, at the end of the Ming and Qing Dynasties with the "shaving and easy clothing". Is the most basic form of traditional Han costumes. In the meantime, more than 2,000 years, although the length and width have changed, the basic form has always maintained the original style. The Ruqun(襦裙) consists of the lower dress and the upper jaw (is short coat) and is generally called the Changfu (常服, uniform). According to the collar type, the Ruqun can be divided into: "Jiaoling Ruqun (交领襦裙, cross collar Ruqun)" "Zhiling Ruqun (直领襦裙, straight collar Ruqun)" According to the waist position of the dress, can be divided into: "Zhongyao Ruqun (中腰襦裙, a middle waist Ruqun)" "Gaoyao Ruqun (高腰襦裙, a high waist Ruqun)"  "Qixiong Ruqun (齐胸襦裙, a chest Ruqun)" the Jiaoling Ruqun: the cross-collar dress is quite common in the Song Dynasty, it is characterized by the captain for the cross-collar.Can be subdivided into three: Jiaoling-Qiyao Ruqun(交领-齐腰襦裙,cross-collar Qi waist Ruqun): Qiyao Ruqun: dress's waist and waist are flush. Jiaoling-Gaoyao Ruqun (交领-高腰襦裙,cross-collar high waist Ruqun): Gaoyao Ruqun: The line…

Yueqing, Zhejiang — At the 2025 “Crafting Dreams” ICH Parade in Yueqing this May Day, Hanfu makeup and styling artist Yu Xiaodan (俞小丹) will lead a troupe of enthusiasts in a mesmerizing display of Guoyun Fanghua (国韵芳华, “Elegance of Chinese Heritage”). Dressed as characters from Dream of the Red Chamber (红楼梦) and dancing to classical melodies like Etiquette Nation (礼仪之邦), her team embodies a cultural renaissance that’s captivating Gen Z. Born in 1996, Yu’s love for Hanfu began during college in Fuzhou, where a riverside Hanfu performance left her spellbound. She joined local Hanfu societies, spent savings on 200+ historically accurate outfits—from Tang dynasty qixiong ruqun (齐胸襦裙, high-waisted dresses) to Song-era beizi (褙子, long jackets)—and even splurged 20,000 RMB on a diancui (点翠, kingfisher-feather) crown. “Hanfu isn’t just clothing; it’s a portal to our past,” she says. In 2021, she apprenticed under Yang Shuyun, a legendary CCTV stylist known for Dream of the Red Chamber’s iconic looks. This training, coupled with workshops on huashen zhuang (花神妆, Flower Goddess makeup) in Guangzhou, honed her skills in blending historical accuracy with modern flair. Bridging Eras, Breaking Norms Yu’s talent lies in making Hanfu relatable. At the 2024 Hongqiao Azalea Festival, her “Pink-Green…

In recent years, there’s been a surge of interest in hanfu, not just as traditional attire, but as something that can be part of everyday life—including the workplace. For women who love hanfu and want to express that part of their identity in professional settings, there are more options now than ever before. With both modernised and traditional hanfu being widely available online, it’s becoming increasingly realistic to integrate this historical clothing into our weekday wardrobes. Modern hanfu—sometimes referred to as “fashion hanfu”—has already been adapted for casual social use. According to NewHanfu, it “inherits the elements of traditional Hanfu, and through long-term innovation and development, it is well adapted to the convenient social life in today's modern times.” This means pieces are typically more streamlined, accessible, and comfortable, often made with materials and cuts that suit daily wear. As a result, many modern hanfu outfits can already pass for smart-casual in a workplace setting. Pairing these with accessories like a structured purse, a watch, or a blazer can easily help elevate the outfit to look more professional without compromising the hanfu aesthetic. That said, I personally think there’s also space for more traditional hanfu elements in the workplace—if styled…

During the CCTV program 'Golden Snake Dance • Chinese New Year Flavor,' Wang Churan appeared in traditional Hanfu attire, but her hairstyle raised eyebrows among some netizens. They questioned whether the two strands of hair in front resembled the Japanese 'hime cut.' To clarify, this hairstyle, known as 'Chuixiao Ji,' can be traced back to ancient Chinese paintings like 'The Admonitions Scroll' and 'The Wise and Benevolent Women.' It was popular during the Han and Jin dynasties, with origins dating back to the Warring States period. The hairstyle features neatly trimmed bangs that reach the eyebrow line, with strands hanging down the sides, a style also referred to as 'Fenxiao.' Historical artifacts, such as the jade dancer figurine from the Jin Village Tomb in Luoyang, depict this hairstyle, showcasing its cultural significance. Wang's headpiece, a gold 'Buyao' (hair ornament) from Liangzhou, Gansu, is styled as 'One Sparrow, Four Flowers,' symbolizing nobility during the Han Dynasty. The Buyao was typically worn in pairs, swaying with movement, embodying the elegance of noblewomen from the Han to Wei - Jin periods. The Chuixiao hairstyle not only framed the face but also reflected the ethereal aesthetic influenced by Confucian and Daoist ideals. However, modern…

Hanfu (汉服, traditional Chinese clothing) isn’t just a nostalgic trend—it’s a global movement. What began as a niche subculture in China has evolved into a thriving industry, with brands blending historical accuracy with modern wearability. Forget stiff costumes; today’s Hanfu ranges from silk-adorned ceremonial robes to minimalist office-friendly pieces. Here’s a breakdown of the brands driving this revival, their signature styles, and why they resonate with Gen Z shoppers from Los Angeles to Jakarta. 1. Minghuatang (明华堂) Founded in 2007, this Guangzhou-based label has become synonymous with meticulous craftsmanship and eye-watering price tags—think ¥10,000 ($1,400) for a single set, with wait times stretching up to a year. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=guu1ad17AH8 The Founder’s Obsession Hong Kong-born Zhong Yi (钟毅), a fashion design graduate from Guangzhou Academy of Fine Arts, noticed something odd in the early 2000s: At formal events, Koreans wore hanbok, Japanese wore kimono, but Chinese attendees rarely wore Hanfu. He started designing his own pieces, wearing them daily to normalize the tradition. In 2007, he co-founded Minghuatang with a clear mission: to recreate historically accurate Ming Dynasty (1368–1644) attire with museum-level precision. What Justifies the Price? Minghuatang’s garments aren’t just costumes—they’re wearable history. Every stitch follows 15th-century texts and artifacts, from…

When we think about ancient Chinese clothing, a curious misunderstanding often arises—many believe that the clothing of specific dynasties was determined by the seasons. For instance, people sometimes think of Tang Dynasty garments as summer wear, and Ming Dynasty attire as winter clothing. The idea seems odd at first, as we know that every era experienced all four seasons, so why would the clothing of one dynasty be associated with just one temperature? It turns out that this perception stems from a combination of misinterpretations and misconceptions about the nature of ancient Chinese garments. Let’s break down why this understanding doesn’t quite hold water. The Tang Dynasty: More Than Just Summer Fashion The Tang Dynasty is often associated with light, airy, and flowing garments, especially the famous "Qixiong Ruqun", which has become iconic in many representations of ancient Chinese fashion. This lightweight attire—made from silk and other fine materials—gives the impression of being suited for hot weather. But the truth is, Tang fashion wasn’t just about comfort during the heat. A deeper look reveals that many Tang garments, although appearing simple, actually consisted of several layers, which weren’t always visible on the surface. The illusion of "light" clothing in modern…

If you've ever wondered how Chinese mythology, history, and fantasy collide on screen, Yang Zi's (杨紫) costume dramas are the perfect starting point. Take Ashes of Love, where she plays Jin Mi, a flower deity navigating love and betrayal across celestial realms. The series doesn't just romanticize immortality; it dissects the consequences of emotion-suppressing poisons and divine politics. Or consider Flourished Peony, where her stoic swordswoman Lu Xueqi battles sect rivalries in a world where loyalty clashes with ambition. Yang Zi's characters aren't just "strong"—they're layered, flawed, and rooted in specific eras, from the Tang Dynasty's perfume trade (Flourished Peony) to mythological clan wars (Lost You Forever). Here's a curated guide to Yang Zi's most iconic costume works. Lost You Forever 长相思 Aired: 2023 Period Background: Mythological era inspired by ancient Chinese legends. Genres: Xianxia, romance, political intrigue. Main Roles: Yang Zi as Xiao Yao, a resilient princess; co-stars Deng Wei (邓为) and Zhang Wan Yi (张晚意). Adapted From: Tong Hua's novel of the same name. Xiao Yao's story begins in tragedy—after losing her royal status and memories, she reinvents herself as Wen Xiao Liu, a rough-edged healer in Qing Shui Town. Her life intertwines with four men, each representing…

Ancient Chinese wisdom distilled clothing choices into simple truths: light robes for summer, padded jackets for winter. But look closer, and you’ll find a nuanced system—24 solar terms (节气), 72 micro-seasons (物候), and festivals each demanding specific colors and motifs. This wasn’t just practicality; it was a silent dialogue between humans and the rhythms of nature.. Chapter 1: Lunar New Year (春节) The tradition of wearing new clothes for the Lunar New Year is widespread in Chinese culture. Regardless of social class, people are expected to wear their finest attire to usher in the new year. For officials and those of higher status, formal ceremonial clothing is a must. The colors of these garments—red, blue, yellow, white, and black—offer a range of options, but certain traditions guide their use. White is typically worn for mourning, red symbolizes celebration, and yellow was reserved for emperors after the Tang Dynasty. Red, blue, and black are more common, with red standing out as a symbol of prosperity, joy, and good fortune. Throughout the New Year festivities, red decorations such as firecrackers, lanterns, and spring couplets (春联) fill the environment, creating an atmosphere of happiness and festivity. Red has become the hallmark of wealth…

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

In the long history of the ancient Chinese land, China enjoys the great reputation of being the “Country of Elegant Attire”, the “Land of Beautiful Costumes”, and the “State of Etiquette”, all of which are closely related to Hanfu. In modern life, Hanfu is not an everyday outfit. We can often see it only in large - scale traditional celebrations, exquisite photo shoots, and ancient - costume TV dramas. So, what kind of etiquette connotations are hidden behind Hanfu, which carries thousands of years of culture? Let's explore the profound world of Hanfu culture to find the answer. Hanfu, the traditional clothing of the Han ethnic group with a millennium - long inheritance, is based on the essence of the Four Books and Five Classics and has followed the traditions in the Records of Carriages and Attire for thousands of years. The ceremonial robes have always adhered to the etiquette norms with few major changes over time. On the other hand, the daily clothing of the common people has become increasingly diverse as time goes by. As the unique traditional ethnic clothing of the Han people, Hanfu has a history of more than 4,000 years. Nourished by the wisdom and…

Imagine wandering through mist-shrouded mountains where immortal cultivators duel with spells, or bustling Tang Dynasty markets humming with Silk Road traders and political conspiracies. This is the world of Wang Yibo's Period dramas—a gateway to China's mythic past, where history and fantasy collide in breathtaking spectacle. Wang Yibo (王一博), a rising star with over 40 million Instagram followers, has become an unlikely ambassador of Chinese culture. His roles—whether as a stoic swordsman, a rogue prince, or a genius scholar—transcend language barriers, blending Confucian ideals with modern charisma. Below is a curated guide to his Top 3 Period Dramas. The Untamed 陈情令 Aired: June–August 2019 Period Background: Fictional ancient China, inspired by the Five Great Clans system. Genres: Fantasy, Xianxia (immortal heroes), Mystery, Bromance Main Roles: Wang Yibo as Lan Wangji (蓝忘机), Xiao Zhan as Wei Wuxian (魏无羡) Adaptation Source: Based on Mo Xiang Tong Xiu's novel Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation At its core, The Untamed is a story of defiance and devotion. Set in a world where powerful clans cultivate spiritual energy to combat supernatural evils, the series follows two contrasting souls: Lan Wangji, the icy yet righteous heir of the Gusu Lan Clan, and Wei Wuxian, a free-spirited prodigy…