In Zhao Liying's transformative acting journey, hair has evolved beyond mere aesthetics into a powerful narrative device. Her radical shift to ultra-short styles in recent roles—notably as grassroots cadre Li Qiuping (李秋萍) in The City Maker (2025) and feminist writer Xilin (西林) in She's Got No Name (酱园弄)—transcends fashion statements. These deliberate coiffures function as "second dialogue," visually articulating her characters' resilience against societal constraints. This sartorial semiotics marks a career-defining metamorphosis for the actress, where every clipped strand whispers revolutionary subtext about womanhood in changing eras. Steel and Silk in The City Maker Li Qiuping’s cropped silhouette, grazing the ear lobes, channels 1980s China’s pragmatic ethos. Unlike ornamental hairstyles, this utilitarian cut—paired with minimal makeup—mirrors her character’s mission: literally building cities from tidal flats. The sharp angularity of the cut contours her jawline like architectural blueprints, symbolizing socialist construction’s unyielding progress . When Li shoulders construction materials alongside Huang Xiaoming’s (黄晓明) character, wind-swept strands cling to sweat-dampened temples, rendering sweat equity visible. Director Chen’s visual language uses Li’s hair as a barometer of struggle. In boardroom confrontations, neatly combed strands reflect bureaucratic precision; at muddy worksites, disheveled tufts escape hairpins to dance with dust motes. This duality embodies reform-era…

Nestled within the ancient alleys of Quanzhou, a city steeped in maritime Silk Road history, an unexpected transformation is unfolding. Far from mundane utilities, 11 newly renovated public restrooms have emerged as cultural landmarks, seamlessly blending heritage craftsmanship with modern functionality. These structures—scattered across historical districts like Kui Xia Lane and Guan Dong Lane—reimagine urban sanitation as a dialogue between past and present, proving that even the most utilitarian spaces can embody a city’s soul. Architectural Poetry in Brick and Stone The bathrooms in Quanzhou pay tribute to the traditional culture of Fujian Province with exquisite craftsmanship. In Kuaijiang Lane, the walls display "out brick into stone", an ancient technique that embeds recycled bricks and local granite into the earthen walls.Each irregular pattern tells a story of demolition and rebirth, with materials sourced from dismantled ancestral homes—their weathered surfaces bearing witness to centuries of history. Nearby, Guan Dong Lane’s facility features the iconic "yan wei ji" (燕尾脊, swallowtail ridge), a curved roof silhouette symbolizing Minnan architecture. Bamboo lattices adorn its facade, casting dappled shadows that merge privacy with ventilation. This design transcends practicality: sunlight filtering through bamboo creates a meditative interplay of light and texture, inviting visitors to experience nature’s…

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…

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 humid Bangkok air buzzed with anticipation as Thailand’s cultural and tourism elites gathered on July 27, 2025, for "Guangxi Night." Hosted by China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, this meticulously curated event transcended a mere tourism pitch—it was a strategic handshake between two ASEAN neighbors. Against the backdrop of the 50th anniversary of Thailand-China diplomatic ties ("Golden Jubilee"), Guangxi Vice Chairman Hu Fan and Thailand’s Tourism & Sports Deputy Minister Jakkapong Damsuphakdi led 110 delegates in redefining cross-border travel. With Thai visitors to Guangxi surging 154% in 2024, the stage was set for a new era of exchange. Forging Golden Pathways Hu Fan’s (胡帆) keynote resonated with pragmatic optimism. "Guangxi isn’t just China’s ASEAN gateway," he declared, "it’s a living museum where karst mountains sculpt horizons and ethnic harmonies color traditions." His data-backed revelation—800+ cultural events slated for Guangxi’s 2025 Tourism Year—drew appreciative murmurs. The statistic wasn’t arbitrary; it answered Thailand’s post-pandemic wanderlust with precision. Jakkapong’s response fused diplomacy with vision. "Our golden anniversary demands golden collaboration," he asserted, endorsing media alliances and co-branding to amplify tourism reach. The symbolism was palpable: two cultures leveraging proximity not for convenience, but for legacy. Tangible momentum followed. Vibul Kamolthok, VP of Thailand’s…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…