Today, let's continue the previous special topic about Gong Li's red - carpet shows throughout the 1990s, which can be regarded as a dazzling cheongsam show. In this long - spanning show, Gong Li presented us with a perfect and eye - catching display. The arrival of the new millennium marked the end of an era and the gentle start of another. All nostalgic and classical elements achieved unexpected development and presentation under the influence of new - style culture, with the cheongsam being a representative. If we look at the cheongsam's development in the vast waves of the entire era's civilization, it would be an extremely long - winded narrative. However, using Gong Li's choices as a reference, it's easier to discover the changes and context. In 2000, a new era began. Gong Li was invited to be the chairperson of the jury at the 50th Berlin International Film Festival, becoming the first Chinese judge to enter the three major European film festivals. It can be said that from 2000 on, Gong Li transformed from a Chinese actress into a globally influential superstar and a symbol of Chinese cinema. This change was also very concretely reflected in her subsequent…

In the glittering world of Chinese cinema and television, few stories resonate as deeply as those of Yang Zi (杨紫) and Zhao Liying (赵丽颖). Both actresses have carved their legacies not through overnight fame, but through years of unwavering determination against societal and industry prejudices. Their journeys—marked by humble beginnings, public scrutiny, and triumphant reinventions—mirror each other in uncanny ways. While Yang Zi battled perceptions of her appearance to rise as a "drama queen," Zhao Liying defied stereotypes to become a beacon of strength. This article explores their shared evolution, focusing on their breakthrough roles and the cultural shifts they embody. As we delve into their narratives, we'll see how perseverance and artistic integrity have redefined success in an often unforgiving industry. From Humble Starts to Unstoppable Forces Yang Zi's entry into acting was anything but smooth. As a child star, she faced harsh criticism, including blunt advice from veteran actress Song Dandan (宋丹丹) that nearly derailed her career: "Child, with your looks, it's better not to act." This moment, recounted in industry lore, highlights the crushing weight of beauty standards that young actresses endure. Yet, Yang Zi refused to bow out. She transformed her perceived weakness into fuel, gradually…

A whirlwind of vibrant wigs, intricate armor, and unnaturally colored eyes swirls through crowded convention halls. This isn’t Halloween; it’s the daily reality of a global subculture evolving into a colossal economic engine. Forget niche hobbies - cosplay (costume play) is now a $4.8 billion global powerhouse, fueled by 10 million passionate fans spending an average of $480 annually to bring their favorite characters to life. The days of cardboard props and makeshift outfits are fading, replaced by a sophisticated, IP-driven ecosystem mirroring the explosive growth of its anime, gaming, and comic roots. How IP and Passion Forged a Billion-Dollar Cosplay Juggernaut The transformation is staggering. What began in the underground scenes of 1980s Japan has matured into a structured, three-tiered commercial ecosystem: The IP Wellspring: At the source lies a torrent of compelling characters. Global hits like Genshin Impact (原神) and Heaven Official's Blessing (天官赐福), alongside breakout phenomena like Black Myth: Wukong (黑神话：悟空), provide an endless reservoir of visually distinct, emotionally resonant personas. These aren't just drawings or pixels; they're blueprints for a multi-million dollar costume industry. The explosive popularity of characters like Genshin's Zhongli (钟离) or Wukong's titular Monkey King translates directly into soaring demand for meticulously crafted replicas of their attire…

As June unfolds, the small screen is gearing up for a vibrant lineup of new dramas. On June 18, 2025, four fresh series officially announced their release dates - one ancient fantasy epic and three modern-themed shows, each boasting unique genres, star-studded casts, and plotlines designed to captivate diverse audiences. Let’s dive into what these titles have in store. 1. Cloud Heaven’s Summit (云天之上) Blends Myth and Rebellion Leading the charge is Cloud Heaven’s Summit, a much-talked-about ancient xianxia (immortal hero) fantasy drama that premiered on Tencent Video starting June 20. Directed by Cui Xiaoxiao (崔肖肖) and written by Chen Yongyi (陈泳夷), the series stars Xu Zhenzhen (徐轸轸) as the dual-identity protagonist Lu Anning/Yan Anning (路安凝／燕安宁) - a goddess bound by celestial fate - and Zhang Jingyun (张景昀 ) as the fearsome Demon Lord Ye Sha/Ling Cang (夜煞/凌沧). The narrative revolves around their fiery rivalry turning into an unlikely alliance. Forced into a cycle of conflict by predestined fates, the pair gradually awaken to their own agency, choosing to defy the heavens rather than submit. With soaring visuals, intricate world-building, and a central theme of resisting destiny, Cloud Heaven’s Summit aims to rekindle fans’ love for xianxia tropes while adding a…

With whispers of Shenhe's (申鹤) rerun banner circulating through Teyvat (纳塔) in version 5.7, a surprising narrative has emerged among some Travelers: the belief that this elegant Liyue (璃月) Cryo character has faded into obsolescence. Critics point to her origins in an older chapter of the game, suggesting her "primordial" status renders her incompatible with the fiery challenges of the Natlan era. Yet, declaring Shenhe obsolete is a profound misjudgment of her unique value. Far from being left behind, Shenhe retains a potent and surprisingly accessible niche, offering advantages many newer characters struggle to match. Her strengths lie not in raw, flashy power, but in exceptional versatility, low investment requirements, and enduring synergy within the ever-evolving meta. Why Shenhe Remains a Top-Tier Investment The most compelling argument for Shenhe’s continued relevance is her remarkably accessible power curve. In an era dominated by characters demanding high constellations to unlock their core potential - often labeled as "constellation-dependent" or "whale-bait" units - Shenhe stands apart. She delivers exceptional value straight out of the box at Constellation. Her core functionality as a premier Cryo buffer is fully intact without needing duplicate pulls. While her first constellation offers a quality-of-life improvement and a modest…

Recently, Chen Duling specially shot a set of costumes in the style of 1980s ancient - costume dramas, which left netizens hardly recognizing her. Some even wonder: Is there really such a significant aesthetic difference between classical makeup and modern makeup? Let's start with the conclusion. The biggest difference between them lies in the 'charm'. Most of the so - called classical makeup adheres to the traditional aesthetic standards for eyebrow and lip shapes, presenting a classical charm. In contrast, modern makeup is mostly the result of integration under the influence of various trends, like the once - popular Korean and European - American styles, with a style leaning towards modern simplicity and fashion. This charm, though abstract, can be expressed in forms. For example, the makeup and styling of the 1987 version of A Dream of Red Mansions are often regarded as a classic because its style shows a harmonious beauty. Here, harmony means that the proportion of a person's eyebrows and eyes complements the makeup, without being obtrusive, and the colors are warm - toned. So, the reason why classical makeup is enduringly attractive is the grasp of this sense of harmony. The most challenging part of classical…

Today is a special sharing session about cheongsam pankou buttons. In the process of making a cheongsam, these buttons are not only the finishing touch but also the starting point, just like the opening of a perfect work. A surprising or unexpected start can always spark more attention and appreciation later. Meanwhile, these buttons, which are linked to the essence of traditional Chinese culture, are an important way for us to rediscover Chinese characteristics. They are small, delicate, and a vivid symbol of the ancient people's aesthetics. In ancient times, our ancestors needed to use ropes or belts to tie knots or fasten buttons to fix the front of their clothes and keep warm during work. This kind of knot can be regarded as the earliest origin of the frog buttons. Later, with the development of dynasties, the knots also changed accordingly. For example, the "ribbon" in the Zhou Dynasty, the "silk ribbon" in the Northern and Southern Dynasties, the "silk knot ribbon" in the prosperous Tang Dynasty, and the "jade ring ribbon" in the Song Dynasty. These are all the step - by - step changes of the knot ribbons evolving into frog buttons. In the Ming and Qing…

Meng Ziyi (孟子义) has rapidly ascended as a standout actress in Chinese historical dramas, blending stunning visuals with nuanced portrayals of resilient women. Whether playing a vengeful rebirth heroine or a diplomatic princess, she injects intelligence and emotional depth into every role. Here's a curated guide to her finest costume dramas—including the highly anticipated 2025 release. Blossom 九重紫 Aired: 2024 Period Background: Ming Dynasty-inspired fictional era Genres: Rebirth drama, Family revenge, Political strategy Main Roles: Meng Ziyi (Dou Zhao), Li Yunrui (Song Mo) Adapted From: Novel by Zhi Zhi Dou Zhao dies betrayed by her husband, only to awaken in her youth with memories intact. Partnering with General Song Mo, who also retains past memories, she races to prevent her mother's poisoning and reclaim stolen family assets. Despite their efforts, fate intervenes—her mother still dies, propelling Dou Zhao into a broader battle against systemic corruption. She navigates patriarchal constraints, outmaneuvers scheming relatives, and builds economic independence through shrewd entrepreneurship. Her alliance with Song Mo evolves from tactical cooperation to a deep bond as they expose political conspiracies threatening the nation. Narrative Precision & Emotional Resonance The story avoids clichéd "revenge fantasy" tropes. Dou Zhao's struggle emphasizes practical agency—using business acumen…

As a popular choice for screen adaptations, the novels of Ma Boyong always garner widespread attention when brought to the screen. The recently aired The Litchi Road is yet another work of Ma Boyong, following the success of The Longest Day in Chang'an, LUOYANG and Under the Microscope, that has been adapted into a TV series. The Litchi Road is produced by China Central Television, China TV Drama Production Center, Penguin Pictures, and Liubai Film & Television. Directed by Cao Dun and Gao Xiang, with Ma Boyong as a story consultant, the series stars Lei Jiayin and Yue Yunpeng. It is a witty drama that blends ancient and modern sensibilities. The story takes place during the Tang Dynasty and follows Li Shande, an inconspicuous low-ranking official in Chang'an, who is framed and reluctantly tasked with the nearly impossible job of transporting fresh lychees from Lingnan to Chang'an. With a tight deadline and limited resources, Li embarks on a journey that spans over a thousand miles to complete the mission. Known for using high-density information to drive the narrative forward, Ma Boyong is also adept at focusing on the fates of small characters. The Litchi Road continues this tradition, earning it…

"Come over next Saturday night," Chef Yang Boying said. "I'll make an old school dish—cordyceps duck. You won't find it in restaurants these days." I arrived right on time. Yang lifted the lid off a steaming pot, releasing the scent of something rich and ancient. Inside was a rustic farm duck, slow-steamed for four hours in a dark, nourishing broth. Sprouting from the skin were black threads that looked like rat tails—twenty pieces of cordyceps, carefully skewered into the flesh. The sight was strange, even a little eerie, but the aroma was unforgettable. Medicine and Food Share the Same Root Cordyceps duck (虫草鸭子), a medicinal classic from 19th-century Sichuan, embodies the Chinese belief that food and medicine share the same root. Once served at Chengdu's Tong Ren Tang—a pharmacy that also sold nourishing dishes—it was never just a meal. Cordyceps, a rare fungus that grows from caterpillars, is prized in traditional Chinese medicine for enhancing energy and immunity. The method used to cook this duck—piercing it and inserting the fungus by hand—was both precise and poetic. Today, few make it this way. The cordyceps are usually tossed into the pot with the duck, no fancy presentation. But Yang prefers the…

The distinction between modern and period idol dramas is particularly stark lately—modern ones depict characters "falling deep in love", while period ones are heavily featuring the "Sea of Hatred, Sky of Love" trope. Take the modern idol drama Be Passionately in Love (陷入我们的热恋), which focuses squarely on passionate romance. It follows a pure love line both on and off-screen—kissing scenes require camera angles! In contrast, the period idol drama Feud (临江仙) features two immortal leads who have already married twice, had a child, and are now going through divorce. Their story follows the path of love turning to intense hatred, a dynamic of mutual affection and mutual destruction. Feud isn't the only recent period idol drama embracing this "Sea of Hatred, Sky of Love" setup. In The Prisoner Of Beautyl (折腰), the male and female leads are heirs to feuding families who form a grudging union. The warlord Wei Shao bends for love, setting aside his hatred. While The Legend of Zang hai (藏海传) might not be a standard period idol drama, its romance subplot is textbook "Sea of Hatred, Sky of Love". Remarkably, the cluelessly cishet director even managed to infuse the dynamic between Zang Hai and Marquis Pingjin…

The Chinese anime Renegade Immortal (仙逆) recently released its theatrical film Battle of Divine Descent. Adapted from Er Gen's xianxia web novel, Renegade Immortal follows Wang Lin, an ordinary boy who defies fate to cultivate immortality. Its 2023 anime adaptation received consistent acclaim, transitioning from seasonal to year-round release status. As the franchise's first theatrical film, Battle of Divine Descent was highly anticipated. While its pacing received mixed reviews compared to the series, it delivered abundant romantic moments for the main couple, proving highly appealing to shippers and maintaining strong popularity. Renegade Immortal's success stems from its mastery of blending male-oriented and female-oriented narrative appeals: Protagonist Wang Lin operates with ruthless decisiveness, delivering high-octane satisfaction for action fans. His character design is exceptionally handsome, and he exhibits unwavering devotion to the female lead Li Muwan. He represents a rare "exemplary fidelity" archetype within male-oriented narratives, whose romantic depth rivals dedicated love interests in female-oriented stories. The "Lin-Wan" couple pairing has attracted a massive fandom, including significant female viewership. News of an upcoming live-action adaptation has sparked heated discussion. While such adaptations cannot replicate the anime's approach, Renegade Immortal offers valuable insights for male-oriented IPs seeking broader audience appeal. The Anime's…

Since its premiere, The Litchi Road (长安的荔枝) has experienced a somewhat slow start. So far, the show's share on Yunhe platform has stabilized around 10%, which suggests that the effective per-episode view count hasn't broken the 10 million mark. Meanwhile, social media discussions show the series lacks breakout topics and overall buzz remains limited. Even on television, where historical dramas typically hold an advantage, The Litchi Road failed to ignite major interest. According to Kuyun statistics, after airing on CCTV-8, the daily ratings dropped from 1.4885 at debut to 1.2093 by June 10th. This raises another question: can historical dramas still activate the market today? Historical dramas—including both serious and legendary genres—have been frequently discussed in the industry over the past two years. Last spring's industry conference featured multiple remarks suggesting "historical dramas may make a comeback as a new market hotspot." A series of projects are also underway, positioning this genre as a key effort to solve current content challenges and boost the market. The reason lies in the past super high popularity of historical dramas on TV, which made people see the potential for activating diverse audiences. But judging by recent project performances, this assumption deserves a question…

Every year, during the Dragon Boat Festival (端午节), you'll see families across China hanging bundles of mugwort (艾草) on their doors, wearing fragrant sachets close to their bodies, and tying colorful threads on children's wrists. In places like Henan and Zhejiang, pots are filled with garlic and eggs. These time-honored traditions, passed down for thousands of years, form a complete "protective system" against evil spirits. But the Dragon Boat Festival isn't just a day to remember the poet Qu Yuan. Its long-standing folk practices signify a celebration of life, a prayer for the living, and a struggle against the uncertainty of life. Traditional Food Rituals as Protection During Festivals A saying goes, "If you don't wear mugwort on Dragon Boat Festival, you'll turn into a ghost after death." Mugwort and calamus, often placed at the thresholds of homes, act like plant-based charms, creating a symbolic barrier to safeguard both family and body. Food, which enters the body directly, forms an even closer connection with people and is given the special power to ward off evil spirits. For example, the red beans, salted egg yolks, and salted meats wrapped inside zongzi (粽子, traditional sticky rice dumplings) are considered "yang objects" (阳物),…

If you're still haunted by the twists and emotional gut-punches of The Legend of Zang Hai (藏海传), you're not alone. Whether it's the tangled web of loyalty between Zang Hai and his mentor Zhao Bingwen, or the eerie suspense surrounding the elusive "third man," social media remains ablaze with fan theories and character dissections. And here's the kicker—unlike your typical revenge fantasy where the protagonist rises through sheer plot armor, The Legend of Zang Hai gives us a tragic, deeply psychological hero. Zang Hai's arc has become a spiritual sinkhole fans can't stop falling into. Viewers don't just watch him—they breathe with him. What made this slow-burn success possible? According to the show's general director Zheng Xiaolong, much of the credit goes to a fresh face behind the camera: young director Cao Yiwen, whose approach breathed new life into the genre. His unique directorial style has fostered a whole ecosystem of fan-made scripts and alternative readings—what Chinese netizens call "wild screenwriters" (meaning audiences passionately creating their own interpretations and continuations of the plot). Tracing Cao's Creative Footprint Rewind to 2020, and you'll find Cao's name on another unconventional title: To Love (最初的相遇,最后的别离). It wasn't just another noir-tinged romance—it brought a…

In the summer of 2025, China’s screens are awash with the lush landscapes of The Lychees from Chang'an (长安的荔枝). In this historical drama, Tang Dynasty clerk Li Shande (李善德) races against time to deliver fresh lychees from Lingnan (岭南，modern Guangdong) to the emperor in Chang’an (长安， today’s Xi’an). Beyond its cinematic appeal, this series has unleashed an unprecedented cultural and economic wave-dubbed the “lychee fever”-reshaping industries from agriculture to tourism. The Consumer Frenzy: When Drama Fuels Demand Lychee sales have exploded since the show’s debut. Data from JD.com reveals a staggering 560% year-on-year surge in Guangdong (广东) lychee purchases, while searches for ”Guangdong lychee” on Meituan spiked 143% in early June. Supermarkets now feature dedicated lychee displays, and premium varieties, such as Feizixiao (the “Imperial Concubine’s Smile,” named after the royal favorite of the show), sell out daily. The show’s marketing genius lies in its immersive cross-promotion. Actors like Lei Jiayin (雷佳音) post videos urging fans to “eat lychees while watching Lychee,” while social media campaigns like #EatWithRoyalLychee trend nationwide. Brands have jumped in too: limited-edition lychee gift boxes, packaged with Tang Dynasty aesthetics, fly off the shelves, blending historical fantasy with modern snacking rituals. Even celebrities amplify the hype. Shu Qi’s (舒淇) viral selfies of munching lychees while binge-watching epitomize the cultural moment. As one…

The year 2025 has unleashed a treasure trove of Chinese costume dramas that transcend borders, blending intricate storytelling, stunning visuals, and themes resonating with modern audiences. From the sweat-drenched desperation of a Tang Dynasty civil servant to the mind-bending terror of ancient artifacts, these series offer more than escapism—they deliver cultural depth, heart-pounding suspense, and romance that lingers. If you’re craving narratives where history collides with high stakes and emotional payoff, these five titles are your must-watch list. Trust me, your next obsession is waiting. 1. The Litchi Road Move over, fantasy cliches. 2025’s standout dramas are rewriting the rules, grounding even the most outlandish concepts in human struggle and historical grit. Take The Litchi Road (长安的荔枝). Based on Ma Boyong’s (马伯庸) ingenious novel, it follows low-level official Li Shande (played by the effortlessly relatable Lei Jiayin) who’s handed a bureaucratic death sentence: deliver fresh lychees from tropical Lingnan (岭南) to the emperor in Chang’an-1,500 miles in three days before the fruit spoils. It’s a logistical nightmare wrapped in Tang Dynasty politics, earning its nickname as “ancient survival horror” for its depiction of workplace betrayal, impossible deadlines, and ingenious pre-industrial “cold-chain tech” involving brine and nested jars. Lei’s everyman desperation is perfectly offset by Yue Yunpeng (岳云鹏) as his wisecracking brother-in-law, Zheng…

Have you ever seen a neckerchief in a costume drama for the first time? In the costume drama Unburdened Ferry, Duan Banxia, played by Song Zuer, often appears wearing a short shawl. It looks like a pibo (披帛), but the way of tying a knot in front of the chest is so similar to our modern neckerchief. Could this also be a kind of "time - traveling" fashion? Let's answer first. It's called a "neckerchief". Similar ways of wearing it were seen in the Northern and Southern Dynasties, and it became even more popular during the late Tang, Five Dynasties, and the Northern Song. It should be an extended style of the pibo or peizi (帔子), but actually shorter and wider than the pibo. It's mainly used to wrap the neck, keep out the cold, and match clothes. In the painting The Picture of Proofreading Books in the Northern Qi Dynasty, we can see the tying style of the neckerchief of ladies in the Northern and Southern Dynasties. At this time, peizi already existed and was once commonly in a "short and wide" style, which is very similar to the neckerchief we see later. After the Wu Zhou period, something…

"If I had a ferry ticket, would you come with me? If there was another one, would you take me along?" Whenever I hear this line, the classic melody by Shigeru Umebayashi plays in my ear, and the scene unfolds before my eyes: Su Lizhen (played by Zhang Manyu) in a cheongsam, carrying a thermos and buying a bowl of wonton noodles on the street in the dimly lit alley at night, then meeting Chow Mo-wan (Tony Leung) who's also caught in the rain on her way back... The ambiguous tension brews quietly, with a foreseeable ending. This is Wong Kar-wai's artistic expression of love, and this line has become the most regrettable confession in Chinese film history. If there's a movie that can fully showcase the beauty of cheongsams, it must be "In the Mood for Love". Even 23 years after its release, Su Lizhen played by Zhang Manyu still lives in the hearts of countless audiences. Few can wear cheongsams as impressively as she did. Her tall and slender figure, graceful posture, and every step exude charm. The grace of the cheongsam and the reserved charm of Oriental women blend perfectly, presenting a multi - dimensional view of…

In the ancient - costume drama The Longest Promise, Hanikiz's Tang - style makeup was truly impressive. Considering her previous Dunhuang - themed looks, netizens exclaimed that she was the 'Chosen One of the Tang Dynasty'. Why do we have such a strong impression of this kind of makeup? Let me start with the conclusion. We often say that the 'Hu style' prevailed in the Tang Dynasty. But where did this 'Hu style' come from? Looking back at this trend, the Uyghur people are a prominent example. The Uyghurs were originally called 'Huihe'. Through historical development and evolution, they eventually became the Uyghur ethnic minority we know today. The Uyghurs have distinct facial features, with thick eyebrows, big eyes, and three - dimensional facial structures, along with a strong and healthy build, which gives people a strong sense of the 'Hu style'. The historical influence of the Uyghurs is also profound. Before the Tang Dynasty, they were called 'Huihe' and once submitted to the Turks. Later, when the Turks were in turmoil and the Tang army attacked the Turks, they helped the Huihe establish the 'Uyghur Khaganate'. From then on, they 'abandoned their nomadic lifestyle and became sedentary people', which…