With the recent announcement of China's sixth batch of national intangible cultural heritage inheritors, Guangdong has become a focal point, with 58 individuals recognized for their dedication to preserving arts like Guangdong Lion Dance (广东醒狮), Cantonese Opera (粤剧), and Chaozhou Opera (潮剧). Among these honorees are practitioners of some of China's most enigmatic folk traditions—Nuó Dance (傩舞), Qilin Dance (麒麟舞), and Panwang Festival (盘王节). Each of these embodies the resilience of Chinese folk culture, preserving both its mystical essence and regional identity. But what cultural significance do they hold? How do their inheritors sustain them in modern times? Let's step into the world of these mesmerizing traditions. Nuó Dance: A Ritual Frozen in Time "Nuó Dance is deeply rooted in our village's traditions. It has been passed down for generations, and everyone, from elders to children, participates with enthusiasm," says Peng Qiusheng, a newly recognized national inheritor from Jiuxian Village (旧县村) in Zhanjiang (湛江). Nuó (傩), an ancient ritual performance, traces its origins back to the Zhou Dynasty (西周). It was initially a shamanistic practice to ward off evil spirits and seek divine blessings for favorable weather and bountiful harvests. Over centuries, it evolved into a dramatic art form encompassing…

When spring arrives, so does that overwhelming drowsiness. Some of us reach for an iced coffee, while others hit the gym to shake off the fatigue. But these modern solutions only offer temporary relief. If we truly want to stay energized, why not take a page from ancient wisdom? From the traditional lifestyle of "rising with the sun and resting at dusk" to the proactive health philosophy of "preventing illness before it arises," our ancestors mastered the art of well-being. Let's explore their secrets through ancient artifacts and uncover seasonal health tips that still applies today. Spring: Wake Up Your Body with Daoyin Exercises The Huangdi Neijing (黄帝内经), an ancient Chinese medical text, states: "In the three months of spring, one should go to bed late and rise early, take walks in the courtyard, and embrace the vitality of the season." This advice highlights the essence of spring wellness—waking up early and engaging in physical activity to rejuvenate the body. Over 2,000 years ago, people already practiced a form of breathing-based exercise known as Daoyin (导引), an early form of qigong. The Daoyin Tu (导引图), an ancient scroll excavated from the Mawangdui (马王堆) Han tombs, depicts 44 figures performing various…

The earliest known mature writing system in China, oracle bone script (Jiaguwen, 甲骨文), emerged during the late Shang Dynasty (商, 14th to 11th centuries B.C.). Carved onto tortoise shells and animal bones, these inscriptions preserve the historical memory and cultural codes of early Chinese civilization. As both the "childhood form" of Chinese characters and a mirror reflecting the Shang and Zhou societies, they offer invaluable insights into ancient governance, religion, technology, and art. Since their rediscovery in 1899, oracle bone inscriptions have opened a 3,000-year-old historical window, embodying the weight of "one word, one history" and serving as a cornerstone for understanding Chinese cultural roots. From Knife to Brush, the Origins of Calligraphy Oracle bone inscriptions were carved using bronze or jade knives, resulting in thin, sharp, and angular strokes that exhibit a unique "knife-carved aesthetic." The characters vary in size and spacing—such as "sacrifice" (Ji, 祭), resembling a symmetrical altar, or "deer" (Lu, 鹿), whose simple curves suggest antlers and hooves. These early inscriptions laid the foundation for later Chinese calligraphy, influencing scripts like Jinwen (金文, Bronze Inscriptions) and Seal Script (徽书, Zhuanshu). Many oracle bone characters retain strong pictographic elements. For example, "mountain" (Shan, 山) depicts three peaks,…

Hey, ever wanted to see a real-life fairy kick butt in ancient China? Meet Liu Yifei (刘亦菲) — the actress who's been slaying wuxia swords, brewing Song Dynasty tea, and redefining warrior princesses since she was 14. Whether you're here for the sword fights or the feels, Liu Yifei's roles are your next binge-watch obsession. Return of the Condor Heroes 神雕侠侣 Aired: 2006 Period Background: Southern Song Dynasty (13th century) Genres: Wuxia, romance, adventure Main Roles: Liu Yifei as Xiaolongnü (小龙女), Huang Xiaoming as Yang Guo (杨过) Adapted From: Jin Yong's (金庸) classic wuxia novel The Return of the Condor Heroes Return of the Condor Heroes isn't just a drama—it's the ultimate wuxia rollercoaster. Liu Yifei's breakout role as Xiaolongnü (Little Dragon Girl) turned her into an overnight icon, and for good reason: this series has everything. Sword fights on bamboo forests? Check. Forbidden romance that'd make Shakespeare sweat? Double-check. A heroine who can kill you with a silk ribbon? Oh yeah. The Setup: Xiaolongnü isn't your average girl-next-door. Raised in the Tomb of the Living Dead (活死人墓—yes, that's its actual name) by her reclusive sect, she's mastered ancient martial arts but knows zilch about the outside world. Enter Yang…

If you've ever wondered why Hu Ge (胡歌) is called the "King of Chinese Costume Dramas," his roles speak louder than titles. From sword-wielding heroes to cunning strategists, he's brought China's past to life for over 20 years—and his shows are a perfect starting point for anyone curious about Chinese history, myths, and storytelling. No frills, no jargon—just great stories that mix action, romance, and a slice of ancient China. Let's break down his best costume hits and why they're worth your watchlist. Chinese Paladin: Sword and Fairy 仙剑奇侠传 Aired: 2005 Period Background: Mythical Ancient China (Wuxia/Xianxia genre) Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Adventure Main Roles: Hu Ge (Li Xiaoyao), Liu Yifei (Zhao Ling'er), An Yixuan (Lin Yueru) Adapted From: The Sword and Fairy RPG game by Softstar Entertainment. Li Xiaoyao isn't your typical hero. He starts as a carefree, slightly lazy innkeeper in a small coastal village, cracking jokes and dodging responsibility. But when his aunt falls mysteriously ill, he's forced to leave home and seek a cure. What begins as a simple rescue mission quickly spirals into an epic adventure. Along the way, he meets Zhao Ling'er, a gentle but enigmatic girl with a secret lineage tied to ancient immortals,…

If you've ever binge-watched a Cheng Yi (成毅) drama, you know two things: he loves a good costume, and he'll make you cry—or cheer—without saying a word. From mystical immortals to scheming emperors, Cheng Yi has become the go-to actor for Chinese historical and fantasy dramas that hook viewers with their mix of heartbreak, sword fights, and intricate plots. Let's dive into his top period dramas—where every flick of his sleeve or subtle glance tells a story. Love and Redemption 琉璃 Aired: 2020 Period Background: Set in a mythical ancient China Genres: Xianxia, Romance, Fantasy Main Roles:Cheng Yi as Yu Sifeng (禹司凤), Yuan Bingyan (袁冰妍) as Chu Xuanji (褚璇玑) Adapted From: The novel Liu Li Mei Ren Sha (琉璃美人煞) by Shi Si Lang (十四郎) At its core, Love and Redemption is a saga of cosmic love and redemption spanning ten reincarnations. Yu Sifeng, a noble yet cursed disciple, falls for Chu Xuanji, whose fragmented soul lacks emotional awareness due to her divine origins. Each lifetime, Sifeng sacrifices himself to protect her—whether by taking lethal blows, enduring soul-crushing betrayal, or surrendering his spiritual essence—only to watch her forget him repeatedly. Xuanji's journey to regain her "heart" mirrors her awakening as the…

Liu Shishi's (刘诗诗) costume dramas have a unique charm. Whether she plays a gentle yet resilient heroine or a bold and fearless warrior, she always brings her characters to life. Today, let's dive into her top five costume classics and see which one stands out as your favorite. Bu Bu Jing Xin / Startling by Each Step 步步惊心 Aired: 2011 Period Background: Qing Dynasty (17th–18th century) Genres: Time-travel romance, political intrigue Main Roles: Liu Shishi as Zhang Xiao/ Ruoxi (若曦), Nicky Wu as Fourth Prince Yinzhen (胤禛) Adapted From: Tong Hua's (桐华) novel Bu Bu Jing Xin If you've ever daydreamed about time travel, Bu Bu Jing Xin (BBJX) is the drama that will make you rethink that fantasy. Forget glossy escapism—this series drops a modern woman into the cutthroat politics of the Qing Dynasty and asks: What if you knew how history would unfold, but couldn't change it? The Setup: Zhang Xiao (Liu Shishi), a 21st-century office worker, wakes up in 1711 as Maertai Ruoxi, a noblewoman entangled with Kangxi Emperor's sons. Her modern sensibilities clash with rigid imperial rules, but her knowledge of history (thanks to history books) becomes both a weapon and a curse. The Storm: The…

Unlike Western culinary classifications by courses or ingredients, Chinese cuisine categorizes itself through philosophical flavor balance and geographical personality. The eight recognized styles - Shandong (鲁菜), Sichuan (川菜), Cantonese (粤菜), Jiangsu (苏菜), Zhejiang (浙菜), Fujian (闽菜), Hunan (湘菜), and Anhui (徽菜) - each developed unique characteristics shaped by local topography, historical trade routes, and imperial influences. The eight cuisines follow different culinary principles - Cantonese chefs prioritize Wok Hei (breath of the wok 锅气) through quick frying, while Anhui cuisine employs slower braising methods to extract depth from mountain herbs and preserved goods. Understanding the "Eight Great Cuisines" (八大菜系) provides the key to appreciating Chinese complex edible culture. As we examine each cuisine's signature techniques, historical influences, and philosophical underpinnings, prepare to discover how imperial edicts shaped flavor preferences and how climate dictated regional preservation methods that became beloved flavors. Shandong Cuisine Rooted in the fertile plains and rugged coastlines of eastern China, Shandong Cuisine stands as the grand progenitor of China's culinary traditions, its influence radiating through royal kitchens and humble hearths for over 2,500 years. Born in the homeland of Confucius, this cuisine marries the pragmatism of northern Chinese life with the poetic discipline of ancient rituals, creating…

If you're new to Chinese historical dramas, Zhang Ruoyun's (张若昀) name should be at the top of your list. Forget stiff period pieces—his shows mix sharp wit, high-stakes politics, and characters who feel real, even in silk robes. Whether he's playing a math genius in the Ming Dynasty or a warrior prince in a fictional empire, Zhang makes centuries-old stories crackle with modern energy. Let's cut to the chase: here are his five best costume masterpieces to binge next. Joy of Life 庆余年 Aired: Season 1 (2019), Season 2 (2024) Period Background: Fictional Qing Dynasty-inspired empire Genres: Political intrigue, Historical fantasy, Mystery Main Roles: Fan Xian (范闲): Zhang Ruoyun as a witty, modern-minded nobleman navigating court conspiracies. Emperor Qing (庆帝): Chen Daoming (陈道明) as the enigmatic ruler. Adapted From: Cat Nip's novel Joy of Life. If you've ever wondered what Game of Thrones might look like with a Chinese twist—minus the dragons but packed with biting humor and brainy schemers—Joy of Life is your answer. Zhang Ruoyun's breakout role as Fan Xian redefined historical fantasy, blending time-travel logic, political chess games, and a protagonist who'd feel just as at home in a coffee shop as in a royal palace. Aired in two…

If you're tired of predictable heroes in period dramas, meet Yang Yang (杨洋)—an actor who's equally convincing as a brooding immortal, a sword-slinging detective, or a prince who'd rather solve equations than wage wars. Forget stuffy historical accuracy; Yang's dramas thrive on blending fantasy, wit, and heart. Whether he's floating through xianxia realms or sparring with corrupt officials, his roles feel like invitations to explore China's storytelling traditions. Here's why his costume dramas offer the ultimate historical adventures. Who Rules the World 且试天下 Aired: 2022 Period Background: Fictional warring kingdoms (inspired by ancient Chinese dynasties) Genres: Wuxia, Political intrigue, Romance Main Roles:Hei Fengxi/Prince Feng Lanxi (黑丰息/丰兰息): Yang Yang as a cunning, dual-identity prince balancing court politics and martial arts mastery. Bai Fengxi/Feng Xiyun (白风夕/风惜云): Zhao Lusi (赵露思) as a warrior princess and his equal in wit and combat. Adapted From: Qing Lengyue's (倾泠月) novel Who Rules the World. Set in a fictional world of warring kingdoms (think ancient China meets Dune), the show avoids stuffy historical lectures. Instead, it drops you into a high-stakes power struggle between six royal families. Hei Fengxi isn't your typical prince: by day, he's Feng Lanxi, a sickly scholar calculating tax reforms. By night, he's…

If you've ever binge-watched a Chinese drama just for the costumes, chances are Yang Mi (杨幂) was in it. From mischievous fox spirits to time-traveling heroines, she's dominated China's costume drama scene for over a decade—not just with her looks, but with roles that blend grit, wit, and heart. Let's cut straight to her most iconic characters and why they're worth your screen time.   Eternal Love 三生三世十里桃花 Aired: 2017 Period Background: Mythical fantasy realm spanning heavenly, mortal, and demonic worlds. Genres: Xianxia (fantasy martial arts), Romance, Drama Main Roles: Yang Mi as Bai Qian (白浅), Mark Chao (赵又廷) as Ye Hua (夜华) Adaptation Source: Novel Three Lives, Three Worlds, Ten Miles of Peach Blossoms by Tang Qi Gong Zi (唐七公子) Bai Qian, a 140,000-year-old fox goddess and ruler of the Qingqiu Fox Clan, is no damsel in distress. She's a deity who drinks wine like water, fights demons with a smirk, and has zero patience for celestial bureaucracy. But her life gets complicated when a celestial romance curse forces her into three lifetimes of love, loss, and amnesia. First Life: As a young immortal, Bai Qian disguises herself as a male disciple named "Si Yin" to train under the…

Zhao Liying (赵丽颖) stands as a luminary in the realm of historical and fantasy dramas. Known for her versatile acting, ethereal screen presence, and ability to embody strong female leads, Zhao has dominated China's television landscape for over a decade. This article curates her most iconic costume dramas, offering insights into their historical settings, genres, and cultural significance. Perfect for newcomers to Chinese TV, these recommendations blend rich storytelling, breathtaking visuals, and Zhao's unparalleled charm. The Legend of Lu Zhen 陆贞传奇 Aired: 2013 Period Background: Set in the Northern Qi Dynasty (北齐; 550–577 CE), a short-lived but culturally rich regime during China's chaotic Northern and Southern Dynasties (南北朝; 420–589 CE). This era was marked by frequent wars, shifting alliances, and the rise of Buddhism, offering a dramatic backdrop of political instability and social transformation. Genres: Historical Epic, Political Drama, Female Empowerment Main Roles: - Zhao Liying as Lu Zhen – A commoner-turned-political strategist. - Chen Xiao (陈晓) as Emperor Gao Zhan – A reformist ruler battling court corruption. Adapted From: The novel Nü Xiang (女相, "Female Prime Minister") by Zhang Wei (张巍), loosely inspired by the life of Lu Lingxuan, a historical female official in Northern Qi. Born into a…

Why didn't the high-waisted hanfu skirts (齐胸裙) worn by people in the Tang Dynasty fall down? This kind of skirt didn't have elastic bands or other similar measures. Did it rely on large breasts to stay up? Could it really stay in place without falling? The Principle of Skirt Fixation As we all know, in the Sui and Tang Dynasties of China's clothing history, the waistline of skirts became popular to move up. The current popular way of wearing it is called "high-waisted". As the name suggests, since it is worn on the chest and the high-waisted skirts we often see don't have shoulder straps, the force can only go downward. Then the chest must bear the necessary pressure. Let's think in a more straightforward way. We know that a skirt won't fall when tied around the waist because the waist is like a mortise and tenon structure. As long as it is tied tightly enough to prevent the waistline from slipping, you rarely see a wrapped skirt falling off unless it isn't tied properly. Similarly, for high-waisted skirts, as long as the tying part is tightened, you can jump around without the skirt falling. Fabric and Design Considerations Of…

Did ancient clothes have buttons? Isn't it too "modern"? Well, buttons did exist in ancient times! They just weren't always called "buttons". Traditional "Jieying Xidai" In ancient Chinese clothing, the most commonly used method was "Jieying Xidai" (结缨系带). It involved wrapping two delicate ribbons around to connect the two sides or front and back parts of the clothing tightly. It was both stable and adjustable in terms of fit. As recorded in "Liji Yuzao" (礼记·玉藻), "Disciples use twisted ribbons to tie knots." "Niu" (纽) in Chinese is related to threads as it has the radical "mi". Uncertain Cases in Qin Dynasty However, there were also some special cases. For example, there were decorations on the Terracotta Warriors that resembled one - character buttons. But some also claim that they were ropes specifically for connecting armor, and this is still in doubt. Development in Tang and Song Dynasties During the Tang and Song dynasties, although ribbons still dominated, the clothing culture was quietly changing. Round - collared robes and some minority Beizi (褙子) gradually incorporated cloth buttons, mostly made by knotting silk fabrics. Some reports now call them "Niupan" (纽襻). Flourishing in Ming Dynasty In the Ming Dynasty, the prosperity of…

The Origin of the Pomegranate Skirt When a woman's beauty or charm captivates a man, people often use the phrase "succumb to the pomegranate skirt" to describe this irresistible allure. So, where does this enchanting "pomegranate skirt" come from and what does it symbolize? The pomegranate, also known as Anshiliu (安石榴), originated in Iran and Central Asia. It was brought back to China by Zhang Qian after his mission to the Western Regions. It is said that the ancient version of Book of Marvels (待求证) records: "Zhang Qian of the Han Dynasty brought back pomegranate seeds from the Tulin and Anshi countries after his mission to the Western Regions, hence the name Anshiliu." The Anshi country, also known as the Parthian Empire, is now Iran and its neighboring areas. The term "pomegranate skirt" is said to have emerged during the Han Dynasty, referring to a bright red women's skirt. Its popularity stems from the vivid color of pomegranate flowers. The color of the pomegranate skirt, or pomegranate red, is a slightly deeper red like that of pomegranate fruits, or an orange - red as bright as pomegranate flowers. The ancients used pomegranate flower juice to dye fabrics, creating the distinctive…

In the past year, various concepts of 'fragmentation' and 'fatalism' have suddenly become popular online. Paired with trendy Hanfu styles such as the straight-fronted robe of the 'Warring States' period, the silk shirt of the Northern Song Dynasty, Tang-style shirts and skirts, and armor, there are all sorts of scenarios: running away in the rainy back - view, collapsing in the ice and snow, being tied up, drawing a sword, dying in battle, and even imitating Emperor Chongzhen's 'hanging himself'. It's really a wide variety, giving us a fresh feeling of fatalism. Understanding 'Fragmentation' and 'Fatalism' What exactly are 'fragmentation' and 'fatalism'? Do we really need this kind of emotional appeal? In short, this kind of aesthetic doesn't necessarily have to be called 'fragmentation' or 'fatalism'. It's a kind of incomplete, heart - wrenching but irresistible sadness. Originally more common in the fields of painting and sculpture, with the lower threshold of shooting short dramas and taking photos and the improvement of costumes and props, ordinary people have more opportunities to touch those emotional corners that are usually hard to notice and seek deep 'resonance'. Creating the Atmosphere To create this sense of fatalism, besides creating extreme environments, for example,…

Why Maids Often Wear Short-Sleeved Tops in TV Dramas Why do we often see maids wearing short-sleeved tops in TV dramas, while young ladies rarely do? Let's first talk about these so - called "short - sleeved" tops. Maids wear them mainly for the convenience of work. However, this style is not restricted to maids; it's just a type of clothing item. In ancient China, it had two names: "Banxiu" (半袖) and "Banbi" (半臂). It originally evolved from the short ru (a kind of traditional Chinese upper - body garment). Usually, it reached the waist, and the sleeve length was up to the elbow or even shorter. It was not worn alone, and the most common way to wear it today is to put it over a long - sleeved garment. Actually, men could also wear it. In the Tang Dynasty, it was often used as an inner layer, like wearing a Banbi inside a round - collar robe. The Origin and Popularity of Banbi This style emerged during the Han and Jin dynasties. The figurines of a lute - playing person and a mirror - holding person in Sichuan Han tombs were all wearing Banbi over long - sleeved…

Questioning Ancient Hair Volume Did the ancient people have astonishing hair volume? Could they create such high buns with their own hair? Well, it's a joke! The ancient people already had the "baldness crisis" and secretly wore wigs. In fact, the hair volume of the ancient people might not be as thick as that shown in Zhou Fang's Painting of Ladies Wearing Flowers in Their Hair (《簪花仕女图》). The so - called "Yiji" (义髻) in ancient times was the predecessor of the wig buns we see today. The fashion of wearing wigs started among upper - class women, aiming to increase hair volume and create more complex bun styles, similar to today's hair pads. Materials and Styles of Ancient Wigs The common materials for Yiji were hair or alternative modeling materials like wooden pieces. This spiral - shaped Yiji was made of "false hair". Lined with linen, wrapped with palm hair and dyed, it was made into a spiral shape. You could just press it on your head to complete the makeup, showing both simplicity and ingenuity. The materials for making Yiji were diverse, not limited to real human hair. For example, thin wooden pieces were used. This lacquered wooden wig…

Nowadays, young people are into black lipstick. Their families would surely be shocked and wonder about this "weird" aesthetic. But if this trend went back over a thousand years to the Tang Dynasty, you'd be amazed at the "ahead - of - time" makeup looks. People would exclaim, "It's still our ancestors who were the trendsetters!" The "Wu Gao" (乌膏) mentioned by Xi Jun and Mrs. Ma in "The Detective Diaries 2" (唐诡2) did exist in the Tang Dynasty. It was a special kind of lip balm in the "Shishi Zhuang" (时世妆), or the fashionable makeup of the time. According to "New Book of Tang -五行志", during the Yuanhe period of Emperor Xianzong of the Tang Dynasty, women favored a makeup style of "round - bun and cone - shaped hair, no hair ornaments, no rouge or powder, only using Wu Gao to paint the lips, looking like someone who had been crying." Characteristics of the Makeup Even the spider spirit in "Black Myth: Wukong" has the same "Wu Gao - painted lips". This makeup was not just about painting the lips nearly black. It also included drawing eight - character eyebrows, adding oblique red makeup on the cheeks, and…

In the TV series A Love So Beautiful, the "Xian Dian" (仙钿) became the lifelong pursuit of many little fairies. The character played by Cheng Yi even achieved the transformation between immortal and demon identities by switching the marks between his eyebrows of different colors and shapes. Taking a closer look, isn't this "Xian Dian" just the Huadian (花钿) in traditional makeup? In most ancient - costume dramas, the classic "red dot between the eyebrows" often appears. These Huadian between the eyebrows are truly amazing. Not only women, but also more and more male characters in various popular ancient - costume TV dramas are using all kinds of Huadian. Even in many fairy - tale dramas, in order to distinguish status, derivatives such as "Xian Dian" for immortals ascending the immortal rank and "Asura marks" have emerged. In the game Black Myth: Wukong, the forehead of the spider spirit is also decorated with different Huadian. Huadian may also be an inherited mark. Different Huadian can be designed according to personal characteristics. Although the usage of Huadian in movies and TV shows is also strange, the facial makeup decorated with Huadian actually has a bit of classical charm. Where Does Huadian…