For centuries, the people living along the Qiantang River (钱塘江) in China engaged in a unique and perilous way of life: competing to catch "tide fish" at the river’s edge during the tidal surges. This practice, known as "chasing the tide," was both a means of livelihood and a dangerous game where participants faced nature's full wrath. Despite the risks, which resulted in numerous fatalities over the years, this tradition carried on until authorities eventually prohibited it, placing warning signs along the riverbank that read, “Danger: Tidal surge. Do not enter.” However, a new wave of excitement has emerged around the old tradition, propelled by social media. Videos of people chasing tide fish have gone viral, bringing modern fame to those daring enough to challenge the tides. Tire repair shops close, rideshare drivers turn off their apps, and groups of friends rush to the river to test their skills and luck. What was once a dangerous profession has transformed into a social media spectacle, where the pursuit of fish and fame intertwines. A New Breed of Tide Chasers With fishing nets in hand, today’s tide chasers stand at the edge of the river, awaiting the surge. Facing the churning, dark…

The Artistic Odyssey of Tang Wei Tang Wei (汤唯), renowned for her exceptional talent and fearless spirit, has carved a unique path in the realm of cinema beyond her breakthrough role in "Lust, Caution". Her journey through various cinematic landscapes showcases not only her versatile acting prowess but also her unwavering dedication to artistic exploration. A Versatile Artistic Journey Tang Wei's career flourished post-"Lust, Caution" with notable roles like in "Late Autumn", where her portrayal of a woman imprisoned for accidental manslaughter earned widespread acclaim. Her ability to vividly portray complex emotional landscapes underscores her deep understanding of character psychology. In "The Golden Era", Tang Wei masterfully depicted the tragic yet brilliant writer Xiao Hong from the Republican era. Her portrayal not only highlighted her versatility but also affirmed her ability to excel in diverse roles, spanning from historical dramas to contemporary narratives. International Acclaim and Artistic Integrity Beyond domestic success, Tang Wei has garnered international recognition, serving on judging panels at major film festivals and earning nominations and awards worldwide. Her films resonate not only in Asia but also in Western markets, underscoring her global appeal and the universality of her artistic expression. Tang Wei's success stems not just from…

Unraveling Mysteries in an Enchanted Tang Dynasty In the captivating world of "Tales of Tang: Journey to the West," (唐朝诡事录之西行) the second season of the critically acclaimed series, viewers are drawn into a tapestry of intrigue and supernatural wonders. Set against the backdrop of the Tang Dynasty, this series masterfully blends historical drama with fantastical elements, creating a unique detective narrative that defies traditional boundaries. The show, which premiered exclusively on iQIYI on July 18, 2022, has captivated audiences with its fresh take on the genre. With over 5.5 million pre-bookings and a score of 8.2 on Douban, surpassing its predecessor’s 7.9, "Journey to the West" has demonstrated its strong appeal. The series’ success lies in its innovative approach to storytelling, blending elements of folklore, mystery, and historical intrigue. Mystical Elements in Detective Fiction: A Tang Dynasty Revelation The magic of "Tales of Tang: Journey to the West" lies in its seamless integration of mysticism with the detective genre. In this season, the narrative is enriched with imaginative elements such as vengeful spirits, magical creatures, and arcane spells. These supernatural elements not only enhance the storytelling but also elevate the atmosphere, creating a unique blend of horror and mystery reminiscent of traditional…

In the late summer of 2022, "Strange Tales of Tang Dynasty," produced by Guo Jingyu, written by Wei Fenghua, and directed by Bai Shan with Yang Xuwen and Yang Zhigang in leading roles, burst onto the scene as a dark horse, paving a new path in historical dramas labeled as "Zhiguai" (tales of the strange). Since then, updates about its sequel have continuously captivated fans. From the promise of the original team's return to the announcement of the sequel's narrative direction towards the west in "Strange Tales of Tang Dynasty II To the West", each new development has sparked renewed interest and speculation among fans revisiting the original series, anticipating the plot of the new installment. Prior to the premiere of "Strange Tales of Tang Dynasty II To the West," nearly 6 million members had already pre-booked their spots, eagerly awaiting updates. The first six episodes, featuring the unit "The Demonic Transformation," received the most feedback in the barrage comments: "still the same." It maintains the familiar grandeur of Tang aesthetics and the eerie intrigue of zhiguai, coupled with meticulous attention to folk customs that resonate deeply. Lu Lingfeng (played by Yang Xuwen) and Su Wuming (played by Yang Zhigang),…

Rediscovering Tang Dynasty's Golden Era Through Epic Cinema In the heart of contemporary cinema, the allure of historical epics continues to captivate audiences worldwide. Among the latest entries is "Seal of the Gods: The Return of the Painting Sage," (封神：画圣归来) a mesmerizing film set against the backdrop of the illustrious Tang Dynasty. Directed by Qin Kai, produced by Shi Xiukun, and featuring a stellar cast including Gong Xiaojun (龚小钧), Huang Yilin (黄一琳), and Li Xiaoning (李肖宁), this cinematic masterpiece breathes new life into ancient legends and cultural marvels. Blending History, Fantasy, and Artistry: The Making of a Modern Epic At its core, "Seal of the Gods" weaves a tale of intrigue and heroism in the vibrant capital of Tang China, Luoyang. The storyline revolves around Pei Ming, a guardian of the Jinwu Guard, who retrieves the fabled painting "Thousand-Mile Incomplete Mountain" from the Turks. This painting, with its mystical ties to the Seal of the Gods, draws the attention of the revered painter Wu Daozi, portrayed by Gong Xiaojun, and sets in motion a chain of events that tests their mettle against dark conspiracies and supernatural forces. In recent days, the silver screen has shimmered with the release of "Seal of the Gods: The Return…

Sour soup hotpot, an enticing culinary adventure that beckons both the adventurous food enthusiast and the curious gastronome alike. It's not just a meal; it's a journey into the vibrant tapestry of Chinese flavors, where sourness takes center stage in a symphony of tastes. Whether you've savored its tangy embrace or are yet to indulge, the allure of sour soup hotpot is undeniable. Childhood Memories and Culinary Evolution Our fascination with sourness often traces back to childhood, where a simple encounter with a tart candy or a misplaced sip of vinegar could elicit a memorable sensory experience. Over the years, our culinary horizons have expanded beyond sweet and sour candies to include sophisticated dishes like sour cabbage and vinegar-glazed potato shreds. These Chinese delicacies have enriched our palate with nuanced layers of sourness, adding depth to our gustatory memories. A Culinary Revolution: Bringing Southern Sourness to the Masses In recent years, the charm of southern-style sour soup hotpots has spread far and wide, adorning street corners with tantalizing storefronts that pique the interest of passersby. It's not until you taste it yourself that you begin to unravel the deeper meaning behind this ubiquitous sourness. Guizhou Sour Soup Beef Hotpot In…

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

If granted the opportunity to travel back in time, returning to the Tang Dynasty would undoubtedly be a splendid choice. Currently, there is an exhibition that can make this dream a reality. Exhibition: "The Prosperous of Zhenguan - The Magnificent Era of Li Shimin" Dates: May 1, 2024 - August 25, 2024 Location: National Museum of Classic Books The exhibition's title is straightforward, primarily focusing on the Tang Emperor Li Shimin, known as Taizong, a figure familiar to us all. What resonates most is his era known as the "Zhenguan Reign." However, the historical accounts in textbooks are so brief that the image of Emperor Taizong portrayed is merely that of a wise ruler who valued advice. In reality, he had a military background, and his life story remains largely unknown to us. This exhibition aims to present him and that historical period in a more vivid and tangible manner. With 249 precious artifacts from 15 museums nationwide, it transports us back to that era of prosperity, peace, inclusivity, and openness. Among these exhibits are some significant pieces, such as the gilded and painted military and civil figurines, the portrait of a lady from the Duan Jianbi tomb, and the…

The Tang Dynasty was known for its admiration of plumpness and loose clothing style, which emerged after the appearance of Yang Guifei. By examining these reliable historical materials, we can discover that the Kaiyuan and Tianbao periods were the fastest-changing phases in fashion during the Tang Dynasty. Therefore, we will use Yang Yuhuan's life as a reference to explore the history of women's fashion during the flourishing Tang Dynasty, focusing on four stages: her childhood in the early Kaiyuan period, her time in Luoyang during the middle of the Kaiyuan period, her status as a noble concubine in the early Tianbao period, and her tragic end in the late Tianbao period. From the early Tang Dynasty to the Wu Zhou period, the trend of women's fashion can be summarized as follows: from the slender and conservative style at the beginning of the Tang Dynasty, to the gradually opening up under the reign of Emperor Dezong, and finally to the magnificent and flourishing Wu Zhou era. This was a time when the aesthetic ideals of Tang Dynasty women were characterized by elegance, confidence, and the willingness to showcase their figures. It was closely related to the influence of Empress Wu Zetian,…

The program of "Eight Masters of the Tang and Song" unveils the magnificent and dramatic life story of a generation of grandmasters through the mode of "immersive real-life performance + cinematic filming + XR innovative presentation", and explores the moments of the birth of "Tang and Song masterpieces". Immersive real-life performance: The "Cultural Exploration Team" personally experiences the plot, with scenes built on real-life settings. Cinematic filming: Through techniques such as plot rhythm and camera movement, the visuals are crafted to have a cinematic texture, enhancing the artistic and aesthetic qualities of the work. XR innovative presentation: By combining reality and virtuality through computers, it brings the participants a seamless immersion between the virtual world and the real world. Let us follow the "Cultural Exploration Team" of the program "Eight Masters of the Tang and Song" and step into the depths of history to take a look at the experience of Han Yu in the great Tang Dynasty. Han Yu lost his parents at a young age. At the age of 12, his older brother Han He passed away in Shaozhou, and Han Yu returned to Heyang with his sister-in-law to bury his brother. Since then, the burden of supporting…

"Even bitter fruits are fruits!" This piercing statement quickly made Xie Wei a popular character on the internet. It was his forced and insane actions of love towards Jiang Xuening. However, in the drama Story of Kunning Palace, we only see Xie Wei constantly targeting Jiang Xuening. Every time he appears, it is a deadly situation for her. Whether it is him holding a knife to her throat or threatening her, she is constantly under his control. If Jiang Xuening truly fell in love with such a madman, then she must have gone mad herself, right? In fact, that is the case. In this reincarnation, Jiang Xuening did not choose her childhood sweetheart Yan Lin, who had unresolved feelings from their past life. She did not choose her ex-husband Shen Jie, who showered her with love in their past life. She did not choose Zhang Zhe, the unattainable love from their past life. She only chose the crown prince's teacher, Xie Wei, who once tried to take her life. Her choice leaves the audience puzzled. However, it is not that difficult to understand once we unravel the love and hate entanglements between Jiang Xuening and these four individuals.   01…

During the Tang Dynasty, which was the pinnacle of feudal society in China, many aspects reached unprecedented heights. Well-known achievements such as poetry, calligraphy, painting, and dance were accompanied by a vibrant clothing culture that became one of the most dazzling chapters in Chinese fashion history. Consequently, hairstyles also exhibited an unimaginable array of colors and postures.   High Bun The term "high bun" may refer to a specific type of bun hairstyle, but it is more likely a general term for tall buns. High buns were frequently seen during the Tang Dynasty and underwent continuous innovation in style. Many poets mentioned them in their works. The popularity of these high buns spanned the entire three hundred years of the Tang Dynasty.   Lofty Bun Lofty Bun (峨髻, e ji) implies grandeur and magnificence. It is widely believed that the hairstyle depicted in Zhou Fang's painting "Court Ladies Adorning Their Hair with Flowers" represents lofty bun due to its towering mountain-like appearance. However, some people associate it with flower-decorated bun because women in the painting wear golden and silver floral accessories.   Side Bun This type of bun existed as early as the Sui Dynasty. It involved creating a tall…

The movie "Chang An (长安三万里, Chang An San Wan Li)" is a film brimming with talent and charm. Describing it as such is perfectly appropriate, for no other word captures its essence accurately. Its romance belongs to the youth rather than the grand palace banquets, and its richness belongs to the ambitious and talented individuals from all corners of the nation rather than mere material wealth. And yet, all of this is influenced by the ebb and flow of political affairs in the court. When it comes to flourishing Tang Dynasty, we have seen countless depictions of prosperous Chang'an - from theatrical novels to well-made commercial films, showcasing scenes like wine in Hua Qing Chi and open exchange with foreign countries. However, "Chang An San Wan Li" extends the panorama of Great Tang beyond that magnificent city: west Chang'an, south Yangzhou, Shangqiu & Liangtian, and Xiangyang. It strips away the mystique surrounding Chang'an City itself and even almost dispels any illusion about an era of prosperity. The starting point lies in two young men living far from courtly life: Jiangxia (present-day Wuchang area) near Huanghe Tower where they first met on a deserted piece of land - Li Bai and…

To truly understand the fashionable attire of Tang Dynasty women, one must not miss the renowned painting "Court Ladies Adorning Their Hair with Flowers". It is said that during the late 8th century in the Zhenyuan era, painter Zhou Fang created this masterpiece. This painting serves as a benchmark for ancient lady paintings and fully showcases the dressing essentials of fashionable Tang Dynasty women. Cctvnewscenter has made a fine interpretation of this painting, come and feel the charm of Tang Dynasty fashion.   The great Tang Dynasty style In this painting, there are five ladies with adorning flowers and one maid holding a fan. Enjoying themselves amidst blooming flowers and elegant cranes, with two playful dogs nearby. The dressings of these Tang Dynasty fashion influencers not only emphasize color coordination but also pay attention to layering, exuding sophistication and ambiance. The women in the painting wear dresses made from yarn or silk, which were considered to be the most fashionable fabrics in Tang Dynasty. A strapless long skirt trails on the ground while transparent shawl wrap around both sides. Loose and comfortable wide sleeves, mainly in shades of red with various decorative patterns. Let's focus on these ladies: the second woman from…

In 1904, the construction of the Bianluo Railway began. As a part of the later Longhai Railway, this transportation line passed through Mangshan to the north of Luoyang city, an ideal place for emperors, officials and civilians to choose their burial grounds since at least the Eastern Zhou Dynasty. The construction of modern railways undoubtedly broke the peace of another world, but it also allowed underground treasures to see daylight again. Among many damaged Tang tombs, a type of color-glazed ceramic funerary object that had never been seen before by people drew attention from antiquarians; this is "Tang Sancai". Since then, people have been indulging in the gorgeous and lustrous colors of Tang Sancai as if all the grandeur and majesty of Tang Dynasty were condensed into such an object. It was an era completely different from that during Qing Dynasty; gazing upon and playing with Tang Sancai might help one temporarily withdraw from chaotic times and dream peacefully in a book room filled with sandalwood aroma.   The Legacy of the Tang Dynasty In fact, although they are called Tang Sancai, there is no record of such object names in historical documents. The name "Tang Sancai (唐三彩, Tang Tri-color…

What is a tea ceremony? The book "Chinese Tea Ceremony", is explained as a cultural art that embodies the perfect combination of tea and culture, a means of cultivating oneself. However, when people mention tea ceremony, many think of the Japanese tea ceremony. Yet this ancient way of drinking tea has actually retained many Chinese Tang and Song dynasty customs. Over the past two thousand years, the way people drink tea has been constantly changing from simple to complex. It took Chinese people more than one thousand years to evolve from simplicity to complexity; then another one thousand plus years to return back to simplicity. Let us explore the Chinese tea ceremony by savoring a cup of warm tea soup while searching for flavors once tasted by our ancestors.   1 Tang Dynasty: The Art of Jian Cha Ceremony The most primitive way for Chinese people to taste tea was by eating it. Ancient people originally used tea leaves for medicinal and food purposes, boiling fresh leaves and consuming the liquid directly. Gradually, they discovered that tea had a refreshing effect on the body, leading to the development of cooking tea as a dish with added seasonings such as scallions,…

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

In the bustling streets, adorned and towering-haired noblewomen in their fineries queue up outside the restaurant for their meals. Such a scene is not a time travel nor in a hanfu film and television city, but on the streets of Luoyang. Encountering empresses while traveling to Luoyang is no longer a rare occurrence, at the same time, the magnificent and majestic Yingtian Gate, the decorated ancient city of Luoyi, and the mysterious and profound Luoyang Ancient Grave Museum have almost become the unified backgrounds for short videos of ancient style cosplay.   A time-traveling trip to Luoyang Entering Luoyang, the classical atmosphere is very strong. The surrounding areas of Luoyi, Cross Street, Yingtian Gate, and other antique pedestrian streets are filled with shops offering hanfu experiences and dressing up. Rows of different shaped and richly colored hanfu and a wide variety of ethnic costumes, inviting passing tourists through the glass windows, to open a journey through time and space on the streets of Luoyang. As night falls, this antique street seems to switch to Tang Dynasty night market mode with young people in various dress styles competing for their favorite ancient scenery. Photographers holding cameras and fill lights, directing guests…

China has a long history of loving and appreciating flowers, but in fact, before the Northern and Southern Dynasties, flowers were rarely used as the main decorative motifs in life, from the Shang and Zhou dynasties to the Han dynasty, the dominant decorative motifs were mainly animal and geometric. It was not until the Wei-Jin-North and South Dynasties periods that, with the introduction of Buddhism, the Lonicera twining pattern was introduced into China, and under the development and effect of cultural intermingling, the Lonicera twining pattern with exotic colors was combined with the local lotus pattern with auspicious symbolic meaning, forming a new form of decorative pattern. These motifs first appeared in a large number in the decoration of religious instruments, and as they spread, they also appeared frequently in the decoration of secular crafts. In the Tang Dynasty, in addition to the floral patterns inherited from the Wei and Jin Dynasties, different floral shapes such as peonies and chrysanthemums, as well as the Baoxiang patterns also appeared in the expression of the decorative patterns. The floral patterns of the Tang Dynasty are very different from the slender and delicate shapes of the Wei and Jin Dynasties, with rich and…

The Tang Dynasty is commonly known for its vibrant culture, especially when it comes to the arts, music, and fashion. One of the most iconic aspects of Tang women's fashion was their elaborate makeup styles. From brightly colored lips to elaborately decorated eyebrows, Tang women were not afraid to experiment with unique beauty trends. However, with a wide range of cosmetic methods and hues, identifying different makeup styles from this era can be quite challenging. In this article, we'll take a closer look at some of the most popular makeup trends of the Tang Dynasty and provide a beginner's guide to recognizing them. The Tang Dynasty was the pinnacle of China's feudal civilization, characterized by southern and northern unification, vast territory, political stability, economic development, and flourishing education and culture. Trade and cultural exchanges with foreign countries provided a solid foundation for the development of its culture. "At the sight of clouds, we cannot help but associate them with her glamorous attire. At the sight of flowers, we immediately think of her stunning beauty." - in the Tang Dynasty, women's makeup reached a peak in ancient Chinese history, rich and diverse in style. In the early Tang Dynasty, politics was…