Li Yuan

When actor Li Yuan (李媛) unveiled her latest Hanfu (汉服) editorial, the internet struggled to recognize the same person who played the fierce, shaven-headed assassin Yu Chang (鱼肠) in the hit drama The Longest Day in Chang'an (长安十二时辰). Her breathtaking transformation into an early Tang Dynasty noblewoman left viewers questioning whether this could possibly be the same performer. With intricate hairstyles resembling celestial wheels and lavish silk robes, the images present a radical departure from her on-screen persona, inviting both admiration and curiosity about the historical accuracy and symbolism behind such extraordinary designs. The Celestial Hair One of the most striking elements of Li Yuan's new look is the magnificent twin-chignon hairstyle, towering high above her head like twin halos or ancient wheels. This specific design, known as Shuang Huan Wang Xian Ji (双鬟望仙髻, Immortal-Adoring Twin Loops), draws direct inspiration from murals found in the tombs of noblewomen from the early Tang period. These elaborate styles often reached heights exceeding two feet and required immense skill and time to construct. Historical records and archaeological findings suggest that wealthy Tang women often used pre-made structured hairpieces to achieve such dramatic looks. These accessories were secured with gold hairpins, Dian (钿, inlaid…