Hanfu Knowledge

The Ming Dynasty, a luminous chapter in Chinese history, shines brightly not only for its political and economic milestones but also for its captivating fashion legacy. This era's sartorial splendor can be credited to the visionary Ming Taizu, Zhu Yuanzhang. He masterfully melded Zhou and Han dynasty traditions with the artistic flair of the Tang and Song dynasties, laying the groundwork for a unique Ming Dynasty hanfu. Timeless Innovations in Men's Hanfu In the Ming Dynasty, government officials’ attire was a visual testament to the era's strict social hierarchy. They donned black gauze hats and round-collared robes, which were color-coded and embellished with patches indicating their rank. These robes were complemented by belts of varying quality, symbolizing their societal status. Scholars, or “shusheng,” favored straight-cut or flowing robes paired with distinctive headpieces. Conversely, commoners opted for shorter garments, paired with small hats or netted scarves. Beauty of Ming Women’s Apparel Noblewomen of the Ming Dynasty were often draped in voluminous robes with striking red sleeves, while common women gravitated towards lighter hues like peach, purple, and green. Their everyday wear comprised short jackets, wide skirts adorned with silk sashes, and intricate gold and jade pendants. Accessories like cloud-shaped shoulder coverings…

January Flower Plum Blossom The plum blossom, also known as the flower of January, holds a significant place in Chinese culture. It symbolizes strength, nobility, and modesty, making it one of the most revered flowers in Chinese art and literature. The beauty of the plum blossom lies in the fact that it blooms in the harshest of winter conditions. Its resilience and perseverance have made it a symbol of courage and strength. The flower is also known as the flower of Five Blessings, as its five petals represent happiness, wealth, longevity, peace, and success. The use of plum blossoms in Chinese culture dates back more than 3,200 years. Initially, it was used for flavoring food and as a sacrificial offering. Later, it became an essential ingredient in cosmetics, herbal medicine, and as an ornamental flower. During the Tang and Song dynasties, the beauty and virtues of the plum blossom gained the admiration of scholars and artists. They developed a whole ornamental theory around the flower, appreciating its place, time, shape, and activities. Plum blossom, together with orchid, bamboo, and chrysanthemum, formed the “Four Gentlemen” or “Four Noble Ones” in Chinese art, with each flower representing different virtues and highly valued…

While some cultures might think of December as the month of twinkling lights and festive cheer, for ancient China, it held a different significance. The 21st or 22nd of December marked the Dongzhi Festival, a celebration of the winter solstice, the year's shortest day and longest night. But Dongzhi wasn't just about cozying up by the fire. It was a time steeped in rich history, philosophy, and tradition, a turning point in the natural world and a moment of cosmic balance. A Dance of Yin and Yang: Imagine the universe as a delicate dance between yin and yang, darkness and light, cold and warmth. Ancient Chinese believed the winter solstice marked the peak of yin, with darkness holding sway. Yet, Dongzhi also held the promise of yang's gradual ascendance. Days would slowly lengthen, signifying hope and renewal. This shift resonated deeply, inspiring customs and symbolism throughout the festival. Grand Ceremonies and Family Reunions: Emperors, in elaborate ceremonies, worshipped the heavens and ancestors, seeking blessings for bountiful harvests. Commoners gathered with families, offering sacrifices and sharing meals filled with symbolic significance. Dumplings, resembling the full moon, represented wholeness and family unity. Tangyuan, sweet rice balls symbolizing reunion, were shared in steaming…

If you have been following recent Chinese Xianxia dramas, you might be familiar with the character of Tan Tai Jin, known as the Devil God. Tan Tai Jin was originally a prince from the neighboring Kingdom of Jing. He grew up unloved and served as a diplomatic hostage in the Kingdom of Sheng. Despite his difficult upbringing, he eventually ascended the throne of Jing and brought prosperity and stability to his people. Tan Tai Jin implemented policies to unify the kingdom and showed kindness and equality to the refugees from Sheng. In ancient China, a similar young man existed in a faraway time. In the year 259 BCE, Ying Zheng was born as the son of a hostage in the state of Zhao. Since his birth, he lived as a hostage. During his childhood, Zhao suffered a devastating defeat in the Battle of Changping against the Qin army. The Zhao soldiers were mercilessly slaughtered, resulting in a loss of 450,000 lives. To make matters worse, the victorious Qin army pursued Zhao and pushed deep into its territory. The people of Zhao, already depleted of resources and unable to fight back, held deep hatred towards the people of Qin and wished…

The image of Qin Shi Huang as a tyrant has been stuck for over two thousand years. However, in recent years, a discovery of the "Yunmeng Qin Bamboo Slips" in a tomb in Hubei has provided an opportunity for Emperor Qin Shi Huang, who has faced criticism for over two thousand years, to potentially redeem his reputation. In 2015, an archaeological team made a significant discovery in an ancient tomb located in Hubei. They unearthed a collection of two hundred thousand bamboo slips dating back to the Qin Dynasty. These bamboo slips, attributed to a low-ranking official named "Xi," were revealed to contain records of laws and regulations from that era.  Figure 1 - "Xi" Figurine  The recently unearthed Qin Dynasty bamboo slips have provided valuable insights that challenge long-standing perceptions. Among the content, there is a specific passage that documents the military regulations of the Qin Dynasty. This discovery sheds new light on our understanding of the military practices during that time. Figure 2 - Qin Dynasty Bamboo Slips According to the records, the recently discovered Qin Dynasty bamboo slips outline the consequences for being late on duty. If an individual arrives late within three to five days, they would…

Hanfu is the Chinese traditional national costume. It covers a wide range of time. Different dynasties have different styles of Hanfu. This article will sort out the most classic Hanfu styles of each dynasty so that you can quickly understand the classic Hanfu styles of each dynasty. Qin and Han Dynasties The Qin and Han Dynasties are the two unified dynasties in Chinese history, the first imperial era in Chinese history. After the unification of China in the Qin Dynasty, the dress system was established, and the standard etiquette of Han clothing was more obvious. The clothes of the Qin and Han Dynasties mainly inherited the influence of the Zhou Dynasty, and still took the robe as the typical clothing style, which was mainly divided into straight trains and curved trains. In daily life, the difference between men and women is not significant. Both men and women wear wide sleeves with large lapels. The difference is that men tie leather belts around their waists, while women tie them only with ribbons. Wei and Jin Dynasties During the Wei and Jin Dynasties, influenced by social politics, economy, and culture, the style of Hanfu was free and easy, simple and elegant, and…

The history of the Shangsi Festival dates back to ancient times, and in the ancient China, Shangsi had already become a large-scale folk festival. With the arrival of spring and clear, bright scenery, people would step out of their homes, gather by the water, and participate in rituals to purify and dispel inauspicious energies. According to historical records, the Shangsi Festival was already popular during the Spring and Autumn Period. The term "Shangsi" first appeared in Han Dynasty literature. This festival had a unique custom before the Han Dynasty, serving as a carnival organized by the government for young men and women. The "Zhou Li • Di Guan • Mei Shi" recorded, "In the middle of the spring month, men and women were ordered to gather. At that time, those who ran away were not restrained." The term "ran away" refers to young men and women meeting outdoors, and besides bathing by the riverside, romantic affairs during these gatherings were not considered a violation of customary norms. The Shangsi Festival is also associated with witchcraft activities aimed at warding off evil spirits using orchid-infused water. Orchids were considered spiritual entities with a fragrant aroma. Before conducting significant rituals, ancient people observed…

The red pattern on a woman's forehead in ancient times is called "Huadian (花钿)", a special accessory for women's facial makeup. Beautiful make-up has been an indispensable hot topic in women's life since ancient times. Chinese ancient women's make-up of each evolution in the long history will leave endless reverie and wisdom for future generations. Chinese dramas such as "The Longest Day In Chang'an" and "Serenade of Peaceful Joy" in the last two years have caused audiences to explore ancient women's makeup. The stunning red pattern - Huadian, on the forehead of the woman we see most often, also contains countless charming and touching stories.   The Origin of Huadian The red pattern on a woman's forehead in ancient times is called "Huadian (花钿)", a special accessory for women's facial makeup. There is a beautiful legend about the rise of Huadian. According to the legend, Princess Shouyang, daughter of Liu Yu, Emperor Songwu of the Southern Dynasty, was resting outside of the Hall of the Hanzhang one day. The plum tree in front of the palace was a breeze, drifted down a plum blossom, impartial just stick to the princess's forehead, can not be uncovered. Three days later, the plum…

The Eve of Chinese New Year, also known as the Lunar New Year's Eve, is celebrated on the last night of the lunar calendar year, marking the end of the year. It is one of the most important traditional festivals for the Han Chinese people. The term "Chuxi" translates to "getting rid of the old and welcoming the new," symbolizing a fresh start and the renewal of all things. According to historical records in the "Lüshi Chunqiu," an ancient Chinese text, the custom of Chuxi originated from the practice of driving away evil spirits by beating drums on the day before the New Year. Customs on Chinese New Year's Eve are deeply rooted in tradition and have been passed down for generations. Families stay up all night on this occasion, a practice known as "shousui" or "keeping vigil," to welcome the arrival of the new year. One of the most significant customs on Chinese New Year's Eve is the reunion dinner, known as "nián yè fàn." Families gather to enjoy a sumptuous feast, featuring traditional dishes that carry symbolic meanings. For example, eating fish symbolizes abundance and prosperity, while dumplings represent wealth and good fortune. In northern China, it is…

The Han Chinese attire stands out as a vibrant mosaic of styles, contrasting with the more regimented Manchu dress code. Han Chinese Women of the Qing era embraced a rich variety in their daily clothing, crafting a panorama of styles that celebrated individuality and heritage despite their socio-political background. Everyday Han attire was an elegant blend of comfort and grace. This ensemble typically included a short jacket, skirt, and either a vest or cloak. The small coat featured a sizable right lapel, distinguishing it from the longer robes favored by the Manchu elite. Complementing this were sleeveless vests and long open-sleeved cloaks, encapsulating the everyday charm of Han Chinese femininity. Literary Echoes of Qing Dynasty Fashion The Qing Dynasty's literary works provide a vivid window into the world of Han Chinese fashion. Rich descriptions paint a picture of women adorned in ornate hairstyles and layered outfits of brilliant hues and luxurious fabrics. Gold accessories often featured prominently, highlighting the intricate detailing that defined Han women's daily fashion and underscoring attire's role in expressing identity and social status. Ceremonial Attire of the Qing Dynasty Ceremonial attire during the Qing Dynasty was a grand spectacle, marrying sophistication with tradition. This ensemble, replete with iconic…

What kind of shoes did ancient Chinese people wear? I think the first thing you think of is straw sandals, embroidered shoes or clogs. What else do you know about the shoes of the ancients? Ancient times: eating its flesh and using its skin In the Paleolithic age, primitive people tied animal skins to their feet with thin strips of leather. These are the most primitive shoes. The earliest shoes in China are sheepskin boots unearthed in Loulan, Xinjiang. These shoes were worn on the feet of a woman who was about 18 years old. They are more than 4000 years old. They are also the earliest unearthed shoes in the world. Shang and Zhou Dynasties: progress of textile industry In the Shang Dynasty, there were strict rules for the color, material and pattern of shoes according to the clothing. Silk weaving technology is skilled, and silk and textile fabrics have become popular. After the Warring States period, the word “Gu” was gradually replaced by “Lu”. During the Warring States period, there was a man from the state of Zheng who went to the market to buy shoes. He measured his foot’s size at home in advance. When he got…

As an integrated cultural system, Hanfu can contain totally different expressions at the same time. The ancient traditional Hanfu is a way of expression, and the daily Hanfu with modern style is also a way of expression. We should treat the traditional and modern Hanfu with an inclusive attitude. Now let’s take a look at the differences between traditional and modern Hanfu? The traditional dress of Han Dynasty is elegant, like a cloud of immortals. Modern Hanfu pays more attention to the beauty in details. After all, the pursuit of “beauty” may be one of the reasons why young people like Hanfu. Therefore, the current Hanfu is not limited to restoration, but focuses more on the beauty and convenience. Traditional Hanfu Modern Hanfu Neckline: Traditional Hanfu: in the Ming Dynasty, because of the cold weather at that time, the cross collar design of the jacket was very high, almost covering the whole neck. Modern Hanfu: but the jacket and collar of the current Hanfu are very shallow, more beautiful, and more modern. Modern Hanfu Color: Traditional Hanfu: due to the limited colors in ancient Han Dynasty, the most common colors in ancient Hanfu are cinnabar, indigo, azure and other common…

The Tang dynasty makeup style can almost be said to be the most versatile in the entire ancient history of China, because both in terms of national power and politics, the Tang dynasty almost reached the pinnacle of history, and because of this prosperity, the makeup of the women's makeup in the people's peace of environment constantly changing refinement. With the transformation of the early Tang Dynasty, the flourishing Tang Dynasty, and the middle and late Tang Dynasty, the makeup was also making different changes, and for this reason, some special makeups were created, as we can see from the many ancient wall paintings and drawings.   Early Tang Dynasty makeup style: the beauty of simplicity In the early Tang Dynasty, influenced by the short-lived Sui Dynasty (581-617), the royal family did not pursue luxury and advocated simplicity. Therefore, the overall makeup of the women's more subtle and graceful, to lightly coated with lead white makeup and lightly coated with rouge red makeup mainly.  | White Makeup | Since ancient times, people have advocated the beauty of white, so women have the custom of powder, only to the Tang Dynasty, women's powder and style more diverse and prevalent. During the…

In the process of evolution, there are dozens or even hundreds of styles of Chinese clothes. This article mainly introduces the most classical styles of Chinese Hanfu clothes. Women's clothing Suit Ruqun(襦裙) Ruqun is a kind of hanfu, also call: Shanqun (衫裙), short clothes worn on the upper body, call "Ru", and the dress of the lower body, call "Qun", together call "Ruqun". It is a typical "Shangyi Xiachang(top clothes and underdress) " form. Ruqun has an obvious feature: short top and long dress. The Ruqun appeared in the Warring States Period, Ruqun was worn by ordinary people(female) until the end of the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Jiaoling Ruqun/ Shanqun(交领襦裙/衫裙) Jiaoling Ruqun is a kind of Ruqun, the main feature is: the top collar is cross. It is quite common in the Song Dynasty. Wearing method: First: Wear top clothes, Align the collar of the top clothes; Tie a knot in right Jin(襟, the chest part of the top); Tie a knot in left Jin. Second: tie up the dress, Put the dress in front of you, wrap the skirt behind you; Two sides of the dress overlap behind; Folding outwards the pressing on the inner layer of dress; Adjust…

Hanfu sleeve types include many classic styles, such as wide sleeves, chuihu sleeves, and drooping beard sleeves. Each sleeve type has its unique historical background and design characteristics. These gorgeous sleeve shapes have undergone a long process of development, forming an important part of the Han costume culture, and have been loved and inherited by many Han costume enthusiasts in modern times. The sleeve types of Hanfu clothing are very diverse, with different sleeve designs for different periods, social status, and occasions. The following are some common Hanfu sleeve types. Straight Sleeves Its characteristic is that the sleeve is straight and tubular, with no too many wrinkles and folds from the shoulder to the cuff, which is relatively simple. During the Han Dynasty, straight sleeves were one of the formal clothes worn by officials, literati, and other upper-class men, usually worn in combination with long shirts, mandarin coats, and other lower clothing. There are generally two types of straight sleeves: long sleeves and short sleeves. Long sleeves generally reach to the wrist and are suitable for wearing in cold weather, while short sleeves are suitable for wearing in warm seasons. The straight sleeve design is simple and straightforward, and is…

Many Hanfu lovers will encounter such a problem: how to clean Hanfu? How to maintain Hanfu correctly? Before washing Hanfu, we need to know the fabric of Hanfu? Commons are cotton and hemp, chemical fiber, silk, and so on. If you don’t know the fabric, you can consult Hanfu merchants and check the details of the goods. Generally, regular businesses will mark Hanfu fabrics and washing and maintenance precautions. The most easily dirty part of Hanfu is the lower skirt and collar edge. If the washing and drying process is not proper, it is easy to become yellow and old after several times of wearing. How to wash and dry the Hanfu with different fabrics? 1. Cotton and hemp clothes: Generally, hand washing is recommended. For washing machine washing, gentle washing is recommended. Washing time should not be too long, 30 minutes is appropriate; soaking time is less than 15 minutes. After washing, the Hanfu should be dried in a cool place. Direct sunlight will also cause cotton and flax to turn yellow. Before storage, it is recommended to fold flat after ironing and keep the package clean and dry to prevent mildew. In addition, if the Hanfu is white…

Recently, the launch of “a dream of splendor” has set off a Chinese upsurge in pursuing drama. As an ancient costume work, “a dream of splendor” stands out in many film and television dramas updated at the same time. Whether it is word-of-mouth or broadcast volume, popularity, and topic degree, all occupy absolute advantage. So what is the reason why this show has such a good audience rating? 1. Theme Plot “A dream of splendor” has quite a say in terms of subject matter. The play is adapted from the drama “Zhao Pan’er saves the wind and the moon” by Guanhanqing, a dramatist of the Yuan Dynasty. Guanhanqing is one of the most accomplished writers in the history of Chinese drama. His life-long drama works are very rich, and they all have the significance of reflecting the social reality. The theme of his works is profound, the structure is rigorous, and the image is lively and vivid. The story of “a dream of splendor”, which took place in the Song Dynasty, mainly tells the story of Zaopan’er, Songyinzhang, and Sun Sanniang, who went through all kinds of hardships in Bianjing and finally worked together to turn the small tea shop…

There are several mythological fairies in ancient Chinese folklore, but here are four well-known ones: Zhinü: Also known as the "Weaving Maid" or "Vega," Zhinü is a fairy who falls in love with a mortal cowherd named Niulang. They marry and have children, but are separated by the goddess of heaven because their love is forbidden. However, they are allowed to meet once a year on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month when magpies form a bridge over the Milky Way for them to cross. Xiwangmu: Also known as the "Queen Mother of the West," Xiwangmu is a powerful fairy who rules over the mystical Kunlun Mountains in western China. She is associated with immortality, longevity, and healing, and is often depicted holding a peach of immortality. Nuwa: Nuwa is a goddess who is often depicted as a half-human, half-snake figure. She is credited with creating humans and repairing the sky after a great disaster. Nuwa is associated with fertility, creation, and the balance of yin and yang. Bai Mudan: Also known as the "White Peony Fairy," Bai Mudan is a beautiful fairy who is said to have the power to bring happiness and good fortune to those…

This article focuses on the changes in the popularity of traditional Chinese women's clothing from the Ming and Qing dynasties to the early Republic of China. Please read in conjunction with "Ming-style Hanfu collar types diagram" The early Ming dress continues the style of the Yuan dynasty Duanyi (短衣, short clothes), inherited the style of dressing with Duijin (对襟, symmetrical lapels) worn as Jiaojin (交襟, cross lapels) in Song and Yuan Dynasty At this time, also called Dui Jiao Chuan (对交穿). There is also a Jiaoling Youren (交领右衽, wrapping the right side before the left) style. In the mid-Ming period, the sleeve type and skirt door gradually widened, and there was a Tao sleeve (裪袖, sleeve edge protruding from the cuff) structure. According to cultural relics, the stand collar Duijin Shan appeared in the palace system during this period, and was fixed with metal sub-buttons. The style of Dui Jiao Chuan (对交穿) was also excavated in this period, and the more special one is the Mamian skirt with narrow sleeves and thin pleats. Regarding the style of the Mamian skirt, according to the research of excavated cultural relics, the structure of [trapezoidal pleat] and [wide sleeve door] was popular in the…

Ma Mian Qun is a kind of traditional Chinese dress. Some people call it “horse face pleated skirt”. It is suitable for matching with jacket and shirt. Do you know how to wear Chinese horse face skirt(Ma Mian Qun)? Step 1: Unfold the horse dress（Ma mian qun) and put it behind your back; Step 2: Wrap the lace-up of the right skirt from the front to the back. If the skirt has a hole, go through the hole; Step 3: If there is no opening in the skirt, it should be wound from the top of the skirt; Step 4: The left side of the skirt will fit along the left side of the waistline; Step 5: The two laces cross behind and around in front of you; Step 6: Tie the two ties around the front of your body; Step 7: Put on the vertical collar, the lapel, the jacket and button up, and wear it;

The fusion of tradition and fashion is making waves in China, and the Mǎmiàn skirt, a quintessential piece of traditional Chinese attire, is at the forefront of this trend.  On May 17th, "China’s Most Beautiful Costumes Series – The Five Colors of Mǎmiàn Skirts" was released in Shanghai, published by Donghua University Press. This groundbreaking scholarly book delves into the origins, evolution, and aesthetic significance of the Mǎmiàn skirt through literature, images, and physical artifacts.Jia Xizeng, the author of the book, an alumnus of Donghua University and a professor at Tsinghua University’s Academy of Arts & Design, explained, “The Mǎmiàn skirt is a classic and highly representative style in traditional Chinese attire. Its history is long and distinguished, its appearance unique, its craftsmanship exquisite, and its functionality well-thought-out. It embodies the integration of beauty and utility in traditional Chinese dress, as well as the humanistic philosophy of expressing culture through clothing.” He clarified that the term “Mǎmiàn” does not refer to a horse’s face but to defensive structures like watchtowers and bastions that extend from city walls, forming T-shaped angles to eliminate blind spots and allow for multi-directional defense. The skirt’s pleated design resembles these structures, hence the name Mǎmiàn…

Zhongshan suit, for many men, is a feeling and yearning. The new Chinese suit, which combines tradition with fashion, is more popular with political and business elites. Zhongshan suit (Chinese tunic suit) is also called the Mao suit, is designed by Sun Yat-sen on the basis of a widely absorbing Western-style suit and integrating the characteristics of Japanese student clothing and Chinese clothing. Zhongshan suit has four pockets, five big central buttons in the front, and three smaller buttons on each sleeve. It was very popular in the Republic of China (1911-1949). In April 1929, the Zhongshan suit was promulgated as a legal uniform by the national government. Since the 1950s, Zhongshan suit has become a formal costume from the state leaders to ordinary people. After the founding of the people's Republic of China, due to the shortage of materials and manpower, some simplification and improvement have been made to the traditional Zhongshan suit, which has been popularized nationwide. Mao Zedong (the founder of the People's Republic of China) often wears for important activities, so the Zhongshan suit is also known as the Mao suit. Mao Zedong and Mao suit The Significance of Zhongshan Suit Sun Yat-Sen also gave this…

The mere mention of the Wei, Jin, and Southern and Northern Dynasties often evokes a single thought: chaos. The era was marked by relentless strife: the War of the Eight Princes, the Disaster of Yongjia, the Five Barbarian Invasions, the Six Garrison Rebellions, the Rebellion of Hou Jing... It's a time so plagued by wars that it’s hard to keep track. People lived in constant turmoil, exacerbated by the barbaric and fierce invaders. Traditionally, this period is viewed as one of the darkest in Chinese history.To truly grasp the tumultuous history of the Southern and Northern Dynasties, one must understand the six legendary families that shaped this era.The Most Prestigious Clan: The Wang Family of Langya When the Western Jin Dynasty fell, the Sima family barely escaped with their lives, famously crossing the Yangtze River with just five horses. Sima Rui, with the backing of the powerful Wang family of Langya, established the Eastern Jin Dynasty in Jiankang (modern-day Nanjing), becoming Emperor Yuan of Jin.Sima Rui’s ascent to power was inseparable from the support of the Wang family. As recorded in "Shishuo Xinyu," upon his enthronement, Emperor Yuan insisted that Prime Minister Wang Dao share the imperial bed with him…

As a traditional Chinese costume, Hanfu not only interprets the unique Chinese clothing culture but also shows the long history of Chinese traditional costume. So how to buy a suitable Hanfu for yourself? Fashion Hanfu explains to you how to choose the most suitable Hanfu from the aspects of fabric, pattern, and style. 1. Fabric The quality of the fabric determines whether the Hanfu is high-grade or not. If the fabric is too rough, even if the style is good-looking, it will give people a low-cost rough feeling, not only won’t let you beauty down all living beings, but also give people a strange feeling, without the softness and delicacy of Hanfu. The fabrics of classical Hanfu are mainly divided into brocade, silk, silk, Luo, silk, cloth, cotton, hemp, yarn, etc. Modern Hanfu materials are mainly divided into chiffon, silk, cotton and hemp, blended cotton and hemp. In a word, no matter what kind of fabric you choose, the most important thing is to breathe. Don’t choose Hanfu with bad materials just for the sake of small and cheap. It will not only damage your skin, but also affect the overall beauty of Hanfu. Hanfu itself is smart, elegant, natural,…