History & Culture

Qing Dynasty was the last stage of the highly developed feudal society in China. With the evolution of the dynasty, the Qing dynasty Manchu women's headdress is rich and diverse. Inheritance of headdress in the past generations, but also according to the national dressing characteristics, create jewelry corresponding to it. One of the most ancient Chinese headdress representatives is the Bian Fang (扁方). 01 What is Bian Fang? Bian Fang is one of the traditional hair ornaments in ancient China, which was mainly popular in the Ming and Qing Dynasty, used to fix hair. The shape of its head is generally curvy and its body is often 1-shaped. They have different shapes, large, small, wide, or narrow. The large one can reach more than 30cm. The small one, also known as double-tip, can be used as hair fixing or decoration. The large one is used to fix "two buns head (两把头)". A white jade inlaid lotus pattern Bian Fang of the Qing dynasty - Collection of the National Palace Museum, Beijing Let's take a look at the evolution of women's hairstyles in the Qing Dynasty! Before the Qing Dynasty, Manchu people originally lived in the northern region, influenced by the…

Chinese tea culture originated in the Tang Dynasty and flourished in the Song Dynasty. In the Song Dynasty, tea had become a necessity in people's daily life. With the overall prosperity of the Song dynasty's social commodity economy, tribute tea, tea sets, tea art, tea workshops, etc., but also flourished. The traditional Dian Cha (点茶, whisking tea) in the Song Dynasty had an extremely important position in the history of the Chinese tea ceremony. In this article, we will introduce the history and steps of whisking tea in the Song Dynasty, and let's feel the elegance of the literati in the Song Dynasty.   China's Tea Culture Chinese tea culture has a long history, the earliest written record is: "Shennong tasted hundred herbs, the day encountered seventy-two poisons, and got the Tu (荼) and solve", where the "Tu" is tea. Tea (茶) in the history of the five had used the name: Tu (荼), Jia (槚), She (蔎), Ming (茗), Chuan (荈). In five thousand years of Chinese civilization, people have accumulated a deep tea culture. In history, the application process of tea is roughly medicinal, edible, drinking. The way of tea drinking has also gone through several stages of…

Hanfu lovers may have heard the term Wei Jin style (魏晋风), or perhaps even that it's not part of the Chinese Hanfu clothing, but what's the difference between the Wei Jin style and the Hanfu in the ancient Wei Jin period?   Is the Wei Jin style costume part of Hanfu? In fact, the Wei Jin style is just a style of dressing! It is characterized by wide robes and big sleeves, fairy, etc. Only a tendency to national literature and art aesthetic style and expression. Tips: Wei Jin style ≠ Wei Jin Dynasty Hanfu. Wei Jin style = a style of clothing that is original to the merchant and sells itself as "as elegant and unrestrained as the scholar of Wei Jin". The origin of the Wei Jin style is a few years ago, a business to do a character of Wei and Jin dynasties style clothing series (魏晋风骨), this series is mainly characterized by thin and light, low saturation, low cross collar with edging, very suitable for shooting photos, loved by ladies. Then many businesses followed up and gradually formed a "Wei Jin style". The Wei Jin style does not refer to the social style of the form and…

Every girl has the same dream in her heart, that is, she hopes to be able to wear beautiful wedding clothes and marry her beloved man one day. In the early years, before the rise of Hanfu, the Chinese style Xiuhe clothing was warmly sought after. Now there are more and more Hanfu of different shapes and sizes, and the wedding dress system is becoming more and more perfect. So let’s take a look at the Han Dynasty’s wedding dress of different dynasties in China. 1.Tang Dynasty First of all, let’s take a look at what kind of clothes the Tang Dynasty girls wear when they get married. Although Qixiong Ruqun is more famous and more common in the Tang Dynasty Han Dynasty clothes. However, the more formal dress like a wedding dress is Qiyao style. The modern and improved wedding dress is mainly equipped with a set of Qiyao suit and a large sleeve shirt. What’s more, the wedding dress made in the Tang Dynasty is not all red, but red with blue/turquoise. Men’s wedding dress is mainly red, with a small amount of blue binding on the lapels and sleeves, which can also make the two sets of…

Modern Hanfu is inherited from the essence of traditional Han clothing and has been innovated and developed in combination with the needs of modern social life. It has distinctive traditional and distinctive national characteristics and fashion colors. It presents not only the appearance of fashion and the flu but also the restoration. The Historical Origin of Modern Hanfu Modern Hanfu is the inheritance and development of traditional Hanfu. Hanfu has a long history and is luxuriant. The agricultural civilization in the plain of East Asia is the environment for the development of Hanfu. In terms of time, the memory of childhood is in the early pre-Qin period, the youth style in the middle Han and Tang Dynasties, and the adult model in the near ancient song and Ming Dynasties. In space, the Yellow River and the Yangtze River are the cradles, the Great Wall desert is the stage, and the western regions of the five ridges are the paradise. Han clothing and other brothers’ national clothing draw lessons from each other and evolve together. The clothing of many Asian Nations comes from traditional Chinese clothing — Han clothing. Modern Hanfu The Development Process of Modern Hanfu From the perspective of…

Today there is an almost universally accepted saying among Hanfu enthusiasts that the Ming dynasty Hanfu is suitable for autumn and winter and the Tang dynasty Hanfu for summer. The Song style is best for modern times and can be worn in every season. But why is this? Could it be, simply because historically the Tang dynasty was hotter, the Ming dynasty colder, and the Song dynasty closer to the present? Follow along with Dongfang Zhuangdao to find out more! In fact, in the light of current phenological studies, this statement does correspond to historical climate trends. Mr. Zhu Kezhen (竺可桢先生), the founder of modern Chinese geography and meteorology, and a leading figure in the field of phenology, has studied the main trends of climate change in China over the last 5,000 years, using the 20th-century climate as a benchmark for comparison, and concludes: in ancient China, there were four warm periods, the Yangshao periods (仰韶时期, 5000 BC to 3000 BC), Yinxu periods (殷墟时期), the Spring and Autumn & Warring State periods, the Sui and Tang periods, and four cold periods, the late Shang and early Western Zhou periods, the late Northern Song and early Southern Song periods, and the…

The most popular ancient costume drama in China recently is undoubted “Meng Hua Lu 梦华录”. Once it was broadcast, it received numerous praise. The audience immersively felt the elegant scenery and exquisite aesthetics of the Song Dynasty. In this article, let’s learn about the fashion of the Song Dynasty. Song Dynasty Hanfu Clothing The clothes of a dynasty can reflect the temperament of that dynasty. Different from the colorful Tang Dynasty, the clothing aesthetics of the Song Dynasty tend to be more unique and elegant, and the style tends to be simple and elegant. The women of the Song Dynasty usually wore short clothes with narrow sleeves on the upper body, long skirts on the lower body, and a long shirt with a pair of lapels on the top. In terms of color, it is more inclined to the color system with low color saturation, often dominated by light powder, goose yellow, scallion white, silver-gray, aloes, lotus root color, etc. Song Dynasty Makeup The makeup of the Song Dynasty was divided into rosy clouds 飞霞妆, Langlai makeup 慵来妆, sandalwood halo makeup 檀晕妆, plum blossom makeup 梅妆, tear makeup 泪妆, three white makeup 三白妆, pearl makeup 珍珠妆, Buddha makeup 佛妆, etc., of which…

The Mid Tang Dynasty was a pinnacle of culture, economy, and art in Chinese history. This prosperity was deeply reflected in the Tang Dynasty dress of women. The clothing of women in the Mid Tang Dynasty was not only colorful and diverse but also showcased a sense of opulence and confidence. Let’s explore the characteristics of women’s clothing during this period. Main Features: The dress of the Mid Tang period was known for its richness and variety, presenting a stark contrast to the simpler and more elegant styles of the Early Tang period. The designs were not only aesthetically pleasing but also reflected the confidence and elegance. Here are some main features: Wide-Sleeved Long Dresses Women’s tang dynasty dress in this period primarily featured wide-sleeved long dresses. These dresses, with their long skirts touching the ground and wide sleeves, gave a sense of grandeur and elegance. The design was not only comfortable but also added a touch of magnificence, making the wearer appear noble and graceful. Chest-High Skirts Chest-high skirts were extremely popular during the Mid Tang period. These high-waisted skirts started from below the chest, elongating the body and giving a dignified and noble appearance. Pibo (Silk Shawls) Pibo,…

The Han Dynasty was the longest feudal dynasty in ancient China after the great unification of the Qin Dynasty. More than four hundred years of the Han Dynasty laid a solid foundation for Han, Hanzi, and Han culture. The same is naturally true in traditional Chinese makeup history. Overall, the core ideas that influenced women's aesthetics during the Han Dynasty were the ideas of Taoism and New Confucianism. The former had the greatest impact on the early and mid-Han Dynasty. The policy of "Recover from a Social Upheaval and Restore Production and Develop" was implemented by the rulers in the early Han Dynasty. Taoism's "Huang–Lao political ideology" responded to this social demand. Focused on the development of natural and "Wu Is the Origin ideas", while advocating an open, positive atmosphere, had a profound impact on the aesthetics of female makeup in this period.   01 Han Dynasty Makeup powder Compared with the pre-Qin dynasty, makeup powder in the Han dynasty had a great development. The powder for the face was based on rice powder, and with the rise of alchemy in the Qin and Han dynasties and the improvement of smelting technology in the Han dynasty, lead powder appeared and became…

On March 20, "Palace of Devotion" directed by Li Shaohong began to air. Compared to the eagerly developing plot, what attracted more attention from netizens was surprisingly the typical Chinese clothing in the drama: the Song Dynasty Hanfu. Video about Palace of Devotion:  Song Dynasty was an era of high economic and cultural prosperity in ancient China, but their costumes were understated and elegant, do you know what the reason was?   Factors Related to the Aesthetics of Song Dynasty Clothing The Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127) was established, ending the division between the north and the south, which had been confronting each other for nearly two hundred years. In terms of politics, the Song Dynasty emphasized literature over martial arts; compared to the opulence of the Tang Dynasty, the Song Dynasty called on the literati to return to the basics by political means, rejecting an overly flashy and exaggerated style of writing and advocating a smooth and simple style of writing, which made the Song aesthetics tend to be literary. Coupled with the introduction of Buddhism, Zen thought combined with cultural performance in literature and painting and calligraphy, catalyzed the literati to favor rational aesthetic concepts; ideally, the literati…

Hezi Qun (诃子裙), a kind of Moxiong long skirt with a big-sleeved shirt, has suddenly become a popular hanfu style for summer. Perhaps your initial impression of it is that it is one of the Tang Dynasty hanfu styles. But it's much more than that, and today we're going to introduce you to the origin and types of the Hezi Qun in more detail. Let's get started. 1. What is Hezi Let's first understand what Hezi is. Hezi(诃子) is one of the ancient Chinese women's undergarments, also known as "Waxiong (袜胸)", "Moxiong (抹胸)", "Lanqun (襕裙)", "Hehuan Lanqun (合欢襕裙)", and so on. It was popular in the Tang, Song, and Ming dynasties. From the back to the front of the bundle, the following line, can also be tied around the waist of the skirt, also known as the Dudou (肚兜) in the Qing Dynasty. Originally, Hezi had little to do with hanfu. In most of the ancient literature, Hezi is a kind of traditional Chinese medicine. The earliest documentary record about Hezi and hanfu is found in the Song Dynasty. Song dynasty Zeng Zao in his book "Lei Shuo (类说)" has recorded: one day, Yang Guifei and An Lushan had a…

When Hanfu has been widely used, ordinary Hanfu can no longer meet the needs of Hanfu enthusiasts. Therefore, there is a fashion trend of combining traditional Hanfu with Western elements in China. What is the mix and match of “Oriental” and “western” style? This is what we call the “Chinese and Western” style. Just like the improvement of cheongsam, it combines the modern elements of western style with the classical elegance of Chinese style. Hanfu and Western Accessories In our traditional concept, Hanfu always seems to be matched with accessories such as round fans, hairpins and embroidered shoes, while the brand-new western style starts with some small accessories. The change of some small accessories will not destroy the original national style of Hanfu to a great extent, but also make the whole match full of freshness. For example: 1) Small HatFirst of all, the most iconic small hat in western style is used to replace the hairpin with Hanfu. The whole style instantly adds a trace of French style. With the addition of a small top hat, the formal Hanfu suddenly has a sense of small western style. However, in order to improve the fit, it is suggested that we…

What hanfu styles are from which dynasties? Can you tell what dynasty the cover photo for this article depicts? Hanfu is a catch-all term for clothing that spans a very wide time period, and as a result can have many variations. But what styles of hanfu come from what time periods specifically? What are the characteristics that can help identify what dynasty most likely inspired which hanfu? In truth, while there’s a lot of speculation and artistic license taken by designers, the most popular styles of hanfu from each of the dynasties are very easy to tell apart. Let’s jump in chronologically.     Han 漢朝 (206 BCE–220CE) The Han Dynasty is the dynasty that hanfu gets its name from, as well as the term hanren (the han people, the dominant ethnicity in China). It’s only one of the various dynasties from which hanfu can come from, but it’s one of the older ones and is also pretty easily recognizable. A lot of the most popular han dynasty styles are zhishen, or one-piece robes that go down to the floor and wrap around the body. One of the most commonlyseen versions of this is the quju, the curved-hem robe, with…

The desire to look attractive is universal. Since ancient times, the pursuit of beauty has never stopped. Throughout traditional Chinese makeup history, not only women, but also men love beauty, and some men even know more about makeup than women, and there are many of them who are the best. The earliest archaeological discovery of makeup tools was used by men. Hubei Zaoyang Jiu Lien Dun No. 1 Chu tomb unearthed "portable" makeup box, the box is divided into bronze mirror, wooden comb, scraper, powder box, and small wooden comb. Men's make-up, although not as elaborate as women's, but their own pursuit. Today, we will introduce how men makeup in different periods in ancient times.   Qin and Han Dynasties During the Qin and Han dynasties, men already began to pay attention to the elaboration of hair ornaments and clothing, like the complex and diverse hair-binding rituals of the Qin dynasty, which made it easy to distinguish the status and rank of each person in the way of hair-binding. In the Han Dynasty, many male tombs were also buried with abundant make-up appliances. In the Han Dynasty, it was recorded in the book "Han Shu • Ning Xing Zhuan (汉书•佞幸传)"…

If you’ve read my previous article that attempts to give a general overview of the many terms for supernatural beings in Chinese mythology and folkloric tradition, then you’ll know how nearly impossible it is to, well, give a general overview of Chinese mythology and folkloric tradition! Chinese culture is simply too vast, too complicated, with too many little offshoots and alternating viewpoints all fighting for prominence. Each mythological system comes with its own unique highlights and fascinating characters and stories, making each and every system indispensable, because no matter how much groups throughout China’s history have tried to clamp down on other traditions, religions, or mythologies, ultimately cultures and stories cannot be destroyed so long as they genuinely hold the fondness and interest of the people. So if you’re like me and are very interested in learning more about Chinese mythology—especially the roots of where they came from, and landmark works of literature that have helped various traditions and tales maintain popularity and longevity—then read on! In this article I’ve complied a list of six of the most well-known, most influential, and most well-written works of Chinese mythology and folklore. This is based on my own research, so it may…

We have previously introduced the costumes of the Song Dynasty, but today we will introduce the emperor's clothing of the Song Dynasty using the TV series Qing Ping Yue (清平乐, Serenade of Peaceful Joy) as a backdrop. Qing Ping Yue is a complex and realistic restoration of the Song Renzong (宋仁宗) set in the Northern Song Dynasty. In this drama, Wang Kai (王凯), who plays the role of Song Renzong, basically restores from the appearance of the original costumes in the Taipei National Palace Museum collection of Song Renzong Seated Axis, the costumes, makeup, and props in the drama are very exquisite, and will bring you a brief analysis of the costumes on Song Renzong.   Futou The story of the Futou(幞头) begins in the Tang Dynasty. The popular men's headwear of the Tang Dynasty was not a complete hat, but consisted of a square piece of fabric called "Futou" and a cane wood or wire mesh cover called "Jinzi". The Jinzi was used to cover the topknot of the hair, then the Futou was covered, the two corners were folded up and knotted, and the other two corners were knotted at the back of the head and made to…

On July 4th, more than 80 international students from countries such as Morocco, Kenya, Kazakhstan, Armenia, studying at China Jiliang University and Zhejiang University of Technology, visited Shangyu District in Shaoxing City. They embarked on a journey to explore the historical and contemporary significance of the birthplace of porcelain and experienced the charm of Yue Kiln celadon culture. They were amazed by how Zhejiang Tianxingjian Waterworks Co. Ltd carries forward their hometown's millennium-old ceramic culture through innovation. The students were deeply impressed by the company's accomplishments in entrepreneurship and technological innovation, which sparked their desire to start businesses in China and strengthen cultural exchanges. Uncovering the Legacy: A Brief History Lesson The morning sun cast its gentle rays upon Shangyu Museum as these curious souls stepped inside. They found themselves amidst a treasure trove - the Yue Kiln celadon (越窑青瓷) exhibition hall - where time seemingly stood still. Over 1,800 years ago during the Eastern Han Dynasty, this enchanted land witnessed an extraordinary birth—the emergence of mature porcelain production. Intrigued by their surroundings and guided by knowledgeable experts within these hallowed halls, international students marveled at how this region had become home to one of humanity's earliest encounters with refined…

Although everyone has a different list of ancient beauties, Liu Yifei must be on the list. The recently popular “a dream of splendor 梦华录” is Liu Yifei’s return from TV dramas for more than ten years. She hasn’t acted in costume TV dramas for so many years. Liu Yifei’s face is still so beautiful. She can be said to be a flowing beauty in costume and an iron-clad “immortal sister”! Let’s take a look at the 8 ancient costume beauties played by Liu Yifei. 1.” Sword and Fairy 1 仙剑奇侠传1″ – Zhaolinger Around 2005, when idol dramas were at their peak, ” Sword and Fairy 1 ” broke into a world with the unique type of “immortal swordsman drama”. At that time, Zhaolinger, played by 17-year-old Liu Yifei, also became a classic in everyone’s hearts. The Sword and Fairy 1 starring Liu Yifei and Hu Ge, is a hit on TV. The princess Zhaolinger of Lanzhao, played by Liu Yifei, is innocent and considerate. At the same time, she is charged with the mission of saving the common people. Her smiles and frowns are full of Fairy Spirit, which is especially consistent with this role, pure and smart. 2.” The…

With the evolution of society, modern individuals have a wide variety of hobbies and interests, and so did ancient Chinese people. We have gathered 8 traditional hobbies from ancient China to explore the interesting activities of the past.   Visiting temples In the agricultural society where the means of production were not yet developed, people of all ages and genders revered mysterious powers and often went to temples to seek peace. For instance, in the early days, people worshipped the Chenghuang Temple, which was believed to protect peace in a particular area. During the Tang and Song dynasties, the entertainment activities in temples gradually increased, attracting many ancient people to visit. There were various performances, including acrobatics, singing, and dancing.   Watching performances During the Tang Dynasty, Canjunxi (参军戏) was very popular. Actors dressed up as Canjun, and another actor performed jokes and funny acts. It was similar to how modern young people like to watch crosstalk and stand-up comedy shows. At that time, people could resolve their troubles by watching a "Canjunxi" show.   Collecting figurines "Mo He Le (磨喝乐)" was a beloved toy of young people in ancient times, mainly in the form of a child. According to…

Tang Dynasty clothing mainly refers to the Tang Dynasty Hanfu clothes. Tang Dynasty is a period of great prosperity of China's feudal society. Both people's thoughts and material production have reached the ancient historical peak. Since the Tang Dynasty, a large number of flower patterns have been widely used in craft decoration. Its composition is lively and free, dense and symmetrical, plump, and mellow. Especially after the combination of wavy continuous patterns and floral plants, it was the popular pattern in that period. Tang Dynasty beauty pictures The style of the Tang Dynasty clothing has taken real flowers, grass, fish, and insects for sketching, instead of the previous creative idea of the "Mandate of Heaven." Still, the traditional mythical animals, like dragon and phoenix pattern, has not been excluded. At this time, the design of costume patterns tends to express the free, open mind and casual artistic style. The Feature of Tang Dynasty Clothing In the Tang Dynasty, foreign trade was developed, and the country was peaceful for a long time. Especially when the Tang Dynasty became the center of economic and cultural exchanges among Asian nations, it was the most glorious page in the history of Asian history. This…

Are you looking to add some extra flair to your cheongsam outfit? Cheongsams are already a stunning traditional Chinese dress that exudes elegance and grace, but with the right accessories, you can take your outfit to the next level. Whether you're attending a formal event or simply looking to spice up your daily wardrobe, the right accessories can make all the difference. From jewelry, hats to handbags, there are many options to choose from. Here are some of the best accessories to match with your cheongsam.   01 Shawl A shawl can be a beautiful accessory to pair with a cheongsam outfit. One of the advantages of wearing a shawl with a cheongsam is that it can add an extra layer of warmth and comfort, especially if the dress is made of lightweight fabric. Additionally, a shawl can add a touch of elegance to the outfit, especially if it is made of luxurious fabric such as silk or cashmere. Another advantage of wearing a shawl with a cheongsam is that it can be used to add some color and texture to the outfit. A brightly colored or patterned shawl can complement the dress and create a beautiful contrast. It can…

From elaborate brush strokes to bold colors and intricate patterns, Chinese art has a rich and diverse history that spans millennia. Today, artists continue to be inspired by this artistic legacy, creating work that is both contemporary and rooted in traditional Chinese aesthetics. In this article, we'll introduce you to 10 talented Chinese style illustrators who are making waves in the world of art with their unique styles and fresh perspectives.   1 - Ni Chuanjing Ni Chuanjing, an illustrator from Hong Kong, China, became one of the youngest winners on Forbes's "30 under 30" art list at the age of 25. In addition, she has received a series of awards, including two gold medals from the Society of Illustrators NY, for her excellent illustration works. As an illustrator, Ni's works have always been exquisite endorsements. In the presentation of the picture, every viewer can deeply feel the delicacy, dreaminess, and skillful mastery of her style. At the same time, she also incorporates her own experiences and stories into her works, giving them a brand new soul. This allows every viewer to find their own memories in the picture and resonate with the author and the work. The biggest feature…

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…

The history of traditional Chinese eyebrows makeup can be traced back to the Spring and Autumn Period(770 to 476 B.C.). There is a verse in "Chu Ci" that says "Black-painted eyebrows and white-powdered cheeks(粉白黛黑，施芳泽之).", which means that women were wearing powder, drawing eyebrows and rouge at that time.   Traditional Chinese Eyebows Tools Eyebrow tools are crucial. Unlike modern eyebrow pencils, eyebrow powders, eyebrow cream, etc., there are a wide variety of tools to choose from. But the ancients were still creative with their limited tools. Before there was a specific material for eyebrow painting, Dai (黛), it was mainly used to draw eyebrows with burnt willow sticks, which women used to burn and apply to their eyebrows. The earliest material used to paint eyebrows was Dai, a black mineral also known as "Shi Dai (石黛)". Stone inkstones for grinding stone Dai are found in Han tombs, which means that this cosmetic was already in use in the Han Dynasty. Before paint eyebrows, stone Dai had to be ground on the stone inkstone to make it into powder, and then water was added to mix it. In addition to black color, there is also a dark gray material for painting…