History & Culture

Hanfu is the traditional costume of the Chinese nation. In addition to the shape, color matching, and pattern, the fabric also plays an important role and is closely related to our wearing experience. According to textile technology, the fabric of traditional Hanfu can be divided into brocade, damask, silk, silk, gauze, crepe, silk, and satin. Most of the traditional fabrics are mainly silk fabrics, supplemented by cotton and hemp. There are many kinds of traditional fabrics with exquisite styles, but the cost is usually very high. Now, with the development of modern technology, there are many kinds of fabrics for the public to choose from. Next, we will introduce several common Hanfu fabrics in the market. 1. Cotton Cotton is a huge fabric system. By blending the cotton fiber with other materials in modern textile technology, cotton fabric has many new characteristics, such as wrinkle resistance, wear resistance, gloss, and so on. Now common in the Hanfu market are pure cotton, cotton hemp, jacquard cotton, burnt cotton, slubbed cotton, etc. Cotton and linen garments have a history of 4000 years. They are natural and simple in color and texture, giving people a soft impression of returning to simplicity. Using it…

Hanfu is the traditional dress of the Han nationality, which contains the beauty of traditional culture and is a part of Chinese national culture. It has been 18 years since Mr. Wang Letian went out wearing Hanfu in 2003, which caused media reports. For more than ten years, Hanfu has attracted extensive attention, and Chinese traditional culture has been paid more and more attention. Nowadays, Hanfu appears more and more on media or social platforms, and more and more Chinese stars like to wear Hanfu. Xu Jiao When it comes to Chinese stars who like Hanfu, Xu Jiao must be involved. In an interview, she mentioned that she began to pay attention to Hanfu under the influence of Xiada comics in junior high school. As a student in a foreign country, she had a deeper understanding of her national culture. Xu Jiao began to publicize Chinese traditional culture such as Hanfu and Guqin to her surrounding students. After returning home, she often wore Hanfu to participate in activities and spared no effort to publicize Hanfu. Xu Jiao is committed to the wearing of modern Hanfu. In her opinion, wearing Hanfu does not necessarily have to wear gorgeous hairstyles and embroidered…

Tang suit (唐装, Tang Zhuang), also known as Chinese jacket. A newer form of Qing Dynasty Magua (马褂), is a modern costume with traditional elements, based on the prototype of a Chinese traditional lapel jacket, with the addition of stand collar and western-style three-dimensional cutting.   Origin of the name of Tang suit Perhaps you may be puzzled, since Tang suit is a new form of Magua in the Qing Dynasty, why is there Tang in the name? Is it directly related to the Tang Dynasty costume? The reason is that the Tang Dynasty was a powerful dynasty in Chinese history and had a great influence on overseas countries, and in the Song Dynasty, "Tang" had become the pronoun of the overseas countries in the southeast for China. Throughout the Song, Yuan, and Ming dynasties, things related to China were called "Tang", and not only "Tang" was used as a proxy for the land of "China", but also the Chinese were called "Tang", overseas Chinese often call themselves "Tang people", they live in places called "Tangren Jie (唐人街, Chinatown)", so this Qing-style costume is also called "Tang suit". In modern times, the Tang suit has more diverse names, such as…

Two weeks ago, at a significant meeting on the "Archaeology of China" project, held in Huainan, Anhui Province, a major discovery was announced. Archaeologists revealed that a bronze Ding unearthed from the "Wu Wangdun" site, the largest and most intricate high-status Chu tomb excavated to date, set a new record for the largest Chu cultural Ding found in China. Measuring 88.3 cm in diameter and about 1.2 m in height, this vessel surpasses the renowned Zhuke Dading (or "Chu Dading"), a prized artifact of the Anhui Museum. Although it doesn't rival the monumental Houmuwu Ding, its discovery has still sparked great excitement. As China national treasure, each bronze vessel is not only a marvel to craft but also a supreme symbol of power. Historically, the Ding size indicated one's status and authority. Records show that ancient nobles cooked various meats separately in different vessel, directly serving from them. Later, the Zhou Li stipulated a hierarchy of Dings: nine for the emperor, seven for lords, five for ministers, and three for officials. Thus, their size and weight took on special meaning, remaining a point of fascination even today. We know the largest and heaviest Ding in China is the Houmuwu Ding,…

Embroidery, known as needle embroidery in ancient times, is a kind of technology that uses an embroidery needle to guide color thread, embroiders and transports the designed patterns on textiles, and forms patterns with embroidery traces.Because embroidery is mostly made by women, it belongs to an important part of “needlework”. According to the records of the book of history, the system of Zhang Fu, which was more than 4000 years ago, stipulated that “clothes should be painted while clothes should be embroidered.” Today, let’s take a look at the embroidery features of different dynasties! (only partial pattern and process reference are provided in the following drawings) Han Dynasty The motifs of embroidery are mostly wavy cloud patterns, flying birds, and animals, as well as ribbon patterns and geometric patterns commonly seen in Han mirror patterns. Tang Dynasty In the Tang Dynasty, besides the Buddha figures, the landscape flowers and birds also gradually flourished, and the composition was lively and the colors were bright. The use of gold and silver thread to coil the outline of the pattern and strengthen the three-dimensional sense of objects is an innovation of embroidery in Tang Dynasty at that time. Song Dynasty In order to…

Dear veteran viewers of ancient Chinese costume dramas, I'm sure that for everyone, the plot of the hanfu beauty, palace plot, power rivalry, wrongly paid life, and so on has long been known. However, I wonder if you have caught the details to keep up with the fashion trends of traditional accessories throughout the dynasties? For example, what kind of ornaments did Empress Cao put on her face? Another example is that the "tip set" worn on Ru Yi's fingers was for decoration or for something else? And, did the yellow and red powder applied to Mulan's face before the blind date actually exist in history? Also, will this level of hair volume be standard per person? The story of jewelry is long and wide, fine and splendid. We might as well put together a "Top 10 List of Ancient Traditional Accessories Trends" for all the major categories of accessories, based on their length of popularity, usage, and popularity, etc. Since history is too voluminous to be told in one article, this list temporarily selects the mainstream accessories.   No.10 Hu Zhi - Nail Guards Hu Zhi (护指), also know as Nail Guards, is the Qing Dynasty drama, the aristocratic…

As in all countries, clothing plays an important role in Chinese culture. Chinese culture has existed for over 5000 years, and during this time some traditional clothing has been created. Traditional Chinese clothes are often based on the religion and social status of the person wearing them. Traditional Chinese clothes usually have a straight cut that is not too tight. This makes the clothes comfortable to wear. Light colors are most popular, but you can also find red, yellow, and purple clothes surprisingly often. White is considered the color of mourning in China and is therefore rarely worn in everyday life. In imperial times, the colors red, yellow, and purple were reserved for the ruler, his family, and high nobles. Today, red clothes are particularly popular, because the color stands for happiness and prosperity. This is the reason why many Chinese wear red clothes, especially on Chinese New Year. Chinese women's clothing is often more detailed and decorated with more embroidery than men's clothing. Everyday clothing is usually made of cotton or linen. On special occasions, people wear traditional clothing made of silk. To this day, there are four traditional Chinese garments that are still worn by many Chinese people:…

In recent years, Hanfu culture has formed a new trend among Chinese young people, such as Hanfu parades, Hanfu dances, Hanfu fashion shows,s and so on. Recently, the theme forum of “culture Tianfu, fashion Chengdu” and the Hanfu culture festival held in Chengdu have had a great impact. At the event site of the Hanfu Culture Festival, various Hanfu shows were staged in turn, including Hanfu of the Tang Dynasty – Qixiong Ruqun, Beizi Hanfu of the Song Dynasty, Jiaoling Ruqun of the Jin Dynasty, etc. Everyone put on their favorite traditional Hanfu. Walking in this street, it seems that they have a feeling of crossing time and space, and also shows the charm of “The first city of Hanfu” in Chengdu. At the event site, the planning of “Hanfu characteristic street”, one of the characteristic projects of Manjusri square, was officially released – it is planned to introduce 20 brand Hanfu institutions. This will be China’s first Hanfu characteristic cultural street integrating “R & D, design, display, sales, leasing, makeup photos, and experience”. Why did China’s first Hanfu characteristic cultural street settle in Chengdu? Historically, Chengdu has been known as the “Land of silkworm clusters” since ancient times. Sichuan…

1. The Picture of the Ode of the River Goddess The Picture of the Ode of the River Goddess, The Palace Museum in Beijing The Wei and Jin dynasties, the most elegant era in Chinese history, were full of poems and famous scholars, leaving behind countless brilliant literary works. Cao Zhi's Luo Shen Fu (洛神赋) is one of the most brilliant pieces. This long poem, about a traveler who meets a goddess on the shores of the Luo River, but who eventually parts from her because of the difference between the gods and the people, has its roots in the great poetic tradition of the Chinese people, but also contains the romance of Chinese native mythology. The poem Luo Shen Fu was depicted by another legend of the Wei and Jin dynasties, the painter Gu Kaizhi (348-406), in the form of painting: "The Picture of the Ode of the River Goddess". Since then, from poetry to painting, "The Picture of the Ode of the River Goddess" has been permanently engraved in the memory of Chinese people and sublimated into an immortal cultural symbol.   2. Emperor Taizong Receiving the Tibetan Envoy Emperor Taizong Receiving the Tibetan Envoy, The Palace Museum…

Emeralds are gemstones that are as ancient as the Earth itself. The oldest specimens date back 2.97 billion years and the first mines were established in Egypt around 1500 BC. In Chinese couture, these luminous stones solve the dilemma of blending timeless tradition with the desire for exclusive, luxurious expression. Their deep green allure has captivated hearts and adorned the luxurious world of Chinese couture for centuries. This article explains how emeralds have become synonymous with luxury and tradition in Chinese couture by transforming everyday fashion into a canvas of cultural storytelling and opulent taste. Read on to discover the journey of emeralds from royal dynasties to modern runways, and see how they continue to define sophistication and elegance in high fashion. Historical Roots of Emeralds in Chinese Culture Emeralds have held a revered place in the history of Chinese jewelry. They're often seen as symbols of prosperity and renewal. Historically, these vibrant gemstones were favored by royalty and nobility. They were embedded into the crowns and robes that graced the courts of ancient Chinese dynasties. Such pieces weren't merely ornamental but also served as amulets of good fortune and indicators of status. The Ming Dynasty, in particular, saw emeralds…

"Story of Yanxi Palace" is a drama with a strong sense of history and court aesthetics. Previous dramas of the same kind focus on dramatic conflicts, while Yanxi is particularly prominent in the aspects of palace life, which is extremely rare. The whole drama gives the audience a strong sense of substitution, as if they have followed the characters live in the Forbidden City for 70 episodes. The furnishings in the palace are carefully arranged by the crew, whether it is Shoukang Palace, Chuxiu Palace or Yanxi Palace. Among them, the most impressive is the cloisonne! When it comes to cloisonne, it might not be known to everyone, but it definitely leaves a deep imprint in every viewer's heart. When stepping into the Qianqing Palace, the red-crowned crane and incense burners in front of emperor seat, all of which show the supreme power and dignity of the royal family. Let's learn more about cloisonne, the ancient royal luxury.   The characteristics and history of cloisonne China cloisonne, the national intangible cultural heritage, is one of the famous special metal handicrafts with a history of more than 600 years. It is also known as "copper padding thread weaving vitreous enamel", which…

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…

The Evolution of Hanfu Hanfu, the Chinese costume, the traditional Chinese clothing system, also known as Chinese clothing, can not be confused with "Tang suit" and "kimono". Its origins can be traced back to “Xuanyuan, Huangdi is wearing clothes and the world is ruled” from the Yanhuang(炎黄) era, and the world ruled until the end of the Ming Dynasty (mid-17th century). Based on the national culture of the Han nationality (and the predecessor of the Han nationality the Huaxia nationality), a clothing system with national characteristics was formed in the process of natural cultural development and ethnic integration. The Composition of a Complete Set of Hanfu Hanfu, the Chinese costume, is divided into a formal dress and negligee. From the style of composition, mainly divided into: "Yishang(衣裳) system": (The clothes worn in the upper body and the skirt worn in the lower body are separate,), "Yishangsystem" is the earliest uniform in Hua Xia nation. "Shenyi(深衣) system": (The clothes worn in the upper body and the skirts worn in the lower body are stitched together.). "Ruqun(襦裙) system" (Ru mean short top). "Tongcai(通裁) system" (Long shirt, cloak. Tongcai means that connected without a seam, and 'ShenYi' is sewed together after cutting). Among these…

Peking Opera, which is also called Beijing Opera, is a Chinese theater style that has been around for hundreds of years. It includes singing, acting, dance, and gymnastics. It began in the late 18th century and has become one of China's most important traditional customs. But what is it about Peking Opera that makes it so interesting and different? Let's learn more about the methods and practices that make this art form unique. How Peking Opera Began and How It Has Changed Over Time In the 1790s, four Anhui opera troupes came to Beijing to play for the royal court. This is where Peking Opera got its start. Over time, these troupes mixed styles from around the world with Beijing's own style, which is what we now call Peking Opera. The art form did very well during the Qing Dynasty and kept changing by taking parts from other opera styles and folk arts. Even though it had problems during the Cultural Revolution, Peking Opera has come back to life and continues to amaze people all over the world. Traditional Asian Theater Music Traditional Asian theater music plays a vital role in setting the stage and enhancing the storytelling of various…

The Ming Dynasty was the last dynasty ruled by the Han nationality in China’s feudal history, and the evolution of its costumes showed irregular volatility. The costume of Ming Dynasty can be divided into four periods： 1) Early Ming Dynasty (1368-1435)2) Mid Ming Dynasty (1436-1505)3) Late Ming Dynasty (1506-1620)4) The end of the Ming Dynasty (1620-1644) In the early Ming Dynasty, the evolution of Ming Dynasty clothing was a process from top to bottom, from formal dress to casual dress, from the retention of the Yuan Dynasty to removing the traces of the Yuan Dynasty. Part 1.1: Early Ming Dynasty – Women’s Clothing Style The clothing style of this period is still in the formative period, and there is still the dress style of Han women in the late Yuan Dynasty – long sleeve short shirt with half sleeve short shirt and skirt on the lower body. At this time, women did not appear in long clothes over the knee. Therefore, it can be concluded that women’s clothing in the early Ming Dynasty was mainly short shirts with a solid color skirt. The style of women’s headdress in this period still has the style of Han women in the late…

The hairstyle of Hanfu is characterized by its hairstyle and crown, which can not only reflect the beautiful appearance of ancient women but also show the characteristics of age and identity. What kind of hairstyle should be worn with the ancient Chinese costume bearing the Chinese etiquette culture? Today, we will introduce the 9 common hairstyles of Hanfu to highlight the unique cultural temperament of “the country of clothing” and “the state of etiquette”. Style 1: Home bun At the end of the Tang Dynasty, the women in the capital combed their hair and held their faces on their temples. They were shaped like a vertebral bun. Style 2: Horse bun She wears a low bun and sweeps her eyebrows. All-day Acacia, just for the king haggard. Style 3: Cross bun It is named after its “cross” shape. The hair is sparse and the bun is crossed vertically. Style 4: Black bun “Miao custom Ji Wen”: the woman’s bun is a foot high, graceful and forehead, like overlapping and sharp. Style 5: Double bun Style 6: Startled Swan bun Wei palace people like to draw long eyebrows, make moth eyebrows, startled bun. It is shaped like a bird’s wings. Style…

The animated historical film "Chang An," produced by Light Chaser Animation Studios and directed by Xie Junwei and Zou Jing, was released on July 8, 2023. Set against the backdrop of the prosperous Tang Dynasty, the film depicts the chaos that engulfed Chang'an after the An Lushan Rebellion. In this tumultuous time, Gao Shi reminisces about his past with Li Bai. What makes this film remarkable is not only its portrayal of a realistic and captivating Li Bai but also its presentation of the poignant stories between Li Bai and Gao Shi throughout their lives. It showcases their encounters with other prominent figures of the Tang Dynasty such as Du Fu and Wang Wei, capturing the splendorous era they lived in and showcasing the infinite charm of poetry and culture. Recently sparked heated discussions among netizens after its release. The film showcases the charm of Eastern aesthetics, allowing viewers to travel through time and experience the splendorous Tang Dynasty. In addition to the essence of Tang style emanating from poetry, the intricate motifs on the characters' costumes in the film also reveal the beauty of lines within China's long historical river. Patterns, simply put, refer to decorative designs. Ancient people drew…

Chinese empresses from various dynasties, had distinct and elaborate clothing styles that reflected their status and the fashion trends of their respective eras. From the elegant robes of the Han Dynasty to the elaborate gowns of the Ming and Qing Dynasties, the attire of Chinese empresses reflects not only their status but also the cultural influences of their time. In this article, we will explore the unique clothing styles of empresses from different dynasties, showcasing the diversity of fashion. Han Dynasty: During the Han Dynasty (206 BCE – 220 CE), empresses adorned themselves in flowing robes with wide sleeves and loose-fitting garments. The attire featured intricate embroidery and vibrant patterns, symbolizing prosperity and grace. Tang Dynasty: In the Tang Dynasty (618-907 CE), empresses embraced a structured and layered style. They wore multiple robes in various colors and patterns, accentuated by elaborate headdresses, jewelry, and decorative accessories. This period witnessed opulence and sophistication in imperial fashion. Song Dynasty: The Song Dynasty (960-1279 CE) marked a shift towards a more refined and modest aesthetic for empresses. They favored long, loose robes with narrow sleeves and high collars. Delicate embroidery and simple designs exemplified the elegance and subtlety of their attire. Ming Dynasty:…

The China Spring Festival Gala of 2024 received high praise, with the program "Nian Jin" providing a delightful surprise to the audience. Liu Tao, Liu Shishi, Li Qin, and Guan Xiaotong appeared on stage in costumes from different dynasties such as Han, Tang, Song, and Ming, leading a group of Hanfu girls to present a visual feast of traditional culture to the audience. Hanfu has finally gained recognition once again, being showcased to people nationwide and even worldwide. Behind this success lies a movement called the "Hanfu Revival" that has been unfolding over the past twenty years. Countless enthusiasts of Hanfu, undaunted by criticism, have cherished traditional values, all in the pursuit of reviving the attire of the Han people that was once stripped away. From facing scrutiny to now being ubiquitous, how has the revival of Hanfu come to this point, and what drives their unwavering dedication? In 2003, a group of awakeners and practitioners of Han culture began to gather on a forum called Han Wang, where one of the main topics of discussion was Hanfu. Despite being relegated to the sidelines of history during the late Ming and early Qing dynasties, Hanfu, as a traditional attire of…

What is Hong Men Banquet? Hong Men Yan (鸿门宴; hóng mén yàn), also known as Feast at Swan Goose Gate or Hongmen Banquet is a banquet that took place in 206 BC. The banquet is known as the story of Xiang Yu wanting to kill Liu Bang. Liu Bang had conquered Xianyang, and the last Qin Emperor, Ziying (子婴), had surrendered to him. Hearing that Liu Bang was planning to declare himself King of Guanzhong, Xiang's adviser Fan Zeng urged Xiang Yu to kill Liu Bang, After entering Xianyang, Liu Bang's behavior changed somewhat, which shows that his ambition is not small and ambitious, if we let him develop and grow, it will be too late to regret in the future. So Xiang Yu decided to host a banquet to entertain Liu Bang and kill him. Xiang Bo was Xiang Yu's uncle and was good friends with Zhang Liang. He sneaked into Liu Bang's army to inform Zhang Liang to escape for refuge. Zhang Liang introduced Xiang Bo to Liu Bang. Liu Bang made a marriage contract with Xiang Bo in order to draw him in. The next morning, Liu Bang came to Hong Men with more than 100 soldiers to meet…

In recent years, with the rise of the China-Chic trend, many gold stores have also begun to favor products of traditional culture and launched the so-called ancient gold craft and inheritance series of Chinese gold jewelry. The ancient Chinese used goldware as body decoration, dating back to the Xia Dynasty 4,000 years ago. The gold eardrops unearthed in Gansu is the best proof. The simple circle obviously cannot reflect the skill level of the ancients, so today let’s take a look at the gold earrings and gold bracelets in the museum’s collection of cultural relics. Let’s experience the luxury aesthetics of ancient Chinese gold jewelry. Gold earrings, 2100-1600 B.C., collection of Gansu Provincial Institute of Archaeology   Eardrop Eardrops (Er Zhui, 耳坠) is a kind of traditional Chinese earrings, with an additional part of the drop than earrings. Gold earrings, Warring States period, collection of Ordos Museum This pair of gold eardrops in the Warring States Period adopts a cone and spring design, and the color matching of gold and turquoise is even more ingenious. Gem-set gold earrings, Northern Wei Dynasty, collection of Datong Museum This pair of gold eardrops from the Northern Wei Dynasty is composed of amber, silver…

As an important component of traditional Chinese culture, Hanfu’s status and role in modern life have attracted much attention. Wearing Hanfu is not only a way of dressing, but also a way of inheriting and promoting traditional Chinese culture. So what is the status and role of Hanfu in modern life. Fashion Industry Hanfu is playing an increasingly important role in the fashion industry. In the past, people’s definition of fashion mainly referred to Western fashion, but in recent years, Hanfu has gradually been recognized and accepted by people. Nowadays, wearing Hanfu has become a new trend in the fashion industry, and more and more young people are starting to try wearing Hanfu. Hanfu not only pursues beauty in design, but also fully reflects the characteristics and charm of Chinese culture. Therefore, Hanfu is also favored by more and more designers. Cultural Inheritance Hanfu plays an irreplaceable role in cultural inheritance. Hanfu, as an important component of traditional Chinese culture, plays an irreplaceable role in cultural inheritance. Wearing Hanfu not only allows people to understand the connotation and charm of traditional Chinese culture, but also enables young people to receive education and influence from traditional culture. Therefore, in some cultural…

Vocab of Wrapped Flower Wrapped flower - 缠花 (chán huā) - a name used to called artificially made flower using the techniques of wrapping colored silk thread around cut-out pieces and combining each parts together to make flowers, animals, insects, etc. Spring Flower - 春仔花 (chūn zǐ huā) or 春花 (chūn huā). Used in this situation would mean various types of flower combined into a small batch each flower symbolize for different meanings in China. In this case, the flower would be a wrapped flower rather than a real flower.   History of Wrapped Flower Through ancient China, people held a profound appreciation for nature, which manifested in their beliefs of deities who governed natural forces to their interest in making poetry, music, and artworks that represented the beauty they saw. One remarkable custom in ancient China were the flower hair-pinning practice known as "簪花的习俗 (zān huā de xí sú)," where both men and women adorned their hair or hat with flowers, either fresh or artificially made. Talking about flowers, there are many artificial flower craftsmen that have passed down for centuries, including "ronghua" and "wrapped flower." The art of wrapped flowers originated during the Ming Dynasty and arrived in the…

In the feudal society of ancient China, men were often valued over women. Women often become the vassal of men, and they have no chance to realize themselves. But in the history of China, did all dynasties really value men over women? In fact, it was different from the Song Dynasty. In the Song Dynasty, most ordinary families like to have daughters. If they are boys, they may be abandoned by their parents. Song Dynasty was the heyday of economic and cultural development in ancient feudal society in China. How was the dominant position of women in society affected by the economic culture of the Song Dynasty? The advantages of daughters in Song Dynasty: 1) Women in Song Dynasty had the right of inheritance as men, and played an irreplaceable role in the entertainment industry and textile handicraft industry; 2) Politically, there were as many as five empress dowagers in power in Song Dynasty; 3) In the Song Dynasty, women’s dowry was very rich when they got married, and women’s remarriage in the Song Dynasty was not discriminated against. Why did the Song Dynasty place so much emphasis on women than men? 1) An enlightened ethos of the times The…