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Reviving the Portraits of Song Dynasty Emperors: AI Reconstruction Unveils the Faces of Ancient Rulers
People are always curious about history, wondering about the appearance of famous figures from the past. Today, with the help of AI technology, the face of the emperor of the Song Dynasty has been recreated. The Song Dynasty was an important era in Chinese history, with its territory expanding and contracting, divided into the Northern Song and Southern Song periods. The capital of the Northern Song was in Bianjing (modern-day Kaifeng), while the capital of the Southern Song was in Lin'an (modern-day Hangzhou). The Song Dynasty was a time of prosperity in commercial economy and cultural education in Chinese history. During this period, there was relatively enlightened politics, agricultural development, thriving commerce and urban centers, social changes, the revival of Confucianism leading to the formation of Cheng-Zhu Neo-Confucianism, rapid technological advancements, flourishing poetry, and high achievements in calligraphy and painting. Scholars estimate that the Song Dynasty's GDP accounted for 22.7% of the world economy at that time, and the total population in 1124 reached 126 million. Some scholars praise the cultural achievements of the Han Chinese, culminating in the Song eras after thousands of years of evolution. Zhao Kuangyin Emperor Taizu of the Song Dynasty, Zhao Kuangyin (960-976), reigned… -
History of Ancient China Hair Accessories: Ji
Vocabulary Ji, 笄 (jī) - the most simplistic hair accessories to secure updos used by ancient Chinese. Zan, 簪 (zān) - a more complex version of Ji. What hanfu hairpins are now called. On one end are accessories, and the other is a pin that is inserted into a hair bun. Chai, 钗 (chāi) - also a hairpin quite similar to Zan. Chāi have two split pins on one end. The two pins will get pushed into the hair bun and stay much more securely than one pin in Zan and Ji. Guan, 冠 (guān) - literal translation is "crown". The crown in ancient China looked more like a net hat that encompassed hair buns within. Based on the crown, any sort of hairpin can be used to further secure the hat to the head. Materials and Purpose Ji are considered the earliest and plainest hair accessories. It takes on the shape of a stick with or without a simple carved out design on one end and a single stick on the other. It is often carved out of a single piece of material or cut out separately then assembled at the end. This accessory is said to exist even… -
Celebrating the Winter Solstice in Ancient China
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… -
The Brief History of the Fascinating China-Red
Whenever it comes to an important Chinese holiday, the National Day of China or the Chinese New Year. You would always see red color in various places in China. Besides adding to the festive atmosphere, the color red is also an important part of the world's perception of China. Why does red represent China? How did red become the favorite color of the Chinese people? Today we will talk about the China-red! How much do Chinese people like red? China-red, as the underlying color of Chinese culture, is everywhere, all the time. Such as the vermilion gate, red walls and pillars of the Forbidden City, or the redwood furniture and red quilts of people's homes. From the bride's red veil, red wedding dress, red embroidered shoes, etc., to the red Dudou (肚兜) worn by children. And red Fai Chun, red lanterns, red paper cutting, red envelope, red seals ...... There are too many objects off red in China to count. The Chinese can be said to have applied the color red to an extreme. Chinese directors also like to apply red in their films, such as Zhang Yimou. The films "Hong Gao Liang (红高粱)", "Ju Dou (菊豆)", "House of… -
How Did The Ancients Iron Clothes | The Development History Of Irons
What Are “Irons” Irons is a kind of tool that irons wrinkled clothes and cloth with heat. In modern times, iron is one of the common household appliances, which is used to iron clothes. Nowadays, irons are of various types according to different designs. However, in ancient times, the irons were originally made of stones, pottery, copper and iron pieces, which were heated on the fire and pressed on the clothes to make them flat. The Origin Of The Name “Irons” On the origin of the name “irons”, there are two explanations in ancient Chinese. One is to take the meaning of Beidou, and the other is that the shape of iron is very similar to that of an ancient cooking utensil “dou”. According to research, the ancient Chinese iron was invented earlier than the electric iron in the West in 1880, and it was the first country in the world to invent and use iron. The Development History Of Irons Shang Dynasty The earliest prototype of the iron appeared in the Shang Dynasty, when it was used as a tool of torture, specially used to burn prisoners’ skin. Until the late Qin and early Han Dynasty, its function was… -
Brief History of Cloud-Shoulder (Yunjian)
Brief history describing the purpose of yunjian, history, and changes overtime between modern period and past. I've been doing some researches into differnt styles of hanfu worn in various Dynasties and what they look like. I came upon Ming Dynasty and the description of yunjian being one of the clothing that's is often worn by the citizens. I find them interesting and decided to share them here as a brief history to leanring how yunjian came to be. What is yunjian? Yunjian (云肩), also known as a shawl (披肩) is a type of clothing decoration that developed after the Sui Dynasty. It is mainly made from materials such as silk and satin brocade, taking on shapes such as clouds or having clouds embroidered onto a cloth. Its purpose when first integrated into everyday wear isn't simply just for decorations. But with time and as the popularity of yunjian rose in the Ming and Qing Dynasties, it gradually became a part that added depth to what is being worn, like pendants or necklaces - and added decorations to the overall looks. If laid out on a flat surface, yunjian's shape is quite similar to a donut. Only the part facing… -
Previewing The Mutations: Gripping Narrative of Latest Thriller Cdrama
Chinese drama market has recently been bustling. On the one hand, the highly anticipated drama "Lost You Forever" quickly soared to the top of the popularity charts after its premiere, and its viewership ratings have also been steadily climbing. On the other hand, the beloved spy drama "The Infiltrator" has also caused a sensation and sparked continuous discussions. There is no denying that this year's summer lineup of dramas is indeed abundant, bringing countless highlights and topics for viewers. Furthermore, it has been reported that the ancient costume suspense drama "The Mutations" is about to be released. From both its storyline and production team to its cast members, it is undoubtedly stands as a highly anticipated hit series. Adapted from Ma Boyong's novel of the same name, it tells the story set in Tianqi period at the end of Ming Dynasty when a strange epidemic breaks out outside Liaodong Pass, plunging people into panic. A member of Jin Yi Wei (Embroidered Uniform Guard) goes alone to investigate in northern but becomes entangled in conflicts between local military forces and civilians. Eventually, this Jin Yi Wei gradually unravels a tale woven with political intrigues. The biggest highlight of this drama lies… -
Jiang Xun Qian – Talented Girl That Focuses on the Traditional Cuisine and Crafts
Restoration of lychee wine from 1300 years ago, ancient palace traditional cuisine Chinese sweets dragonbeard, non-stick egg pudding, all of these classic Chinese cuisines making are from the Chinese blogger Jiu Yue / Jiang Xun Qian's videos. Cuisine blogger: Jiu Yue / Jiang Xun Qian Not only traditional cuisine, but also Chinese crafts such as paper kites, fish lanterns, and whisking tea are the subjects of her videos, and she is also the initiator of the previously popular sugar painting challenge. Focusing on traditional cuisine and crafts "A steed that raised red dust won the fair mistress' smiles; how many steeds that brought litchi died on the run!" 1,300 years ago, the Tang Dynasty's Yang Guifei loved lychee wine very much, and it has also made generations of people yearn for it. What is the taste of lychee wine that made Yang Guifei drunk? The blogger Jiang Xun Qian uses traditional techniques to recreate the taste from the Tang Dynasty, she also put on an opera costume and staged the song "Drunkened Concubine". Not only the lychee wine with the flavor of the Tang Dynasty, Jiang Xun Qian was also made fine as hair Chinese sweets dragon beard, and… -
How Post-85 Actors Revitalize Costume Drama Roles in 2024
By the year 2024, the inaugural year of costume drama has long passed, yet the unexpected success of "The Legend of Shen Li" has truly surpassed all expectations. Whether it be the pairing of Zhao Liying and Lin Gengxin, reviving the regrets of the fans of "Princess Agents," or the ethereal configuration of the female and male in the early stages of "The Legend of Shen Li," every element has struck a chord with everyone's nostalgia. For a moment, it turned this pair of middle-aged ancient costume role, initially mocked by many before the premiere, into a phenomenon where they dominated various popularity charts. Looking back over the past few years, many young actors and actresses have risen to fame through costume dramas. Ancient costume dramas have become a well-known place for grooming stars and have consequently transformed into an exclusive domain for the new generation of actors. Hence, as soon as the trailer for "The Legend of Shen Li" was released, it became a focal point for public criticism: the combined age of the leads exceeds 70 years; post-85 actors spent half their lives elsewhere, only to return to the world of costume dramas; or the excessive soft lighting… -
High-end Chinoiserie Statue Pioneer – Infinity Studio
In 2015, three post-80s, who love statues and model toys, founded Infinity Studio (开天工作室) together in Shanghai. Today, Infinity Studio has not only become the head brand of sculpture in China, but also led the niche circle to develop into a hot modeling industry, truly bringing love into reality and doing the best. Pu Xiang Industrial Design Studio recently interviewed the founder of Infinity Studio, Yu Guanglai, and talked with him about the first half of his life dedicated to the statues. 01 The bond with model toys Yu Guanglai has been associated with model toys for more than thirty years. Ever since he understood, most of his life has been closely connected with model toys. The first model toy in Yu Guanglai's life was the Transformers that his mother bought for him. But at that time, he was young and playful, and the toys he wanted were both numerous and expensive. Yu Guanglai repeatedly dreamed of going to various kinds of toy stores, and sometimes he would wake up with toys in his arms. When he woke up, he found that it was just a dream, and he was very disappointed. Once, the school organized a summer hiking.… -
Love Between Fairy and Devil – Must Watch Fantasy Cdrama in August
With oriental mythology as the base to interpret the magnificent three realms, the traditional cultural core to build a solid humanistic heritage, the traditional Chinese intangible cultural heritage elements perfectly mixed into the scene creation, the oriental fantasy romance cdrama "Love Between Fairy and Devil" through the new world view, the audience can totally experience what is the immersive oriental cultural imagination. "Love Between Fairy and Devil (苍兰诀)" is a costume fantasy cdrama starring Yu Shu Xin and Dylan Wang, with Xu Hai Qiao and Cristy Guo in special roles. The drama is adapted from the novel of the same name by Jiu Lu Fei Xiang, which tells the story of a sweet and sadistic love story between the fairy Xiao Lan Hua and the Moon Goddess Dong Fang Qing Cang, who accidentally swap bodies. The drama aired on August 7, 2022. The Xi Lan family was exterminated, the goddess of Xishan, Xiao Lan Hua, was protected by the clan and was reborn as a low-level fairy in the heavens after ten thousand years, and she accidentally resurrected the Moon Goddess Dong Fang Qing Cang who was trapped in the Haotian Tower. To gain freedom, Dong Fang Qing Cang has… -
Dunhuang and Venice: Above Desert and Sea
At the end of 2022, a documentary with only four episodes went online, "Dunhuang and Venice: Above Desert and Sea". Perhaps Marco Polo's visit to China is the only positive encounter between Dunhuang (敦煌) and Venice in history. They reunited with a new look in this documentary. From east to west, from sand to sea, the Silk Road conveys the most wonderful exchange of materials, culture and people. East Meets West In 1271, Marco Polo set out from Venice for a long journey and crossed 6,400 kilometers of sand and sea. In his travelogue, he noted down a place called sandbank, which was Dunhuang. In the long river of history, the two seemingly completely irrelevant cities have more connections because of the Silk Road. For example, the cotton weaving of Persia appeared in Dunhuang Tang Dynasty documents and also appeared beside the governor of Venice. The pattern of lotus appeared in the Mogao Grottoes and also in the gorgeous clothes of the Madonna. Lapis lazuli from Afghanistan is not only the profoundest sky in Dunhuang frescoes but also the purest blue in Titian's works. Many traders may not travel the entire length of the Silk Road, but one short… -
Did the Devil God Tan Tai Jin Really Exist in Ancient China? Till The End Of The Moon (长月烬明)
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… -
Horse Face Skirts: 6 Kinds Traditional And Modern Collocations – 2021
Structure and History Horse Face Skirt(马面裙), in the “General History of Chinese Clothing”, the horse face skirt is described as follows: “there are folds on both sides, the skirt door and back are decorated with patterns, and there are skirt waist and lace upon it.” Horse face skirt was very popular in the Ming Dynasty, from empress to ordinary people. However, according to different classes and occasions, the material, pattern, and color of horse face skirts are also different. The horse face skirt in the Ming Dynasty was simple in color and simple in pattern. In the Qing Dynasty, the horse face skirt gradually changed to elegance. The colors and patterns become more and more colorful, especially the outer skirt door. People have added many auspicious patterns on the outer skirt door, such as auspicious eight treasures, flowers, birds, insects, and butterflies. Occasion and Collocation In modern times, horse face skirts can be worn on any occasion, but need to pay attention to the requirements of color, material, and pattern of horse face skirts on different occasions. For example, you can wear a light plain horse face skirt in your daily life, which is convenient for daily action. At the… -
Creation of the Gods I: Upcoming Epic Mythological Film
"Creation of the Gods I" has announced its release date on July 20th. This mythological film, directed by Wu Ershan and starring Huang Bo, Fei Xiang, Li Xuejian, Xia Yu, and Chen Kun took over five years to produce and will finally meet with audiences. "Creation of the Gods" started shooting in September 2018 as a trilogy. The three parts were titled "Creation of The Gods I: Yao Luan Guo Shang", "Creation of The Gods II - Mo Dao Zheng Feng", "Creation of The Gods III - Feng Shen Tian Xia". Part one was initially planned to be released during summer 2020 but production schedules had been disrupted due to the pandemic. Now that it is set to premiere this summer season, can it boost the entire market? "Creation of the Gods" is based on China's famous classical novel "Investiture of the Gods", narrating an epic mythical war that lasted over three thousand years between humans, immortals, and demons. In part one of this series, Huang Bo plays Jiang Ziya; Fei Xiang portrays King Zhou of Shang; Li Xuejian appears as Ji Chang, King Wen of Zhou; Xia Yu takes up Shen Gongbao’s role while Chen Kun portrays Yuanshi Tianzun -… -
The 9th China-Qinghai International Ethnic Traditional Archery Elite Tournament
A Celebration of Tradition and Sport Against the picturesque backdrop of Qinghai Lake in Gangcha County, Qinghai Province, the 9th China-Qinghai International Ethnic Traditional Archery Elite Tournament kicked off on the evening of the 20th. Athletes from 22 countries and regions, including Bangladesh, Cambodia, Mongolia, Poland, Russia, and China, gathered to compete in this prestigious event, totaling 1,100 archers. Vice Governor of Haibei Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Ma Ruxiang, highlighted the tournament's role in integrating traditional ethnic sports with cultural exchanges. He emphasized how the event fosters camaraderie among different ethnic groups, promoting mutual assistance and enhancing national confidence through interactions with global participants. Competing at the Highest Standards The three-day elite tournament features five major competitions across four types of bows: modern traditional bow, compound bow, recurve bow, and horn bow. While the compound bow competition utilizes traditional earthen targets, other events adhere to international Olympic standards using standardized target papers. The 9th China-Qinghai International Ethnic Traditional Archery Elite Tournament commenced under the serene gaze of Qinghai Lake, drawing 1,100 archers from 22 countries and regions. This event, hosted in Gangcha County by the Haibei Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, not only showcases the prowess of athletes but also serves as a… -
3 Highlight of the New Cdrama Love Like the Galaxy That Worth Watching
From the details of dramatized family daily life to the emotional struggle of characters growing up and the emotions of family and country, Love Like the Galaxy contains many highlights worth watching. The ancient legendary cdrama Love Like the Galaxy was launched on July 5, adapted from the novel work "Xing Han Can Lan, Xing Shen Zhi Zai (星汉灿烂, 幸甚至哉)" by novel author Guan Xin Ze Luan, starring Wu Lei, Zhao Lusi, Guo Tao and Zeng Li in the lead roles. In addition to being broadcast exclusively on Tencent Video, the series is also available on Viu, YouTube, Viki, and iTalk, which cover multiple regions. In the future, the series will also be broadcast on AsiaN in Korea and mainstream TV in Japan. Love Like the Galaxy portrays the ancient family group, with a huge and complicated family construction that holds up the vast and long story. The drama tells the story of Ling Bu Yi, who is burdened with a blood feud, and Cheng Shao Shang, who has lacked love since childhood, growing up together through life and death together. The drama in the structure of the narrative, to grow the main male and female to drive the audience… -
The Comeback of Wuxia: Analyzing the Resurgence of Martial Arts Films in Popular Culture
The martial arts film "The Wild Blade of Strangers" officially landed on iQIYI. From its theatrical release on March 2nd to its online debut on March 8th, "The Wild Blade of Strangers" only took 6 days. However, unlike previous films that quickly made their way online, the release of "The Wild Blade of Strangers" was a strategically planned proactive move. According to the creators, from the inception of "The Wild Blade of Strangers," they aimed for a release on the streaming media. After the film was completed, many audience representatives and industry peers were invited to watch it. While they praised the quality of the film, they also suggested the idea of trying to enter theaters. It has been a long time since such an exciting Wuxia action film has graced the big screen. Subsequently, with the introduction of the concept of "theatrical release," and after rapid preparations, "The Wild Blade of Strangers" finalized its strategy of releasing in theaters and then transitioning to online streaming on the streaming media. Since iQIYI launched the "Master of Action Season" on January 18th, the film and television industry has been closely watching iQIYI's next moves. In recent years, martial arts films have… -
The Legend of Heroes: Jin Yong’s Wuxia Saga on Screen
Since its literary inception in the pre-Qin era with "Han Feizi," "Wuxia" has carried and embodied the emotions and joys and sorrows of the Chinese people for thousands of years. As a representative figure of Chinese wuxia novels, Jin Yong elevated this uniquely romance to a global height. This year marks the 100th anniversary of Jin Yong's birth. To commemorate this, Tencent Video and Yaoke Culture have produced a series directed by Xu Bing, Deng Ke, Cao Dun, Zang Xichuan, and Yang Lei, with writers Xu Bing, Li Haishu, Huang Yanwei, Cao Xiaotian, Cheng Tingyu, and Luo Yiwei. The series stars Zhou Yiwei, Gao Weiguang, Chen Duling, Peter Ho, Hani Kezi, Ming Dao, Meng Ziyi, He Yu, Cisha, Bao Shang'en, Wang Hongyi, and Huang Yi (listed in order of appearance based on the storyline). The "The Legend of Heroes: Hot Blooded" series premiered on June 17, with the first 30-episode web drama "Iron Blooded Loyal Heart" inviting a new generation to experience the authentic essence of Jin Yong and the pure charm of wuxia culture. "The Legend of Heroes: Hot Blooded" continues the legacy of the first part of the 1983 version of "The Legend of the Condor Heroes." The… -
Brief History of Cloud-Shoulder (Yunjian)
Brief history describing the purpose of yunjian, history, and changes overtime between modern period and past. I've been doing some researches into differnt styles of hanfu worn in various Dynasties and what they look like. I came upon Ming Dynasty and the description of yunjian being one of the clothing that's is often worn by the citizens. I find them interesting and decided to share them here as a brief history to leanring how yunjian came to be. What is yunjian? Yunjian (云肩), also known as a shawl (披肩) is a type of clothing decoration that developed after the Sui Dynasty. It is mainly made from materials such as silk and satin brocade, taking on shapes such as clouds or having clouds embroidered onto a cloth. Its purpose when first integrated into everyday wear isn't simply just for decorations. But with time and as the popularity of yunjian rose in the Ming and Qing Dynasties, it gradually became a part that added depth to what is being worn, like pendants or necklaces - and added decorations to the overall looks. If laid out on a flat surface, yunjian's shape is quite similar to a donut. Only the part facing…