Cheongsams or Modern Qipao are a kind of figure-flattering Chinese dress perfect for showcasing a lady’s features gracefully. It is no wonder they’re becoming ever more prevalent to wear, particularly for special occasions like your wedding. But the modern qipao can be worn anytime for any event. Although there are nearly too many choices when shopping for the Western wedding outfit, purchasing Chinese wedding clothing or Modern Qipao (cheongsam) can be a maddening experience if you don’t know what to look for in a Modern Qipao dress. How will you get the best Cheongsams or Modern Qipao if you don’t know them well? Fortunately, we have reviewed a complete list of 5 vital things to check before you buy a cheongsam or modern qipao dress in this article below. It will certainly help you to get the best qipao China dress from anywhere in the world!   What Is a Modern Qipao or Cheongsam Chinese Dress? As a type of Chinese dress, qipao is at all times a classic option for women. Cheongsams or qipao originated almost a century ago in Shanghai in China as a contemporary take on the Chinese Manchu dress, and then it remained among the most…

The 2024 "Silk Road Week" grandly opened at the China National Silk Museum! The highlight of this event is the grand exhibition "The Silk Road's Chang'an," officially launched with over 210 artifacts on display, including more than 50 first-class relics. The exhibition is divided into five sections, showcasing a vibrant, diverse, open, and integrated Chang'an through aspects such as politics, economy, culture, lifestyle, and its long-standing connections with Zhejiang. Chang'an, the ancient name for Xi'an, located in the central Guanzhong Plain, is one of the cradles of Chinese civilization. Historically, over ten dynasties, including the Western Han, Xin, Eastern Han, Western Jin, Former Zhao, Former Qin, Later Qin, Western Wei, Northern Zhou, Sui, and Tang, established their capitals here over a span of more than a thousand years. It is the city with the longest history, most dynasties, greatest influence, and richest heritage in Chinese history. During the Han and Tang dynasties, Chang'an was the starting point of the ancient Silk Road, a crucial node connecting the Eurasian continent. With its thriving economy, splendid culture, and inclusive nature, it became an undeniable global metropolis and a center of cultural exchange between China and the world. This year marks the 10th…

Taoist clothing, which refers to the costume worn by Taoists, belongs to the Han traditional dress system. It is also known as "Fa Fu (法服)", "Taoist uniform", "Taoist dress", etc. The Taoist clothing is the traditional costume of the Chinese nation, and the social costume has changed with the development of the times, but within the Taoist religion is largely unchanged. Daoism attaches great importance to its own traditions and has always been steadfast in adhering to all the beliefs and systems that have been formed. Its dress is just that. Early Taoist clothing, which was not strictly regulated, began to form systems after Lu Xiujing (陆修静) in the Southern Dynasty. Taoism is quite cautious about its dress, both in the Quanzhen (全真派) and the Zhengyi (正一派) Taoism. By the end of the North-South Dynasty, a complete dress system was basically formed. That is to say, according to the years of Taoist initiation and the depth of Taoism, the Taoist is divided into several levels, and specific provisions are made for each level of Taoist clothing, crown, and boots, the fabrics to be used, the colors to be taken, the style to be taken, etc. Each rank of Taoist must…

Unlike the noble and elegant clothes of women in the Tang Dynasty, when it comes to Song Dynasty women costumes, maybe we are thinking of a graceful and restrained and a plain and neat feeling. The Song Dynasty was the dynasty with the most prosperous literati temperament in Chinese history. Women’s clothing in the Song Dynasty not only inherited the women's clothing system in the Tang Dynasty, moreover, combined with the characteristics of the times, created a dressing mode that belongs to the Song Dynasty. Its aesthetic standard is skinny beauty with fresh and elegant. It advocates slenderness and fit, exquisite material processing, soft tone, lightness, softness, elegance, and it has a strong atmosphere of life. So what kind of clothes did the women wear in the Song Dynasty thousands of years ago? In this article, ArtMoment will introduce 11 classic Song Dynasty women costumes to you.   1-Top In the Song Dynasty, women’s clothing was basically still coat and dress shape, divided into different forms. Tops mainly have Moxiong, Shan, Ru & Ao, Pao, Beizi, Banxiu, and so on. Moxiong Moxiong (抹胸, bandeau) is the most close-fitting clothing for women in the Song Dynasty. Its function is like today’s…

Decorative patterns are the wisdom creation of mankind into civilized society. In order to perfect oneself and beautify one's life, human beings need not only the satisfaction of material life, but also the communication of spiritual life. Decorative patterns, through the beautification of practical objects of clothing, food, housing and transportation, make aesthetic ideals reflected in the practical life and play a subtle role, thus further promoting the improvement and development of human civilization. -- Chinese Decorative Patterns Through the Ages Today, let's follow the Modern Hanfu and learn about the history and modern application of the classic Tang Dynasty patterns.   History of Traditional Patterns As early as the Neolithic era, patterns appeared, and the ancestors painted their inner desires and aesthetic interests into various patterns, which were entrusted with good luck and good wishes, and incorporated them into their lives. These patterns can be found on pottery and stone carvings, and probably on costumes as well, but unfortunately we do not have many costume artifacts yet. The culture of costume is closely related to the development of society, as early as before the Han Dynasty, dyed fabrics have been printed (with) traditional Chinese patterns, with the opening and…

Wuxia (武俠), which is a type of Chinese fantasy with a lot of martial arts. It’s a lot of attractive people flying aroundwith swords using powers, and it’s amazing. What you see wuxia world in dramas, what you think is the ancient Chinese cultural ideal world is actually created within the last say a little bit over half a century in the 1950s. In this post, I am going to attempt to explain the rather complicated concept of Wuxia and Jianghu that even a lot of Chinese native people actually don't quite know about that. So if you're coming from a different cultural background and you don't speak the language it might be even more confusing for you to understand what jianghu. So first we have to understand the word Wuxia, and then the concept of Jianghu. Wuxia World in Chinese Dramas If you have been watching a lot of Chinese dramas, you may realize a large proportion of current Chinese dramas are of the period drama genre and within this genre. A large proportion is the Wuxia genre or versions that branch off from this genre or even if it's really a serious political or Romantic period drama, which…

Su embroidery (苏绣, Suzhou Silk Hand Embroidery Art) is the general name of embroidery products in Suzhou, the traditional folk arts. It is one of the four famous embroideries in China and was listed as one of the national intangible cultural heritages in 2006. Su embroidery (苏绣, Suzhou Silk Hand Embroidery Art) is the general name of embroidery products in Suzhou, the traditional folk arts. It is one of the four famous embroideries in China and was listed as one of the national intangible cultural heritages in 2006. The origin of Suzhou embroidery is in the area of Wu County, Suzhou, and now it has been widely distributed in Wuxi and Changzhou. Embroidery is inseparable from silk reeling, so it is also called silk embroidery. The Qing Dynasty was the heyday of Suzhou embroidery, with many different styles and famous embroiderers emerging. Su embroidery has a unique style with beautiful patterns, exquisite ideas, meticulous embroidery, lively stitching and elegant colors, and strong local characteristics. The most famous Su embroidery is from Zhenhu town, and about 80% of the Su embroidery products come from Zhenhu.   History of Su Embroidery Su embroidery is an art of intertwining and blending between cloth…

Since the Chinoiserie style became very popular, Dunhuang culture has naturally become one of the focuses. Many Chinese actresses and hanfu models have tried the Dunhuang flying apsaras. Dunhuang flying apsaras, as the top popular exotic culture, how is it possible to combine grandeur and ebullience in such an ingenious way? It all starts with the Dunhuang murals.   The Origin of Dunhuang Frescoes During the Northern and Southern Dynasties, the divisive political situation made people’s lives turbulent. The concept of Buddhism’s compassion and salvation provided comfort to suffering people and developed rapidly. There was a monk on way to the west, passing through Dunhuang and encountered a golden light spectacle, identified as a holy place. He hired the craftsman to dig caves here and carve Buddha statues. Over time, not only the princes and nobles, and even the common people have come to Dunhuang to excavate Buddhist caves, then the scale of the grottoes gradually expanded. Gradually, Dunhuang, located at the west end of the Hexi Corridor, has become a true fertile land for the spread of Buddhism, forged a rich treasure house of art and culture. Grand, magnificent, and surpassingly beautiful, Dunhuang has an unparalleled aesthetic background, known…

In history, there have been many beautiful clothing styles in every period, such as the Chinese cheongsam, which has formed a unique clothing culture, and the Pan Kou, which was born in response, has gradually developed from an ancient sash to a cheongsam accessory that is both practical and decorative, thus forming a unique handcrafted skill.   01 Origin of Pan Kou The button of the cheongsam is called Pan Kou (盘扣, Chinese frog closures) or Pan Niu (盘钮), which is a kind of button used in traditional Chinese clothing, used to fasten the lapel or decoration, it is developed from the ancient Chinese knot. The Bei Zi (褙子) unearthed in the Southern Song tomb in De'an, Jiangxi, was tied with Pan Kou. This shows that as early as the Song Dynasty in China, people used Pan Kou to fasten loose clothes. The role of Pan Kou in the evolution of Chinese clothing has changed, it not only has the function of connecting the lapels, but is also known as the finishing touch to decorate clothing. It vividly expresses the decorative interest of Chinese costumes that emphasize meaning, connotation, and theme.   02 The production and types of cheongsam button…

The "Jiaoling Youren (交领右衽, cross-collar-and-right-wrapped, the left lapel covers the right lapel when wearing)" based on flat cutting is a typical collar that has been passed down in the Chinese civilization for thousands of years. It fully embodies the diverse and integrated pattern since ancient times, carries Chinese common cultural connotation as a nation, and is a symbol of the spiritual essence extracted from the long history of Chinese civilization. Chinese traditional costumes are profound and have a long history, Jiaoling Youren is like main threads linking thousands of years' of flowery clouds together to inherit continuously with boundless beauty. The character "衣 (clothing)" already existed in oracle bone script which reveals its structural feature: two lapels overlap each other forming into textual symbols.   01 What is Jiaoling Youren One of the most prominent features of Hanfu is the collar design that crosses left over right to form a "Y" shape known as the Jiaoling Youren style. This collar design has more than 5,000 years of history since Zhou Dynasty. Even though Hanfu keeps innovating with different styles such as straight collars, tank tops, and stand-up collars, the cross-collared Hanfu still maintains its mainstream position among these styles.  …

China has a splendid costume history, but the splendor of the ancients has gone with the years, and we can only recall it through historical records and archaeological discoveries. Fortunately, there is someone who can use his exquisite painting skills to rigorously and meticulously restore the ancient Chinese clothing and trace the history of the delicate and gorgeous. Today, we are going to share with you the ancient Chinese clothing timeline and experience the charm of Chinese clothing together.   Shang Dynasty (c. 16th-11th century BC) Features: The main feature of the Shang dynasty dress is "upper garment, lower Chang (裳), Youren (右衽), hair bunch". The upper half of the body wears clothes, the lower half of the body wears Chang, Chang is the skirt. Noble men's dress (left): The head wears the tall Ge(葛) cloth crown. The Yue-shaped cloth hanging from the front abdomen was a sign of noble status, and was often referred to in later literature as the "Bixi (蔽膝)". The pattern on it is based on the Leiwen depicted on the Shang dynasty Yuge in the collection of the Palace Museum. The boots worn by the feet are painted on the basis of pottery boots excavated from…

Chinese Intangible cultural heritage is no longer just stay in the museum for the public today. As of November 2021, the number of Chinese intangible cultural heritage projects is 1,557. In addition to the old traditional folk crafts to be guarded by the old generation, the most important thing is to combine innovative elements with the deep-rooted intangible cultural heritage. Tencent Video has crossed over with Chinese traditional craftsmen from different fields to create new peripheral works using traditional cultural elements and skills for a number of popular cdramas, documentaries and variety show IPs. This is not only the heritage of traditional Chinese culture, but also new ideas for Chinoiserie gifts. Let's see what wonderful artworks they bring together.   NO.1 Rong Hua: Tradition, Ultimate Romance Rong Hua (绒花) was first introduced as a tribute to the royal family in the Tang Dynasty, and was also known as "Palace Flower", which means good luck and blessing. Most of them use a combination of harmonics and artistic images to express. After "Story of Yanxi Palace" became a big hit, the female character of the costume drama "Court Lady", which was broadcasted this year, wore snowflakes on her head, which again brought…

We have mentioned Henan_TV several times in our articles, as it has surprised us several times on traditional Chinese festivals. Of course, as one of the most important traditional festivals in China, the Mid-Autumn Festival, they naturally won't be absent. From "Tang Palace Night Banquet (唐宫夜宴)", to "Luo Shen Shui Fu (洛神水赋)", Henan TV has always recreated a classic image with traditional Chinese elements, which has left a deep impression on everyone. In "The Mid Autumn Wonderful Tour (中秋奇妙夜)", Tang Xiao Yue (唐小月), the daughter of a Tang Dynasty court musician, travels through parallel time and space to collect tokens through multiple tests and finally achieve a father-daughter reunion. A total of six different scenes are experienced, divided into six chapters, showing the six beautiful spiritual pursuits of Chinese civilization: heritage, diligence, warmth, self-confidence, loyalty and courage, and kinship. At the same time, the program shows a lot of "intangible cultural heritage" elements from the picture, plot, to character portrayal. Here, let's explore "The Mid-Autumn Wonderful Tour" together. In the atmosphere of the Mid-Autumn Festival in the early Tang Dynasty, the opening program scenario performance "Preface · Cereals in Autumn (序 ·秋月稷)" incorporates several themes such as "Sacrificing to the…

The Qingming Festival is coming up soon! Learn more about where this holiday came from and some things that you can do to participate in celebrating it, both in the way of the ancients and the way that people do now. As the weather warms up bit by bit, the next important Chinese holiday, the Qingming Festival (清明節 qing ming jie), is drawing closer as well! Also known as Tomb-Sweeping Day or Clear Brightness Day (direct translation of the words that make up its Chinese name), it’s usually celebrated in the first few days of April of the Gregorian calendar—in 2022, it’ll be on April 5th. But where did this festival come from, and how has its related traditions evolved over time? And what are some different ways that you participate in celebrating it as a hanfu and ancient chinese culture enthusiast? Let’s address these questions one by one.   How did the Qingming Festival begin? Originally, the Qingming Festival wasn’t called 清明節 at all. It was called the Hánshí Jié(寒食節), the Cold Food Festival, and had a very rich backstory to it. During the Spring and Autumn period of the Zhou Dynasty, in the Jin State (晉), a prince…

In the annals of Chinese history, the Qing Dynasty stands as the final imperial dynasty, ruled by the Manchu ethnic group from 1644 to 1912. Emerging from the northeastern regions between the White Mountains and Black Water, the Manchu people forged a remarkable dynasty that left an indelible mark on Chinese culture and society for nearly three centuries. The roots of the Manchu people trace back to the ancient Jurchen tribes who inhabited the northeastern territories over two millennia ago. Evolving through centuries of interaction and assimilation, they eventually formed distinct identities such as the Jianzhou Jurchens and later, the Manchus. Their cultural evolution was profoundly influenced by interactions with neighboring civilizations, particularly the Han Chinese, leading to the adoption and adaptation of various political, economic, and cultural systems. Central to Manchu identity were their unique customs and traditions, manifesting prominently in their daily lives, attire, and architecture. One of the most iconic features was the traditional male hairstyle known as "Shaving the Front and Braiding the Back." This practice symbolized allegiance to Manchu traditions and was mandatory for men across all societal strata during the Qing Dynasty. Similarly, women adhered to modest dress codes, notably seen in the elegant…

Recently, Zhou Xun's Qipao (旗袍, cheongsam) dress look in the movie "Hidden Blade" brought this traditional costume back into the spotlight. If it is said that every era has representative clothing, then, the Republic of China women's closet must not be missing one cheongsam.   01 Fashionable clothing in the Republic of China period Qipao dress can be said to be the most representative clothing in the Republic of China. For social needs, the ladies also often update cheongsam style. Song Meiling often wore cheongsam, when she went to the United States to seek support for the war, especially when she spoke in the U.S. Congress, the image of a black satin cheongsam stunned the crowd, while boarding the major U.S. magazines. The popularity of the cheongsam owes much to the successful incorporation of practical Western elements without losing traditional Chinese features. Although designated as one of the Chinese dresses, the Qipao dress is actually a Western-style wear under a Chinese-style appearance. On the outside, the Qipao dress still adheres to the traditional Chinese elements such as silhouette, Pankou, and vertical collar, and the custom of "right overlapping" is also retained, which constitutes the unique aesthetic form of the Qipao…

After a hiatus of three and a half years, "National Treasure" Season 4 is finally back. This season continues its collaboration with the Palace Museum, along with the debut of eight new cultural and historical institutions from provinces, municipalities, and special administrative regions, painting a magnificent historical panorama of China's enduring civilization. The Hong Kong Leisure and Cultural Services Department, the Chongqing China Three Gorges Museum, the Fujian Museum, the Jilin Museum, the Tianjin Museum, the Anhui Museum, the Jiangxi Museum, the Qinghai Museum, and the Palace Museum are all part of this grand endeavor. 1 - Hong Kong Leisure and Cultural Services Department Highlights: This is not just a museum; it represents a group of distinctive museums. Among them are larger-scale institutions such as the Hong Kong History Museum, the Hong Kong Museum of Culture, and the Hong Kong Palace Museum, as well as smaller yet exquisite ones like the Tea Utensils Museum and the Sam Tung Uk Museum. They document Hong Kong's transition from a small fishing village to a modern metropolis, preserving its cultural fabric and historical heritage. 2 - Chongqing China Three Gorges Museum Highlights: The Three Gorges Museum is not solely about the Three Gorges;…

In the ever-evolving landscape of television dramas, few things spark as much debate and disappointment as abrupt endings and unfulfilled promises. Recently, the Chinese TV series "Golden Age of Jin Yong" (金庸武侠世界) found itself at the center of such controversy, leaving viewers divided and questioning the integrity of its production. The series, originally touted to encompass 60 episodes under the ambitious title "New Legend of the Condor Heroes," abruptly concluded after airing only the first segment titled "Iron-Blooded Heart" (铁血丹心). This unexpected decision was met with a wave of criticism from loyal fans who had eagerly anticipated the unfolding of the entire narrative. Announced via the official Weibo account on July 6th, the closure of "Golden Age of Jin Yong" came as a shock to many. The post expressed gratitude to viewers for their support and hinted at a farewell to the martial arts world depicted in the series. Despite initial excitement and high expectations fueled by promotional material featuring a star-studded cast and grandiose production promises, the series failed to deliver on its full potential. At its core, "Golden Age of Jin Yong" aimed to create a cinematic universe akin to Marvel's, gathering iconic characters from Jin Yong's extensive…

Recently, with the simultaneous release of popular ancient costume dramas on major long-video platforms, the competition for the summer blockbuster season has intensified. Among the many highly anticipated dramas, "Dashing Youth" , launched on Youku, stands out uniquely. It belongs to the traditional genre of martial arts dramas but has carved out a new path by presenting a fresh perspective and innovative production that resonates with a youthful audience. Describing it succinctly as a good drama is challenging, yet this complexity doesn't hinder its spread among younger viewers. It vividly portrays the thrilling world of martial arts and paints a captivating picture of heroic figures. The bold youthful spirit and the protagonists' journey of growth in the vast world resonate deeply with the audience. The series features high-intensity action sequences and visually stunning designs that embrace traditional Chinese aesthetics, providing an engaging visual experience. Even though the ultimate goal may not be immediately apparent, following the young heroes as they navigate the martial arts world is compelling in itself. In today's drama market, "Dashing Youth" represents a rare breed of martial arts drama that appeals to the "youthful" sentiment. However, its debut on Youku is not surprising. In recent years,…

The Mamian skirt pattern, as a traditional cultural element, is leading a new trend in the fashion world today. Its unique design and patterns showcase the elegance and temperament of ancient Han women, while also incorporating elements of modern fashion, making it a highly regarded focus in the fashion industry. Let us explore the structure, content, and trends of the Mamian skirt pattern in the fashion world. 01 Diversified Material Innovations In modern fashion, designers have applied the Mamian skirt pattern to various materials such as silk, cotton, chiffon, and blended fabrics. The Mamian skirt exhibits diverse styles and characteristics through material innovation, combining vintage flavor with a contemporary sense of fashion. This diversified material innovation injects new vitality and fashion trends into the Mamian skirt pattern.   02 Innovative Styles and Diversification Modern designers have retained the traditional Mamian skirt's basic structure and introduced many innovations. For example, the Mamian skirt can be paired with other garments such as t-shirts, shirts, or jackets to create a unique fashion style. Additionally, the Mamian skirt pattern can be incorporated into accessories such as handbags, shoes, or jewelry, adding unique highlights to the overall look.   03 Perfect Fusion of Tradition and…