Nostalgia often tugs at the heartstrings, invoking memories of simpler times and cherished places. Such is the allure of "Moments We Shared (云边有个小卖铺)," a film that has captivated audiences with its portrayal of a serene small town. While its storyline may be critiqued for its scattered plot, the film resonates deeply with viewers, tapping into universal emotions tied to childhood and homecoming. Rediscovering Home: Liu Shisan's Journey Back to Cloudside At the heart of "Moments We Shared" lies the journey of its protagonist, Liu Shisan, who finds solace and rediscovery in his grandmother's hometown after facing setbacks in the bustling city. The tranquil town, nestled among the scenic landscapes of Fenghua's Xifan (西畈) Village, offers a serene escape just a short drive away from Ningbo and Hangzhou. Here, amidst verdant hills and winding rivers, visitors can experience the essence of the fictional town brought to life. Fenghua, positioned at the southern tip of the Yangtze River Delta, boasts a tapestry of natural wonders, each imbued with its own beauty and serenity. Whether strolling through the ancient streets by the Shanyin River or marveling at the cascading Thousand Zhaoyan Waterfall, every corner of Fenghua echoes with tales of ordinary yet precious…

In the first year of Hongwu in the Ming Dynasty. In order to eliminate the influence of the clothing left by the Yuan Dynasty, Zhu Yuanzhang issued an edict to the whole country, requiring the removal of Hu clothing. However, it was not the emperor who could determine the style of clothing, but the general public. Zhu Yuanzhang's edict on the restoration of the clothes and the crowns did not completely return people's dress to the Tang Dynasty tradition. Even many elements of Mongolian clothing of the Yuan Dynasty were retained because they were convenient to wear on a daily basis, resulting in the formation of Ming clothing of various shapes and features.   Ming Style Hanfu vs. Song Style Hanfu For the general Hanfu lover, the difference between Ming Hanfu and Song Hanfu is probably the hardest to tell. Although it is often possible to make some guesses by feeling after wearing it, it is not really easy to pick out a single piece to see. Although there was no mention in Zhu Yuanzhang's edict of restoring clothing to the style of the Song Dynasty, but the Tang Dynasty was a distant time for the people of the Ming Dynasty.…

The "Chinoiserie Grand Ceremony (国潮盛典)" is a cultural gala jointly produced by Kuaishou and Henan TV. The gala incorporates diversified program art forms, rich in type and both aesthetic, and allows more people to discover, experience and inherit culture through the collision of Chinoiserie culture and technology and the expression of unique perspectives. The gala has been broadcasted on November 9, 2022.   01 Intangible Cultural Heritage in the Show The story revolves around a small restaurant where the two bosses are run by the two stars of the classic martial arts TV series "My Own Swordsman", Wang Shasha and Fan Ming. While thinking about how to generate revenue for the restaurant, they come across a skill convention held in the neighborhood and have many interesting stories with all kinds of people on the street. Such a program setting not only continues the previous format of stringing programs with stories; the wonderful program design and elaborate hanfu costumes also continue the previous aesthetics. For example, the sequel of the "Tang Palace Night Banquet": "San Cai Nao Qian Deng (三彩闹千灯)". If the "Tang Palace Night Banquet" shows the funny things that happen on the way to the performance of the ladies…

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…

In the realm of ancient costume martial arts dramas, a new contender emerges with the announcement of "To the Mountains and Seas." Headlined by actor Cheng Yi, the series unveils its first teaser trailer, teasing audiences with glimpses of its black-and-white chiaroscuro style, and revealing its stellar cast lineup. Directed by Ren Haitao and Lin Feng, with a script penned by Liu Fang, "To the Mountains and Seas" promises to be a thrilling journey into the world of martial arts and honor. The plot centers around Xia Mingming, a young man whose passion for martial arts novels contrasts starkly with the harsh realities of his mundane life. Played by Cheng Yi, Xia Mingming embarks on a transformative journey as he immerses himself in the world of martial arts through the eyes of the protagonist, Xiao Qiushui. From a naive and impulsive youth with meager martial skills, Xiao Qiushui evolves into a noble and righteous hero, dedicated to defending his homeland and upholding justice. At its core, "To the Mountains and Seas" explores the age-old theme of the hero's journey, tracing Xia Mingming's evolution from an ordinary individual to a legendary figure in the martial arts world. Through trials and tribulations,…

Brief history on Chinese tool panbo and how it is different in the past when compared to Japanese tasuki. Vocab;  Panbo 襻膊/攀膊 (pàn bó) - a long strip of cloth to tied up the sleeves for working conveniences. What it is being called nowadays.  Bisheng 臂绳 (bì shéng) - "arm rope." Another way to call panbo (襻膊). Fubo 缚膊 (fù bó) - "bound." Another way to call it panbo. Gongtao 宫绦 (gōng tāo) - "norigae." Commonly a pendant worn by men with long ropes attached and wrapped around waist. Can be worn over hanfu belt or as a belt. It is a decorative accessory like a women's sachet.  Tasuki - Japanese name for calling the same products and usages.   History;  According Shěncóngwén's (沈從文) "Research on Ancient Chinese Outfit (中國古代服飾研究·宋百馬圖中馬伕)", panbo is a type of clothing invented in the Song Dynasty by working people for conveniency. It is to secure the long sleeves in a bundle with the panbo so that it won’t get in the way of performing tasks such as farming, cooking, and washing. Besides being called panbo, it is also known as 臂绳 (bì shéng), "arm rope." Shěncóngwén wrote "宋 人記廚娘事，就提及當時見過大場面的廚娘，用銀索襻膊進行烹調。可知它是 宋 代勞動人民為便於操作而發明的通用工具。特種的才用銀練索，一般大致不外絲麻作成。" Roughly translated as; "Song…

"Flames," (烈焰) starring Ren Jialun (任嘉伦), has set ablaze the summer TV lineup with its gripping storyline and state-of-the-art visual effects. Adapted from the popular webcomic "Wu Geng Ji," (武庚纪) the series has not only won over loyal fans of the original but also attracted a new wave of viewers, marking a significant milestone in the realm of Chinese fantasy adaptations. Since its debut in the spring of 2024, "Flames" has dominated streaming platforms, topping charts with an impressive viewership of over 12.84 billion cumulative views. Its success extends internationally, capturing the top spot on iQiyi's international platform in 14 countries and regions, spreading Chinese heroic tales and Eastern culture worldwide. The series' success lies in its meticulous attention to detail and bold innovations. Unlike previous adaptations that often faltered in fidelity to the source material, "Flames" combines faithful adaptation with creative liberties, enhancing the narrative's depth and visual appeal. This approach not only pleased existing fans but also attracted a broader audience intrigued by its immersive world-building and compelling characters. Crafting Visual Spectacles with Precision At the core of "Flames" is its groundbreaking use of visual effects (VFX), which elevate the storytelling to cinematic levels. Unlike typical TV productions, which often rely on a…

In China's long history, there have been countless thousands of distinguished generals and military strategists, and even today, their noble deeds and achievements are still often talked about. In this article, we will introduce Bai Qi to you. Bai Qi was a very famous general in the state of Qin during the Warring States period and his military successes laid a good foundation for the later unification of China by Emperor Qin Shihuang. According to historical records he won more than 70 battles, and never lost one. In his lifetime his troops killed over a million soldiers. Bai Qi (白起; 332 BC – 257 BC), also known as Gongsun Qi (公孫起), was a military general of the state of Qin (秦) during the Warring States period (战国时代) of China. Born in Mei (present-day Mei County, Shaanxi), Bai Qi served as commander of the Qin army for over 30 years, being responsible for the deaths of over one million people, earning him the nickname Ren Tu (人屠 lit. manslayer'). According to the historical book Shiji (史記) he captured more than 73 cities from six other enemy states, and to date no records have been found to show that Bai suffered a single…

The Mamian Qun, or the horse-face skirt, is a traditional Chinese dress that has a long history and a rich culture, and its elegant and graceful style. However, in recent years, the Mamian Qun has undergone some changes and innovations, thanks to the creative efforts of some designers who have given it a modern twist. In this article, we will introduce you to eight modern Mamian Qun that are stunning and fashionable. These dresses combine the essence of tradition with the elements of innovation, creating a new trend of Chinese dress that you don’t want to miss.   Style 1 It features a simple design with a piece of leather buckle, which not only adds to the aesthetic appeal but also helps to keep the dress in place. The fabric used in this Mamian Qun is not prone to wrinkles, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer a neat and polished look. The pleat style is stable, ensuring that it retains its shape even after multiple washes. Furthermore, this Mamian Qun particularly striking in the way it reflects light, displaying a golden sheen that catches the eye and adds a touch of luxury.   Style 2 This Mamian…

At present, what kind of historical drama can still possess a unique charm for the audience? A jade pomegranate, an old street, the turbulent modern history intertwined with the fate of ordinary people's daily lives. The hit drama "The Gate of Xuan Wu" has provided its own answer. In early March, the historical drama "The Gate of Xuan Wu" premiered. The story begins with a jade pomegranate symbolizing the prosperity of the nation, spanning from 1898 to 1945, covering multiple historical events such as the Hundred Days' Reform, Siege of the International Legations, and the Second Sino-Japanese War. Unlike previous works of the same genre, "The Gate of Xuan Wu" cleverly integrates high ideals, multiple perspectives, and strong empathy, breaking away from the usual focus on the political intrigues in the court and the temple often seen in historical dramas. Instead, it turns the historical lens towards a jade carving family and a lively old street. For the audience, whether it is the initial concern over the fate of the national treasure jade pomegranate or the immersion into the lives of the people on the old street, the drama evokes a sense of empathy and captivation.   The historical ordinary…

The pursuit of beauty is human nature. Beauty is not only a reflection of the mind, but also a reflection of the interest in life. Tang Dynasty women are the best representatives of beauty, because they inherited the mentality of "Dress up for those who like or admire yourself (女为悦己者容)" from ancient times, and pushed the beauty ideal realm to the highest level under the booming economy and the open and tolerant social atmosphere. Court Ladies Adorning Their Hair With Flowers Lively, dignified, noble, the endless types of Tang Dynasty female hairstyles, paired with exquisite makeup, made many literati and scholars unstinting in their talent to depict the Tang women's style. Let's follow ArtMoment to go back thousands of years ago, and enjoy the beauty of Tang female hairstyles in that remarkable era of spiritedness.   Ancient Hairstyle Tips What are Ji and Huan? The ancient Chinese women's hairstyle is commonly known as Ji Huan (髻鬟, jì huán), and according to the method of combing, there are two types of Ji (髻, jì) and Huan (鬟, huán). Ji, solid hair bun, suitable for ordinary women; Huan, ring-shaped hair bun, suitable for young girls. Court Ladies Preparing Newly Woven Silk What does…

Jade pendant is not new to us. It often appears in ancient costume films and TV plays. I wonder if you are curious about why the ancients wear jade pendants, and why they are made of jade? Today, let's talk about the interesting stories behind the jade pendant. Why are jade pendants all the time and rarely heard of gold or copper pendants? Jade has a special position in the history of Chinese civilization, and it symbolizes the fine character of human nature. With the prosperity of ancient jade culture, a large number of various kinds of jade ornaments appeared in the folk, wearing jade as a trend. Jade materials are divided into several grades to meet the quality requirements of different classes, so that the jade covers a wider range of people. Why wear a jade pendant? The ancients often said: gentleman without reason, jade does not go to the body. Is the ancient man wearing jade pendants just to look good? No, it isn't. Identity symbol: accessories with different texture and appearance often have the function of distinguishing grades. Good wishes: people often give the jade pendant auspicious and wishful, exorcising evil and protecting the body. The function…

On the fashion stage, age has never been a factor that limits beauty. For women in their fifties and sixties, how to show a young and energetic image is an important topic. In recent years, the Chinese-style modified cheongsam has become a darling of the fashion industry. It not only has a strong cultural heritage but also allows middle-aged women to show a unique charm. Today, we will take He Saifei's dressing as an example to introduce the selection and matching skills of cheongsam for everyone, helping women in their fifties and sixties get rid of the feeling of auntie and show a different fashion side. First, why is the cheongsam suitable for women in their fifties and sixties? Chinese embroidery, highlighting the cultural heritage. The cheongsam with Chinese style is known for its exquisite embroidery craftsmanship. These embroidery not only reflects the craftsmanship spirit, but also allows the wearer to visually feel the quality of the clothes. A well-made Chinese cheongsam, even if the style is not fancy enough, can also show a sense of high-end with its unique cultural heritage. Long skirt design, covering the disadvantages of the figure. Formal cheongsam is usually in the long skirt style,…