Latest news with #Hanfu
Malaysia Sun
05-07-2025
- Business
- Malaysia Sun
Made Here: Caoxian County, China's largest Hanfu production hub
Xinhua 05 Jul 2025, 07:54 GMT+10 CAOXIAN, July 5 (Xinhua) -- Leveraging its robust e-commerce foundation, Caoxian County in east China's Shandong Province has emerged as a significant global hub for Hanfu, the traditional attire of China. The county has built a comprehensive industrial chain encompassing design, manufacturing, copyright protection, and digital marketing, transforming tradition into a thriving modern industry. The Hanfu produced in Caoxian, especially the iconic horse-face skirt (Mamianqun), has gained international acclaim. Selected pieces have been featured at events like Milan Fashion Week, bringing these garments to the global stage. Now exported to markets including Australia, Canada, and European countries, Caoxian's Hanfu industry achieved remarkable sales of 12 billion yuan (about 1.7 billion U.S. dollars) in 2024. Driven by a youth-led cultural revival, Caoxian's Hanfu boom exemplifies the successful fusion of ancient heritage with digital innovation. It not only transforms the ancient aesthetics into symbols of modern Chinese identity on the global stage but also serves as a new engine for increasing the income of local people and promoting rural revitalization.
Barnama
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Barnama
- Move On From K-Pop! Beijing's Cool Kids Are Rocking 1000-Year-Old Fashions
24/06/2025 03:34 PM Opinions on topical issues from thought leaders, columnists and editors. By : Kisho Kumari Sucedaram Walking through the ancient streets of Beijing's Beihai Park, the Drum Tower, the Forbidden City or Shichahai, one might feel as though they have stepped into a time machine. Young Chinese men and women, dressed in flowing silk robes adorned with intricate embroidery and elaborate headpieces, pose gracefully against the backdrop of imperial-era architecture. But this is no historical re-enactment. It is part of a growing cultural movement among China's youth, who are proudly reviving traditional Hanfu attire and transforming the city's historic landmarks into vibrant photoshoot locations. As a foreigner living in China for the three-month China International Press Communication Centre (CIPCC) programme, I am continually amazed by how deeply the younger generation is reconnecting with their heritage and celebrating centuries-old traditions in such a modern and expressive way. File photo A cultural movement beyond fashion What makes this trend even more compelling is how it has grown beyond the realm of fashion to become a vibrant cultural movement. Social media platforms such as Xiaohongshu (Little Red Book), Douyin (China's TikTok), WeChat and Weibo are teeming with Hanfu enthusiasts showcasing their styled outfits, sharing historical insights and recommending picturesque photoshoot spots. These online communities don't just exist in the digital world – they organise large-scale meet-ups where hundreds come together to celebrate traditional festivals through poetry recitals, tea ceremonies and classical musical performances. In doing so, they transform the city into a living, breathing tribute to China's rich cultural heritage. File photo A revival of dynastic fashion Hanfu, the traditional attire of the Han Chinese, dates back thousands of years, with each dynasty leaving its distinctive imprint on style, fabric and silhouette. Today, Hanfu enthusiasts are reviving this ancient aesthetics with remarkable accuracy, often appearing like characters stepped straight out of a historical drama. Walking through the city feels like wandering through a film set from imperial China. Some wear Tang-style Hanfu, known for its wide sleeves, high-waisted skirts and vibrant colours. Women often don the ruqun – a blouse with a high waistline paired with a flowing skirt – complete with ornate hairpins reminiscent of Tang dynasty nobility. Others embrace Ming-era fashion, including the aoqun (a jacket with a pleated skirt) and the zhishen, a formal robe for men characterised by its round collar and wide belt. While the movement is especially popular among women, many men have also embraced Hanfu culture, wearing scholar's robes or warrior-style attire that reflect the grace or ancient literati or the valour of imperial guards. File photo The business of tradition Behind the glamorous photoshoots lies a thriving industry. Small businesses specialising in Hanfu rentals, photography and accessories have flourished, particularly around historical landmarks. Many shops now offer immersive experiences, allowing customers to spend the day dressed in period-accurate attire while learning ancient etiquette, calligraphy or traditional dance. For many young Chinese, wearing Hanfu is not just about aesthetics – it is a powerful expression of cultural pride. 'I feel connected to my heritage when I wear this,' said Xi Xia, a 24-year-old university student posing near the Drum Tower in a Tang-style ensemble. She said this is not just a costume but a part of who the Chinese people are. However, these experiences come at a price. A full Hanfu photoshoot package – which typically includes costume rental, makeup and a professional photographer – can range from RMB450 to RMB2,000 (about RM270 to RM1,200), depending on the intricacy of the design and service. The demand has created a booming cottage industry. Many shops near tourist attractions offer a full suite of services, from costumer styling to elaborate makeup, catering to locals and visitors alike. File photo A bridge between generations Interestingly, the Hanfu revival is not confined to the younger generation. Grandparents often accompany their grandchildren to photoshoots, sharing childhood memories and stories tied to traditional attire. In this way, Hanfu becomes more than a fashion statement – it serves as a cultural bridge, connecting generations through shared heritage and storytelling. Foreigners fascinated by the trend For many tourists, stumbling upon these photoshoots feels like witnessing a living museum – where history, fashion and culture merge in real time. Even some foreign visitors have joined in, donning Hanfu at popular parks to immerse themselves in the experience. 'It's breathtaking to see these young people embracing their history so passionately - unlike anything I have seen in Europe,' said Emma, a 35-year-old tourist from France. For China's youth, the past is not merely remembered - it is lived. And in the heart of Beijing, the dynasties endure, one photoshoot at a time. One can only Imagine how powerful such a revival could be elsewhere. Picture Malaysians dressed in graceful songket and baju kurung, strolling through Taman Tasik Perdana. Or posing in royal Pahang silk against the modern architectural backdrop of Putrajaya's mosques. Visualise scenes of ancient Melakan court attire recreated at Tugu Negara, or the vibrant elegance of cheongsam and saree brought to life in Kuala Lumpur's botanical gardens. Culture, after all, is not just history. It is identity and, above all, it is pride. -- BERNAMA Kisho Kumari Sucedaram is a journalist with BERNAMA. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and AWS and do not reflect the official policy or position of BERNAMA)
Korea Herald
18-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
"Silk and the Silk Road" Exhibition from China National Silk Museum Debuts in Kazakhstan
HANGZHOU, China, June 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In a vibrant celebration of cultural exchange, the "Silk and the Silk Road: From China to Kazakhstan" exhibition opened at the National Museum of Kazakhstan on June 16. This flagship event of Kazakhstan's "China Tourism Year" coincides with the second China-Central Asia Summit, marking a significant new chapter in cross-cultural dialogue. The opening ceremony wooed attendees with a fusion of Chinese and Kazakh artistic traditions – from the timeless melody of "High Mountains and Flowing Water" on the Guqin (traditional Chinese musical instrument) to the energetic Kazakh dance. A showstopping fashion presentation featured models in exquisite Hanfu (traditional Chinese dress) alongside Kazakh national costumes, creating a visual dialogue across centuries. Highlights of the exhibition include 145 rare artifacts tracing 2,000 years of silk history, three immersive sections: The Birth of Silk, Routes That Changed the World, and Silk in Daily Life. Star exhibits feature 8th-century textiles that showcase extraordinary craftsmanship, adorned with motifs reflecting the rich cultural fusion along the ancient trade routes. Visitors can also experience living traditions through "Beyond the Mulberry Fields: China Sericulture Intangible Cultural Heritages" – interactive demonstrations of UNESCO-listed silk techniques like kesi (silk tapestry) and intricate embroidery by master artisans. Beyond the gallery, scholars from both nations are convening to discuss the preservation of textile heritage, while Hanfu cultural activities bring ancient fashions to life across Astana. The exhibition forms part of China National Silk Museum's Global Showcase programme, with previous shows from seven countries including among others, France, Hungary and Uzbekistan. "These silks are more than artifacts – they're threads connecting our shared history," remarked Zhang Chengming, the museum deputy director during the opening. The exhibition runs through August 8, offering visitors a rare opportunity to witness the enduring legacy of the Silk Roads.
The Star
15-06-2025
- The Star
China Focus: China sees surge in culture-driven tourism
BEIJING, June 15 (Xinhua) -- A large-scale VR immersive experience, "The Recluse Dongpo," premiered at the Hainan Museum in May, attracting eager fans of the iconic Song Dynasty poet Su Shi to embark on a virtual journey through millennia of Chinese history. Wearing VR headsets, participants came face-to-face with a digital rendition of Su Shi (also known as Su Dongpo), who vividly recounted his dramatic life -- from political exile to literary legend -- in an interactive narrative. This fusion of technology and tradition exemplifies China's ongoing reinvention of cultural tourism. Alongside its iconic landscapes, the country is witnessing a surge in heritage-driven travel, where films, live performances, and immersive experiences spawn compelling new destinations. According to a recent China Tourism Academy survey, travelers show growing interest in cultural activities: Nearly 29.2 percent of respondents prioritize cultural experiences in their itineraries, while 78.3 percent express general enthusiasm for such engagements during trips. Cultural spaces can serve as new settings for tourism experiences and consumption, while tourism spaces can also function as new platforms for cultural display and dissemination, said Li Xinjian, executive dean of the Capital Institute of Culture and Tourism Development at Beijing International Studies University. In a major government reshuffle in 2018, China merged two government agencies to form a new ministry -- the Ministry of Culture and Tourism -- "to promote the integrated development of cultural undertakings, cultural industries, and tourism," according to an official document. The development of culture-driven tourism has since picked up speed. A 2023 high-level meeting on cultural development underscored the need to promote the "creative transformation and innovative development of China's fine traditional culture." Government at all levels have been tapping into local cultural resources to enhance tourist appeal and boost the economy. During the Dragon Boat Festival holiday from May 31 to June 2, the city of Beijing held more than 1,700 cultural tourism events, including dragon boat carnivals, intangible cultural heritage markets, and Hanfu (traditional Chinese attire) workshops. The Chinese capital recorded 8.21 million tourist visits during the period, up 5.4 percent year on year. It generated 10.77 billion yuan (about 1.49 billion U.S. dollars) in tourism revenue. Traditional festivals proved to be high seasons for travelers. This year, during the first Spring Festival after it was inscribed on the UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list, travelers flocked to temple fairs, dragon dance performances, and intangible cultural heritage experiences to celebrate an authentic Chinese New Year. The 2025 Aranya Theater Festival, which will open in the coastal city of Qinhuangdao in north China's Hebei Province, will stage 29 theatrical productions from 12 countries. During the festival, cultural activities such as art exhibitions and workshops will also be held in the coastal resort of Aranya. The 2024 edition of the festival received about 164,000 visitors, including foreign travelers. With the improvement of people's living standards and increased opportunities for travel, there is a growing demand for cultural experiences during tourism activities, and participation takes diverse forms, said Dai Bin, president of the China Tourism Academy. Museums, historical cities, ancient towns, cultural districts, live-action shows, concerts, and music festivals have become major attractions in numerous tourist destinations, Dai added. A government initiative on boosting cultural and tourism consumption launched earlier this year proposed specific measures, such as encouraging public cultural institutions to actively develop cultural experiences, arts education services, and other offerings, enriching the supply of cultural and entertainment products, and allowing local governments to allocate special bond funds to support cultural and tourism projects. According to Dai, the integrated development of culture and tourism will be a focus for boosting the tourism sector during China's 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030). Efforts will be made to promote the integration of cultural industries and tourism supply to create more new cultural experience venues and novel tourism consumption settings for visitors, he added.
Korea Herald
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
Experience the Beauty of Intangible Cultural Heritage: 2025 "Chinese Hanfu Month - Celestial Craftsmanship and Heavenly Garments" Opens at the China National Silk Museum
HANGZHOU, China, May 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The 2025 "Chinese Hanfu Month - Celestial Craftsmanship and Heavenly Garments" launched its opening series at China National Silk Museum on May 10-11, highlighting the profound legacy of Hanfu culture and the ingenuity of intangible cultural heritage (ICH) craftsmanship through its thematic focus on traditional textile artistry. The event featured an exhibition titled "Bridging Eras: Costume Design in 'Lychees of Chang'an','" that examined how film/TV productions innovatively reinterpret traditional culture. Other event highlights included academic forums where national ICH inheritors and scholars discussed West Lake silk parasols, woodblock printing, Zhe-style guqin, and fan-making techniques. Key topics included the digital preservation of textiles techniques, ICH in contemporary fashion design and engaging youth with traditional crafts. The event offered immersive experiences, including live ICH demonstrations such as Linping Rolling Lanterns, Hangzhou Tanhuang opera, Xiaorehu storytelling, and guqin performances. Attendees also participated in interactive activities like the "ICH Discovery Challenge" scavenger hunt and explored artisan markets, creating a dynamic and engaging celebration of intangible cultural heritage. As the highlight of the "Hanfu Month," this year's Hanfu Night closely followed the theme of "Celestial Craftsmanship and Heavenly Garments." Six research teams showcased meticulously reconstructed historical Hanfu. Meanwhile, the "Lychees of Chang'an" team presented Tang Dynasty attire, with director Cao Dun dissecting its design, etiquette, and craftsmanship, highlighting TV drama's role in cultural revival. On-site, China National Silk Museum signed a framework MOU with CCTV-affiliated China Vision Media Group to co-develop silk-inspired products, leveraging textile patterns and cultural IPs like the upcoming documentary "Splendid Robes of China". The "China National Silk Museum Hanfu Festival" has been held for eight consecutive years and was upgraded to "Hanfu Month" this year. The entire event was live-streamed through official platforms of the China National Silk Museum such as Bilibili and Weibo, attracting nearly 5 million views, and ranked on Sina Weibo's national trending list on May 10th. In June, the China National Silk Museum will also carry out a twin-city collaboration in Astana, Kazakhstan. The event bridges heritage and modernity, fostering dialogue between traditional artisans, designers, and the public through exhibitions, performances, and cross-industry partnerships.
