NEWHANFU

A Fantasy That Divides: Beauty or a Beast in Disguise? The recent release of Fangs of Fortune (大梦归离) has ignited a fiery debate among viewers, solidifying its place as one of the most polarizing dramas of the season. Directed by Guo Jingming (郭敬明), known for his divisive cinematic style, this new venture builds on his earlier work, Cloud Feather. While fans hail Fangs of Fortune as a rare gem that revitalizes the fantasy genre with its dazzling visuals and bold narrative, critics deride it as an overindulgent spectacle with little substance beneath its glamorous surface. This divide echoes Guo’s career-long reception: celebrated by some, castigated by others. A World Beyond Genre Categorizing Fangs of Fortune is no easy task. It flirts with elements of fantasy, mystery, and wuxia (martial arts drama), fusing them into a narrative that defies convention. Set in a mystical world where humans, gods, and monsters coexist, the show weaves a tale of intrigue, danger, and fractured allegiances. The drama draws heavily from The Classic of Mountains and Seas (山海经), an ancient Chinese text brimming with mythical creatures. The plot unfolds during the Zhenyuan (桢沅) Era, a time of chaos triggered by the untimely death of the…...

In The Rise of Ning (锦绣安宁), a new historical drama adapted from the novel Prime Minister’s Guide, two characters with humble beginnings navigate their way through the complexities of power and family dynamics. This isn’t merely a story of one individual's transformation—it’s a journey of dual growth, where both the male and female protagonists pursue justice and empowerment from their disadvantaged positions. With rich character development, the series introduces Ro Shenyuan (罗慎远) and Ro Yining (罗宜宁), two resilient figures overcoming their oppressive family backgrounds in strikingly parallel paths. This "dual upbringing" concept presents audiences with a captivating exploration of ambition, loyalty, and self-discovery. Ro Shenyuan’s Path: The Underdog Turned Conqueror Ro Shenyuan's backstory is riddled with hardship and resilience. As a neglected son in a prominent household, he endures the harsh treatment of a father who sees little worth in him. Forbidden from pursuing education or even stepping outside the manor, Shenyuan’s world is small and brutal. Yet, despite his father’s antagonism, Shenyuan’s intelligence and hidden ambition carve out a different path for him. With the help of a beloved teacher, he discovers the courage to rise above his fate. Tragically, his mentor's unjust death becomes a lifelong source of…...

Follow Your Heart (颜心记) stands out not only for its artful storytelling but also for its meticulous world-building, creating a setting where gender roles, power dynamics, and personal challenges are both modern and traditional. The series does not take a heavy-handed approach to equality; instead, it seamlessly integrates a progressive ethos into the story's core. Unlike many female-led dramas that lean heavily on tropes for shock value, "Follow Your Heart" explores gender equality with subtlety and respect. The narrative presents a fictional world where both women and men navigate complex societal roles. Characters like Jiang Zhiyi (江芷仪), who rises to a leadership role traditionally reserved for male heirs, exemplify a world in flux, one that promises progress but has yet to break all traditional barriers. In this universe, women manage businesses, lead families, and gain recognition for intellect and strength, suggesting that growth is both inevitable and admirable. The respectful treatment of female empowerment and the nuanced handling of traditional expectations make this setting as thought-provoking as it is engaging. The “idealization” of this world is thus grounded in possibility rather than perfection. For instance, while women achieve prominence in various fields, remnants of older biases persist—such as the social…...

In a television landscape dominated by fast-paced, short-form series, director Zhao Qichen (赵启辰) has crafted a refreshing alternative with Go East. Building on his earlier success with Life Begins (卿卿日常), this ambitious series offers an innovative blend of historical settings, youth drama, and well-timed humor. Set within the fictional imperial capital of Dayong (大雍), Zhao weaves a story that transcends traditional boundaries, taking viewers on a journey of discovery, cultural clash, and personal growth. Through its rich narrative and the distinct personalities of its main characters, the series delivers a unique viewing experience—an invitation to see ancient struggles through a modern lens, punctuated with laughter and emotional resonance. A Unique World of Cultures and Contrasts Go East revolves around a diverse and vividly imagined empire, where seven unique states, or “fiefs,” interact within the expansive halls of Go East, a central governing institution. Each fiefdom, or “band,” is represented with its own distinct language, symbols, and cultural practices. This diversity is not merely for aesthetic effect; it’s integral to the story. Zhao notes that by creating such distinct cultural identities, he introduces both dramatic conflict and cross-cultural exchange. From the matriarchal customs of the Moon Shadow clan to the mountainous,…...

Peony Perfume Persists: The New Frontier of Scented Garments In the heart of China's Shandong province, a quiet revolution is taking place. The ancient city of Heze (菏泽), long renowned for its peonies, is now at the forefront of a technological breakthrough that's set to redefine the intersection of tradition and innovation in the world of fashion. At a recent women's handicraft exhibition, all eyes were drawn to an extraordinary display from Cao County, Heze. The star of the show? A skirt that seemed to bridge centuries, combining the timeless elegance of traditional Chinese hanfu with cutting-edge textile technology. This wasn't just any skirt - it was a garment woven from peony fibers, infused with a fragrance that could last for two years. Yao Chihang, the visionary behind the "Luo Ruyan" hanfu brand, beamed with pride as she explained the intricate process behind this marvel. "We've developed a new technique to extract fibers from peonies," she revealed. "During the weaving process, we embed the peony fragrance into the fabric itself, ensuring the scent remains for at least two years." This innovation isn't just a novelty; it's a testament to the potential of merging ancient craftsmanship with modern technology. The skirt itself…...

Moonlit Memories: Preschoolers Celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival in Style In the quaint town of Chenqiao, Jiangsu Province, a heartwarming scene unfolded as the Mid-Autumn Festival approached. The local community came together to organize an enchanting event that blended age-old traditions with youthful enthusiasm, creating a magical experience for the town's youngest residents. The "Our Festival · Mid-Autumn Festival" event, jointly organized by various local institutions and the Wulishu Kindergarten, was more than just a celebration - it was a bridge connecting China's rich past with its vibrant future. As the children gathered, dressed in miniature hanfu and clutching handmade rabbit lanterns, they embodied the harmonious coexistence of tradition and modernity that defines contemporary China. The event kicked off with young party member volunteers weaving tales of the Mid-Autumn Festival's origins. Through a tapestry of stories, rhymes, and vivid imagery, they transported the children back in time, unraveling the mysteries of this ancient celebration. From moon-gazing to lantern riddles, the volunteers painted a vivid picture of traditional customs, instilling in the young minds a deep appreciation for their cultural heritage. But the real magic began when theory turned to practice. The DIY lantern-making session saw tiny hands busily at work, guided by…...

From Classrooms to Weddings: Hanfu's Growing Presence in Everyday Life As the Mid-Autumn Festival approaches, a fascinating trend is sweeping across China - the rising popularity of hanfu, traditional Chinese clothing. This resurgence is more than just a fashion statement; it's a cultural phenomenon that's reshaping how modern Chinese, especially the younger generation, connect with their heritage. In recent years, hanfu has transcended its historical confines to become a vibrant part of contemporary Chinese life. From school performances and holiday photo-ops to Chinese-style weddings, the elegant silhouettes of hanfu are increasingly visible in everyday scenarios. This trend reflects a deeper shift in Chinese society - a growing appreciation for traditional culture and a burgeoning sense of cultural confidence among the youth. The numbers tell a compelling story. Some hanfu stores report a four to five-fold increase in customers, with students making up the majority of this surge. This isn't just a local phenomenon; the popularity of hanfu, particularly styles like the horse-face skirt, has even caught international attention. Li Fangguo (李方国), owner of a hanfu experience store, offers insight into this trend. His shop boasts over 500 sets of hanfu, ranging from styles of the Wei-Jin period to the Qing dynasty.…...

From Small Screen to Silver Screen In the ever-evolving landscape of Chinese entertainment, few stories have captured the public imagination quite like "Tales from the Borderwater." (边水往事) This gripping television series, which defied initial skepticism to achieve an impressive 8.0 rating, has become a cultural touchstone. Its fresh premise and consistently stellar performances have set a new standard for suspense dramas in the region. Now, as the dust settles on the show's electrifying finale, whispers of a cinematic adaptation titled "Chronicles of the Wilderness" have begun to circulate. This transition from small screen to silver screen represents more than just a change in medium; it's an opportunity to reimagine and expand upon a story that has already left an indelible mark on its audience. The tale of Shen Xing, a 19-year-old whose fateful motorcycle journey leads him into a realm both beautiful and perilous, resonates deeply with viewers. It speaks to the universal experience of youth on the cusp of adulthood, facing the unknown with a mixture of trepidation and exhilaration. The borderlands, with their intoxicating flower pollen and the mysterious blue clay used for protection, serve as a potent metaphor for the challenges and temptations that await in the adult world.…...

In recent years, the Chinese television landscape has undergone a remarkable transformation, with realistic dramas capturing the hearts and minds of viewers across the nation. At the forefront of this cultural shift is iQiyi, a streaming platform that has become synonymous with high-quality, thought-provoking content that reflects the complexities of modern Chinese life. The recent success of "Song of Ordinary People" (凡人歌) serves as a prime example of this trend, igniting discussions on social media and topping viewership charts. Song of Ordinary People - A Mirror to Modern Chinese Society "Song of Ordinary People" has struck a chord with audiences by delving into the everyday struggles of urban dwellers. The show's popularity is evident in its dominance of social media trending topics, with viewers passionately debating issues such as the challenges of raising children in rented apartments and the pressures of urban life. This resonance is reflected in impressive viewership data, with the series claiming the top spot on multiple industry platforms and achieving a market share of 24.1% in effective playback. The success of "Song of Ordinary People" is not an isolated incident but part of a larger pattern of realistic dramas produced by iQiyi. From "I Am Yu Huanshui"…...

The Mid-Autumn Festival is often synonymous with moon-gazing, family gatherings, and mooncakes. However, in ancient times, this festival was far more than just an evening dedicated to the moon. What if the skies were overcast, and the full moon hidden? How did the people of the past still manage to celebrate? Even in the absence of a visible moon, their festivities were rich and varied, showcasing traditions and customs beyond simply admiring the celestial body. Moonless Festivities: Celebrating Togetherness A traditional painting from the Qing Dynasty, titled The Auspicious Mid-Autumn (中秋佳瑞图), provides a glimpse into how ancient people celebrated this festival. Interestingly, the moon is not depicted in the artwork, yet the scene is filled with symbols of unity and joy. Fruits such as pomegranates, melons, and lotus roots are prominently featured, representing family harmony and prosperity. Even in the absence of the moon, people would gather to enjoy each other’s company, marking the occasion with wishes for happiness, fertility, and abundance. The essence of the festival lay not only in viewing the moon but in its deeper cultural significance, centered around family reunions and expressions of good fortune. The “Four Auspicious Trees” – the parasol tree and osmanthus tree,…...