From April 26 to May 3, 2025, Hefei’s Bao Gong Park, a cultural landmark in Anhui Province, will host the Yangtze River Delta (Hefei) Hanfu Carnival, themed “Brilliant New Scenes, Radiant Chapters of Splendor.” This grand event invites visitors to immerse themselves in the aesthetics of the Song Dynasty (960–1279 CE) while celebrating the revival of traditional Chinese culture through innovative experiences.
Highlights of the Carnival
The opening ceremony on April 26 at Qingfeng Pavilion Square will feature Song Dynasty-inspired performances from popular historical dramas like The Long Ballad and Know Yourself, Know Your Enemy . Attendees can witness a unique blend of tradition and modernity, including a silver-haired models’ qipao (cheongsam) show and the unveiling of the Bao Gong Memorial Hall, an interactive museum using AR and AI to showcase the legacy of the revered Song official Bao Zheng . A photography contest, “Search for the Most Beautiful Flower Goddess,” adds participatory flair .
The Hanfu Fashion Show (April 26, 10:00 AM) will trace the evolution of Hanfu (traditional Han Chinese attire) across dynasties—from the Qin (221–206 BCE) to the Ming (1368–1644 CE)—with narrators explaining stylistic shifts and cultural symbolism . Later, over 200 Hanfu enthusiasts and students will parade through the park’s scenic routes, transforming the venue into a living tableau of ancient China .
On May 2, a Song-style water wedding inspired by the drama A Dream of Splendor will take place on the Bao River. Couples in lavish attire will perform traditional rituals aboard flower-decked boats, accompanied by live opera and folk music, creating a mesmerizing nocturnal spectacle . Interactive workshops, such as DIY tuanshan (round silk fans) and zhiyuan (kite painting), alongside Chabaixi (Song tea art), allow visitors to channel their inner Song literati . A classic games tournament featuring cuju (ancient football), chuiwan (lawn bowling), and touhu (arrow tossing) revives the playful spirit of bygone eras .
New Landmarks
The carnival coincides with Bao Gong Park’s major upgrades. Fuzhuang, a renovated Song-style cultural hub, offers exhibitions, poetry gatherings, and artisanal markets . The park also debuts Luzhou Boat Banquet (庐州船宴), Hefei’s first immersive water dining experience blending Song aesthetics with local cuisine, and a Cultural Innovation Center showcasing Anhui’s handicrafts . For history buffs, the Bao Gong Memorial Hall employs CAVE theaters and 3D technology to bring historical documents to life, while ancient-style boats evoke the romance of “sailing through a painted scroll” .
As Hanfu and guochao (China-chic) trends sweep the nation, this carnival exemplifies how traditional culture fuels modern tourism. By merging historical immersion with tech-driven storytelling, Bao Gong Park not only honors Song Dynasty heritage but also redefines Anhui’s cultural identity. As one visitor remarked, “It’s not just a festival—it’s a dialogue across centuries.”
For details, follow the official WeChat account “Hefei Bao Gong Park” (合肥包公园) to unlock event registrations and updates.
