At various Chinese festive events, the beautiful and elegant Chinese knots often appear as important decorations. As a traditional Chinese handicraft, it originated from knotting for record-keeping and has been widely used in daily life since then. To know more about Chinese knots, one must understand Basic Knots, which are the smallest units that can be combined and varied to create complex knot patterns, and they are the basic knotting method used in making Chinese knot art. Complex variations and combinations of these basic knots can be created through the use of these fundamental knots. This article will primarily focus on the forms and meanings of 12 basic Chinese knots.   Flat Knot The flat knot is an ancient and simple knot that can be made by winding one end of a line around the other line, with the later one being the axle. This knot can also be made with only one line by winding around an object to form a knot. Flat knots, while simple in appearance, are flat and easy to undo, which makes them widely used in daily life. They can be used to tie things together or to make bracelets, hanging chains, and other decorations,…

Thousands of years of Eastern civilization, aesthetics, anecdotes, and legends, as well as ingenuity and divine skills collected between the lines, have traveled through time and space and come before us. While artifacts have no voice, traditional motifs burst out with color: Floral, flying crane, white egret, dragon and phoenix, plum blossom, and persimmon calyx motifs. Unfortunately, due to limitations in craftsmanship and inheritance, many motifs are gradually disappearing or being ignored. The Team Wen Zang (纹藏) has long been dedicated to translating Chinese traditional motifs. With love and exploration, more than 60 team members have designed and recreated thousands of motif data texts throughout more than 1000 days and nights, compiling them in the book, "The Motifs of The Imperial Palace", to allow more people to see and remember the motifs of the Forbidden City. Selected from among millions of cultural relics, classified into five major mediums -- woven embroidery, porcelain, tapestries, enamelware, and architecture -- the book selects and features 117 of the most classic and beautiful motifs, providing a 5000-year visual feast. The Team Wen Zang has long been dedicated to translating traditional Chinese motifs. With love and exploration, more than 60 team members have designed and…

In the context of the Chinese language, "Ling Luo Chou Duan" usually refers to various exquisite silk fabrics. However, there are many types of ancient Chinese fabrics, and "Ling Luo Chou Duan" cannot cover them all. This article will briefly introduce how to identify various Chinese ancient hanfu fabrics such as "yarn, silk, brocade, velvet", and so on. However, it should be noted that the names of each textile organization in different dynasties are not exactly the same. They have also developed over time, so this is just a general explanation to give everyone a simple impression.   Structure of Ancient Chinese Fabrics The common structures in Chinese fabrics are needed to determine the relationship between each yarn, which is the pattern of overlapping warp and weft yarns in the fabric. There are five common types of structures, which are also known as San Yuan structures. Ping Wen Structure Ping Wen structure (plain weave) is woven with the warp and weft threads alternating over and under each other. Plain weave fabrics are durable and resistant to wear, but have less elasticity and a lower sheen. If you touch it, you will find that the feel is hard, but relatively thin.…

Chinese civilization is one of the oldest and longest-lasting civilizations in the world. As an ancient country with a brilliant civilization, countless legendary people and events have been a part of its long history, forming China's unique historical culture. This article will introduce you to a wonderful documentary series called "China". China - Season 1 Director: Li Dongshen / Zhou Yan / Fu Yongqiang Screenplay: Deng Jianyong Starring: He Jiong / Wang Han / Zhou Tao Release Date: 2020-12-07 "China" is a humanistic and historical documentary series produced by Hunan TV, Mango TV, and Beijing Bojing Culture. It portrays the people and stories of ancient Chinese civilization that have had the most profound impact on today's Chinese society, and is an absolute must-see for history enthusiasts. With a first-class audiovisual experience that surpasses movies, it took five years to produce and boasts a dream team of behind-the-scenes staff. Director Li Dongshen's team has previously produced two highly acclaimed documentary series, "Hexi Corridor" and "Rebirth." This time, he worked with the screenwriter of "The Rise of the Great Powers," Zhou Yan, as co-directors. In addition, stars such as Wang Han, and He Jiong portray historical figures in the series. Photography is…

The mythological narrative in current Chinese animation is not simply a repetition of classic mythological stories, but a new form of creation. Whether it is a contemporary revision of a specific mythological story, or a new narrative after mixing, collaging, grafting, and transforming various non-homologous mythological stories, contemporary concepts are injected while retaining the typical visual symbols of mythology, and drawing heavily from traditional Chinese art styles, providing a new way of thinking for the development of Chinese animation. Mythology has an open interpretation space and interdisciplinary nature. Over the years, based on disciplines such as anthropology, history, religion, folklore, literature, psychology, etc., different research methods and schools of thought have gradually formed around issues such as origin, function, characteristics, and structure. For example, the natural mythology school believes that mythology originated from the worship of natural phenomena such as wind, rain, thunder, and lightning by early humans. From a structuralist perspective, understanding mythology is key to grasping its deep structure: although mythological narratives from different ethnic groups and regions are not exactly the same, they have universal structures and rules within them. From a psychological perspective, myths are often seen as the product of common psychological projections of various ethnic…

As one of the most celebrated and sought-after ceramics of the Song Dynasty, Ru ware embodies a sense of understated refinement that has captivated collectors and scholars alike for centuries. One of the hallmarks of this delicate porcelain is its unique coloring, which comes from the use of glazes made from carefully selected natural materials. These hues are not only beautiful in their own right but also imbued with symbolic meaning that reflect important cultural values. In this article, we take a look at the ceramics of Zhang Wentao, a master of traditional Chinese arts and crafts, and delve into the delicate world of Ru ware and the fascinating relationship between its traditional colors and Chinese culture. As the pinnacle of Chinese porcelain, the beauty of Song Dynasty Ru ware has been continuously receive attention since its birth and gradually integrated into the lives of literati in various dynasties. Unlike the richness and liveliness of the Tang Dynasty, it removes all decorations and returns to nature. Simple and elegant, crystal clear. "Like jade, not jade, but better than jade", the aesthetic mood of the peaceful East is revealed. Even ancient emperors cannot resist this beauty. In the late Northern Song…

Fans of Jianghu & martial arts TV show are in for a treat with the highly anticipated series, "The Ingenious One". With an all-star cast and impressive fight choreography, this drama promises to be an exciting and thrilling ride for viewers. After "A Dream of Splendor", Chen Xiao's career reached another peak. Not only did he star in one successful product after another, but his personal achievements and performances also improved. First, he starred in the period drama "Miles to Go", playing the role of Gao Jialin, demonstrating the importance of self-reliance in life. Whether it was the immersion of his character, or the presentation of details, Chen Xiao's interpretation was perfect. Following that, he worked with Chen Jianbin to bring the suspenseful detective drama "Thirteen Years of Dust", once again playing a police officer and effectively conveying the sense of responsibility and belief that comes with the job. His personal performance was outstanding, and combined with the high-quality products and strong performances from the entire cast, received numerous positive reviews and can be considered a top suspense drama of 2023. Just as "Thirteen Years of Dust" has finished airing, Chen Xiao's next project "The Ingenious One" is set to…

"Till the End of the Moon" can be said to be the most popular Xianxia drama in recent. And the topic of Xianxia styling in cdramas seems to have once again been pushed to the forefront. In more and more Xianxia dramas, the characters have different appearances and rich accessories, the styling of Xianxia dramas no longer seems to be identical.   Classic Xianxia Styling At first, the styling photos of "Till the End of the Moon" were praised for creating a magnificent feeling for Xianxia dramas. However, after the broadcast, some audiences felt that the styling was not as stunning as it was advertised. But most netizens think that this is already an excellent enough styling for Xianxia dramas nowadays. Because for many years, the styling designers of Xianxia drama seem to be obsessed with the light and simplicity. Being immaculate and elegant seems to have become the standard for immortals nowadays. In order to create an atmosphere of "not being affected by the mundane world", the styling of immortals is extremely simple. If you cover the actors' heads, it is probably difficult to tell the difference. Uniform cold-toned clothes, plus a bit of gauze texture, seem to be…

In Chinese films and television, the martial arts genre has always been a powerful presence. The exciting and thrilling martial arts scenes and plot conflicts filled with tension are loved by audiences. In the 1980s and 1990s, it can be said that it was the golden age of martial arts dramas, and the shadows of swords and knives and the stories of seeking revenge for past grievances became the memories of a generation on the screen. Around 2015, costume idols and Xianxia were popular for a while. In recent years, under the downward trend of the costume drama market, the output of martial arts dramas has also sharply declined, and the martial arts world has become somewhat quiet. At the end of last year, the online release of "Sword Snow Stride" triggered a heated discussion, once again arousing the audience's dream of the martial arts world. With the hot-blooded premiere of the costume martial arts drama "Pledge of Allegiance" this year, the martial arts genre may be making a comeback.   1 New Martial Arts Drama Unveils New Core Martial arts dramas have a strong audience base. With the rising popularity of new martial arts novelists such as Jin Yong,…

Chinese costume dramas have gained immense popularity in recent years, both in China and around the world. These dramas are known for their intricate costumes, beautiful set designs, and of course, their unforgettable female leads. While each drama has its own unique story and characters, there are three distinct types of female leads that are commonly seen in Chinese costume dramas. In this essay, we will explore these three types of female leads and examine what makes each of them so compelling. Costume dramas are an enduring theme, particularly beloved by female audiences. Upon reviewing the performance of dramas over the past three years, we have observed that the female leads' characterizations have been continuously innovative in these popular works. Some are powerful and gallant heroines, whose continuous growth propels the work's excitement; while others are clever and lovable young ladies, naturally drawing closer to the audience and evoking emotional resonance.   Female Leads in Hit Costume Drama Among the latest and most popular five period dramas in the past three years, take "A Dream of Splendor," "Douluo Continent," "My Heroic Husband," "Love Like the Galaxy" and "Legend of Fei" as examples. "A Dream of Splendor" features a "career-oriented" female…

"Gender Swap" is not an uncommon theme in film and drama works, especially in recent years where almost every year sees at least one such work being released. Due to the different ways men and women think, the natural gender mismatch after their souls swap bodies adds a certain degree of drama and often leads to many hilarious gags, making it a popular genre that continues to attract audiences. Among the current wave of "Gender Swap" dramas in the domestic film and television market, this setting often performs well, thus becoming a favorite story content of creators in recent years. However, when a theme falls into the red ocean, it will inevitably fall into the trap of homogenization, making creativity the primary productive force. The costume fantasy romance drama "The Trust (恩爱两不疑)" is directed by He Zhenhua, starring Song Yanfei, Zhang Haowei, Ma Li, Cao Junxiang and others. The drama tells the story of the city lord (played by Zhang Haowei) and his wife (played by Song Yanfei) who accidentally swap bodies. In the process of playing each other's roles, the two reconciled from mutual distrust and suspicion to true love and support for each other. "The Trust" is light-hearted,…

History of Lotus Pattern The origin of the lotus pattern in China can be traced back to ancient times. During the Western Zhou period, bronze lamps were decorated with lotus patterns as ornaments. In the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period, lotus patterns remained an important decorative pattern for bronze vessels, with the Lotus and Crane Square Vessel being a representative example showcasing the skilled craftsmanship of the time. The vessel featured double-layered lotus petals as decoration on its lid, with intricately carved empty spaces between the layers, displaying exquisite artistry that seemed almost supernaturally created. In both ancient India and China, the symbolic meaning of the lotus was very similar, making it the ideal bridge for the spread of Buddhism. During the Wei, Jin, Southern, and Northern Dynasties, Buddhism was widely spread throughout the Central Plains of China, with lotus patterns becoming an important decorative design due to their high aesthetic and expressive value. This had a significant impact on the development of indigenous lotus patterns in China. During the Qin and Han dynasties, lotus patterns in China mostly took on a round flower shape, in keeping with traditional design concepts. However, as Buddhism continued to…

China is home to some of the world's most magnificent palaces, many of which have been converted into museums. The five Palace Museums (Gu Gong, 故宫) in China are a treasure trove of ancient artifacts and cultural heritage from different dynasties. These museums showcase China's rich history, revealing the grandeur of its past emperors and imperial courts. Each museum offers unique insights into Chinese culture and history, from the majestic Palace Museum in Beijing to the lesser-known Mukden Palace in Shenyang. Whether you're a history buff or just looking for an unforgettable travel experience, these five Palace Museums should be on your must-visit list.   Ming Palace The Nanjing Ming Palace (Nan Jing Gu Gong, 南京故宫) was built during the Ming Dynasty in 1368 when Zhu Yuanzhang established the Ming Dynasty and set the capital in Nanjing. The construction of the palace began on a large scale, and by 1392, this magnificent palace was finally completed. The palace set a precedent for the integration of the palace and the city axis, covering an area of over 1.0125 million square meters, making it the largest palace complex in the world at that time. The Ming Palace can be divided into: the…

From conception to airing, "Till The End Of The Moon (长月烬明·月照千峰)" has garnered much attention and has not disappointed audiences. Since its premiere on March 6th, it has set a record for the highest viewership rate in two years among Chinese web dramas. Discussions about the combination of immortal fantasy with Chinese mythology, the fusion of modern special effects and Dunhuang aesthetics, and more have been ongoing and many netizens praise the drama's cultural significance and aesthetic style.   The Return of the Xia Spirit The first few episodes of "Till The End Of The Moon" are efficient and succinct. It immediately opens with a high-energy scene of the demon Tantai Jin unleashing mayhem, followed by an impressive display of special effects. Without wasting any time, it then launches into a plot about turning the future around. In just a few episodes, the female lead has already in the main storyline and try save humanity. The market is not lacking in Xianxia dramas, but what it lacks are good-looking ones. As the contradiction between users' increasing demand for good content and the inevitable homogeneity of content deepens, innovation becomes more urgent. "Till The End Of The Moon" redefines the boundaries…

The Xia Dynasty, believed to be the first dynasty in Chinese history, lasted from around 2070 BCE to 1600 BCE. Despite its importance, little is known about the Xia Dynasty's customs and traditions. One area that has captured the interest of historians and anthropologists is the clothing and makeup worn by the people during this period. In this article, we will take a brief look into the fascinating world of Xia Dynasty costumes and makeup, exploring their styles, materials, and cultural significance.   The Clothing of the Xia Dynasty After successfully controlling the floods, Yu the Great was spontaneously supported by the people and established the Xia Dynasty. The system of succession was changed from abdication to hereditary. There were a total of fourteen generations in the Xia Dynasty, which lasted for about 471 years. This dynasty marked the formation of China's slave society, and the clothing system developed during this period, known as the "Guanfu" system, was one of the earliest forms of dress code in Chinese history. In ancient primitive times, clothing was primarily a result of aesthetic and sexual competition needs, followed by the requirement for warmth. During the periods of the Yellow Emperor, Yao, Shun, and…

It's Qingming Festival again. Around the Song and Yuan Dynasties, Qingming became a festival centered on ancestor worship and tomb sweeping, blending the Cold Food Festival tradition with other activities like the Double Third Festival spring picnic and kite flying. Wearing a willow twig as a head accessory was also a custom of ancient people during the Qingming Festival. Apart from folding willows, there is also the tradition of flying kites during Qingming. Ancient people believed that the wind during this time of year was suitable for kite flying. Nowadays, cities like Weifang and Wuhan hold kite festivals every april, where thousands of kite enthusiasts gather to celebrate this grand event that began in the Tang Dynasty. In addition, ancient people would start cockfighting from Qingming and continue Summer Solstice, but why did they choose this time? It was because people discovered that wild chickens mate and hatch eggs during this period, and the roosters would fight each other to find a mate. Domesticated roosters also exhibit fierce behavior during this time, making for an exciting spectacle when two roosters engage in a battle. The "Zuo Zhuan" contains the earliest record of cockfighting in China, and by the Tang Dynasty,…

The master architect, Liang Sicheng, once said, "The architecture of every culture throughout history has produced its own buildings, rising and falling with that culture." Chinese ancient architecture, with its red walls and green tiles, exudes a grand and majestic aura. Unlike the stone structures prevalent in other parts of the world, it directly reflects the wooden structures that embody the wisdom passed down by generations of Chinese craftsmen for thousands of years. Shi Rongmin, with a background in architectural design, has spent three years creating exquisite artistic models of buildings with the ethnic style of northern Guangxi. Through the internet, he has introduced these models and the architecture to a wider audience.   The Characteristic Architecture of the Hometown Shi Rongmin, who has always had a passion for building things since childhood and frequently made toy models using toothpicks or bamboo, chose to study architecture design in college because of his love for model making. Longsheng is a multi-ethnic autonomous county with many minority buildings such as the Diaojiaolou and the pavilions. As someone who grew up in this area, Shi Rongmin has a unique emotional connection to these buildings. Driven by his interest, he began to plan and…

China has a rich and complex history that has fascinated people around the world for centuries. From the rise of the Zhou dynasty to the construction of the Great Wall, there are countless stories and events that have shaped the country as we know it today. While there are many ways to learn about Chinese history, one particularly engaging medium is documentary films. In this article, we'll take a closer look at eighteen must-see documentaries on ancient Chinese history that are sure to captivate viewers and shed light on the country's past.   01 The Rise & Fall of the State of Chu The state of Chu (楚国) created many firsts in Chinese history, such as the first section of the Great Wall, the first county, the first writing brush, and even the first iron sword. Despite its glorious history dating back 3,000 years, little is known about the state of Chu today. At its height, it stretched from the north to the Yellow River, east to the East China Sea, west to Bashu, and south to Lingnan. The cultural legacy of Chu, which was shaped by absorption, integration, and innovation, had a profound impact on the Yangtze River basin,…

After several unsuccessful adaptations of important Wuxia novels by Jin Yong, the Wuxia genre dramas has been continuously criticized. However, in recent years, the success of wuxia dramas such as "Sword Snow Stride", "Joy of Life", "Strange Tales of Tang Dynasty", and "Ever Night" has revived the genre. The market seems to have realized that traditional Wuxia dramas are a thing of the past, and breaking away from the Wuxia dramas of Jin Yong and Gu Long may bring about new vitality. According to incomplete statistics, there are as many as ten upcoming Wuxia dramas awaiting release in 2023, all of which break away from the traditional production approach and incorporate other elements such as time travel, idol, and spy warfare. Recently, the drama "Pledge of Allegiance", directed by Cao Hua with Li Yi as the chief screenwriter, starring Leon Zhang and Chen Ruoxuan as lead actors, and featuring Sun Yi in a special guest appearance, has started to air. It has received a lot of love from netizens since its premiere. One important reason for its high attention is the connection it has with the movie "Brotherhood of Blades". "Pledge of Allegiance" is an adaptation of "Brotherhood of Blades",…

If you're a fan of Chinese dramas, then you've probably heard of Xianxia and Xuanhuan genres. These two popular genres revolve around ancient Chinese myths, legends, and folklore and they have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their unique storylines, stunning visuals, and captivating characters. From epic battles between good and evil to intricate plot twists, Xianxia and Xuanhuan dramas offer a mesmerizing escape into a world of magic and adventure. In this article, we have compiled the top 10 Xianxia and Xuanhuan dramas that will take you on a thrilling journey through mystical lands and fantastical creatures. Whether you're a hardcore fan or just starting to explore this genre, these dramas are sure to keep you hooked till the very end.   Chinese Paladin · 仙剑奇侠传 "Chinese Paladin" is a Chinese Xianxia Xuanhuan drama adapted from the RPG game of the same name. It stars Hu Ge, Crystal Liu, Ady An, and Eddie Peng in leading roles. Also known as: Xian Jian Qi Xia Zhuan Aired: Jan 24, 2005 Episodes/Duration: 34/50min Period Background: Alternative reality Genres: Xianxia, Romance, Wuxia, Fantasy Main Role: Hu Ge as Li Xiao Yao, Crystal Liu as Zhao Ling Er, Ady An as…