The Tang Dynasty is commonly known for its vibrant culture, especially when it comes to the arts, music, and fashion. One of the most iconic aspects of Tang women's fashion was their elaborate makeup styles. From brightly colored lips to elaborately decorated eyebrows, Tang women were not afraid to experiment with unique beauty trends. However, with a wide range of cosmetic methods and hues, identifying different makeup styles from this era can be quite challenging. In this article, we'll take a closer look at some of the most popular makeup trends of the Tang Dynasty and provide a beginner's guide to recognizing them. The Tang Dynasty was the pinnacle of China's feudal civilization, characterized by southern and northern unification, vast territory, political stability, economic development, and flourishing education and culture. Trade and cultural exchanges with foreign countries provided a solid foundation for the development of its culture. "At the sight of clouds, we cannot help but associate them with her glamorous attire. At the sight of flowers, we immediately think of her stunning beauty." - in the Tang Dynasty, women's makeup reached a peak in ancient Chinese history, rich and diverse in style. In the early Tang Dynasty, politics was…

As an important genre of drama, Chinese historical drama emerged in the 1980s and were one of the first Chinese dramas to mature and perform best in the market. China's long and storied history provides a large pool of material for such works, and the creative approach, which is far removed from the sensitive areas of reality, also gives it a wider and freer narrative space. "Nirvana In Fire", "The Qin Empire 1", and "Judge of the Song Dynasty" are three classic Chinese historical dramas that have been the subject of much debate among Internet users. All of them have been recognized by viewers in the TV era and have earned high scores on Douban (China's most popular movie & drama rating platform), which is mainly for young users. In recent years, traditional historical dramas have become increasingly rare, with a marked increase in idolized historical dramas driven by film and television platforms. The industry is placing more and more emphasis on costumes, makeup and props, which is what the market demands and there is no excuse, but classic works should not just be forgotten. A good costume historical drama can recreate the spiritual world of the ancients. The history…

Get ready to fall in love with "Romance of a Twin Flower", the latest romantic comedy cdrama that is taking the entertainment industry by storm. This Chinese drama series is a perfect mix of heartwarming romance and hilarious comedy, making it a must-watch for anyone looking for a feel-good show. With its captivating storyline, characters, and breathtaking cinematography, "Romance of a Twin Flower" is sure to leave you smiling and swooning from start to finish." "Romance of a Twin Flower" is a historical romantic comedy television series directed by Xie Ze and starring Ding Yuxi, Peng Xiaoran, Yi Dachuan, Mark Chao, He Changxi, and Jia Nai. The drama premiered on March 21st, 2023. Based on the novel of the same name by Bai Lu Cheng Shuang, the series tells the story of Ji Man, a talented young woman with exceptional business skills who unexpectedly loses her memory. She takes the place of her twin sister Nie Sangyu in the Ning Mansion and uses her business acumen to resolve crises, while experiencing ups and downs with Ning Yuxuan and growing and finding happiness along the way.   Basic Information of Romance of a Twin Flower Also known as: Chun Gui Meng…

Are you a fan of historical dramas filled with romance, scandals, and royal intrigues? If so, you won't want to miss the latest sensation sweeping through streaming platforms "Royal Rumours". let's settle in for a journey back in time as we explore the exciting plot of this drama. "Royal Rumours" is a romantic comedy cdrama set in ancient times, directed by Zhou Jiawen and starring Jeremy Tsui and Meng Ziyi in the lead roles, with supporting performances from Ryan Zhu, Su Mengyun, Yi Yunhe, Li Qing, and others. The series airs on March 15, 2023. Adapted from the novel "Zao Zuo Shi Guang" by author Yue Xia Die Ying, the story follows the collaboration between the cold-hearted Crown Prince Ji Yuansu and the smart and witty Hua Liuli, who together uncover and eliminate imperial conspiracy, eventually falling in love with each other.   Basic Information of Royal Rumours Also known as: Zao Zuo Shi Guang Genre: Romance/Comedy/Historical Aired: March 15, 2023 Director: Zhou Jiawen Starring: Jeremy Tsui as Ji Yuansu, Meng Ziyi as Hua Liuli Episodes: 24/45 minutes   Plot Summary of Royal Rumours During the prosperous era of the Great Jin Dynasty, general Hua Yingting, who had just achieved…

China is a land of breathtaking natural landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant artistic traditions. Among the many facets of Chinese art and culture, the use of color stands out as a particularly distinctive and enduring feature. From the bold reds and golds of imperial palaces to the serene blues and greens of ancient landscapes, traditional Chinese colors evoke a sense of harmony, balance, and aesthetic refinement that has captivated people for centuries. We will explore the history, symbolism, and beauty of the most iconic colors together with the authors of books on traditional Chinese colors, Guo Hao. Whether you are an art lover, a history buff, or simply someone who appreciates beauty, the world of traditional Chinese colors is sure to enchant and inspire you.   Reclaiming Traditional Chinese Colors Guo Hao, a researcher of Chinese traditional colors, has spent five years scavenging for remnants of traditional colors from tens of thousands of ancient books and cultural relics. Due to cultural discontinuity, traditional Chinese colors are scattered in a large number of ancient books, and the whole process of recovery is like looking for a needle in a haystack. Guo Hao went through nearly 400 kinds of canonical books and…

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…

Recently, the popular broadcast of "The Journey of Chong Zi" and "The Starry Love" has won the attention of most audiences who particularly love Xianxia TV shows. Ever since these two shows are on, the heated discussion on the pattern and anti-pattern of Xianxia dramas has not been rested. The traditional romance between master and disciple in "The Journey of Chong Zi" continues to enjoy the love of its fans, while the humor in "The Starry Love" offers a great experience for those who prefer novelty. However, some audience is not satisfied with these, believing that Xianxia dramas need innovation nowadays.   The Iteration of Xianxia Drama Xianxia indicates two themes: Xian and Xia. Xian (仙, fairy) originated from the myth while Xia (侠, hero) comes from the martial arts classic. The early mythological dramas including "The Legend of the White Snake" (1992), "The Ghost Tales" (1998), "The Beauty Mermaid World Legend" (2000), and "Gods of Honour" (2001) were mainly based on Chinese folk legends or novels. The concepts of divines, devils, monsters, and treasures, along with the settings of human-demon romance, the confrontation between gods and devils, and reincarnation have all originated from legends and novels, and were put…

Tea set and tea-drinking are tightly connected. Many historical records and materials have proved that tea-drinking hasn’t appeared until the turn of Qin Dynasty and Han Dynasty. Chinese tea culture sprouted during the Wei and Jin Dynasties, during which the usages of tea existed in various ways, including food, medication, beverages, and so on. Among all, tea has been mostly taken as a kind of beverage. According to the "Guangling Xiaolao Zhuan", there has already elderly women who sold tea for a living on the markets in the Jin Dynasty. It was quite a competitive business with numerous pedlars as well as customers. From such phenomenon, it can be seen that drinking tea was highly prevalent at that time. At the time under the governance of Emperor Xuan of the Han Dynasty, Wangbao has written "武阳买茶 (buy tea in Wuyang)" and "烹茶尽具 (cook tea and prepare clean tea sets)" in his book "Tong Yue (僮约)", this is the earliest record of tea drinking and buying in China. In modern times, a celadon urn, carved with the character of "Cha (茶, tea)", with a height of 33.5 centimeters was found in a tomb in Huzhou, Zhejiang Province, which was built in…

As the chill of winter melts away, spring brings with it a sense of rejuvenation and new beginnings. In ancient China, this feeling was often celebrated through the tradition of spring excursions. For many, the new season signaled a time for renewal, rejuvenation, and adventure. While modern-day excursions may look vastly different, there are still traces of ancient springtime traditions that can be observed throughout China. From blossoming gardens to vibrant festivals, join us on a journey through the rich cultural history of spring in ancient China. Spring excursion in the pre-Qin period was romantic and charming. There are many love poems in the "Classic of Poetry", all of which took place during spring excursions. 《郑风·出其东门》：出其东门，有女如云。It means that the people of Zheng like to spring excursions, and when they leave the east gate of the city, they can see many girls on their spring trips, which is a good opportunity for the men of Zheng to meet love. 《郑风·溱洧》：士与女, 殷其盈矣。It means that at the River Zhen and the River Wei, the men and women of Zheng were seen everywhere on their spring excursions. Many men and women fell in love with each other during the spring excursions and became engaged…

"The Journey of Chong Zi" is an ancient immortal drama directed by Liu Guohui and starring Yang Chaoyue and Jeremy Tsui. The drama is based on the novel of the same name by Shu Ke, which tells the love story over three lifetimes between the disciple Chong Zi (重紫), a young girl born with evil miasma and destined to become a demon, and master Luo Yin fan, who is supreme immortal and handsome. Since its launch, the cumulative broadcasting of "The Journey of Chong Zi" has reached 750 million.   The Journey of Chong Zi Plot Summary Chong Zi (played by Yang Chaoyue) is pure and kind, but is the daughter of the demon king Ni Lun. She was saved by the Chu Bu Fu and was encouraged to seek further training to Nan Hua. But it doesn't go well, as Chong Zi is rejected because of her natural evil aura, and Min Yunzhong, the supervisor of Nan Hua, asserts that she will definitely become evil. At the critical moment, Luo Yinfan (played by Jeremy Tsui), the venerable master of Nan Hua, comes forward to accept her as his disciple, and from then on, Chongzhi becomes Luo Yinfan's only disciple.…

In recent years, there has been a growing trend among young people to learn and master the art of filigree inlay. This ancient decorative technique involves the delicate placement of intricate metal threads or wires onto a metal base to create a stunningly intricate design. Once a highly valued skill among artisans, filigree inlay fell out of fashion as modern manufacturing techniques took over. However, in the age of DIY and the resurgence of interest in traditional crafts, filigree inlay is experiencing a revival. Let's take a closer look at this beautiful art form and why it's attracting a new generation of makers. The production of filigree inlay can be traced back to the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period, with its fine and exquisite craftsmanship, can be regarded as a high class custom-made piece of classical jewelry. It was the exclusive preserve of the court nobility in ancient China. This traditional craft, however, is beginning to be loved and passed on by a younger generation of craftsmen. Gu Guoqiang, a young man from Chongqing, loves classical brush painting and everything about traditional culture. In college, he studied ceramics, and he was involved in the restoration of…

Compared to costume dramas and Xuanhuan dramas, the Wuxia and Xianxia genres drama have less momentum in 2022. But there are quite a few that are worth adding to the waiting list for martial arts fans, such as Who Rules The World, The Young Flying Fox, and Heroes. Likewise, there are still some popular dramas still in production on the martial arts to-be-broadcast list for 2022, check them out here. This article summarizes some of the Wuxia cdramas to be broadcast in 2023.   A Journey to Love · 一念观山 Also known as: Yi Nian Guan Shan Period Background: Alternative Reality Genres: Romance, Martial Arts, Adventure Main Role: Liu Shi Shi as Ren Ru Yi, Liu Yu Ning as Ning Yuan Zhou Plot summary of A Journey to Love The Wuxia cdramas A Journey to Love is Liu Shi Shi playing ancient cdrama again after five years. It tells the story of Ren Ruyi (任如意, played by Liu Shi Shi) and Ning Yuan Zhou (宁远舟, played by Liu Yuning) building a strong alliance, establishing trust, and defending their faith.   The Blood of Youth · 少年歌行 (Aired) Aired: December 26, 2022 Also known as: Song of Adolescence Period Background: Alternative…

Cheongsam, as one of the traditional Chinese dresses, can be seen as one of the tags of oriental women. It is like an ink-scented rice paper, which writes the history of Chinese dress, and like an inscription of the ancient time, even the folds of which contain the scent of ancient culture. It is not only a garment, but also a carrier of traditional Chinese culture. As one of the key elements of the composition of cheongsam, the collar shape has a very important influence on the style of cheongsam. Traditional cheongsam collar, often with a stand collar design, formed an elegant effect, with good effect in highlighting the lines of the female neck and body. The details of the cheongsam collar, show the workmanship, also the soul of the cheongsam. The right collar type can fit perfectly with the body, but also with the cheongsam as a whole, to the overall style of cheongsam into more exquisite aesthetic temperament, from the fundamental focus on temperament.   The origin of the cheongsam collar The relationship between modern cheongsam and Qing dynasty Manchu robe is still controversial, but it is undeniable that there is an inextricable relationship between cheongsam and Qi…

Even if the petals fall to the ground, the fragrance remains forever. The documentary "The Flavor of History" evokes the traces of time with fragrance, recreates important points in history, and experiences the turbulent choices of the ancients, with cinematic images and quality copywriting, which is fascinating and heart-warming.   1 The Fragrance Deep in the Memory "Memories evoked by the sense of smell are always profound." This quote is perfect for the story of Yang Guifei and Tang Emperor Xuanzong. Yang Guifei was left there forever after the Mawei Inn incident, and soon afterward, Li Longji, Emperor Xuanzong, retired to the second line and became the retired emperor. And Yang Guifei's favorite fragrance, Rui Long Nao Xiang (瑞龙脑香, borneol fragrant), became a deliberate aroma that Li Longji avoided. But the former palace musician He Huai Zhi deliberately offered the hat stained with Yang Guifei's fragrance, opening the memory of Yang Guifei. The aroma on this hat, is from a late afternoon. Li Longji is in the game, Yang Guifei sitting aside to watch, and He Huai Zhi playing the lute. When Li Longji was about to lose the game, Yang Guifei put down the puppy in her arms, disrupting the…

The xuanhuan drama "The Starry Love" is adapted from the novel of the same name by Yi Du Jun Hua (一度君华), starring Chen Xingxu, Landy Li, Luke Chen and He Xuanlin, and is the finale of the "The Honey Trilogy" after "Ashes of Love" and "Skate Into Love". With the release of the teaser and poster, the attention of "The Starry Love" is rising, the gorgeous scenes of the drama is particularly eye-catching, combined with the sweet and heart-tormenting mythological story structure, making the drama a must-see xuanhuan drama in early spring this year.   Classic drama nucleus and contrasting personalities "The Starry Love" only took two episodes to plant a very classic drama nucleus: marrying the right man in the wrong palanquin. The queen of the human race gave birth to twin sisters, the older sister Qing Kui (played by He Xuanlin) is gentle and kind, admired by the human race, and was registered as a heavenly consort by the gods; the younger sister, Ye Tan (played by Landy Li), is intelligent and cunning, but has been bullied, and she was promised to the demon world as a demon consort. Their wedding is arranged on the same day. However,…

In the Spring Festival of 2023 in China, "Deep Sea (深海)", a fantasy animated film was released. The film builds a new underwater world different from the past, telling the story of a girl who pursues and explores in the mysterious underwater world and meets a unique journey of life.   01 The Light of Chinese animation Three years ago, "Jiang Ziya" released a trailer of "Deep Sea" at the end of the film. The sea flows like a paint plate, the starry sky shines like a diamond, and people gets a glimpse of the magnificent scene unprecedentedly in Chinese animation. Now, after the long-awaited, "Deep Sea" has finally come out. The film unfolds in the extremely beautiful particle ink style, and the whimsical underwater world makes audience hold their breath in deep concentration. The unprecedented gorgeous and splendor, the fantasy world where paint texture and ink temperament mingle. The depths of the sea contain innocence and melancholy, and the deduction of light can only be so colorful in the animation world. Its animation production can be said to be a milestone in China's animation production in recent years. In order to present the ultimate visual effect, it pioneered particle…

In 2022, Chinese drama frequently produced wonderful works, history, Xuanhuan, romantic, mystery, even the most discerning viewers can find a drama that suits them. In this article, we have selected eight ancient costume dramas that are among the best in terms of reviews and reputation.   01 The Long River · 天下长河 Details of The Long River Also known as: Tian Xia Chang He Aired: November 11, 2022 Episodes/Duration: 40/45min Period Background: Qing Dynasty Genres: Historical, Political Director: Zhang Ting Main Role: Luo Jin as Kangxi Emperor, Yin Fang as Chen Huang, Huang Zhi Zhong as Jin Fu. Plot Summary of The Long River ”The Long River“ takes the story of water governance in the Kangxi period as the main line. It tells the story of Jin Fu, Chen Huang and other water governance talents who overcome all obstacles to protect the stable water situation of the Yellow River and jointly build dikes that cannot be washed away by floods. Since a huge flood in the 15th year of Kangxi, the young Emperor Kangxi began recruiting river governance talents. Chen Huang, a 24-year-old scholar who just after the failure of the imperial examination, stood out and was good at river governance.…

Historical Background The Sui, Tang and Five Dynasties were the most important period in Chinese history. From the end of the 6th century to the mid-10th century A.D., feudal rule lasted more than 300 years. Tang Dynasty was the most glorious dynasty in Chinese history. It was powerful, materially abundant, and famous in frontiers and overseas. In 581 A.D., Emperor Wen of Sui, Yang Jian seized the Northern Zhou regime and established the Sui Dynasty, and then destroyed Chen and unified ancient China. However, Emperor Yang of the Sui Dynasty was exacting and profligate, which made the Sui Dynasty last for only 39 years. Since the founding of Li Yuan and the pacification the various forces. Li Shimin succeeded to the throne as Emperor Taizong. During his reign for more than 20 years, logical administration and harmonious people. Historically, this peaceful and prosperous era was called the Governance during the Zhenguan Reign. After that, until ten years of Emperor Xuanzong of the Tang Dynasty, the country was prosperous and the people were safe and the society was rich, and historically known as the KaiYuan Period. After the An Lushan Rebellion, the Tang Dynasty changed from prosperity to decline. In 907,…

Like the dragon, Feng (凤, phoenix) is the most representative of the Chinese totem. As a rumored divine bird, the appearance of the phoenix also gathers the advantages of hundreds of beasts. In the ancient book "Er Ya", Guo Pu noted the image of a phoenix "chicken head, snake neck, swallow chin, turtle back, fishtail, variety of colors, about six feet high." But in the long years, the image of the Chinese phoenix has also been completely different in different times.   Shang and Zhou Dynasties During the Shang and Zhou dynasties, ancient people's primitive totem worship of the phoenix gradually turned into awe of centralized rule. The divine bird phoenix has its special political meaning and has become an auspicious symbol of peace in the world. Phoenix patterns usually only appear in bronzeware and jade decorations, which are the patent of princes and nobles. During the Shang and Zhou Dynasties, bronzeware was mostly used in sacrificial ceremonies and had a strict hierarchy. The sacrificial use determines the solemn and majestic overall style of bronzeware, and also affects the choice of pattern decoration on bronzeware. During this period, the phoenix pattern is mainly the image of Kuifeng (夔凤). The overall…

Hey everyone! College applications have been kicking my ass for the past few months so I've been pretty silent for a while, but I'm finally done—which means more hanfu content for you all to see! For those of you who don’t know me, I’m redsugar, or Tangtang (or a bajillion other variants of red and sugar in multiple languages that people have given to me as nicknames)! I’m a gender fluid Taiwanese-American hanfu designer based in the US. I’ve been part of the Newhanfu community for a couple years now and written extensively about my historical research and designs. Today I’m going to give you all a little summary of the designs modeled in our January 2023 model call outing! This includes five out of my eight 2023 Lunar New Year collection, photographed at the Chinese Cultural Garden in San Jose. Special thanks to all the participants for modeling these samples, and hope you guys all had plenty of fun! Let’s get to it then~ 機杼/JIZHU (modeled by 采蘑菇的小姑娘背着一只大狂猪) First up is Jizhu! This is a late Ming Dynasty four-piece set consisting of a 百迭裙/百迭裙/bai3 die2 qun2/hundred-layered skirt, a 立領衫/立领衫/li4 ling3 shan1/standing collar top, a waist tie, and a 比甲/比甲/bi3…