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Gone with the Rain: Adding a New Chapter to the Female Costume Drama Genre
"Gone with the Rain" is a female costume drama led by Zhang Nan, Wang Yuwen, Sun Yizhou, Zhao Yingbo and Liu Meitong. It was broadcasted on June 5th, 2023. The drama is adapted from the romantic novel "Feng Yu Nong, Yan Zhi Luan" by Ni Luo. It tells the story of two sisters Mo Xi and Bai Fengyao who grow up together through ups and downs while always sticking to their inner justice and working together to resolve various crises. On the day of its broadcast, it immediately sparked discussions among netizens on social networking websites with almost everyone focusing on the portrayal of female characters. By abandoning conventional character designs for costume dramas and creating bold and agile female images that viewers want to see in such dramas. "Gone with the Rain" portrays both personal loyalty as well as national patriotism, during times when the country faces danger, personal emotions are intertwined with patriotism throughout. The drama does not directly focus on struggles between various factions in court but instead focuses on how Mo Xi & Feng Yao support each other against difficulties they face; portraying deep sisterly love as well as women's growth provides new inspiration for creating… -
The Evolution of Three Chinese Tea Ceremonies: From Tang Dynasty to Modern Times
What is a tea ceremony? The book "Chinese Tea Ceremony", is explained as a cultural art that embodies the perfect combination of tea and culture, a means of cultivating oneself. However, when people mention tea ceremony, many think of the Japanese tea ceremony. Yet this ancient way of drinking tea has actually retained many Chinese Tang and Song dynasty customs. Over the past two thousand years, the way people drink tea has been constantly changing from simple to complex. It took Chinese people more than one thousand years to evolve from simplicity to complexity; then another one thousand plus years to return back to simplicity. Let us explore the Chinese tea ceremony by savoring a cup of warm tea soup while searching for flavors once tasted by our ancestors. 1 Tang Dynasty: The Art of Jian Cha Ceremony The most primitive way for Chinese people to taste tea was by eating it. Ancient people originally used tea leaves for medicinal and food purposes, boiling fresh leaves and consuming the liquid directly. Gradually, they discovered that tea had a refreshing effect on the body, leading to the development of cooking tea as a dish with added seasonings such as scallions,… -
Culture Cdrama Hi Producer: Exploring the Richness of China's Intangible Cultural Heritage
With the development of time, many Chinese traditional crafts and techniques have fallen into oblivion due to time-consuming nature. In order to protect their inheritance, Intangible Cultural Heritage was born. Recently aired TV culture cdrama "Hi Producer" is a series that involves intangible cultural heritage themes. Directed by Gao Han, written by Zhou Mo, starring Guo Xiaodong as the lead actor alongside Zhang Nan, Li Xiaoran, and Zhang Bo among others; it fully showcases the exquisite craftsmanship and inheritance of intangible cultural heritage skills. The plot of the drama "Hi Producer" revolves around a major cultural program "Chuan Cheng (传承, Heritage)". The program directed by Gu Shiyong (Zheng Kai), and the female lead writer-director Yu Zaizao (Zhang Nan) join in, competing with Yuan Jiaying (Sun Yihan) for the position of chief writer-director. In order to form a high quality production team of programs, the team also invites veteran host Wang Xinin (Li Xiaoran) and young cultural relic expert Tao Tang (Zhang Bo) to join. Through their collective efforts, "Chuan Cheng" finally becomes a phenomenal cultural program. During the filming process, Yu Zaizao initially lacked empathy but gradually opens up his heart and eventually gains fulfilling friendships as well as career… -
Xianxia Latest Drama Beauty of Resilience - Surviving Against All Odds
On the first day of summer, a major fantasy Xianxia drama began airing. On June 1st, "Beauty of Resilience (花戎, Hua Rong)," starring Ju Jingyi and Guo Junchen, premiered online. Since filming started in mid-2021, this drama has garnered attention from both inside and outside the industry. For Ju Jingyi's debut in a fantasy drama like, her character's intense conflicts and growth through multiple reincarnations serve as an advanced test for her acting skills which is highly anticipated by fans. Departing from its original style with light ancient elements, "Beauty of Resilience" ventures into mature genres such as fantasy Xianxia dramas. From the first six episodes aired so far, it seems that "Beauty of Resilience" has indeed found a way to stand out amidst fierce competition within this genre. Although it tells stories within grandiose settings where three realms coexist together, what stands out most prominently are themes of growth challenges, family bonds, romantic feelings, and academy life which cleverly aligns with realism for youth elements that resonate well with viewers while also creating an accessible pathway toward empathy between audiences and characters alike. Youthful Endeavors in the Academy At the beginning of "Beauty of Resilience," Wei Zhi (played… -
Unveiling the Mysteries of June Through Ancient Paintings
As June arrives, we first welcome Children's Day on June 1st. Let us enjoy the joyful atmosphere of Children's Day with this painting from the Southern Song Dynasty called "Bai Zi Tu." In the painting, children are seen riding on wooden horses, wearing masks, playing drums and flutes, dancing and performing plays, all kinds of entertainment for their amusement. While we reminisce about how carefree childhood was during this time, the third solar term of summer, Mang Zhong, arrives punctually on June 6th. Every year when mantises are seen in fields and farms it is a sign that Mang Zhong has arrived. It is also known as the busiest farming season where wheat is harvested followed by sowing late millet crops such as sorghum and broomcorn. There can be no delays during this season. So what customs do people follow during Mang Zhong? In southern Anhui Province in China, after planting rice paddies people hold an Anmiao ceremony to pray for a good harvest in autumn. There are also many delicious foods to enjoy around Mang Zhong. In the south of China, Mei Zi (plums) have ripened and it's a great time to pick some during the rainy season and cook… -
Beauty of Resilience: Next Big Thing in Fantasy Drama
"Beauty of Resilience (花戎, Hua Rong)" is a ancient-style fantasy drama starring Ju Jingyi and Guo Junchen. It will be aired on June 1, 2023. Adapted from the popular xianxia novel "Wu Chang Sheng" by Lin Jiacheng, the story follows the female lead Wei Zhi and male lead Yan Yue as they overcome obstacles to rewrite destiny and save the three realms from chaos. Directed by renowned directors Chen Guohua and Hu Yijuan with script written by Qian Yu, this creative team boasts tremendous experience in storytelling; Chen Guohua has created successful ancient dramas such as "The Blooms at Ruyi Pavilion", while Qian Yu is one of the main screenwriters for "Goodbye My Princess". With their expertise at play, Beauty of Resilience's production quality is bound to impress audiences. The drama centers around the growth of Wei Zhi, the phoenix reincarnate female lead character. It tells a story of her and the male lead's affectionate entanglement, featuring many highlights such as Wei Zhi's blackening reversal and the male lead's dilemma between righteousness and love. The exquisite costumes and excellent special effects render this drama with remarkably high quality. Ju Jingyi, who plays the female lead, has a sweet appearance and… -
Destined: Previewing the Latest Costume Drama - Step into a World of Romance
Among the many upcoming Chinese period dramas, "Destined" starring Bai Jingting and Song Yi has been highly anticipated. With over 2 million reservations before broadcast and the previously exposed romantic relationship between the two lead actors, fans are eagerly awaiting this historical romance costume drama. After intense post-production work, "Destined (Chang Feng Du, 长风渡)" has finally announced a premiere date for June - with rumors suggesting it to be on June 21st. In light of uncertainty regarding when other dramas like "Story of Kunning Palace" will air, perhaps "Destined" will become a flagship ancient costume drama during this summer season. Given its overall appeal and potential strength as a hit show, there is no doubt that it possesses qualities that could make it one. Directed by Yintao who is an experienced director in making quality period dramas such as his representative works including "Who Rules the World", along with screenwriter Rao Jun known for their reputation within industry circles - both of whom have created numerous popular productions- viewers can expect excellent cinematography and visual effects from them leaving deep impressions . With them at the helm of production , there's little doubt that quality assurance would be present throughout… -
Wear Red Hanfu Dress to Brighten Up Your Summer
Summer is here, and what better way to celebrate the season than by brightening up your wardrobe with a stunning pomegranate red Hanfu dress. HAN TIME will use the combination of pomegranate color and hanfu as the starting point to recommend a series of suggestions for wearing red hanfu dress in summer. Pomegranate color refers to a slightly deeper shade of red, resembling the color of pomegranate fruit or bright orange-red like the color of pomegranate flowers. As summer approaches and greenery abounds, the blooming of pomegranate flowers marks the season's arrival. It is an ideal time to wear a flowing long skirt in a vibrant shade of pomegranate while standing under these blossoms with a radiant smile. When it comes to pomegranate skirts, people tend to lean towards the latter meaning as this hue is more charming and unique compared to other shades such as vermilion and pink. Have you ever heard of "kneeling under the pomegranate skirt"? The phrase has been passed down through generations related to Yang Guifei who had an affinity for both Pomegranates and dresses in that same rich hue. Emperor Xuanzong ordered widespread planting of Pomegranates within palace just for her love for them.… -
Lost You Forever: Latest Romantic Fantasy Drama of Love and Destiny
With summer just around the corner, viewers can look forward to a slew of new cdramas. Among them is "Lost You Forever", starring popular actors Yang Zi and Zhang Wan Yi. Prior to its release, "Lost You Forever" had already garnered over 2 million reservations. With its growing buzz and attention, the drama has recently received official approval for broadcast. Judging by the show's quality and unique plotline, it may very well become this season's biggest hit. Directed by Qin Zhen and Yang Huan with Tong Hua serving as screenwriter, "Lost You Forever" follows Ji Jiu Yao - played by Yang Zi - as she navigates through life in turbulent times after losing her identity as a princess. The story revolves around her personal growth journey intertwined with various relationships including friendship and love. Of course, one cannot ignore the stunning cast that includes many talented actors. As female lead actress in particular, Yang Zi is no stranger to costume or fantasy dramas having starred previously in hits like "Ashes of Love" and "Immortal Samsara". Her outstanding acting skills combined with her versatile portrayal of different character traits have earned her much acclaim from audiences. Once again taking on a… -
Top 20 Must-Visit China Museums: A Journey Through History and Culture
As a country steeped in culture, history, and traditions, China has no shortage of museums that tell stories of its past, present, and future. From ancient relics to modern art, these museums are a window to the country's rich heritage and offer a glimpse into its diverse cultures. With so many options to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide which ones to visit. In this article, we've rounded up the top 20 popular museums in China that are definitely worth your time and attention. 01 The Palace Museum The Palace Museum is an exceptional museum. Established in 1925, it was built on the foundations of the imperial palaces of the Ming and Qing dynasties - the Forbidden City. After six hundred years of rise and fall, glory and shame, the doors to these royal palaces finally opened to the public. The Palace Museum boasts a collection that is unparalleled, it houses one of a kind artifacts within wooden structures preserved from Imperial China's largest palace complex in its entirety. 02 National Museum of China The National Museum of China is the highest institution representing the state's collection, research, display, and interpretation of artifacts that reflect… -
Exploring the New Style of Xianxia Dramas for Generation Z - Love, Adventure and Modernity
It seems that the audience's preferences have changed along with the trend of Xianxia dramas. Increasingly, Xianxia dramas are bringing back the long-lost sense of youth to the audience, offering a blend of joy, passion, and adolescent energy. Not only do viewers indulge in the sweet and bitter plotlines, but they are also awakened to their yearning for idealized love, which can inspire the brighter side of human nature. If every generation has its own Xianxia dramas, then the Xianxia dramas represented by "Love Between Fairy and Devil" and "Back from the Brink" undoubtedly fit the aesthetic taste of Generation Z in terms of art style, character design, and core values. They meet the current young people's demands for passionate values, which is markedly different from the previous style of Xianxia dramas. Character Setting Downgraded Prior to "The Journey of Flower," the main theme of Xianxia dramas was the growth of youths in a collective background. Such as Li Xiaoyao, Jing Tian, and Baili Tusu were chosen because they came from the lower classes or had a strong aura. Since then, the protagonist of Xianxia dramas has become female, and the narrative of adolescent growth has been replaced by… -
Young Blood Season 2 Preview: A Preview of the New Suspenseful and Hot-Blooded Cdrama
It has always been difficult to make sequels to Chinese costume dramas, and they always go through all kinds of twists and turns. Even for high-quality dramas with a large audience demand, it is not an easy task to gather the same cast and crew. It is possible that the actors have moved on to other projects, and scheduling conflicts make it difficult to coordinate everyone's availability. As a result, delays are inevitable, making it hard to gather the original team. While replacing a few supporting roles may be acceptable, changing the main cast would seriously affect the show's quality, leading to a completely new drama. However, this situation has improved this year. Many popular dramas have returned for a second season, such as "Young Blood 2," "Strange Tales of the Tang Dynasty 2," "Joy of Life 2," and so on, with the original cast and crew. "Young Blood 2" has already been approved and will premiere next month. "Young Blood" was a unexpected drama when it premiered, with only Zhang Xincheng gaining some recognition from his role in "My Huckleberry Friends." As for Zhou Yutong, Wang Youshuo, Su Xiaotong, and others, they were all new faces with little recognition.… -
10 Chinese Style Illustrators to Watch Out For
From elaborate brush strokes to bold colors and intricate patterns, Chinese art has a rich and diverse history that spans millennia. Today, artists continue to be inspired by this artistic legacy, creating work that is both contemporary and rooted in traditional Chinese aesthetics. In this article, we'll introduce you to 10 talented Chinese style illustrators who are making waves in the world of art with their unique styles and fresh perspectives. 1 - Ni Chuanjing Ni Chuanjing, an illustrator from Hong Kong, China, became one of the youngest winners on Forbes's "30 under 30" art list at the age of 25. In addition, she has received a series of awards, including two gold medals from the Society of Illustrators NY, for her excellent illustration works. As an illustrator, Ni's works have always been exquisite endorsements. In the presentation of the picture, every viewer can deeply feel the delicacy, dreaminess, and skillful mastery of her style. At the same time, she also incorporates her own experiences and stories into her works, giving them a brand new soul. This allows every viewer to find their own memories in the picture and resonate with the author and the work. The biggest feature… -
Hanfu Accessory: Tuanshan History and Shapes
Vocabulary Moon-shaped fan; 团扇 (tuánshàn). Also called 宫扇(gōng shàn), 纨扇 (wánshàn), 合欢扇 (héhuān shàn), a fan that is made from silks, embroideries, golds, beads, etc. later on into the period. Barrier fan; 障扇 (zhàng shàn) - one of the earliest version of fan from ancestors. Made with pheasant’s feathers and has a long handle. Also known as 长扇 (Chǎng shàn)、掌扇 (zhǎng shàn)、五明扇 (wǔ míng shàn). It is under the category of moon-shaped fan (团扇). Imperial carriage; 辇 (niǎn). Also known as chariot. This is the earlier versions of traveling vehicles primarily used by prestigious people for ceremonial processes, imperial tours, and any other formal occasions. The usage of this is closely related to imperial court instead of public, such as for emperor, queen’s mother, empress, and imperial concubines. These types of carriage are still man-drawn, and are made of simple designs with either a cushion or a chair for the individual seating on it. History of Tuanshan The moon-shaped fan, also known as 团扇 (tuánshàn), is a traditional handicraft tool of the Han people from ancient China. It consists of four main components: the fan's frame, handles (usually short in length), the fan's surface (made of semi-transparent or opaque… -
A Guide to Dunhuang Mural Art - Journey Through Time and Color
The caves with undulating heights and depths are truly spectacular; the exquisitely crafted statues are vivid and lifelike; the colorful and dazzling murals. For a thousand years, time has silently passed over this desert, proclaiming to the world the former prosperity and bustle of this place. Among them, murals are the most widespread and deeply ingrained art in Dunhuang. Dunhuang, known as the "Great Gallery in the Desert," has 735 caves, more than 2,400 colored sculptures, and over 45,000 square meters of murals. These precious works of human civilization include portraits of Buddha, stories of Buddha's life, myths and legends, Buddhist historical events, and Buddhist scriptures. Despite enduring wind and frost, these brightly colored murals still radiate their brilliance. To appreciate the beauty of Dunhuang, one must learn to understand the rich world within the murals. The following introductory guide to Dunhuang murals from "Art Culture China" will present the most beautiful side of Dunhuang to you. Costumes in Dunhuang Murals In the Dunhuang murals, there is a group of people who believe in Buddhism and funded the excavation of the caves. They not only funded the painting of Buddhist themes but also depicted their own popular ideas and… -
Traditional Chinese Hanfu: Evolution and Inner Beauty
Traditional Chinese hanfu costumes has been pursued by many young people. The bustling streets and crowded scenic spots are often decorated with people’s figure in hanfu. Some enthusiasts even actively hold activities for traditional cultural communication. Chinese ancient clothing culture has a long history, from the top officials to the common people, there are corresponding clothing requirements according to different social status in ancient China. I. Classification of Traditional Chinese Hanfu Clothing Ancient Chinese women's hanfu clothing can be divided into three parts: Shou Fu (首服, headwear), Ti Fu (体服, main clothing), and Zu Fu (足服, footwear). Although the styles are varied, they can be generally divided into upper and lower garments or up-and-down-attached style. Before the Western Zhou Dynasty, clothing was mainly upper and lower garments. The upper garment was called "Yi (衣)", and the lower garment was called "Chang (裳)". During the Spring and Autumn and Warring States period, people combined the upper garment and lower garment into one piece of clothing, which was called "Shen Yi (深衣)". "Shenyi" has been the representative clothing of the Spring and Autumn and Warring States period. Many documents have recorded its characteristics. The annotation in The Book of Rites - Shenyi… -
Chinese Cheongsam Lapel Forms: Characteristics and Occasions to Wear Them
The lapel, as an essential component of the cheongsam dress, serves as a critical dividing line in the layout of its style, possessing both functional and ornamental purposes. It complements the collar, buttons, or overlapping pieces in a harmonious manner, thus showcasing the overall beauty of the Qipao. The lapel (Jin, 襟), also known as the opening of the garment, is the unfastening of the Qipao's garment. Changes in the lapel are one of the primary way in which the Qipao's style evolves. Today, let us appreciate the modern styles of Qipao's lapels and savor the charm of Eastern women. Without Lapel One of the most concise ways of opening a cheongsam is the "Without lapel, 无襟, Wu Jin" style. This kind of lapel style is directly derived from traditional Chinese clothing, appearing dignified and traditional. Pleated & Without Lapel "Pleated without lapel, 褶皱无襟, Zhezhou & Wu Jin" style adds decorative pleats to the front chest, simple yet sophisticated, enhancing the sense of fashion. Round Lapel "Round lapel, 圆襟, Yuan Jin" is the most common style of modern cheongsam lapel, with smooth lines from the neckline to the armpits. Depending on the size of the arc, it can… -
The Popularity of Hanfu Culture: When Traditional Hanfu Dress Comes to Contemporary Life
An increasing number of young people are beginning to experiment with wearing hanfu, these clothing styles, which were widely used in different historical dynasties in ancient China, are now being reintegrated into contemporary life and have become an important part of youth culture. The Origin of Hanfu Culture: From Niche to Popular Typically, the origin of the modern Hanfu culture is traced back to 2003. On November 22nd of that year, a power worker named Wang Letian from Zhengzhou, Henan, walked into a downtown commercial street wearing hanfu. This event was reported by Singapore's Lianhe Zaobao, making Wang Letian the first modern Chinese person wearing hanfu to appear in public. Wang Letian was introduced to hanfu culture through forums Han Wang, and around 2003, the first hanfu enthusiasts gathered around Han Wang and other online hanfu forums, gradually forming the Hanfu circle. At the same time, some offline Hanfu culture communities began to be established. Around 2011, the subculture of adolescent internet culture rapidly developed. With the successive rise of the Lolita and the JK uniform fashion subculture, as well as the development of the cosplay community, hanfu has found its place among various clothing subcultures and has gained… -
Hanfu Accessory: Gong Tao History and Differences With Si Tao
Vocab Palace Belt - 宫绦, gōng tāo, is an accessory worn around the waist to prevent dresses from flowing in the wind. It is commonly paired with hanfu for a simplistic look and referred to as such in modern times. Silk Belt - 丝绦, sī tāo. An accessory that ancient Chinese people used to refer to. However, it was not only used as a fashion accessory but also on fans or flutes. Zhiduo - 直裰, zhídāo. A traditional Chinese robe worn by scholars and officials during the Ming and Qing dynasties. It has a straight-cut Mandarin collar without openings and is a formal attire reserved for special occasions. It is worn over long shirts and wide trousers. Tassels - 流苏, liúsū. In ancient China it had different names, such as 穗子 (suìzi), 缨旒 (yīng liú), and 流苏 (liúsū). Nowadays, 流苏 (liúsū) is the most commonly used name for tassels. Silk ribbon- 绶, shòu - the ribbon with a jade or officials seals at the end. History of Gong Tao The Palace Belt, known as 宫绦 (gōng tāo), is an accessory that dates back to the Warring States Period. It is a long woven rope with tassels attached on both… -
The Art of Shu Embroidery: A Timeless Treasure of Chinese Culture
Shu embroidery, as the longest-standing embroidery in China, is one of the four famous Chinese embroidery, along with Su embroidery, Xiang embroidery, and Yue embroidery. The hands of Shu embroidery weavers not only hold a precious craft, but also carry thousands of years of reproduction and imagination of flowers, birds, trees, rivers, and nature. Take a look at the history of Shu embroidery and its exquisiteness with Cosmopolitan's interview with Wang Xia, the inheritor of Shu embroidery. The treasure of Shu embroidery begins at the tip of a needle The art of Shu embroidery, which began with a needlepoint, is a luxury for modern people, it is a craft that has been passed down for over two thousand years. Shu embroidery, with its bright and delicate colors and exquisite needlework, has formed its own unique charm, and its richness ranks first among the four famous embroideries. In fact, the history of Shu embroidery dates back to the Western Han Dynasty. "The industry of female workers, covering the world in clothes," was recorded in the "Book of the Later Han". At that time, the literary writer Yang Xiong described the scene of embroidering silk that could be seen everywhere in…