Introduction The Flower Festival (花朝节, huācháo jié), simplified as 花朝 (huācháo), is also known as the "Flower Goddess Festival (花神节, huāshén jié)," "Hundred Flowers’ Birthday (百花生日, bǎihuā shēngrì)," and "Flower Goddess’ Birthday (花神生日, huāshén shēngrì)." It is a festival where people can admire the blossoming flowers and show their respect for nature and the goddess of nature. The emergence of this flower festival has led to some confusions. Some claim it began during the Spring and Autumn Period, others during the Pre-Qin era, and some argue it emerged during the Tang Dynasty. The exact historical origins of this festival are not well-documented from the artifacts unearthed. Even with some historical records, it is still a challenge to pinpoint the exact dynasty for this festival. Perhaps they were called by a different name or a different festival slowly evolved into the flower festival known in the Tang Dynasty. What we can be certain of is that by the Tang Dynasty, the festival existed; whether it started before or during that period is still a matter of speculation. The earliest evidence of its existence dates back to the Spring and Autumn Period in the work of "táozhū gōngshū (陶朱公书)." Ancient Chinese society…

Directed by Su Zhaobin and Lin Ziping, with Ni Ni and Bai Yu as the leading actors, and Jin Han, Meng Ziyi, and Zhang Yishang making special appearances, the fantasy adventure cdrama "Parallel World (西出玉门)" is currently airing. The drama tell the story about Ye Liuxi and Chang Dong, one searching for the truth of their identity and the other unraveling the mysteries of the past, join forces to venture deep into the desert. In the depths of the desert, dangers lurk at every turn, as if invisible hands are pulling them into the the Jade Gate. Amidst various forces, they navigate through numerous troubles, unraveling the truth and gaining insights into true love through life-and-death trials. The truth seems within reach, but they also find themselves ensnared in a larger conspiracy. With its magnificent spectacle, unique visual style, tight pacing, and gripping storyline, the drama quickly captivates audiences of different ages and backgrounds.   A contemporary fantasy that lands with finesse "Parallel World" is a fresh attempt at Chinese fantasy drama. In previous fantasy dramas, the fantastical elements were often derived from the convergence of the past and present or the turmoil of human hearts. "Parallel World" takes a…

The urban fantasy and action cdrama "I Am Nobody (Yi Ren Zhi Xia, 异人之下)" is currently being hotly broadcasted. The series is adapted from the popular Chinese manga series "Under One Person" by Mi Er. Upon its release, it received a high IMDb rating of 9.4. The vast world-building, extraordinary abilities of the Yi Ren (异人), and the unique visual aesthetics rooted in Chinese classical culture have sparked a wave of Chinese fantasy in early September, igniting the passion of many viewers. The ordinary young protagonist Zhang Chulan (played by Peng Yuchang) is drawn into an unprecedented world of Yi Ren after his grandfather's body mysterious disappearance. Faced with the sudden onslaught of other forces and the unexpected arrival of the enigmatic girl Feng Baobao (played by Wang Yinglu), Zhang Chulan is determined to no longer conceal his own extraordinary abilities. As Zhang Chulan gradually delves into the secrets of his grandfather's past, he becomes immersed in the world of the Yi Ren, where the mysteries of history begin to unfold. And Feng Baobao's mysterious background appears to be the key to unraveling the enigma. Confronted with successive crises, the young Yi Ren unite and form deep friendships and bonds.…

The short drama "Escape from the British Museum" has become popular. This three-episode short video series, co-created by online media personalities Jianbing Guozai and Xiatian Meimei, is the most anticipated work in the film and television industry recently. It not only generated a lot of buzz on major online platforms but also received recognition and encouragement from numerous media outlets. Using personification as a narrative technique, it tells a sophisticated story: a delicate Chinese jade pot escapes from the British Museum and encounters a Chinese journalist named Zhang Yong'an, who is working overseas. They then embark on a journey back home together, fulfilling the task entrusted to her by the Chinese artifacts in the British Museum. With a total duration of less than 20 minutes, despite the insufficient maturity of its production elements such as scenes and props, the storytelling logic is complete, the emotions are abundant and solid, and the conveyed values are positioned at a very high level. It serves as a low-cost, high-level Chinese short drama model. After the release of the final episode, it directly sparked an explosive wave of praise. Many netizens were deeply moved by the scene where overseas cultural relics read letters to…

The Wuxia drama "Mysterious Lotus Casebook" has attracted a large number of viewers since its premiere with its innovative martial arts format. The seemingly outdated elements of the martial arts world such as martial heroes, inns, and sects have broken through the traditional boundaries in the drama. However, when it comes to martial arts, one cannot ignore the concept of the Jianghu (江湖, rivers and lakes) in Chinese culture. What exactly is the Jianghu?   How can we define the Jianghu culture? The term Jianghu seems to be a vague concept. People admire and yearn for the Jianghu, but it always seems difficult to define and is not considered highbrow. The earliest appearance of the term Jianghu can be found in the book "Zhuangzi": “相濡以沫，不如相忘于江湖。(Rather than leave them to moisten each other with their damp and spittle, it would be far better to let them forget themselves in their native rivers and lakes)” This phrase evokes a sense of imagination, encompassing the vast territories of the Central Plains, the four corners of the world, the rivers and lakes that crisscross the land. Gradually, the Jianghu has evolved into a metaphor for the world. The beauty brought forth by nature, the…

The Three Kingdoms era was a legendary age. Although it lasted less than a hundred years in history, this period saw the emergence of heroes such as Cao Cao, Liu Bei, Sun Quan, Guan Yu, and Zhuge Liang. Their deeds have left a deep imprint on Chinese culture and are widely praised and celebrated. The three states of Wei, Shu, and Wu divided the country: Wei ruled the north, Shu occupied the southwest, and Wu held control over the south. Surprisingly enough, within what used to be territory belonging to Wu lies the largest settlement of Zhuge Liang's descendants in China today - an ancient village with a rich legendary character called Zhuge Bagua Village (诸葛八卦村). There are various mysterious rumors surrounding this village: thieves who entered were said to become lost in a maze-like formation and could only surrender; some say that it is an auspicious place blessed with good feng shui which has kept it prosperous for generations. What kind of ancient village is this exactly? Are these rumors true or false? Let us explore further.   Resident of Bagua Village: Descendants of Zhuge Liang Zhuge Liang (诸葛亮) was one of the most outstanding politicians and military strategists in Chinese…

On September 2nd, the Jianghu scheme drama "My Journey to You" directed by Guo Jingming and starring Yu Shuxin, Zhang Linghe, and Cheng Lei, with special appearances by Zeng Shunxi, , and Chen Du Ling began airing. As the grand ceremony for selecting a consort approaches, Yun Weishan (played by Yu Shuxin), a skilled assassin, infiltrates the Gong Men sect to gather intelligence. However, unexpectedly both the master of the Gong Men and his designated successor are assassinated. Overnight, Gong Ziyu (played by Zhang Linghe), who has always been marginalized as the fourth prince suddenly becomes the new master of the Gong Men sect. In this twist of fate, Yun Weishan can only redirect her efforts towards capturing and seducing Gong Ziyu anew. After careful planning and manipulation she succeeds in becoming his bride. She had initially thought that once she became Gong Ziyu's wife she would complete her mission and attain freedom; little did she know that even more dangerous challenges awaited her. Her only ally being none other than Gong ZiYu himself who appeared to be an inept puppet ruler. With intricate reasoning consciousness intertwined with gripping plot tension, the mystery genre is becoming one of most significant…

Lately, it is difficult not to pay attention to a short drama called "Escape from the British Museum (逃出大英博物馆)". The story is not complicated. Hanfu blogger and short drama expert, Xiatian Meimei (夏天妹妹), plays a small jade teapot (Chinese twining pattern thin-walled jade teapot) that has escaped from the British Museum and ends up on the streets. She encounters Zhang Yongan, a journalist from China (played by Jianbing Guozai, 煎饼果仔), who helps her return to China and complete the task entrusted to her by the Chinese cultural relics in the British Museum. Since the release of the trailer, this short drama has received full attention. Immediately after two episodes were released, it sparked discussions across various Chinese online platforms. After the release of its final episode, which within just 4 hours has already garnered over 2 million likes on Douyin.   Creativity, sincerity, and controversy The idea for "Escape from the British Museum" originated from a comment made by a user on Douyin. In January 2023, travel blogger "Betty" uploaded a video of Chinese cultural relics she had filmed at the British Museum on Douyin. Subsequently, another user left a comment expressing their hope for an animation where personified artifacts…

The hanfu culture is no longer just a celebration for a small group of people; an increasing number of ordinary individuals are now sharing their hanfu experiences through creative short videos, integrating hanfu into their daily lives. At the same time, the seemingly unrelated realms of hanfu and fashion have also begun to merge. Hanfu covers in fashion magazines have sparked discussions within the hanfu community, fashion circles, and academic circles alike. Among them, we can find replicas, traditional designs, and fusion styles of hanfu. Dongjin Shangyu has compiled a collection of fashionable magazine spreads featuring hanfu throughout the years for you.   Hanfu in 2013 "FHM" Ten years ago, social networks were not as active as they are today. However, even at that time these three photos broke through the aesthetic norms of the hanfu community and even attracted attention from the media industry. One of these works was used as a cover photo in Issue 112 of "CHINESE HERITAGE" magazine. At that time, Yu Lingyuan was responsible for this photoshoot and said: "The structure of Western suits is similar to Western sculpture - it is very complex in terms of craftsmanship and has a three-dimensional quality. However, what…

In the past two months, the top projects in the film and television market have gathered. On August 31th, the total box office of summer Chinese films exceeded 20 billion yuan, breaking the record for domestic box office in the same period of history. Moreover, four films: "Lost in the Stars", "Never Say Never ", "Creation of the Gods Ⅰ: Kingdom of Storms" and "No More Bets" all surpassed 2 billion yuan at the box office. At present, it is expected that the final total box office for this season will reach 21 billion yuan. On the other hand, the drama market lagged a little behind the movie market, especially after entering July when there was a concentration of top dramas; only "Lost You Forever" and "Mysterious Lotus Casebook" achieved explosive data. To some extent, having a concentration of popular projects can help boost market activity and potentially create blockbusters. By looking at how movies and dramas perform, we may be able to understand specific situations within both industries from an industry perspective as well as from a market point of view. Given that Chinese film and television companies are generally choosing to focus on both movies and TV dramas…

In the Wei, Jin, and North-South Dynasties, when Buddhism was first spread, the flying immortals in the murals were once called Fei Tian (飞天, flying apsaras). With the deep development of Buddhism in China, the Buddhist flying gods and flying immortals merged with each other in artistic images. Dunhuang Fei Tian is the flying apsaras painted in the Dunhuang caves, which later became a special term for Chinese Dunhuang mural art.   01 Origin of flying apsaras In Buddhist culture, the term "Tian" not only refers to celestial abodes but also to the deities within them, such as the "Gongde Tian," which represents auspicious heavenly maidens. Within the heavenly realm, there exists a category of minor deities who flit about and attend to various matters for the apsaras. They possess exceptional singing and dancing abilities, and whenever the Buddha expounds upon his teachings, they soar through the air in graceful dances while playing music and scattering flowers. This imagery actually originated from two minor deities in Brahmanism - Gandharvas and Apsaras. The former is associated with music while the latter embodies dance. The early translators aptly rendered these minor deities as "Fei Tian," denoting their ethereal nature of soaring through…

On the 18th of August, 2023, the latest martial arts comedy drama by Zhao Benshan, titled "Legend of the Undercover Chef", premiered. In the late years of some dynasty, there were frequent Wokou invasions and eunuchs held absolute power. Cao Gonggong from Dongchang conspired with the Wokou to harm the martial arts community in Zhongyuan and plotted rebellion. Ximen Changhai's public identity was the head of Magpie Saber Sect, but he was actually a member of a secret anti-wokou organization. Besides eradicating the invaders, another important task was to uncover the traitors colluding with them within the court. At the same time, Cao Gonggong also discovered that there were martial artists opposing him within the martial arts community and secretly sent people to monitor their every move. To deceive others while carrying out this clandestine mission, Ximen Changhai (played by Zhao Benshan) sought out his twin brother Ximen Changzai (also played by Zhao Benshan), who lived far away in their hometown, and asked him to impersonate himself. Although they were twins, Changhai and Changzai had completely different personalities and life paths. The younger brother was a heroic figure with great courage, while the older brother was timid and cowardly like…

In recent years, Chinese documentaries have brought us many surprises, such as "Once Upon a Bite," "Masters in The Forbidden City," and "The Flavor of History." These documentaries present various aspects of Chinese culture, including food, traditions, and customs. In this article, we will introduce a documentary series that explores ancient Chinese figures called "Qian Gu Feng Liu Ren Wu (千古风流人物, Eminent Figures Through the Ages)," with a focus on the latest season featuring the renowned figure Su Shi.   Introducing of Eminent Figures Through the Ages The term "eminent figures" refers to individuals who have had significant influence during their time. Su Shi, Li Bai, Tao Yuanming, Bai Juyi, Ouyang Xiu, these great historical figures not only left behind monumental literary works but also provided guidance for generations of disheartened and confused individuals through their enlightened philosophies of life. Amidst the hardships and twists of fate in life's journey, we should learn from their attitudes, using broad-mindedness to transcend suffering and seizing beauty in our remaining days. These familiar names are given concrete depictions in this documentary series. They experienced joys and sorrows like ordinary people; they endured pain and disappointment just like anyone else. However, the challenges they…

Directed by Wendeguang, adapted from the novel "Ceng Feng Liu," starring Jing Tian and Feng Shaofeng, with Wang Likun, Zhou Yiran, Xu Haiqiao, and others in leading roles, the historical inspirational & romance drama "The Legend of Zhuohua" is currently airing. The story revolves around Mu Zhuohua, an ambitious female aspiring for success and fame. She crosses paths with Liu Yan, a warrior determined to seek justice on the battlefield and protect their comrades-in-arms. Their journey intertwines redemption and love as they unite to defend their homeland. The show has received relatively positive feedback for several reasons. Firstly, the popularity of Feng Shaofeng and Jing Tian as lead actors generated considerable anticipation among viewers when they were cast as a couple in this production. Secondly, the drama centers around female inspirational topics which have always resonated well with female audiences. Particularly noteworthy is Jing Tian's portrayal of Mu Zhuohua's character that has gained a loyal following due to her memorable lines and strong personality traits. Although set against a historical backdrop, these characters express contemporary women's aspirations. Women's empowerment dramas have always been an essential genre in Chinese drama productions - whether featuring strong female leads or ensemble casts centered…

On the list of top-rated Chinese costume dramas compiled, there are the "Four Classics" that have firmly held their ground: "Empresses in the Palace," "Nirvana in Fire," "The Story of Minglan," and "Joy of Life." Regardless of how many new costume dramas may have dazzled in recent years or how many years have passed since their release, these finely crafted masterpieces continue to unleash a long-lasting impact, continuously appreciated by both new and old audiences. In this article, we're going to dive into the "Nirvana in Fire," which has been distributed to 120 countries worldwide. Why is this ancient costume drama, produced by Daylight Entertainment, hailed as the pinnacle of Chinese costume dramas? Simply put, its emergence not only helped Hu Ge successfully transform his career but also presented viewers with an extraordinary sense of quality that had long been absent. It completely ended the era dominated by mediocre cdramas and ushered in a new era of overall improvement in costume drama production.   01 Intriguing Political Revenge Story Is "Nirvana in Fire" considered an enjoyable drama for audience? This may be the only point of controversy for this highly acclaimed drama on Douban with over 780k ratings and a…

The famous scenic spots in China are not only material existences, but also products of writing. The strokes of history and poetry give them meaning and provide us with a way to observe them. The Hexi Corridor is characterized by religious devotion, flourishing trade routes, and splendid culture.   The Dream of Emperor Wu In 112 BC, Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty, Liu Che at the age of 45 went on an inspection tour to the Yellow River bank in Jingyuan County, Gansu Province. This was his only time being so close to the Hexi Corridor. Although he never set foot on the Hexi Corridor during his lifetime, one can imagine that he must have had many magnificent dreams about it; dreams filled with vast Qilian Mountains and everlasting achievements. Beyond the Yellow River lies a corridor-like landform that gave birth to the most vivid name for this region - "Hexi Corridor". West of the Yellow River, shaped like a corridor, so the Qilian Mountains, Wuqiao Mountain and Longshou Mountain, Haili Mountain, Mazong Mountain, the vast land between the two mountains has the most graphic name "Hexi Corridor". Dozens of inland rivers originating from Qilian Mountains converge into major…

During the Tang Dynasty, which was the pinnacle of feudal society in China, many aspects reached unprecedented heights. Well-known achievements such as poetry, calligraphy, painting, and dance were accompanied by a vibrant clothing culture that became one of the most dazzling chapters in Chinese fashion history. Consequently, hairstyles also exhibited an unimaginable array of colors and postures.   High Bun The term "high bun" may refer to a specific type of bun hairstyle, but it is more likely a general term for tall buns. High buns were frequently seen during the Tang Dynasty and underwent continuous innovation in style. Many poets mentioned them in their works. The popularity of these high buns spanned the entire three hundred years of the Tang Dynasty.   Lofty Bun Lofty Bun (峨髻, e ji) implies grandeur and magnificence. It is widely believed that the hairstyle depicted in Zhou Fang's painting "Court Ladies Adorning Their Hair with Flowers" represents lofty bun due to its towering mountain-like appearance. However, some people associate it with flower-decorated bun because women in the painting wear golden and silver floral accessories.   Side Bun This type of bun existed as early as the Sui Dynasty. It involved creating a tall…

When you first watch the Xuanhuan drama "Love You Seven Times", the first thing that catches the eye is a dazzling mythical world, followed by a sudden shift to a jungle survival tale, and then swiftly transitioning into a childhood sweetheart love story. In just the first three episodes, the story smoothly switches between three perspectives, which is truly refreshing. According to the overall setting, there are also five distinct small worlds waiting to be deciphered in future episodes. "Love You Seven Times" constructs a fascinating and imaginative new worldview - the Colorful Cloud Myth Paradise. Building upon this foundation, it introduces an innovative concept of an infinite flow while maintaining an intense pure love configuration and skillfully laying out seven captivating romantic subplots. Based on the aired episodes, both the production quality and storytelling deserve recognition. The ability to turn wild fantasies into reality and cleverly convey positive views on love through its plot is enough proof of curiosity, imagination, and drive behind its creators.   Infinite flow romantic subplots "Love You Seven Times" is adapted from Jiu Lu Fei Xiang's original novel "Yi Shi Chong Dong, Qi Shi Bu Xiang." It tells the story of Xiangyun (played by…

The ancient mythological film "Creation of The Gods I: Kingdom of Storms," directed by Wuershan, is currently being enthusiastically screened. From the initial lack of confidence to now receiving numerous recommendations from audiences, the film's trend has been steadily rising against all odds. According to data, the film has already grossed over 1 billion RMB in box office revenue and received a high score of 7.8 from 230,000 users on Douban. These outstanding figures in terms of commercial production prove that the film is making a comeback based on word-of-mouth and clearly demonstrate strong audience recognition and high expectations for sequels. In addition to its innovative plot and characters, the film's depiction of the atmosphere during the Shang Dynasty is truly exquisite. Historical details such as turtle shell rituals and dazzling bronze artifacts not only pique people's curiosity about this ancient dynasty but also showcase remarkable craftsmanship. If you wish to explore Shang dynasty culture and related archaeological sites, then understanding Yinxu (殷墟) is essential. Yinxu was once the capital city site during the late Shang Dynasty in China. It is located on both banks of Huai River in northwest suburbs of Anyang City, Henan Province. Centered around Xiaotun Village,…

The costume fantasy drama "Lost You Forever", written by Tonghua and directed by Qin Zhen and Yang Huan, starring Yang Zi, Zhang Wanyi, Deng Wei, Dai Luwa, and Wang Hongyi, has come to an end on Tencent Video. A tumultuous journey of watching the drama has thus concluded. For a wonderful drama like "Lost You Forever", the audience never stops urging for more updates. The speed at which it is aired is often very fast; twenty days of binge-watching quickly pass by. However, the longing and reminiscence in the hearts of the viewers are also enduring feelings that stretch like vast mountains and rivers. From today onwards, Xiaoyao's yearning bids farewell temporarily while the viewers' yearning has just begun. What viewers yearn for is Xiaoyao (played by Yang Zi), who embodies their ideal image of a female protagonist; it is the different emotional patterns between the female lead and Cang Xuan (played by Zhang Wanyi), Tushan Jing (played by Deng Wei), Xiangliu (played by Tan Jianci), Chishui Fenglong (played by Wang Hongyi), which stimulate their imagination about intimate relationships; it is also the authentic plotline with highly unified production aesthetics that evoke fascination with Chinese bad ending style. Undoubtedly, "Lost…