Among the numerous garments of Hanfu, the most popular one is probably the Mamian skirt. As a clothing item full of ethnic style, the skirt is characterized by vibrant colors and unique patterns. Wearing it seems like traveling through time and experiencing the charm of traditional culture. In fact, the Mamian skirt is not a completely new design, its history can be traced back to a hundred years ago. Also known as Mamian pleated skirt, it was one of the main skirt styles for ancient Chinese women. It consists of four skirt doors, both front and back, overlapping in pairs. The outer skirt door is adorned with decorations, while the inner skirt door has fewer or no decorations. The Ma Mian Qun is pleated on the side, and the skirt waist is often made of white fabric, symbolizing a lifelong union. It is fastened with a rope or button. The design of the Mamian skirt highlights symmetry and streamlined shapes, emphasizing the curves of women and creating an elegant and dignified image for the wearer. The charm of the Mamian skirt has actually transcended national borders. At the banquet where Princess Diana was announced as the future royal bride in…

When it comes to above-ground cultural relics in China, Shanxi stands out. Among the country's important cultural heritage sites, Shanxi ranks first with 531 sites, accounting for 10.4% of the total number of cultural heritage sites in China, which is equivalent to the sum of the rankings of the next ten provinces. Shanxi boasts a complete sequence of ancient architectural eras, a wide variety of architectural types, and a large number of existing wooden structures dating back to the Yuan Dynasty and earlier, surpassing all other provinces in the country. In other words, if you want to explore the development of early Chinese architecture, you can only gain insight in Shanxi. So, what should you visit when you first arrive in Shanxi? The following are 35+ key cultural relics units in Shanxi organized in chronological order by Useless Rerearch Society, take a look at the stunning scenery of China's ancient architecture.   Northern and Southern Dynasties 01 Yungang Grottoes From 460 AD onwards, the Northern Wei Dynasty, with Datong as its capital, exerted its full strength and gathered excellent craftsmen to carve the magnificent Yungang Grottoes on the cliffs of Lingyan. The Yungang Grottoes were not only the first royal-authorized…

Recently, the historical suspense drama "Ripe Town" has been released. The drama tells the story of the 37th year of the Wanli period in the Ming Dynasty, when a series of murders occurred in the Jiangnan Duxian County. The young constable Qu Sangeng, along with the historian Song Chen, his companions Gao Shicong, Leng Gui'er, Feng Kezhui, and others, delves deep into the investigation, unexpectedly uncovering a twenty-year-old unsolved case. In the first three episodes, each episode features a victim with an extremely bizarre cause of death. The first victim is the head constable Leng of the county yamen, who was dragged to the field by the killer and impaled with a sedan pole, creating a scarecrow-like figure. This victim happens to be the master of the male protagonist, Qu Sangeng. As a result, he suffers from indescribable psychological trauma. The process of investigating the case becomes even more challenging as he not only has to confront the mastermind behind the scenes but also delve into the intricacies of society, bowing to the laws of operation and the complexities of human relationships. He is like a pedestrian traversing the dark night, having to lift the torch to illuminate the path…

The recent freshness in the Chinese drama market has been brought by "Tiger and Crane". This drama is adapted from the manga of the same name by Huang Xiaoda, and it tells the story of Hu Zi, an optimistic and cheerful orphan who accidentally swallows the Chi Zhu, a precious treasure. In doing so, he meets the cold and fastidious team captain of the Imperial Demon Master, Qi Xiaoxuan. These two young individuals with contrasting personalities are forced to travel together due to the Chi Zhu. Along the way, they meet companions such as Zhao Xintong, Wang Yuqian, and Shancha. Just as the ambitions of both the human and demon realms are about to bring catastrophe to the mortal world, this group of ambitious and passionate young individuals selflessly sacrifice themselves to save humanity. The common foundation of growth and the essence of passion in male-oriented fantasy dramas are also pushed to the extreme in this drama. The demon-hunting team embarks on a journey of battling monsters, leveling up, and completing dungeons, allowing the audience to experience the feeling of watching a passionate youth comic. The grand construction of the world showcases the distinctive characteristics of Eastern fantasy literature. By…

Dylan Wang, Tian Xiwei, and others star in the highly anticipated drama "Guardians of the Dafeng", which is currently being filmed. The original work is a popular online novel with a strong male protagonist, featuring numerous beautiful women. With the addition of the up-and-coming leading actor Dylan Wang, the drama has garnered much attention since its start of production. In June, a total of 28 actors were officially announced, ranging from popular young actors to seasoned veterans, covering the strengths of actors from different generations. It can be said that the drama possesses both good looks, acting skills, and popularity, indicating high expectations from the investors. In September, the official reservation channel was opened, and at the same time, the first set of character stills was released, providing a glimpse into the characters' personalities and relationships. The male lead is portrayed by Dylan Wang as Xu Qi An, the dominant presence in half of the stills. There is a striking solo shot of him wearing black attire, exuding a cool and stylish aura. There is also a kissing shot with Tian Xiwei, who plays Princess Lin An, dressed in red, displaying her charming and exquisite beauty. It is evident that…

The costume comedy drama "Hilarious Family" is currently airing and has gained popularity. It is a female-oriented family comedy that revolves around the daily lives and matchmaking adventures of a widowed mother and her four daughters. In the drama, Du Ru Yu, who lost her husband early on, single-handedly raises her four daughters, each with a distinct personality. In order to find suitable husbands for them, the family moves to the bustling city of Jiang Lin. Despite the challenges they face in the matchmaking process, the daughters' destined partners unexpectedly appear, leading to a series of comical and entertaining stories. From the main storyline and character development, "Hilarious Family" possesses a distinct comedic quality that appeals to a wide range of audiences. Since its premiere, the drama has maintained a good level of popularity, with its ratings even surpassing the legendary "Legend of the Undercover Chef" which was led by the renowned comedian Zhao Benshan. While there have been some controversies regarding certain aspects of the show's content and humor, "Hilarious Family" may not be considered an exceptionally outstanding comedy. However, its current achievements do indicate that it has successfully captured and retained the audience's attention to a certain extent,…

When mentioning the beauty of the east, what comes to mind? Perhaps it is the harmonious and melodious sounds of classical music, the graceful and elegant hanfu attire, or the combination of strength and grace in martial arts. Eastern beauty has always been an aspirational image portrayed in Chinese classical literary works. In recent years, whether it is the popularity of ancient costume dramas and music, or the rise of the Chinoiserie trend in the fashion industry, the eastern temperament has become more than just an external aesthetic, but also a unique inner charm. The pursuit of the beauty of the East is gradually becoming a realm pursued by the modern people. New Weekly recently had a conversation with three women who embody different eastern characteristics, aiming to find the answer to the beauty of the east through their stories.   Mo Yun The eastern beauty of music lies in its simplicity and subtlety. In 2014, Mo Yun, then a junior in college, gained fame with a video that garnered 58 million views and over 2 million fans. It was a video of her playing anime songs on the Guzheng, a traditional Chinese zither. Her astonishing speed in playing left…

The summer has just passed, and the top video platforms in China are preparing for a new round of drama preheating. Youku, iQiyi, and Tencent Video, as the main broadcasting platforms for Chinese dramas at the current stage, have announced more than 200 upcoming dramas in their 2023-2024 lineup, which can be said to have gathered the important forces of Chinese dramas, and also serve as a window to glimpse the industry's development and market prospects. Whether it is the adjustment layout of the conventional track or the forward-looking exploration of the innovative field, every move of the top platforms has attracted great attention. The content matrix formed by this not only reflects the platform's capture and contemplation of the changes in public aesthetic taste as project managers, but also influences the future trend of the industry.   What genres of drama dominate? In terms of genre, the three major platforms, still regard costume dramas and urban dramas as their main focus. After all, these two types of dramas have always been incubators for blockbusters and star-making tools, which can bring considerable revenue to the platforms in terms of membership services, artist management, and peripheral derivatives, and broaden their business…

This summer, the entertainment charts of short videos and social media platforms have been occupied by various drama series in a myriad of ways. Audiences find themselves shedding tears for the tumultuous journey of Xiaoyao (played by Yang Zi) in "Lost You Forever," while anxiously following the poisonous schemes of Li Xiangyi (played by Cheng Yi) in "Mysterious Lotus Casebook." And the excitement surrounding the grand wedding in "Destined" for the beloved couple Gu Jiu Si and Liu Yu Ru. This year, a total of 125 Chinese dramas were released during the summer, an increase of 28 compared to the previous year, with a cumulative total of over 77.2 billion valid views. Even many mid-sized productions managed to dominate the summer season solely based on their word-of-mouth reputation. "Fake It Till You Make It" focuses on urban career, while "An Ancient Love Song" takes on the theme of reverse time travel. Various genres and storylines have witnessed changes and breakthroughs in creative direction. However, amidst the bustling data and clamor of feedback, many people are still immersed in the shock of "The Knockout" surpassing 10 billion views in the first half of the year, unable to extricate themselves. What is…

It is extremely challenging to bring a perpetrator of sexual assault or harassment to justice. Just the first step of bravely speaking out and accusing the perpetrator requires immense courage from the victim, who must overcome both physiological and psychological fears, while may also enduring the societal backlash of victim-blaming. This is still true in the present-day society, let alone in the male-dominated and female-submissive ancient Chinese society, where seeking justice for an aggrieved woman would be even more arduous. Directed by Zang Xichuan, starring Wu Qian, Li Jiahang, Qiao Zhenyu, and Hu Yixuan, with special appearances by Tang Jingmei, Yang Yutong, and featuring Bai Shu, Zhang Kangle, and especially starring Deng Cuiwen, "Faithful" is a ancient suspense cdrama that focuses on such topics. It tells the story of a young girl, Lin Rulan, who, against the opposition of her close friend, Meng Wan, risks her own reputation to accuse the owner of the Embroidery House, Wu Lian, but finds no legal recourse and ends up taking her own life to prove her innocence. Meng Wan, after seven years of enduring hardships, gathers a team of nine righteous people including Liu Xin, who is intricately tied to the Lin Rulan…

As the first drama written and directed by Guo Jingming (pseudonym Gu Xiaosheng), "My Journey to You" has been in the spotlight since its premiere, and continues to be a topic of discussion. It is well known that popular directors/producers like Guo Jingming, Yu Zheng, and Wang Yixu, even if they have not released any works for a long time, are always surrounded by legends about them. Information about them is no longer clear and precise, as if all the praise and criticism are shrouded in a veil of mist, making it difficult to distinguish. It is unfair to judge the work itself and other cast and crew members from this perspective. Therefore, today, let us temporarily set aside the controversies and love-hate relationships that have long focused on Guo Jingming, and re-examine the work "My Journey to You".   The dichotomy of visual beauty and impressive sight When "My Journey to You" first aired, it was common to see some hesitant netizens wandering in various comment sections, trying to seek authentic evaluations from the viewers who were the first to watch this drama. Interestingly, although everyone's responses were different, the overall sentiment was surprisingly consistent, all expressing that this…

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 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…

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…

As a traditional mythological story, the plot of "Investiture of the Gods" is already well-known to us. However, "Creation of the Gods I: Kingdom of Storms" still prepared many surprises for the audience. For example, we can see the presence of many Chinese national treasure-level cultural relics in the props.   01 Horses In the Creation of the Gods, Yin Shou led his military to return triumphantly from Jizhou. The Shang King and Crown Prince Yin Qi sat on a chariot driven by six white horses to welcome them. It is well known that in ancient times, the number of horses and specifications of vehicles were important symbols of identity and status. There were strict ritual regulations regarding this throughout various dynasties. “天子驾六马，诸侯驾四、大夫三、士二、庶人一。” -《逸礼·王度记》 "The emperors rides with six horses; feudal lords ride with four; high-ranking officials three; scholars two; commoners one." - Yi Li · Wang Du Ji In addition to consulting ancient books, the film also referenced unearthed cultural relics - such as the discovery of a horse-drawn carriage pit called "Six Imperial Horses" at Luoyang He Luo Cultural Square in 2002. There are 26 buried carriages in total divided into two rows, with their heads facing south…

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…

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…

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,…