At 41, Tang Yan has challenged an ancient-style photo shoot for the first time. Soon, we'll also see her last ancient-costume drama. At this age, it's no longer suitable for her to play in ancient idol dramas. Tang Yan, if you're being kidnapped, just blink. She managed to break free from the label of an ancient idol drama actress and upgrade to a serious drama actress because of the drama The Longest Day in Shanghai. Acting in an ancient idol drama again will easily make her a target of ridicule. In ancient idol dramas, we look for handsome men and beautiful women. Although Tang Yan takes good care of herself, her age is still quite obvious. If she gets mocked, it'll be hard for her to recover. We hope she has good luck this time; otherwise, it'll damage her newly-established image. This is Tang Yan's first ancient-style photo shoot, and she's currently the only one among the 85-generation actresses to do so. It's full of a sense of sophistication and is different from those cheap Hanfu photo shoots, instantly raising the bar. Tang Yan's outfit is a collision between modern and ancient styles. A high-end blue feather dress paired with…

Who says ancient - style beauties can only be gentle and delicate? Chen Xiaoyun's Chinese - style look is simply cool and beautiful. Her blue - and - gold Hanfu look at the Sohu Video Chinese Style Gala really amazed the whole audience! Previously, people always thought Hanfu should be in delicate pink colors. However, Chen Xiaoyun's look completely overturned this traditional impression. A Hanfu interwoven with dark blue and gold is both noble and grand. Paired with an exquisite updo, every gesture of hers fully shows the charm of Eastern aesthetics. Honestly, this look has fully released her aura! Remember, she always gave people a cool feeling in "Sisters Who Make Waves 3". This time, wearing Hanfu, she added a bit of classical beauty. Especially in the shot where she was strolling among the pavilions, with her calm expression, there was really a kind of heroism of "Who says women are inferior to men". Have you noticed? Her makeup this time was also very particular. It was neither overly gaudy nor simply pursuing a light look, perfectly matching the overall style of the Hanfu. The details of the eye makeup were especially amazing, having both the charm of ancient…

Chengdu, China's "Land of Abundance," is more than just the hometown of giant pandas. This 2,300-year-old city in Sichuan Province is a living museum of Han Dynasty relics, UNESCO-listed cuisine, and a gateway to Tibet's eastern foothills. For International Travelers fascinated by China's history, spirituality, and culinary arts, Chengdu offers an immersive blend of ancient traditions and cosmopolitan energy. Let's unlock your perfect trip! Visa & Entry: Stress-Free Arrival 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit Citizens from 53 countries (including the US, UK, Canada, and EU nations) can enjoy Chengdu's 144-hour visa-free policy when transiting through Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport. Requirements: Valid passport (6+ months). Onward flight ticket to a third country/region within 144 hours. Restricted travel area: Chengdu, Leshan (Giant Buddha), Ya'an (panda base), and select cities. Pro Tip: Avoid Jiuzhaigou Valley—it's outside the visa-free zone. Regular Tourist Visa (L Visa) For longer stays or broader travel plans, apply for a China Tourist Visa at your local embassy. Processing takes 4–7 days. You can apply for this at your nearest Chinese embassy or consulate. The process typically requires your passport, a completed application form, a recent photo, and proof of your travel itinerary and accommodation bookings. Some nationalities may also need to…

In a village square in Shandong province, 11-year-old Huang Ruoxi stomps her feet with precision, sending reverberations through a set of drums arranged like celestial constellations. Her round cheeks flushed pink, two buns tied atop her head, she performs the Pan Drums Dance (盘鼓舞)—a 2,000-year-old Han Dynasty drum dance nearly lost to history. Meanwhile, 1,000 kilometers north in Hebei, 8-year-old Gao Haoran channels the spirit of Eastern Han storytellers, his comically exaggerated facial expressions and thunderous Martial Drumming (武鼓) drawing comparisons to China's iconic 2nd-century Shuochang Yong (说唱俑, Speaking and Singing Figurines). These children—dubbed "retro kids" by Chinese netizens—are sparking a cultural reckoning. Amid a sea of Gen Alpha peers glued to TikTok clones and mobile games, they've become unlikely ambassadors for traditions stretching back millennia. Social media floods with comments: "She's stepped straight out of a textbook illustration!" and "This kid's vibe is so…pre-2010s!" The phenomenon reveals a generational paradox. While China's youth are often stereotyped as digital natives addicted to virtual worlds, a growing cohort is reviving folk arts through school programs, family legacies, and yes—viral videos. UNESCO reports a 37% increase in China's intangible cultural heritage apprentices under 18 since 2020. From dragon dances in Guangdong to…

How a Brush Transforms Glass into Art In the quiet corners of Zibo (淄博) City's Boshan District, Shandong Province, an 81-year-old master named Zhang Guangzhong bends over a worktable, his hands steady as he guides a hair-thin brush through the narrow mouth of a snuff bottle. Inside this "bean-sized" aperture, mythical beasts gallop across miniature landscapes, and 500 arhats (Buddhist saints) gather in silent contemplation—all painted in reverse. This is the elusive craft of Lupai Neihua (鲁派内画), or Shandong-style inner-bottle painting, a national intangible cultural heritage that turns humble glass vessels into portals to China's artistic soul. For Zhang, this ritual is more than a vocation—it's a lifelong meditation. Since 1964, when he joined Boshan Art Glass Factory's inner-bottle painting division, he has spent over 60 years refining his technique under masters like Zhang Wentang and Xue Jingwan. Unlike Western miniature painters who work on flat surfaces, Lupai artists must visualize their compositions backward, their brushstrokes defying gravity as they paint on the inner walls of bottles. The tools themselves are marvels: custom-made brushes with curved bamboo handles and resilient weasel-hair bristles, designed to navigate the glass labyrinth. Zhang's works, such as Hundred Beasts and Five Hundred Arhats, are celebrated…

A New Way to Witness Spring's Palette As spring paints China's landscapes in vibrant hues, travelers are trading traditional flower-viewing strolls for a thrilling alternative: low-altitude aerial sightseeing. Leading this trend is Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province, where "blossom chasing" now happens hundreds of meters above ground. According to Meituan data, searches for "low-altitude flower tours" and "aerial adventures" surged by 645% year-on-year in March 2025, with Chengdu topping the national rankings, followed by Shenzhen, Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Beijing. The city's golden rapeseed flower fields, stretching like sunlit carpets across its outskirts, have become a magnet for thrill-seekers and nature lovers alike. Visitors like Zhao Mei, a tourist from Guangdong, exemplify the craze. Despite waiting five hours due to airspace restrictions at Luodai's Sichuan Instant Flight Club, she emerged from her 10-minute helicopter ride exhilarated. "Seeing the flowers merge with the rivers and mountains from above—it's like stepping into a living ink painting," she said. The experience isn't just about speed; it's a sensory revelation. Pilots adjust flight patterns based on passenger preferences—zooming dramatically over ridges for adrenaline junkies or gliding gently for elderly guests. "The landscape transforms as you ascend," explained Zhang Linjian, the club's operations director. "Fields…

Migratory Birds Herald Spring in Inner Mongolia's Desert Oasis As winter's grip loosens over Inner Mongolia, the Ejina Banner in Alxa League (阿拉善盟额济纳旗) has become a stage for one of nature's most breathtaking performances: the arrival of the first migratory birds of spring. Thousands of miles from their wintering grounds, flocks of greylag geese, whooper swans, and ruddy shelducks have descended upon the thawing wetlands and lakes of this remote region, transforming its silent landscapes into a vibrant avian paradise. Among the earliest arrivals are "scouts" like the nationally protected whooper swans, their snow-white plumage glinting under the desert sun as they glide across East Juyan Lake (东居延海湿地). Nearby, at Shala Nur Reservoir, dozens of great swans perform balletic routines—dipping their necks into turquoise waters or soaring in synchronized arcs against cloudless skies. "It's like watching poetry written by the wind," says local photographer Dorji, who has documented this annual ritual for over a decade. The greylag geese, however, steal the show. Numbering in the hundreds, they create mesmerizing "bird waves"—sudden, swirling updrafts that ripple across the horizon like living storm clouds. For visitors like Shanghai-based ecotourist Liu Wei, who traveled 2,000 kilometers to witness the spectacle, the sight is…

When world leaders stepped onto the global stage at the 2014 APEC Summit in Beijing, their attire transcended mere diplomatic protocol. The "New Chinese Attire" (新中装) became an instant cultural phenomenon—a sartorial manifesto that bridged millennia of craftsmanship with 21st-century innovation. This meticulously curated wardrobe did more than clothe dignitaries; it reintroduced the world to Jiangnan's textile heritage while sparking a "Guofeng" (国风) revival that continues to shape China's contemporary fashion identity. Today, as traditional techniques like Su embroidery (苏绣) and Song brocade (宋锦) find fresh relevance in streetwear and haute couture, the South China Museum's exhibition Splendid Jiangnan: The Golden Age of Chinese Textile Art (锦绣江南——中国传统织绣工艺的巅峰创造) revisits this pivotal moment, unpacking how six iconic APEC ensembles became catalysts for cultural reinvention. From Imperial Workshops to Global Runways The Yangtze River Delta's Jiangnan (江南) region, long celebrated as the cradle of Chinese textile excellence, has cultivated textile arts for over 2,000 years. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, Suzhou's embroidery ateliers and Nanjing's brocade looms supplied the imperial court with fabrics so exquisite they were deemed "cloth woven by clouds." Yet by the late 20th century, many of these crafts faced extinction, preserved only in museum archives or practiced by…

A Historic Corridor Goes Cashless In March 2025, Beijing unveiled a game-changer for international travelers: the Beijing Central Axis Barrier-Free Payment Service Tourism Demonstration Zone. Stretching 7.8 kilometers and encompassing 15 UNESCO World Heritage sites—from the Forbidden City to the Temple of Heaven—this historic corridor is now a testing ground for seamless, globally inclusive payment solutions. A collaboration between China UnionPay, Visa, and Beijing's tourism authorities, the project aims to transform Beijing into "China's top destination for inbound tourism" by erasing payment headaches for foreign visitors. The timing couldn't be better. In 2024, Beijing welcomed 3.94 million international tourists, a 186.8% surge from the previous year, fueled by expanded visa-free policies and infrastructure upgrades. Yet, payment barriers persisted: only 30% of small merchants accepted foreign cards in 2023. Now, the Central Axis initiative tackles this with a "big swipes, small scans, cash backup" strategy, ensuring tourists can pay as they do at home—whether swiping a Visa card at a 600-year-old tea house or scanning a QR code for augmented-reality historical tours. Two Game-Changing Devices Launching in March Beijing's payment revolution just got smarter with two groundbreaking innovations rolling out in March 2025: The "Travel Pass" Pocket Companion This pocket-sized device—lighter…

In the heart of Beijing, where ancient Hutongs whisper tales of dynasties past, a culinary masterpiece has been perfected over 160 years—not in the quietude of a scholar's study, but in the roaring flames of a hanging oven. Quanjude (全聚德) Peking Duck, a dish synonymous with imperial grandeur and modern ingenuity. Since its founding in 1864 by Yang Quanren, a visionary duck vendor from Hebei, Quanjude has transformed the humble duck into a cultural icon, its roasting technique enshrined in 2008 as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage. Yang's genius lay not merely in recipe, but in ritual. Passing through seven generations of masters—each apprenticed in the sacred fires of the oven—the art of Quanjude's hanging-oven roasting (挂炉烤鸭技艺) has endured wars, revolutions, and the frenetic pulse of globalization. Today, as the aroma of applewood-smoked duck wafts through its doors, Quanjude stands as both guardian and innovator: a ¥1 billion-a-year empire straddling tradition and modernity. How to Handle Crisp and Tenderness To witness a Quanjude chef at work is to observe a choreography as precise as calligraphy. The creation of a perfect Peking duck unfolds in two acts: zhì bēi (制坯, crafting the blank canvas) and kǎo zhì (烤炙, the baptism by…

On March 10, 2024, Beijing's China Craft & Art Museum and China Intangible Cultural Heritage Museum unveiled their most ambitious showcase yet: the 7th China Contemporary Craft Art Biennale. Titled "Epochal Ingenuity", the exhibition spotlights over 720 pieces of contemporary craftsmanship—from intricate jade carvings to avant-garde glass sculptures—crafted by 809 artisans across 31 provinces. Walking through the galleries, visitors encounter a bronze teapot etched with AI-generated fractal patterns, silk embroideries depicting urban skylines, and lacquerware fused with recycled tech components. One standout piece: a ceramic installation by 38-year-old artist Zhang Yue, who reimagined Tang Dynasty tri-color glazes using 3D-printed textures to critique digital-age isolation. Who's Shaping China's Craft Renaissance The biennale's roster reads like a who's who of China's creative vanguard: National Heritage Guardians: Like 72-year-old Su Xiu master Yao Huifen, whose embroidered scroll "A Thousand Threads of the Yangtze" took three years to complete. Provincial Innovators: Such as Yunnan's Li Jia, who blends Bai ethnic tie-dye with neon pigments for psychedelic wall hangings. Academic Pioneers: Tsinghua University's Prof. Wang Lin leads a team experimenting with nanotech-infused cloisonné. Notably, 45% of exhibitors are under 40—a shift from previous editions. Jiangsu-based metalworker Chen Hao, 28, exemplifies this new wave. His series…

In the words of a 9th-century Dunhuang scribe: "The winds of the Silk Road may fade, but the dance of the mural endures." Let Silk Road’s timeless tales stroke you like the Flower Rain. A Dance That Transcends Time When the curtain rises on Silk Road Flower Rain (丝路花雨), audiences are not merely watching a performance—they are stepping into history. For 45 years, this groundbreaking dance drama has enchanted the world, weaving together the artistry of Dunhuang's (敦煌) murals, the spirit of the Silk Road, and the universal language of human connection. As it prepares to grace the stage of Guangzhou's Friendship Theatre on April 18–19, 2024, the production reaffirms its status as a cultural titan, one that breathes life into ancient tales. Since its 1979 debut in Lanzhou, Silk Road Flower Rain has transcended borders, performing over 4,000 times across 40 countries, from the grand theaters of Paris to the historic stages of Kyoto. Its accolades—"the living Dunhuang murals (敦煌壁画)," "China's answer to Swan Lake"—speak to its unparalleled fusion of myth, movement, and music. At its heart lies a story as old as the Silk Road itself: the bond between a Dunhuang painter, Shen Bi Zhang (神笔张); his daughter…

What Exactly is Danxia? When you think of China's stunning landscapes, what comes to mind? The towering mountains of the Himalayas? The serene waters of West Lake? What many people overlook, though, are the Danxia landforms, a truly unique geological wonder that has been shaping the earth for millions of years. But first, what exactly is Danxia (丹霞)? This term, entirely coined by Chinese scholars, refers to a specific type of landform made from red sandstone and gravel, eroded by both wind and water. The result? Vibrant cliffs, rock towers, and unique formations, often painted in hues of red, orange, and purple, as if the landscape itself is alive and pulsing with color. Danxia is vast and diverse geological history. If you want to see nature's most extraordinary geological structures, China's Danxia areas should be at the top of your list. Why China's Danxia is So Special Danxia isn't just another natural wonder—it is, in fact, a landmark of Chinese heritage. The name itself comes from the ancient poet Cao Pi's line, "Danxia jiá míng yuè" (丹霞夹明月), where the brilliance of the red mountains is paired with the brightness of the moon. Over the centuries, the term has come to…

China's strongest kids in the street dance scene The roar of the crowd at Paris' Bercy Arena was deafening. Under the bright lights of the 2025 Juste Debout World Street Dance Finals, spectators from around the world held their breath as two young Chinese dancers took the stage. But what followed was unlike anything seen before. Ten-year-old Song Haoming from Jiangsu and twelve-year-old Fu Junxi from Guangxi were about to make history. Blending the fluidity of Tai Chi with the explosive energy of Shaolin whirlwind kicks (少林旋风腿), they performed an electrifying routine that seamlessly fused traditional Chinese martial arts with contemporary street dance. With every precise movement—whether the open-handed elegance of Drunken Fist (醉拳) or the controlled power of Southern Fist (南拳)—they shattered expectations, redefining the boundaries of urban dance. In a competition where age holds no restrictions, the duo's "martial arts street dance" stunned audiences and led them past two foreign teams into the final four—an unprecedented achievement for Chinese contestants. Online reactions exploded: "Are all Chinese kids born as Jackie Chan?" "Chinese artistry is always mesmerizing!" "This dance was mesmerizing—I absolutely love it!" Meanwhile, Chinese netizens celebrated their success, dubbing them "China's strongest kids" in the street dance…

As one of China's most versatile actors, Xiao Zhan (肖战) has carved a unique niche in the world of historical and fantasy serie. His roles often showcase not only his acting range but also the intricate beauty of traditional Chinese aesthetics—from flowing hanfu robes to meticulously recreated imperial settings. Whether you're drawn to epic tales of loyalty and heroism, intricate political intrigues, or soul-stirring romances set against mythical backdrops, Xiao Zhan's dramas deliver unforgettable narratives. This guide will spotlight his most iconic period dramas. Prepare to be captivated by sword-clashing grandeur, poetic storytelling, and a star whose talent shines as brightly as the worlds he brings to life. Cang Hai Zhuan 藏海传 Aired: 2025 (Upcoming) Genres: Historical, Political Intrigue, Revenge Main Roles: Xiao Zhan (Cang Hai), Zhang Jingyi (Xiang Antu) Set in the fictional Great Yong dynasty, Cang Hai Zhuan revolves around the titular character (Xiao Zhan), a survivor of a clan massacre who dedicates a decade to mastering strategy, craftsmanship, and political manipulation. His mission: infiltrate the imperial court disguised as a scholar to unravel the conspiracy behind his family's annihilation. The story intertwines personal vengeance with national salvation as Cang Hai climbs the bureaucratic ladder, forging fragile alliances…

Imagine wandering through mist-shrouded mountains where immortal cultivators duel with spells, or bustling Tang Dynasty markets humming with Silk Road traders and political conspiracies. This is the world of Wang Yibo's Period dramas—a gateway to China's mythic past, where history and fantasy collide in breathtaking spectacle. Wang Yibo (王一博), a rising star with over 40 million Instagram followers, has become an unlikely ambassador of Chinese culture. His roles—whether as a stoic swordsman, a rogue prince, or a genius scholar—transcend language barriers, blending Confucian ideals with modern charisma. Below is a curated guide to his Top 3 Period Dramas. The Untamed 陈情令 Aired: June–August 2019 Period Background: Fictional ancient China, inspired by the Five Great Clans system. Genres: Fantasy, Xianxia (immortal heroes), Mystery, Bromance Main Roles: Wang Yibo as Lan Wangji (蓝忘机), Xiao Zhan as Wei Wuxian (魏无羡) Adaptation Source: Based on Mo Xiang Tong Xiu's novel Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation At its core, The Untamed is a story of defiance and devotion. Set in a world where powerful clans cultivate spiritual energy to combat supernatural evils, the series follows two contrasting souls: Lan Wangji, the icy yet righteous heir of the Gusu Lan Clan, and Wei Wuxian, a free-spirited prodigy…

For centuries, studies of Yuan (1271–1368), Ming (1368–1644), and Qing (1644–1912) dynasty art have orbited around Wenrenhua (literati painting), a genre dominated by scholar-officials who fused poetry, calligraphy, and ink landscapes. While masterpieces by iconic figures like Ni Zan or Wang Meng remain celebrated, this narrow focus has flattened our understanding of China's visual culture. How did literati painting ascend to dominance? What role did court commissions or commercial workshops play? And where do female artists and cross-cultural exchanges fit into this narrative? In Chinese Painting: Yuan to Qing (中国绘画：元至清)—the final volume of his groundbreaking trilogy—art historian Wu Hung (巫鸿) dismantles these entrenched hierarchies. By weaving dynastic timelines with layered analyses of materials, regional networks, and social ecosystems, he resurrects a vibrant scene of artistic production. At a recent Beijing forum co-hosted by The Beijing News and Shanghai-based publisher Horizon Media, Wu joined Huang Xiaofeng (黄小峰), a Central Academy of Fine Arts professor, to discuss how this "three-dimensional" approach revives overlooked voices. Below are highlights from their conversation. Rethinking the Grand Narrative The very act of writing a history of Chinese painting is, in itself, a daunting task. As Wu points out, the sources available to us today are vastly…

China, a land of timeless grandeur, boasts a history stretching over 5,000 years. Its legacy is preserved in the country's greatest museums—places where jade burial suits whisper secrets of the afterlife, where ink scrolls unfold poetic landscapes, and where terracotta soldiers stand in silent formation, guarding their emperor in eternity. Whether you are an enthusiast of ancient warfare, an admirer of fine porcelain, or a lover of intricate calligraphy, these institutions offer an immersive experience. Let us embark on a journey through China's most fascinating collections—each artifact a window into an unparalleled past. The Palace Museum 故宫博物院 Standing at the heart of Beijing, the Forbidden City—also known as the Palace Museum—was home to 24 emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties. Beyond its red walls lies a breathtaking collection of 1.86 million artifacts, ranging from imperial robes and jade carvings to ceremonial bronzes and priceless calligraphy. This museum is not only a testament to China's imperial power but also a masterpiece of architectural symmetry and philosophy. Every piece within its walls speaks to the imperial vision of grandiosity, the wisdom of rulers who believed their mandate came from the heavens, and the delicate relationship between life, death, and legacy. Highlights…

Horse-face skirts, also known as "Mamian Skirts," are a timeless and iconic part of traditional Chinese clothing. Originating from the Song Dynasty and popularized during the Ming Dynasty, these skirts have evolved from simple functional garments to sophisticated fashion statements that blend cultural heritage with modern style. Whether you're a seasoned Hanfu enthusiast or just starting your journey into the world of traditional Chinese attire, this guide will help you navigate the intricacies of choosing the perfect horse-face skirt. Understanding the Structure and Design A horse-face skirt consists of two main pieces that overlap at the front, creating four skirt doors (two on each side). The outer skirt doors are often decorated, while the inner ones may have minimal or no embellishments. The sides of the skirt are pleated, and the waistband is typically made of white fabric, symbolizing longevity and marital bliss. This design not only adds aesthetic appeal but also provides practicality, allowing for ease of movement. Key Features to Consider Skirt Length Shoe-On Style: Ideal length is leg length + 7 cm, ensuring a balanced look without compromising mobility. Long Style: Opt for leg length + 9-10 cm for a more flowing silhouette that complements various occasions.…

Tucked along China's southern border with Vietnam, Chongzuo is Guangxi's best-kept secret—a city where misty karst peaks, sugarcane fields stretching to the horizon, and a fusion of Zhuang and Vietnamese cuisines create a sensory feast. Let's dive into why Chongzuo deserves a spot on your China travel radar. While Guangxi's Guilin and Liuzhou hog the spotlight, Chongzuo offers an authentic, crowd-free taste of China's southern frontier. Here, every meal is a cross-cultural journey, and every landscape feels plucked from a poet's dream. As one local chef told me: "We don't just cook food—we stir-fry mountains and steam rivers." Nature's Masterpieces Start with the Detian Waterfall, Asia's largest transnational waterfall straddling the China-Vietnam border. Imagine turquoise cascades thundering through emerald forests—it's like stepping into a fantasy film. Detian Waterfall is a thunderous spectacle where turquoise waters plunge 70 meters into a misty basin. Take a bamboo raft ride to feel the spray on your face—and snap a photo with Vietnam's side of the falls in the background. For history lovers, the Zuojiang Huashan Rock Art, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, features 2,000-year-old cliff paintings that whisper tales of ancient rituals. Detian Transnational Waterfall: Asia's Most Dramatic Cascade And don't miss Mingshi…