The recently premiered historical drama Si Jin (思锦) has captivated audiences with its compelling narrative of personal awakening and growth, seamlessly woven into the exquisite aesthetic of Song Dynasty culture. Adapted from the novel of the same name by Dong Tian De Liu Ye, Si Jin is helmed by artistic director and lead producer Yang Xiaopei. The series follows the journey of Jiang Si, the fourth daughter of the Dongping Marquis household, who is betrayed and seemingly perishes at the hands of her lover, Yu Qi (also known as Yu Jin). However, fate grants her a second chance—this time, she is determined to seize control of her destiny. By reinterpreting a classic "rebirth" trope with a fresh perspective, the series not only explores a nuanced portrayal of female agency but also introduces a more immersive engagement with traditional aesthetics—giving historical elements a more dynamic role in the storytelling rather than treating them as mere decorative backdrops. A New Take on Female Strength While rebirth and revenge narratives are hardly new in historical dramas, Si Jin breaks away from the conventional "black lotus" trope, which often portrays female protagonists as extreme avengers. Instead, the show emphasizes intelligence and strategy as the…

If one could time-travel back to the bustling streets of the Song Dynasty, the most astonishing sight might not be the vibrant marketplaces or the lively entertainment districts, but rather the mesmerizing artistry found in everyday food. Vendors pushed wooden carts filled with lifelike fruit confections), crafting stunning edible illusions. Among these, the smiling face snacks stood out—honey-glazed plum slices carved into smiling female faces, with dried peaches as blushing cheeks and almonds as delicate teeth. These delicate creations often prompted literati to pause and compose verses, likening the treats to well-crafted smiles. At the grand feasts of the capital's famed establishments, culinary creativity reached new heights. The spectacle of pavilion desserts amazed onlookers: dough tinted with locust flower juice formed gray-tiled roofs, malt sugar spun into intricate railings, and date paste molded into miniature rock formations. Green bean jelly shimmered like a pond's surface, while delicate layers of green bean powder mimicked mossy textures. These microcosmic landscapes were not only admired but also eaten with ceremony—at one banquet, guests were instructed to first drink three cups of wine before disassembling the meandering stream pavilion by consuming its sugar pillars. Poetic Bites: Where Literature Meets Cuisine The rise of symbolic…

In Suzhou, a bowl of noodles isn't just a meal—it's a symphony of flavors, seasons, and centuries-old craftsmanship. Dive into the world of Suzhou-style noodles, where diners choose from over 20 toppings and recite poetic codes to customize their perfect bowl. Broth, Noodles, and the Art of Jiaotou Walk into any Suzhou noodle shop—Zhu Hong Xing, Yu Xing Ji, or a humble alleyway stall—and you'll witness a ritual as precise as calligraphy. The city's signature noodles revolve around three pillars: tang (broth), mian (noodles), and jiaotou (toppings). But first, you'll need to speak the local lingo. Broth: Suzhou's broth is a study in contrast. Hong tang (red broth), infused with soy sauce and pork bone essence, offers a rich umami depth, while bai tang (white broth), simmered from poultry and fish, is a translucent elixir. Regulars might order kuan tang (extra broth) to savor the liquid gold or jin tang (less broth) to spotlight the noodles. Noodles: Unlike northern China's hand-pulled varieties, Suzhou favors delicate machine-pressed strands as thin as silk threads. The magic lies in the jiyu bei ("crucian carp back") technique—a dome-shaped nest of noodles that traps heat and flavor. "Only the first batch of morning noodles, cooked…

The Art of Tea Reimagined In the misty foothills of China's Sichuan province, a father-daughter duo is rewriting the rules of cultural preservation—one bamboo-wrapped teacup at a time. At Chongzhou's Intangible Cultural Heritage Park, a groundbreaking fusion of Daoming bamboo weaving (a 1,200-year-old craft) and Dehua porcelain (from Fujian's "China White" ceramic tradition) has birthed the viral "Panda Embracing Bamboo" tea set . Bai Jingbo, 52, the mastermind behind the design, explains: "The challenge was to make a 1,200-year-old tea ritual resonate with Gen-Z." His solution? A porcelain core fired at 1,320°C, sheathed in bamboo strips from 2-3-year-old ci bamboos—chosen for their flexibility and 120MPa tensile strength . Each cup undergoes 32 precise weaving steps, transforming rigid bamboo into undulating "water ripple" patterns that cradle the porcelain like a second skin. The pièce de résistance is the panda motif: traditional ink-wash paintings of pandas clutching bamboo stalks are kiln-fired onto the porcelain, creating a dialogue between Sichuan's ecological identity and its craft heritage . Three Generations, One Vision This project thrives on a cross-generational alliance: - Yang Yong, 68, a Chongzhou shadow puppet master, sketches initial panda designs using centuries-old ink techniques . - Bai Jingbo translates these into ceramic…

The clock struck 9 PM in Beijing, but inside Paris's Palais de Tokyo, the night was just beginning. Editors from Vogue, influencers clutching their iPhones, and celebrities like Liu Yu and Yuan Shanshan buzzed under the cavernous ceilings, their eyes fixed on towering embroidered tapestries depicting mythical butterflies, celestial cranes, and love stories woven into silk. This wasn't just another Paris Fashion Week spectacle—it was SHIATZY CHEN's Fall/Winter 2025 collection, a masterclass in bridging 1,000-year-old Miao traditions with the pulse of contemporary luxury. For founder Shiatzy Chen (Wang Chen Tsai-Hsia), this show wasn't merely about aesthetics; it was a manifesto. "When I first started, department stores told me, 'No one wants Chinese styles—give us international,'" she recalls, her voice steady yet charged with defiance. Nearly five decades later, her brand stands as a beacon of neo-Chinese chic, proving that heritage isn't a relic—it's a revolution. Ancient Stitches and Avant-Garde Craft The collection, titled Far&Near, hinged on a radical proposition: What if Miao embroidery—a UNESCO-listed intangible cultural heritage—could speak the language of modern urbanites? To answer this, Chen and her team embarked on three pilgrimages to Guizhou's remote Miao villages, collaborating with seven intangible cultural heritage artisans. Their mission? To decode…

Recently, the television adaptation of Northward (北上), based on the Mao Dun Literature Prize-winning novel, has captivated audiences in China. Airing in prime time on CCTV, the drama transports viewers to the banks of the Grand Canal, where a group of young dreamers navigate the currents of life. More than just a coming-of-age story, the series breathes fresh life into the rich heritage of the Grand Canal, bridging historical and contemporary narratives with an innovative approach. In recent years, adapting literary masterpieces for television has become an increasingly popular trend, and Northward offers a compelling case study of how literature and cinema can reinforce one another. By blending traditional storytelling with a fresh cinematic vision, the show opens up new possibilities for literary adaptations. A Bold Reinterpretation of a Literary Classic As one of Xu Zechen's most celebrated novels, Northward carries a distinctive literary voice. The creative team behind the series has worked meticulously to preserve the novel's core themes while reinterpreting them for a contemporary audience. Instead of simply recounting historical events set in the Qing Dynasty, the adaptation shifts the focus to the 1990s, a period of rapid change in China. This bold reimagining places the narrative within…

Xi'an Xianyang International Airport has redefined layovers with a groundbreaking attraction: the Western Airport Museum, the world's first in-terminal archaeological exhibition. Opened on February 26, 2024, this innovative space blends modern air travel with China's ancient heritage, offering a time-traveling journey for history buffs and curious globetrotters alike. Whether you're transiting through Xi'an or starting your Silk Road adventure, here's why this museum deserves a spot on your itinerary. A Gateway to China's Glorious Past Located within the newly operational T5 Terminal, the Western Airport Museum turns wait time into wonder. Its permanent exhibition, "Chang'an·Everlasting Peace: Relics from Xi'an Airport and the Legacy of Ancient Chang'an", showcases artifacts unearthed during the airport's construction. These relics, spanning millennia, narrate Xi'an's role as the eastern terminus of the Silk Road and the heart of the Tang Dynasty (618–907 CE), when Chang'an (modern-day Xi'an) was the world's largest cosmopolitan city. Highlights include: Silk Road Trade Relics: Exquisite Tang-era pottery, foreign coins, and glassware revealing cross-cultural exchanges. Interactive Displays: Holographic projections recreate bustling Tang marketplaces and caravan routes. Airport Archaeology: Rare photos and tools used in rescue excavations during T5's development, emphasizing how infrastructure projects preserve history. For travelers en route to the Terracotta…

In 2024, China's Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security officially recognized Cultural Creative Product Planning and Operations Specialist as a new profession. At the forefront of this movement is Zeng Zhou, a 90s-born visionary transforming ancient artifacts into playful, market-savvy cultural icons. From enigmatic Sanxingdui bronzes to Chengdu's stone rhinos, Zeng's creations bridge millennia-old traditions with today's pop culture, proving that history can be both educational and irresistibly cool. Gaming Designer and Innovator Zeng Zhou's journey began with a passion for pop culture collectibles. Growing up surrounded by anime figurines and movie memorabilia, he noticed a gap in the market: few products celebrated China's own rich history. "I loved Marvel action figures, but I wondered—where are our stories?" he recalls. This realization drove him to pivot from his career in game design to pursue cultural innovation. In 2018, a visit to the Sanxingdui Museum in Sichuan sparked a breakthrough. The museum's enigmatic bronze relics, such as the Sacred Bronze Tree and Zoomorphic Masks, captivated Zeng. "The masks' exaggerated eyes felt almost anime to me," he says. This observation led him to reimagine these artifacts through a contemporary lens. By merging the solemnity of 3,000-year-old bronzes with whimsical "chibi" (super-deformed)…

In the labyrinthine alleys of Tianjin, a traveler's innocent request for lettuce in their Jianbing guozi (Chinese crepe) might elicit a side-eye from the vendor. In Rome, a photo of Hawaiian pizza could send an Italian chef into a theatrical meltdown. And in Guizhou, a bowl of Zhe'ergen (fishy-smelling herb) tossed with strawberries might make locals recoil in horror. Welcome to the deliciously contentious world of food purism—a global phenomenon where culinary traditions are guarded like sacred texts, and even the slightest deviation can spark international outrage. Food, it turns out, is more than sustenance—it's a battleground for cultural identity. Recently, a fiery exchange between Italian and Chinese netizens went viral, with an Italian woman named Maria clapping back at Chinese commenters who trolled her with images of broken spaghetti and pineapple-topped pizza. Instead of crumbling, Maria retaliated with photos of candy-stuffed dumplings and zhe'ergen-strawberry salads, leaving Chinese foodies equally scandalized. This culinary "mutual assured destruction" revealed a universal truth: Every culture has its gastronomic red lines. For travelers, navigating these unspoken rules can feel like walking through a culinary minefield. But understanding the why behind the drama—why a lettuce leaf in a crepe is heresy, or why pineapple on…

Nestled in Zhejiang Province, Tiantai Mountain—a UNESCO Global Geopark and the birthplace of Chinese Buddhist and Daoist traditions—has unveiled an innovative cultural tourism campaign. Dubbed "Read to Roam", this initiative invites travelers to explore ancient texts while wandering through landscapes immortalized by poets and explorers for millennia. Here's your guide to experiencing this fusion of words and wonder. The Read to Roam Campaign: Where Books Unlock Adventures Running from March 13 to April 20, 2025, the "Read to Roam" program offers a 50% discount on entry to Tiantai's seven core attractions—including the iconic Tiantai Mountain Grand Waterfall and Qiongtai Fairy Valley—to visitors who read one of 15 curated books and submit a 200-word reflection. Why This Stands Out: Literary Time Travel: The reading list spans classics like The Complete Tang Poems of Tiantai Mountain, featuring works by Li Bai and Du Fu, and Xu Xiake's Diary of a Tiantai Mountain Journey, the Ming Dynasty explorer's seminal travelogue. These texts reveal Tiantai's role as a muse for over 300 Tang poets, who penned 1,362 verses about its peaks and valleys. Cultural Immersion: Modern novels like Mao Dun Literature Prize winner The Protagonist sit alongside ancient poetry, bridging China's literary past and…

As spring returns to the earth, a culinary revolution sprouts across China—one that turns thorny shoots, toxic buds, and even tree bark into poetic feasts. Join us on a journey where every bite whispers ancient legends and defies modern logic. Nature's Daredevils: Eating Buds Becomes an Extreme Sport In the misty highlands of Guizhou, spring arrives with a dare. Here, villagers forage for the tender shoots of Heshouwu (Polygonum multiflorum), a plant so toxic its roots are used in traditional rat poison. Yet, between late March and early April, its emerald-green buds become a coveted delicacy. "Timing is everything," explains Chef Yang, stirring a bowl of blanched Heshouwu buds at a rustic farmhouse near Puan County. "Pluck them too early, and they're bitter. Too late, and the toxins intensify." Served with chili oil and crushed garlic, the buds carry a crisp, herbaceous tang—a flavor locals describe as "nature's adrenaline rush." This dangerous dance with botany isn't reckless; it's a testament to ancestral wisdom passed down through generations. Meanwhile, in Shaanxi, diners flirt with another perilous pleasure: pagoda tree buds. While its fragrant white flowers are harmless, the tree's young leaves contain alkaloids that can cause dizziness if consumed raw. Undeterred,…

As one of China's most dynamic "post-95" actresses, Zhao Lusi has redefined the landscape of historical and fantasy dramas with her magnetic performances. Her works are not just entertainment—they are gateways to understanding Chinese culture, blending traditional aesthetics, mythological lore, and progressive themes. This guide recommend her top Period Dramas: Love Like the Galaxy·星汉灿烂·月升沧海 Aired: July 2022 Genres: Family Saga, Political Intrigue, Romance Period Background: Loosely inspired by the Han Dynasty (206 BCE–220 CE), with fictional kingdoms and war-torn landscapes. Adapted From: Xing Han Can Lan by Guan Xin Ze Luan. Cheng Shaoshang (Zhao Lusi), a neglected noble daughter, grows up in a family overshadowed by political ambitions. Abandoned by her parents during wartime and raised by a manipulative aunt, she survives by feigning ignorance while secretly honing her intellect and resourcefulness. Her life intertwines with Ling Buyi (Wu Lei), a general haunted by his mysterious past and driven by a quest for justice. Their relationship evolves from mutual distrust to a partnership that navigates familial betrayals, wartime chaos, and court conspiracies. The series delves into Confucian family dynamics, where filial piety clashes with personal ambition. Shaoshang's journey—from a marginalized "left-behind child" to a strategist who saves her nation—mirrors the…

2025 emerges as a landmark year for Xianxia (仙侠) — a genre blending immortal heroes, ancient mythology, and Taoist-inspired cultivation. This guide highlights the most anticipated Xianxia anime of 2025. Dive into epic tales of celestial battles, mortal struggles, and philosophical depth, all while immersing yourself in China's historical and mythological heritage. A Record of a Mortal's Journey to Immortality: Overseas Strife 凡人修仙传：外海风云 Aired: January 2025 (ongoing) Genres: Cultivation, Adventure, Political Intrigue Cultural Themes: Han Dynasty aesthetics, Confucian values, Taoist philosophy Based on Wang Yu's legendary novel A Record of a Mortal's Journey to Immortality, this highly anticipated arc follows Han Li, a pragmatic mortal navigating the treacherous world of cultivation. The Overseas Strife installment takes the story beyond the familiar sect conflicts and into uncharted maritime territories, where Han Li faces foreign cultivators, demonic sea creatures, and ancient island ruins hiding lost techniques. As an ordinary man relying on intellect rather than destiny, Han Li's journey encapsulates the enduring appeal of the underdog—a mortal striving for ascension in a world dominated by celestial elites. The animation's hyper-realistic art style, reminiscent of traditional Chinese landscape paintings, breathes life into mist-shrouded mountains, oceanic whirlpools, and intricately designed talismans. The attention to…

In the golden age of historical dramas, off-the-shoulder costumes were a staple, often resembling an ancient version of a "deep V." These bold designs captivated audiences with their dramatic flair, but as modern productions strive for greater historical accuracy, such outfits have largely vanished from the screen. Were these revealing styles ever rooted in historical reality? And what led to their decline in contemporary storytelling? The Historical Roots of Off-the-Shoulder Fashion Contrary to the sensationalized portrayals in early historical dramas, ancient Chinese fashion was far more conservative. While certain artworks, such as the murals in the Xu Xianxiu Tomb (徐显秀墓) or figurines from the Wei and Jin dynasties, might suggest the existence of off-the-shoulder attire, these depictions are often misinterpreted. In reality, such outfits were layered with undergarments, ensuring modesty even with a slightly exposed neckline. For instance, during the Northern and Southern Dynasties, a style known as Daxiu ru (large-sleeved robes, 大袖襦) gained popularity. This design featured wide sleeves and a deep neckline, but it was always paired with a circular undergarment or Liangdang (a type of vest, 裲裆) to cover the shoulders. The result was a look that revealed only the collarbone at most—far from the exaggerated "shoulder-baring"…

Purple, often associated with royalty and nobility, has long been considered a color of prestige and power. In ancient China, it was widely believed that commoners were forbidden from wearing purple, reserved exclusively for the elite. But was this truly the case? The answer, as it turns out, is more nuanced than a simple yes or no. The Origins of Purple’s Prestige The perception of purple as a noble color stems from two main factors: the high cost of purple dye and the influence of class systems and cultural trends. However, it’s important to note that not all shades of purple were created equal. The color spectrum includes countless variations, and not every hue was off-limits to the general populace. The Cost of Purple Dye Purple dye was indeed expensive to produce. One of the most common sources of purple dye was the murasaki plant, while another was sappanwood, which yielded a different shade of purple. However, plant-based dyes were less stable and durable compared to mineral-based alternatives. During the Han Dynasty, a breakthrough occurred with the discovery of "Han Purple," a synthetic pigment made from barium copper silicate. This vibrant hue, found on the terracotta warriors of the Qin…

In the world of Chinese historical dramas, few accessories are as iconic as the forehead ribbon, or mo’e (抹额). Recently featured in popular series like Fangs of Fortune (大梦归离) and The Untamed (陈情令), this simple yet elegant accessory has captured the imagination of audiences worldwide. But what is the story behind this ancient adornment, and how has it evolved over time? From its origins as a practical tool to its role as a symbol of identity and status, the mo’e offers a fascinating glimpse into Chinese cultural heritage. A Symbol of Identity and Utility The forehead ribbon has a rich history, serving both practical and symbolic purposes. Its earliest recorded use dates back to the Qin Dynasty (221–206 BCE), where it was employed as a military insignia. Known as junrong mo’e (军容抹额), these ribbons were part of the uniform worn by soldiers and ceremonial guards. They were often paired with specific attire, such as red robes and wide trousers, to denote rank and role. Historical texts, including The Chronicles of the Han Dynasty, describe how the mo’e became a standard feature of military dress, symbolizing discipline and order. For women, the forehead ribbon had a more utilitarian function. During the…

In the world of ancient Chinese jewelry, few pieces have captured the imagination of modern enthusiasts quite like the so-called "Moth Crown" attributed to Li Jingxun (李静训), a young noblewoman from the Sui Dynasty. However, recent scholarly insights reveal that this exquisite artifact is not a crown at all, but a hairpin—a detail that has been overlooked in popular reproductions and adaptations. This revelation not only corrects a historical misconception but also deepens our appreciation for the intricate craftsmanship and cultural significance of this remarkable piece. The Misidentified "Crown" The hairpin, often mistaken for a crown, is a stunning example of Tang Dynasty jewelry. It belongs to the category of buyao (步摇, step-shaking ornaments), which were designed to sway gently with the wearer’s movements. Shen Congwen (沈从文), in his seminal work Research on Ancient Chinese Clothing (中国古代服饰研究), refers to it as a "moth-and-flower hair ornament," (闹蛾儿扑花首饰) while archaeological reports describe it simply as a "hair accessory." The confusion likely stems from the fact that most images of the artifact show only a partial view, leading many to assume it was a crown. However, crowns typically have a base structure, which this piece lacks. Instead, it is a multi-pronged hairpin, a…

The Song Dynasty (960–1279 AD) is often romanticized for its elegance and sophistication, particularly in fashion. One of the most iconic beauty trends of the era was the "pearl makeup," where women adorned their faces with tiny pearls. But did the number and placement of these pearls signify social status or rank? The answer, surprisingly, is no. Pearl Makeup: A Universal Trend Contrary to popular belief, the use of pearls in makeup during the Song Dynasty was not regulated by social hierarchy. While the imperial court had strict rules for official attire and ceremonial dress—such as the number of dragons or phoenixes embroidered on robes—there were no such guidelines for pearl makeup. Pearls were a universal fashion statement, embraced by women across all social strata. The pearls were typically applied to specific areas of the face: between the eyebrows, along the temples, and on the cheeks. These placements were not arbitrary but followed aesthetic principles that highlighted the natural contours of the face. However, the number of pearls used was entirely a matter of personal preference and financial means, not rank. Pearls as a Symbol of Wealth While the number of pearls did not denote social status, their abundance often…

​A Digital Muse Comes to Life In the ever-expanding universe of Honor of Kings (王者荣耀), few characters command as much devotion as Xi Shi. With her ethereal design and strategic gameplay appeal, she’s become a cultural icon—both in-game and IRL. But recently, a cosplayer’s jaw-dropping reinterpretation of Xi Shi’s Poetry Rain Over Jiangnan（诗雨江南）skin has blurred the lines between pixels and reality, sparking debates about artistry, fandom, and the power of China-chic（国潮）. ​The Skin That Started a Frenzy Xi Shi’s Poetry Rain Over Jiangnan skin reimagines the mage-hero in Republican-era China aesthetics: a qipao（旗袍）in muted jade, a white lotus cradled delicately in hand, and hairpins echoing 1920s Shanghai（上海）. It’s a nostalgic yet fresh take—one that cosplayer @LingXiaolu_ replicated with surgical precision. Her viral photoshoot nails every detail: The qipao’s embroidered cloud patterns, hand-stitched to mirror in-game textures A custom wig dyed to match the skin’s gradient ash-brown tones A lotus prop crafted from resin and silk, glowing under UV light for that “spellcasting” effect But accuracy alone didn’t break the internet. ​The Unreplicable X-Factor What catapulted @LingXiaolu_’s cosplay into the stratosphere was her uncanny embodiment of Xi Shi’s essence. Fans noted how her features—almond-shaped eyes, a porcelain complexion, and lips curved like classical ink paintings—mirrored the…

On March 15, 2025, two groundbreaking advancements dominated global headlines: a Chinese research team announced a revolutionary gene therapy for Rett syndrome, a rare neurodevelopmental disorder, while another team in Zhuhai unveiled the world’s first “universal embodied base model” for artificial intelligence (AI). These developments, representing milestones in medical and technological innovation, underscore China’s growing influence in cutting-edge scientific research. 1. Gene Therapy for Rett Syndrome: Rewriting the Future of Rare Disease Treatment Rett syndrome, caused by mutations in the MECP2 gene on the X chromosome, primarily affects girls, leading to severe cognitive, motor, and communication impairments. With no cure available, treatments have historically focused on symptom management. A collaborative team from Peking University Health Science Center and Shanghai Children’s Medical Center revealed a gene-editing therapy that successfully restored MECP2 function in preclinical trials. Using a novel CRISPR-Cas9 delivery system, researchers targeted neural cells in animal models, achieving unprecedented repair rates of 85% without off-target effects. In a phase I trial involving 12 pediatric patients, 9 showed significant improvements in motor skills and communication within six months. One patient, a 5-year-old girl from Wuhan, regained the ability to speak simple words and feed herself—milestones previously deemed unattainable. Dr. Huda Zoghbi,…