In the realm of animated storytelling, few series capture the imagination and loyalty of audiences like "Bai Lian Cheng Shen." Produced by Youku in collaboration with Qingxiang Culture and Oriental Elysium, the second season's summer special promises to ignite screens with its blend of profound fantasy and gripping narrative. "Bai Lian Cheng Shen" follows the journey of young Luo Zheng, who, amidst internal strife within his family, inadvertently becomes a slave. However, his life takes a dramatic turn when he embarks on a path of resilience and redemption through body forging and martial training. Across two consecutive seasons, the series has soared in popularity on Youku, consistently ranking at the top of the anime charts, owing to its meticulous animation and standout character designs. In the upcoming summer special, slated for release on July 5th at 10 AM, viewers will witness Luo Zheng and his comrades in a riveting battle to protect the peace of the human clan. Undeterred by malevolent forces, they embark on an exhilarating journey to defend their kin, promising to ignite the fervor of fans throughout the season. Season 2 picks up with Luo Zheng's resurrection, showcasing his enigmatic abilities that propel him to prominence during…

In recent years, a captivating trend has emerged during graduation season across Chinese universities: the fusion of traditional Chinese fashion (Guofeng) with the formal academic regalia. This unique blend sees graduates adorning themselves with the iconic mortarboard adorned with hairpins, draped with floral-patterned embroidery, and walking gracefully through campus. Beneath their dark academic gowns, the edges of Hanfu skirts subtly peek out, adding a touch of elegance and fluidity to their attire. The trend has gained widespread popularity among the younger generation, particularly represented by Generation Z, who are enchanted by this hybrid style. On social media platforms, many Chinese students studying abroad proudly showcase their "Guofeng graduation outfits," often accompanied by captions likening themselves to "Chinese princesses graduating." They meticulously select garments like the Ming-style horse-face skirt, combining embroidery and gold stamping, aiming to display the beauty of Chinese traditional clothing while abroad. Their attire not only garners attention but also evokes a deep appreciation for traditional culture. The phenomenon of blending Guofeng with academic robes reflects a broader cultural movement where young Chinese individuals seek to celebrate their heritage while embracing contemporary influences. It signifies a growing trend towards cultural confidence and a desire to express identity through…

The Terracotta Warriors, sleeping for more than 2,000 years, have awakened? A Qin opera opens the show, transporting us to the Loess Plateau. If they hadn't seen it with their own eyes, it would have been hard for many audience members to imagine seeing the Terracotta Warriors and Jewel Gem (A famous Chinese rapper) singing "Marching from the Army (从军行)" on the same stage in their lifetime. "The long clouds of the green sea darken the snowy mountains, and the lonely city looks at the Jade Gate Pass in the distance." Although the ancient tune has changed, the voice still moves people. The "AI Resurrection Summoning Technique" behind this performance is called EMO, which comes from Alibaba Tongyi Lab. With just a photo and an audio, EMO can turn a static image into an exquisite singing video, and accurately pinpoint the ups and downs, rhythm and staccato in the audio. In CCTV's "2024 China AI Ceremony", also based on EMO technology, the Northern Song Dynasty writer Su Shi was "resurrected" and sang "Prelude To Water Melody (水调歌头)" with Li Yugang on the same stage. "AI Su Shi's movements were simple and natural, as if he had traveled through time and…

Among the upcoming historical dramas, "Dashing Youth," starring Hou Minghao, He Yu, and Hu Lianxin, is highly anticipated by martial arts fans. With post-production completed and official approval for release secured, the drama recently unveiled its first trailer and has a tentative premiere date set for mid to late July. This 40-episode series is poised to be a major contender in the summer viewing season for a popular streaming platform. "Dashing Youth" follows the growth of two young protagonists, Baili Dongjun and Ye Dingzhi, from childhood friends to adversaries, ultimately resolving their misunderstandings and grudges to assume their responsibilities. Hou Minghao plays Baili Dongjun, the youngest son of the Marquis of the West. Despite his passion for brewing wine, he is compelled to train in martial arts under the guidance of the top martial artist, Li Changsheng. Baili Dongjun's character arc mirrors that of Xu Fengnian from "Sword Snow Stride," transitioning from reluctance to embracing his responsibilities. He evolves from a boy aiming to fulfill a promise to his friend into a hero leading warriors to defend against invaders, offering a compelling transformation. He Yu's character, Ye Dingzhi, has a tragic past and is manipulated by others due to his…

With the continuous innovation and progress of domestic animation, more and more excellent Chinese animation works are welcomed and loved by the most audience. In 2024, the domestic animation market can be described extremely hot. Popular Chinese animation works on major video websites have caught audience’s attention. Today, let's take a look at 8 films of hot Chinese cartoons in 2024 and see if there is one you are following. 1. A Mortal's Journey to Immortality (凡人修仙传) Based on the novel named A Mortal's Journey to Immortality(凡人修仙传), this Chinese cartoon tells a story of a poor boy from a small  village who accidentally enters the small sect of the society that once called JiangHu in ancient China. And eventually cultivates into a hero with his own efforts and ingenuity. As the originator of the "mortal cultivation fairy" genre, the early model of this kind of works is general, but after the  chapter of Star Sea Flight, the picture is significantly improved, and the scene and compact plot have become the biggest highlights of this work, perfectly interpretate the mental progress of the little cultivation fairy. 2. Xian Ni (仙逆) "It’s only in mind between humaness and celestial being, going along or not." Adapted from the popular online novel of the same name, this Chinese cartoon tells a story of…

As the highly contested field of costume dramas, this summer season has seen "Lost You Forever Season 2" take an early lead. Last year, "Lost You Forever" dominated the summer lineup, not only securing the highest market share but also launching several newcomers to stardom. This success is a major reason why "Lost You Forever Season 2" has generated considerable buzz even before airing. Before its premiere, "Lost You Forever Season 2" garnered over 9.58 million reservations on Tencent Video, ranking first among upcoming dramas. Within three hours of its release, it reached a popularity index of 28,000 on the platform. According to data, "Lost You Forever Season 2" topped the daily charts for full-episode viewership on its debut day. From a commercial perspective, having numerous advertisements is a hallmark of a hit web drama, and "Lost You Forever Season 2" excels in this area. Each episode features 11 advertisements. According to user-compiled data, "Lost You Forever Season 2" boasts one chief sponsor, five partners, and 70 co-branded business affiliations, setting a new record for advertisement sponsorship in television premieres. Similar to "Joy of Life 2," the premiere of "Lost You Forever Season 2" on Tencent Video also included a…

Hi everyone, welcome to newhanfu.com, the Newhanfu Community. “To help more people to learn Hanfu costume, Chinese traditional culture and feel the charm of China!” – this is our philosophy, which we have been insisting on many years. And we are so glad that we are still here with all of you. In order to give back to all our readers for their long-term support, we have prepared a variety of fascinating hanfu costume gifts for those who love and give publicity to Hanfu. Starting from 2021, we have officially launched the Hanfu Free Giveaways. We are looking forward to your participation and get your first set of hanfu costume. By 2024, we've given away more than 1,300+ free hanfu for our members (they come from all over the world, and including many social medias, like Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, Tiktok, etc. Thank you all for the love and always support)   Hanfu Free Giveaways Points for Discount  Start earning points and unlock exciting discounts on our exquisite hanfu collection. Every 100 points earned equals $1 in discounts on future purchases. For example, if you have accumulated 500 points, you can enjoy a $5 discount on your next order in Newhanfu Store.  …

In the realm of Chinese late-night snacks, barbecue reigns supreme with its diverse regional variations. From the smoky Northeastern skewers to the Yunnan Handful of Barbecue (把把烧) and the robust Western Sichuan hotpot grills, each type of barbecue boasts its own techniques and ingredients. However, amidst this flavorful landscape, there's one standout exception: Xinjiang. Here, barbecue is synonymous with one thing — lamb. Surrounded by prized sheep, Xinjiang has no reason to grill anything else. However, if someone talks about Xinjiang lamb skewers, they're either a local or running a non-local establishment. After reading through the whole article, you will find out why. The Art of Xinjiang Barbecue Ingredients Xinjiang's dominance in barbecue owes much to its natural bounty of local ingredients, especially its lamb. At most barbecue stalls here, the meat is threaded on-site. Picture stainless steel basins brimming with freshly cut chunks of lamb, a mosaic of red and white, fat and lean. Larger stalls have designated skewers, while smaller ones wait for the grill master's free moment for self-threading. For cost-effective vendors, the sequence often alternates between lean and fatty cuts, ensuring each skewer is substantial with five meaty chunks. White lamb fat is a natural oil…

Pepper salt is a common seasoning in various regions of China. Pepper salt is a common seasoning in various regions of China. Toast Sichuan peppercorns and salt over medium heat for about a minute or two until the fragrance of the peppercorns is released, then set aside to cool. In northern China, the method for making pepper salt involves frying Sichuan peppercorns until crispy, grinding them into powder, and mixing them with fine salt. This mixture is typically used as a seasoning for fried chicken or other fried meats. It can be added to the batter of fried foods or sprinkled over fried foods after cooking. Pepper salt is also used in various types of bread, such as pancakes and beef tongue pancakes. It can also be used for barbecuing. Main Ingredients The main ingredients of pepper salt are Sichuan peppercorn powder and salt. Pepper salt is essentially a culinary seasoning consisting mainly of Sichuan peppercorns and salt. To prepare pepper salt, Sichuan peppercorns and salt are mixed together and briefly fried in a pan until fragrant, then removed and allowed to cool before grinding. Pepper salt has a fragrant aroma with a slightly pungent odor when smelled up close.…

As we enter June, dramas with female-centric themes are making a strong impact. Both "The Double" and "The Tale of Rose" have delivered impressive performances since their premieres, with steadily rising viewership and discussion heat. Interestingly, both shows are narrated from a "great female lead" perspective, focusing on themes of growth, revenge, and even vengeance. If "being a woman is a condition," these two dramas, set in different backgrounds, illustrate this condition through the characters Xue Fangfei and Huang Yimei. By examining the protagonists' settings and fate, we can see the next iteration of the great female lead theme and trace the common issues present in female-centric dramas. So, will the future model for great female leads be Xue Fangfei or Huang Yimei? The plots of "The Double" and "The Tale of Rose" are not overly complex. The former depicts a tragic wife who pseudo-reborn and seeks revenge, while the latter revolves around a woman's love story with four men. Both protagonists' stories follow the narrative pattern of female-centric novels: clear character growth, with their pains mainly caused by men. As they grow, the presence of men in their lives diminishes. Additionally, Xue Fangfei and Huang Yimei share some overpowered…

Just as Joy of Life 2 (庆余年2) concluded, The Story of Roses (玫瑰的故事) officially announced its debut on CCTV-8. With national goddess Crystal Liu in the lead, this drama had already captured the public's attention even before airing. In 1981, Chow Yun-fat and Maggie Cheung starred in the film version of "The Story of Roses," which directly broke Hong Kong's art film box office record. After 37 years, Hong Kong romance novelist Yi Shu personally adapted the script for Crystal Liu, setting the story in old Beijing in 2001. The Central Academy of Fine Arts (中央美术学院) where Crystal Liu's character resides is filmed at Beijing's 491 Space Water Platform, not only the former site of 491 Radio but also China's earliest radio station. Many celebrities such as Jing Boran and Roy Wang have also filmed here. Scenes of Crystal Liu rollerblading were shot at Beijing Bell Tower; the dinner scene with Guodong and Roses in Episode 6 took place at Fou-Lu (福禄) french restaurant, one of Beijing's top-tier French restaurants; the hot pot scene with Roses and Guodong's father in Episode 9 was shot at Lao Men Kuai's tripe and beef hot pot, a real-life location. In addition to being…

Yu (屿) is the Chinese pinyin for a wonderful island. In the bustling city of Guangzhou, a culinary gem named Yu has recently ascended to the prestigious ranks of the Michelin Guide, securing its first star. Behind this remarkable achievement stands May, an elegant and accomplished woman with a background in oil painting and a decade of experience in the culinary industry. Her journey from an art school graduate to a Michelin-starred chef and restaurateur is a tale of determination, passion, and a bit of rebellious spirit. The Bold and Brave Path of a Chef Had May followed the path laid out by her parents, both art teachers, she would likely be working in the arts today. Instead, she pursued a different route. May's upbringing in an art-centric household led her to study fine arts and graduate in oil painting. However, upon completing her studies, she embarked on her stubborn and brave rebellious phase. Without formal culinary training, May audaciously approached Michelin-starred restaurants, eager to learn and compete. Financial constraints did not deter her ambition to further her culinary education. She entered high-stakes cooking competitions, earning full scholarships and honing her skills. With a fearless attitude, she established her own…

Baba (粑粑), often overlooked in Northern Chinese cuisine, shines brightly as a beloved staple across Southern China, presenting a vast universe of culinary delights that rival the variety of Bing (饼), Mo (馍), and Huoshao (火烧). This versatile delicacy, ranging from plain to filled, sweet to savory, and steamed to fried, embodies the rich culinary traditions and diverse flavors of the region. Let's embark on a journey to uncover the cultural heritage and regional variations of Baba, celebrated in provinces like Guangdong, Guangxi, Fujian, and beyond. Basic Baba: Essence of Simplicity In its simplest form, Baba requires nothing more than grains and water, cooked in a manner that elevates simplicity to sublime flavors. In Xiangxi, glutinous rice Baba reigns supreme as a classic. During the lunar twelfth month, every household steams glutinous rice, pounding it into soft, sticky balls. Shaped into moon-like discs, these Baba are cooled in cold water for preservation until spring. Variations include sorghum Baba made with sticky sorghum, offering a different texture and taste experience. Baba can be pan-fried, cooked in soup with sliced strips, but its most beloved preparation involves direct grilling over charcoal. The heated Baba puffs up like balls, developing a golden crispy…

The intense summer drama showdown has begun. Youku has set the stage good start with "The Double," and now they’re back with a surprise hit - "The Princess Royal." Upon its release, this drama swiftly climbed to the top of Youku's hottest premieres of 2024. Within the first three episodes, "The Princess Royal" manages to tell a story with the pace and charm that would take other dramas a dozen episodes to cover. The plot advances at lightning speed, from the protagonists' deaths to their reunion in a new life, leaving no room for unnecessary filler. For those recovering from the addictive "The Double," "The Princess Royal" is the perfect follow-up. This drama blends intense romance and sweet moments seamlessly. With Youku consistently delivering high-quality dramas, audience expectations have risen. While innovating in the historical romance genre is challenging, "The Princess Royal" manages to surprise. It combines a strong male and female lead dynamic with multi-layered relationships, where the leads are adversaries, allies, and lovers all at once. This creates a sweet yet complex narrative that keeps viewers hooked. In recent years, sweet dramas have faced criticism for being formulaic and artificial. However, "The Princess Royal" offers fresh and grounded…

When traveling to Fujian, a southeastern province of China, one must immerse themselves in the region's diverse and rich culinary landscape. Fujian cuisine, often overshadowed by its spicier counterparts from other regions, offers a unique blend of flavors that highlight the natural sweetness and freshness of its ingredients. Here, we'll explore the delectable delights of Fuzhou and Quanzhou, two cities that epitomize Fujian's gastronomic charm. Fuzhou: A Symphony of Sweet and Fresh Flavors Fuzhou, the capital of Fujian, is renowned for its distinctive sweet and fresh flavors. The city's cuisine is a harmonious blend of sweetness that doesn't overpower but enhances the natural taste of its ingredients. Lychee Pork: A Sweet Surprise Before visiting Fuzhou, I had heard about the famous lychee pork and was curious to try it. Contrary to its name, lychee pork does not contain any lychees. Instead, the dish is named for the pork's lychee-like appearance. The meat is coated in a batter, deep-fried, and then stir-fried in a tangy tomato-based sauce. Its taste is reminiscent of sweet and sour pork, a beloved dish in northeastern Chinese cuisine. This sweetness is a hallmark of many Fuzhou dishes, such as stir-fried pork liver and drunken ribs. While…

Have you ever heard of Morning Wine? This phrase might sound unfamiliar, but a quick search on platforms like Bilibili or Douyin will reveal videos with hundreds of thousands or even millions of views—scenes depicting a leisurely meal in the early hours, complete with small glasses of wine and a table laden with dishes. This tradition of enjoying a relaxed breakfast with a few drinks has quietly captured the admiration of many, drawing young people to regions like Hubei, Sichuan, and Chongqing, where Morning Wine culture thrives. In the heartlands of China, beyond the bustling cities and serene countryside, lies a breakfast tradition steeped in camaraderie and cultural richness—the practice of Morning Wine (晨酒). Contrary to its name, Morning Wine is not merely about alcohol but embodies a convivial morning meal paired with modest spirits, celebrating local flavors and community ties. Originating along the banks of the mighty Yangtze River, Morning Wine is more than just a meal; it's a social ritual deeply ingrained in the fabric of everyday life. Traditionally enjoyed by laborers and farmers to kickstart their day, it has evolved into a cherished custom celebrated across generations. Beyond Just Morning Drinks: The Allure of Meat At first…

Zhang Yuxi, this female artist who has an extremely beautiful face and extraordinary talents, has always been the focus of everyone's attention. Her excellent performance in the variety show "First Grade" left a deep impression, and her love story with Wang Sicong even made people sigh at her maturity in emotional handling. Especially when she walked out of the country in a gorgeous cheongsam, her elegant posture and noble temperament instantly became the focus of the whole audience, and her name also became a synonym for beauty. Since Zhang Yuxi made her debut, she has won widespread love with her natural beauty. Her clear eyes and delicate features bring visual enjoyment every time she appears in front of the camera. Not only that, the elegant temperament and proper behavior that Zhang Yuxi shows on multiple occasions make her the goddess in the hearts of many fans. Whether at banquets or events, she can always show her own style, whether it is decent dresses or casual clothes, she can show her unique charm. And the charm of Zhang Yuxi in a cheongsam is even more irresistible. On the streets abroad, she was dressed in a yellow printed cheongsam, and the classical…

After the market saw the decline of the once-dominant "palace intrigue" and "time-travel" dramas, similar genres like "family intrigue" and "rebirth" dramas have experienced a resurgence in recent years. Combining the elements of both "family intrigue" and "rebirth," new series have emerged, doubling the dramatic conflicts and emotional thrills that keep female audiences hooked. Last year's hits "Story of Kunning Palace," "Scent of Time," and "Romance on the Farm," as well as this year's "The Double," are all prime examples. But what exactly is the allure of "palace intrigue" and "family intrigue"? And why do "time-travel" and "rebirth" continue to captivate audiences?   Competitive Spirit vs. Intrigue Although "competitive femininity" is often criticized, the "battle of wits" undeniably captivates audiences. Traditional palace intrigue dramas revolve around competitive femininity, where palace women vie for favor, either actively or passively, engaging in a struggle filled with both overt and covert schemes. The distorted human nature and malevolent hearts revealed in these struggles act as a vivid moral lesson in human depravity. The strategies employed by the female protagonist in battling the surrounding enemy forces in the palace provide a lively display of practical wisdom. While competitive femininity may not align with the…

Some people once said that putting on a cheongsam seems to be revisiting the thousands-of-years-old traditional virtues of Chinese women. And when Zhang Man Yu wears a cheongsam, it is precisely to interpret this virtue to the fullest: dignified and intellectual, gentle and generous, implicit and moderate. Every expression and gesture reveals the unique charm and quietness of women. As a representative of traditional Chinese women's clothing, with its unique design and elegant charm, the cheongsam showcases the traditional virtues of Chinese women for thousands of years. However, for the same wearing of a cheongsam, some people can be out of the ordinary, while some are plain and unremarkable, and the key lies in the temperament and self-cultivation of the wearer. The appeal of the cheongsam lies in its peculiar oriental charm, and the perfect presentation of this charm requires inner cultivation and bearing. Zhang Man Yu is a good example. Her unique oriental feminine charm allows her to interpret it to the fullest when wearing a cheongsam. Her eyes are graceful, and her steps are elegant, and every expression and gesture reveals the unique charm and quietness of women. Compared with Zhang Man Yu, some young female stars had…

The 2024 "Silk Road Week" grandly opened at the China National Silk Museum! The highlight of this event is the grand exhibition "The Silk Road's Chang'an," officially launched with over 210 artifacts on display, including more than 50 first-class relics. The exhibition is divided into five sections, showcasing a vibrant, diverse, open, and integrated Chang'an through aspects such as politics, economy, culture, lifestyle, and its long-standing connections with Zhejiang. Chang'an, the ancient name for Xi'an, located in the central Guanzhong Plain, is one of the cradles of Chinese civilization. Historically, over ten dynasties, including the Western Han, Xin, Eastern Han, Western Jin, Former Zhao, Former Qin, Later Qin, Western Wei, Northern Zhou, Sui, and Tang, established their capitals here over a span of more than a thousand years. It is the city with the longest history, most dynasties, greatest influence, and richest heritage in Chinese history. During the Han and Tang dynasties, Chang'an was the starting point of the ancient Silk Road, a crucial node connecting the Eurasian continent. With its thriving economy, splendid culture, and inclusive nature, it became an undeniable global metropolis and a center of cultural exchange between China and the world. This year marks the 10th…