It's Qingming Festival again. Around the Song and Yuan Dynasties, Qingming became a festival centered on ancestor worship and tomb sweeping, blending the Cold Food Festival tradition with other activities like the Double Third Festival spring picnic and kite flying. Wearing a willow twig as a head accessory was also a custom of ancient people during the Qingming Festival. Apart from folding willows, there is also the tradition of flying kites during Qingming. Ancient people believed that the wind during this time of year was suitable for kite flying. Nowadays, cities like Weifang and Wuhan hold kite festivals every april, where thousands of kite enthusiasts gather to celebrate this grand event that began in the Tang Dynasty. In addition, ancient people would start cockfighting from Qingming and continue Summer Solstice, but why did they choose this time? It was because people discovered that wild chickens mate and hatch eggs during this period, and the roosters would fight each other to find a mate. Domesticated roosters also exhibit fierce behavior during this time, making for an exciting spectacle when two roosters engage in a battle. The "Zuo Zhuan" contains the earliest record of cockfighting in China, and by the Tang Dynasty,…

Starring Luo Yun Xi, Bai Lu, Chen Du Ling, and Deng Wei, with Sun Zhen Ni, and Wang Yi Fei in supporting roles, the fantasy Xuanhuan drama "Till The End Of The Moon" has officially announced its release date. Starting on April 6th, it will be exclusively broadcast on Youku. Adapted from the "Hei Yue Guang Na Wen BE Ju Ben" by Teng Luo Wei Zhi, "Till The End Of The Moon" tells the story of the love and hate relationship between the demon lord Tantai Jin and Li Susu, the daughter of the head of Hengyang Sect. It has garnered much attention since its production began. The story is about the Hengyang Sect leader's daughter, Li Su Su (played by Bai Lu), who risks everything to save the world from the tyrannical rule of the demon lord Tantai Jin (played by Luo Yun Xi). She travels back 500 years to disguise herself as Ye Xi Wu, the youngest daughter of the Ye family, in order to prevent the young Tantai Jin from becoming a demon, before he is consumed by evil thoughts. However, she never expected Tantai Jin to be her husband in that time period. As they spend…

China has a rich and complex history that has fascinated people around the world for centuries. From the rise of the Zhou dynasty to the construction of the Great Wall, there are countless stories and events that have shaped the country as we know it today. While there are many ways to learn about Chinese history, one particularly engaging medium is documentary films. In this article, we'll take a closer look at eighteen must-see documentaries on ancient Chinese history that are sure to captivate viewers and shed light on the country's past.   01 The Rise & Fall of the State of Chu The state of Chu (楚国) created many firsts in Chinese history, such as the first section of the Great Wall, the first county, the first writing brush, and even the first iron sword. Despite its glorious history dating back 3,000 years, little is known about the state of Chu today. At its height, it stretched from the north to the Yellow River, east to the East China Sea, west to Bashu, and south to Lingnan. The cultural legacy of Chu, which was shaped by absorption, integration, and innovation, had a profound impact on the Yangtze River basin,…

With more than 20+ Xianxia dramas to be broadcast in 2022, the "Xianxia Craze" will sweep the screen again, so if you are a big fan of romance Xianxia dramas, don't miss them! We have already updated some of them in our list of Wuxia & Xianxia dramas. In this article, we have added a new part. Till The End of The Moon · 长月烬明·月照千峰 (Aired) Aired: Apr 6, 2023 Also known as: Zhang Yue Jin Ming Genres: Historical, Xianxia, Romance Main Role: Luo Yunxi as Tan Tai Jin/ Cang Jiu Min/ Ming Ye, Bai Lu as Li Su Su / Ye Xi Wu/ Sang Jiu, Chen Duling as Ye Bing Chang/ Mei Nu/ Tian Huan In order to save the world from being tormented by the demon god Tan Tai Jin, the daughter of the head of the Hengyang clan, Li Su Su, takes a desperate step back in time to 500 years ago and disguises herself as Ye Xi Wu, the youngest daughter of the Ye family, to stop Tan Tai Jin, who had not yet been completely corrupted by evil thoughts, from becoming a demon god. What she didn't expect was that 500 years ago Tan Tai…

As the flower season approaches, it's the perfect time to refresh your wardrobe with pieces that exude elegance and grace. If you're looking for inspiration, spring hanfu offers a stunning array of options that celebrate the beauty of nature and femininity. Hanfu Shidai has compiled several spring hanfu that are appropriate for the season, based on the types of flowers that are available in spring.   Winter Jasmine Winter jasmine, the earliest blooming flower among all, is named after its ability to welcome spring when all the other flowers start to bloom. As a harbinger of spring, it brings a sense of vitality with its clusters of flowers hanging from the branches like a golden waterfall. Currently, it is the prime season for winter jasmine, and you can capture its beauty through the lens and use it to adorn life. Recommended Hanfu The bright and vibrant colors of the winter jasmine make it an excellent choice for photography with light-colored hanfu outfits. Such as a white or light-colored cross collar shirt on top and pair it with a blue-green waist-length skirt. This combination not only complements the flower but also gives a fresh and playful feeling.   Yulan Magnolia Yulan…

After several unsuccessful adaptations of important Wuxia novels by Jin Yong, the Wuxia genre dramas has been continuously criticized. However, in recent years, the success of wuxia dramas such as "Sword Snow Stride", "Joy of Life", "Strange Tales of Tang Dynasty", and "Ever Night" has revived the genre. The market seems to have realized that traditional Wuxia dramas are a thing of the past, and breaking away from the Wuxia dramas of Jin Yong and Gu Long may bring about new vitality. According to incomplete statistics, there are as many as ten upcoming Wuxia dramas awaiting release in 2023, all of which break away from the traditional production approach and incorporate other elements such as time travel, idol, and spy warfare. Recently, the drama "Pledge of Allegiance", directed by Cao Hua with Li Yi as the chief screenwriter, starring Leon Zhang and Chen Ruoxuan as lead actors, and featuring Sun Yi in a special guest appearance, has started to air. It has received a lot of love from netizens since its premiere. One important reason for its high attention is the connection it has with the movie "Brotherhood of Blades". "Pledge of Allegiance" is an adaptation of "Brotherhood of Blades",…

If you're a fan of Chinese dramas, then you've probably heard of Xianxia and Xuanhuan genres. These two popular genres revolve around ancient Chinese myths, legends, and folklore and they have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their unique storylines, stunning visuals, and captivating characters. From epic battles between good and evil to intricate plot twists, Xianxia and Xuanhuan dramas offer a mesmerizing escape into a world of magic and adventure. In this article, we have compiled the top 10 Xianxia and Xuanhuan dramas that will take you on a thrilling journey through mystical lands and fantastical creatures. Whether you're a hardcore fan or just starting to explore this genre, these dramas are sure to keep you hooked till the very end.   Chinese Paladin · 仙剑奇侠传 "Chinese Paladin" is a Chinese Xianxia Xuanhuan drama adapted from the RPG game of the same name. It stars Hu Ge, Crystal Liu, Ady An, and Eddie Peng in leading roles. Also known as: Xian Jian Qi Xia Zhuan Aired: Jan 24, 2005 Episodes/Duration: 34/50min Period Background: Alternative reality Genres: Xianxia, Romance, Wuxia, Fantasy Main Role: Hu Ge as Li Xiao Yao, Crystal Liu as Zhao Ling Er, Ady An as…

As an important genre of drama, Chinese historical drama emerged in the 1980s and were one of the first Chinese dramas to mature and perform best in the market. China's long and storied history provides a large pool of material for such works, and the creative approach, which is far removed from the sensitive areas of reality, also gives it a wider and freer narrative space. "Nirvana In Fire", "The Qin Empire 1", and "Judge of the Song Dynasty" are three classic Chinese historical dramas that have been the subject of much debate among Internet users. All of them have been recognized by viewers in the TV era and have earned high scores on Douban (China's most popular movie & drama rating platform), which is mainly for young users. In recent years, traditional historical dramas have become increasingly rare, with a marked increase in idolized historical dramas driven by film and television platforms. The industry is placing more and more emphasis on costumes, makeup and props, which is what the market demands and there is no excuse, but classic works should not just be forgotten. A good costume historical drama can recreate the spiritual world of the ancients. The history…

Fantastic creatures, beasts, and ghosts, people fear, or fascinated, but no one has ever seen the real face. However, there is a post-90s painter, Shan Ze, in his brush, those only appear in the legends and ancient books of the creatures and ghosts are presented one by one. Since ancient times, Chinese people have been full of unknown and respect for fantastic creatures and spirits, but under the brush of painter Shan Ze, they are completely overturned, with kind of new appearances. His paintings were nominated for the "Golden Dragon Award" for best illustration, and he has captured a large number of fans by transforming the thoughts of the millennium into paintings. Shan Ze, his real name is Li Yifan, a young man from Chengdu, graduated from Sichuan University College of Arts. Inheriting the heritage of Chinese style, he dares to challenge the traditional way of painting, forming a unique style that is beautiful and not losing its atmosphere. Shan Ze's paintings seem to transport the viewer to a whole new world of creatures, which is mesmerizing. In Shan Ze's imagination, the majestic and fearsome door gods of mythology are dressed in splendid battle armor and have a heroic posture.…

Get ready to fall in love with "Romance of a Twin Flower", the latest romantic comedy cdrama that is taking the entertainment industry by storm. This Chinese drama series is a perfect mix of heartwarming romance and hilarious comedy, making it a must-watch for anyone looking for a feel-good show. With its captivating storyline, characters, and breathtaking cinematography, "Romance of a Twin Flower" is sure to leave you smiling and swooning from start to finish." "Romance of a Twin Flower" is a historical romantic comedy television series directed by Xie Ze and starring Ding Yuxi, Peng Xiaoran, Yi Dachuan, Mark Chao, He Changxi, and Jia Nai. The drama premiered on March 21st, 2023. Based on the novel of the same name by Bai Lu Cheng Shuang, the series tells the story of Ji Man, a talented young woman with exceptional business skills who unexpectedly loses her memory. She takes the place of her twin sister Nie Sangyu in the Ning Mansion and uses her business acumen to resolve crises, while experiencing ups and downs with Ning Yuxuan and growing and finding happiness along the way.   Basic Information of Romance of a Twin Flower Also known as: Chun Gui Meng…

In the three years since the Chinese short-length dramas went from rough to sophisticated, the romance genre has been riding high in terms of volume, with the ancient costume category leading the market in terms of subdivision. Like long-length dramas, costume romance short-length dramas are created by imitating the ancient style of China, with intricate and exquisite hanfu costumes, spectacular scenes, and special worldview settings to construct poignant or sweet love stories. To a certain extent, the ancient costume short-length dramas can recreate the scenes of ancient life and satisfy the curiosity of the audience. At the same time, this ancient landscape has always had a notable appeal with its unique beauty. Earlier, the word aesthetics was not much associated with short-length cdrama. However, after the accelerated development of the industry, more and more high-quality short-length dramas have joined the competition, and the aesthetics of the episodes has become the most basic pursuit. In terms of the ancient romance theme, especially after the great popularity of last year's batch of works such as "The Killer is also Romantic", "My Princess" and "A Familiar Stranger", the ancient aesthetics of the short-length drama field has gained more voices of recognition. Recently, another ancient…

Are you a fan of historical dramas filled with romance, scandals, and royal intrigues? If so, you won't want to miss the latest sensation sweeping through streaming platforms "Royal Rumours". let's settle in for a journey back in time as we explore the exciting plot of this drama. "Royal Rumours" is a romantic comedy cdrama set in ancient times, directed by Zhou Jiawen and starring Jeremy Tsui and Meng Ziyi in the lead roles, with supporting performances from Ryan Zhu, Su Mengyun, Yi Yunhe, Li Qing, and others. The series airs on March 15, 2023. Adapted from the novel "Zao Zuo Shi Guang" by author Yue Xia Die Ying, the story follows the collaboration between the cold-hearted Crown Prince Ji Yuansu and the smart and witty Hua Liuli, who together uncover and eliminate imperial conspiracy, eventually falling in love with each other.   Basic Information of Royal Rumours Also known as: Zao Zuo Shi Guang Genre: Romance/Comedy/Historical Aired: March 15, 2023 Director: Zhou Jiawen Starring: Jeremy Tsui as Ji Yuansu, Meng Ziyi as Hua Liuli Episodes: 24/45 minutes   Plot Summary of Royal Rumours During the prosperous era of the Great Jin Dynasty, general Hua Yingting, who had just achieved…

Last Friday 3/17 I was invited to a local Chinese school to give a small talk on hanfu! The aim was to share hanfu culture with more people here and to present an example to the kids of what doors can be opened to you by maintaining language skills. A little background—I myself attended this once-a-week school from kindergarten up until 6th grade, upon which I pulled out of the school to invite the Chinese teacher that taught me in 6th grade to tutor me at home privately. She was a great tutor and a key part of inspiring my interest in ancient Chinese culture through poetry, history, and more, keeping me engaged while analyzing Tang Dynasty shi and Song Dynasty ci. As I got busy, I stopped the tutoring when I was in 10th grade—and I was introduced to the concept of hanfu not even a few months later! I’ve kept up communication with this teacher for a while (whose name I won’t disclose for privacy reasons) and visited her in Taiwan throughout the years. This year she came back to teach at the local chinese school and invited me to give a talk on hanfu there. For the…

"The Journey of Chong Zi" has come to its end as the tragic romance, which crossed two generations, between Chong Zi (Yang Chaoyue) and Luo Yinfan (Xu Zhengxi) ended. The sweet and beautiful love stories and the ups and downs in their relationship have created a sad but romantic atmosphere, allowing the audience to feel their eternal connections in the push and pull of love and human nature. No matter how the genre of the drama series has changed in recent years, fantasy drama has always been a necessity. The audience needs a carrier for their infinite imagination of romance and sentiments. The fantasy drama is the exact carrier that offers the audience to go on an adventure with the protagonists. They can be touched by the extreme aesthetic and magnificent feelings in a colorful but pure spiritual world. In addition to the traditional two-generation experience, the romantic relationship between tutor and apprentice, and the conflicts between immortals and devils, “The Journey of Chong Zi” has also included multiple elements, such as female growth, comedy, and suspense. This show has been adapted from the classic digital novel from decade ago. It is an integration of the past creative advantages of…

Traditional Chinese colors come from nature and from the imagination of the ancient Chinese civilization. Traditional Chinese colors pursue the color concept of giving colors according to types and conveying consciousness through colors. In ancient times in China, there are positive colors and inter colors, with the distinction of respect, and lowly; righteous, and evil. Positive color refers to the color that promote each other, that is, the original color. Ancient primary colors to "Yin Yang Five Phases" doctrine in the five elements, water, fire, wood, metal, and earth, respectively, corresponding to black, red, cyan, white, and yellow as color symbols, known as the five-color system. Traditional Chinese clothing colors are also mainly primary colors. With the development of the times, different dynasties revered different colors, and these popular colors also reflected the material and spiritual civilization of their dynasties to a certain extent. Hanfu Shi Dai has compiled a summary of the traditional hanfu color schemes through dynasties, let's explore together.   Han Dynasty The Han Dynasty was influenced by the Taoist philosophy of Huanglao and Confucianism, and its costumes often pursued the essential beauty of the whole. At the same time, by the previous Qin dynasty, the concept of black…

China is a land of breathtaking natural landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant artistic traditions. Among the many facets of Chinese art and culture, the use of color stands out as a particularly distinctive and enduring feature. From the bold reds and golds of imperial palaces to the serene blues and greens of ancient landscapes, traditional Chinese colors evoke a sense of harmony, balance, and aesthetic refinement that has captivated people for centuries. We will explore the history, symbolism, and beauty of the most iconic colors together with the authors of books on traditional Chinese colors, Guo Hao. Whether you are an art lover, a history buff, or simply someone who appreciates beauty, the world of traditional Chinese colors is sure to enchant and inspire you.   Reclaiming Traditional Chinese Colors Guo Hao, a researcher of Chinese traditional colors, has spent five years scavenging for remnants of traditional colors from tens of thousands of ancient books and cultural relics. Due to cultural discontinuity, traditional Chinese colors are scattered in a large number of ancient books, and the whole process of recovery is like looking for a needle in a haystack. Guo Hao went through nearly 400 kinds of canonical books and…

Recently, the popular broadcast of "The Journey of Chong Zi" and "The Starry Love" has won the attention of most audiences who particularly love Xianxia TV shows. Ever since these two shows are on, the heated discussion on the pattern and anti-pattern of Xianxia dramas has not been rested. The traditional romance between master and disciple in "The Journey of Chong Zi" continues to enjoy the love of its fans, while the humor in "The Starry Love" offers a great experience for those who prefer novelty. However, some audience is not satisfied with these, believing that Xianxia dramas need innovation nowadays.   The Iteration of Xianxia Drama Xianxia indicates two themes: Xian and Xia. Xian (仙, fairy) originated from the myth while Xia (侠, hero) comes from the martial arts classic. The early mythological dramas including "The Legend of the White Snake" (1992), "The Ghost Tales" (1998), "The Beauty Mermaid World Legend" (2000), and "Gods of Honour" (2001) were mainly based on Chinese folk legends or novels. The concepts of divines, devils, monsters, and treasures, along with the settings of human-demon romance, the confrontation between gods and devils, and reincarnation have all originated from legends and novels, and were put…

Fondant is the icing used to decorate or sculpt cakes and pastries. And the main character in this article, Zhou Yi, has reative incorporated traditional Chinese style beauty and hanfu into his fondant cakes. Since he started using fondant to make Chinese-style dolls, the controversy for Zhou Yi has never stopped, but for Zhou Yi, fondant is just the medium, what is important is that he wants to make the world feel the charm of the China. For his own works, Zhou Yi is very thoughtful. "Born in this era, you have to keep up with the times, the reason why things in the past became traditions is that they represented that era, now, it's our turn to create traditions." The hanfu clothing is as light as gauze, and it is difficult to achieve this visual effect with fondant. Zhou Yi and his team experimented thousands of times, combining traditional Chinese dough sculpture techniques, using a rolling pin to press the flip sugar as thin as possible. The traditional fondant is prone to cracking after drying, and the dolls have a short shelf time. So Zhou Yi spent another year, specifically adjusting the ratios and trying more than 1,000 kinds…

Tea set and tea-drinking are tightly connected. Many historical records and materials have proved that tea-drinking hasn’t appeared until the turn of Qin Dynasty and Han Dynasty. Chinese tea culture sprouted during the Wei and Jin Dynasties, during which the usages of tea existed in various ways, including food, medication, beverages, and so on. Among all, tea has been mostly taken as a kind of beverage. According to the "Guangling Xiaolao Zhuan", there has already elderly women who sold tea for a living on the markets in the Jin Dynasty. It was quite a competitive business with numerous pedlars as well as customers. From such phenomenon, it can be seen that drinking tea was highly prevalent at that time. At the time under the governance of Emperor Xuan of the Han Dynasty, Wangbao has written "武阳买茶 (buy tea in Wuyang)" and "烹茶尽具 (cook tea and prepare clean tea sets)" in his book "Tong Yue (僮约)", this is the earliest record of tea drinking and buying in China. In modern times, a celadon urn, carved with the character of "Cha (茶, tea)", with a height of 33.5 centimeters was found in a tomb in Huzhou, Zhejiang Province, which was built in…

As the chill of winter melts away, spring brings with it a sense of rejuvenation and new beginnings. In ancient China, this feeling was often celebrated through the tradition of spring excursions. For many, the new season signaled a time for renewal, rejuvenation, and adventure. While modern-day excursions may look vastly different, there are still traces of ancient springtime traditions that can be observed throughout China. From blossoming gardens to vibrant festivals, join us on a journey through the rich cultural history of spring in ancient China. Spring excursion in the pre-Qin period was romantic and charming. There are many love poems in the "Classic of Poetry", all of which took place during spring excursions. 《郑风·出其东门》：出其东门，有女如云。It means that the people of Zheng like to spring excursions, and when they leave the east gate of the city, they can see many girls on their spring trips, which is a good opportunity for the men of Zheng to meet love. 《郑风·溱洧》：士与女, 殷其盈矣。It means that at the River Zhen and the River Wei, the men and women of Zheng were seen everywhere on their spring excursions. Many men and women fell in love with each other during the spring excursions and became engaged…