Unlike Western culinary classifications by courses or ingredients, Chinese cuisine categorizes itself through philosophical flavor balance and geographical personality. The eight recognized styles - Shandong (鲁菜), Sichuan (川菜), Cantonese (粤菜), Jiangsu (苏菜), Zhejiang (浙菜), Fujian (闽菜), Hunan (湘菜), and Anhui (徽菜) - each developed unique characteristics shaped by local topography, historical trade routes, and imperial influences. The eight cuisines follow different culinary principles - Cantonese chefs prioritize Wok Hei (breath of the wok 锅气) through quick frying, while Anhui cuisine employs slower braising methods to extract depth from mountain herbs and preserved goods. Understanding the "Eight Great Cuisines" (八大菜系) provides the key to appreciating Chinese complex edible culture. As we examine each cuisine's signature techniques, historical influences, and philosophical underpinnings, prepare to discover how imperial edicts shaped flavor preferences and how climate dictated regional preservation methods that became beloved flavors. Shandong Cuisine Rooted in the fertile plains and rugged coastlines of eastern China, Shandong Cuisine stands as the grand progenitor of China's culinary traditions, its influence radiating through royal kitchens and humble hearths for over 2,500 years. Born in the homeland of Confucius, this cuisine marries the pragmatism of northern Chinese life with the poetic discipline of ancient rituals, creating…

If you're new to Chinese historical dramas, Zhang Ruoyun's (张若昀) name should be at the top of your list. Forget stiff period pieces—his shows mix sharp wit, high-stakes politics, and characters who feel real, even in silk robes. Whether he's playing a math genius in the Ming Dynasty or a warrior prince in a fictional empire, Zhang makes centuries-old stories crackle with modern energy. Let's cut to the chase: here are his five best costume masterpieces to binge next. Joy of Life 庆余年 Aired: Season 1 (2019), Season 2 (2024) Period Background: Fictional Qing Dynasty-inspired empire Genres: Political intrigue, Historical fantasy, Mystery Main Roles: Fan Xian (范闲): Zhang Ruoyun as a witty, modern-minded nobleman navigating court conspiracies. Emperor Qing (庆帝): Chen Daoming (陈道明) as the enigmatic ruler. Adapted From: Cat Nip's novel Joy of Life. If you've ever wondered what Game of Thrones might look like with a Chinese twist—minus the dragons but packed with biting humor and brainy schemers—Joy of Life is your answer. Zhang Ruoyun's breakout role as Fan Xian redefined historical fantasy, blending time-travel logic, political chess games, and a protagonist who'd feel just as at home in a coffee shop as in a royal palace. Aired in two…

If you're tired of predictable heroes in period dramas, meet Yang Yang (杨洋)—an actor who's equally convincing as a brooding immortal, a sword-slinging detective, or a prince who'd rather solve equations than wage wars. Forget stuffy historical accuracy; Yang's dramas thrive on blending fantasy, wit, and heart. Whether he's floating through xianxia realms or sparring with corrupt officials, his roles feel like invitations to explore China's storytelling traditions. Here's why his costume dramas offer the ultimate historical adventures. Who Rules the World 且试天下 Aired: 2022 Period Background: Fictional warring kingdoms (inspired by ancient Chinese dynasties) Genres: Wuxia, Political intrigue, Romance Main Roles:Hei Fengxi/Prince Feng Lanxi (黑丰息/丰兰息): Yang Yang as a cunning, dual-identity prince balancing court politics and martial arts mastery. Bai Fengxi/Feng Xiyun (白风夕/风惜云): Zhao Lusi (赵露思) as a warrior princess and his equal in wit and combat. Adapted From: Qing Lengyue's (倾泠月) novel Who Rules the World. Set in a fictional world of warring kingdoms (think ancient China meets Dune), the show avoids stuffy historical lectures. Instead, it drops you into a high-stakes power struggle between six royal families. Hei Fengxi isn't your typical prince: by day, he's Feng Lanxi, a sickly scholar calculating tax reforms. By night, he's…

If you've ever binge-watched a Chinese drama just for the costumes, chances are Yang Mi (杨幂) was in it. From mischievous fox spirits to time-traveling heroines, she's dominated China's costume drama scene for over a decade—not just with her looks, but with roles that blend grit, wit, and heart. Let's cut straight to her most iconic characters and why they're worth your screen time.   Eternal Love 三生三世十里桃花 Aired: 2017 Period Background: Mythical fantasy realm spanning heavenly, mortal, and demonic worlds. Genres: Xianxia (fantasy martial arts), Romance, Drama Main Roles: Yang Mi as Bai Qian (白浅), Mark Chao (赵又廷) as Ye Hua (夜华) Adaptation Source: Novel Three Lives, Three Worlds, Ten Miles of Peach Blossoms by Tang Qi Gong Zi (唐七公子) Bai Qian, a 140,000-year-old fox goddess and ruler of the Qingqiu Fox Clan, is no damsel in distress. She's a deity who drinks wine like water, fights demons with a smirk, and has zero patience for celestial bureaucracy. But her life gets complicated when a celestial romance curse forces her into three lifetimes of love, loss, and amnesia. First Life: As a young immortal, Bai Qian disguises herself as a male disciple named "Si Yin" to train under the…

Zhao Liying (赵丽颖) stands as a luminary in the realm of historical and fantasy dramas. Known for her versatile acting, ethereal screen presence, and ability to embody strong female leads, Zhao has dominated China's television landscape for over a decade. This article curates her most iconic costume dramas, offering insights into their historical settings, genres, and cultural significance. Perfect for newcomers to Chinese TV, these recommendations blend rich storytelling, breathtaking visuals, and Zhao's unparalleled charm. The Legend of Lu Zhen 陆贞传奇 Aired: 2013 Period Background: Set in the Northern Qi Dynasty (北齐; 550–577 CE), a short-lived but culturally rich regime during China's chaotic Northern and Southern Dynasties (南北朝; 420–589 CE). This era was marked by frequent wars, shifting alliances, and the rise of Buddhism, offering a dramatic backdrop of political instability and social transformation. Genres: Historical Epic, Political Drama, Female Empowerment Main Roles: - Zhao Liying as Lu Zhen – A commoner-turned-political strategist. - Chen Xiao (陈晓) as Emperor Gao Zhan – A reformist ruler battling court corruption. Adapted From: The novel Nü Xiang (女相, "Female Prime Minister") by Zhang Wei (张巍), loosely inspired by the life of Lu Lingxuan, a historical female official in Northern Qi. Born into a…

Did ancient clothes have buttons? Isn't it too "modern"? Well, buttons did exist in ancient times! They just weren't always called "buttons". Traditional "Jieying Xidai" In ancient Chinese clothing, the most commonly used method was "Jieying Xidai" (结缨系带). It involved wrapping two delicate ribbons around to connect the two sides or front and back parts of the clothing tightly. It was both stable and adjustable in terms of fit. As recorded in "Liji Yuzao" (礼记·玉藻), "Disciples use twisted ribbons to tie knots." "Niu" (纽) in Chinese is related to threads as it has the radical "mi". Uncertain Cases in Qin Dynasty However, there were also some special cases. For example, there were decorations on the Terracotta Warriors that resembled one - character buttons. But some also claim that they were ropes specifically for connecting armor, and this is still in doubt. Development in Tang and Song Dynasties During the Tang and Song dynasties, although ribbons still dominated, the clothing culture was quietly changing. Round - collared robes and some minority Beizi (褙子) gradually incorporated cloth buttons, mostly made by knotting silk fabrics. Some reports now call them "Niupan" (纽襻). Flourishing in Ming Dynasty In the Ming Dynasty, the prosperity of…

The Origin of the Pomegranate Skirt When a woman's beauty or charm captivates a man, people often use the phrase "succumb to the pomegranate skirt" to describe this irresistible allure. So, where does this enchanting "pomegranate skirt" come from and what does it symbolize? The pomegranate, also known as Anshiliu (安石榴), originated in Iran and Central Asia. It was brought back to China by Zhang Qian after his mission to the Western Regions. It is said that the ancient version of Book of Marvels (待求证) records: "Zhang Qian of the Han Dynasty brought back pomegranate seeds from the Tulin and Anshi countries after his mission to the Western Regions, hence the name Anshiliu." The Anshi country, also known as the Parthian Empire, is now Iran and its neighboring areas. The term "pomegranate skirt" is said to have emerged during the Han Dynasty, referring to a bright red women's skirt. Its popularity stems from the vivid color of pomegranate flowers. The color of the pomegranate skirt, or pomegranate red, is a slightly deeper red like that of pomegranate fruits, or an orange - red as bright as pomegranate flowers. The ancients used pomegranate flower juice to dye fabrics, creating the distinctive…

Why Maids Often Wear Short-Sleeved Tops in TV Dramas Why do we often see maids wearing short-sleeved tops in TV dramas, while young ladies rarely do? Let's first talk about these so - called "short - sleeved" tops. Maids wear them mainly for the convenience of work. However, this style is not restricted to maids; it's just a type of clothing item. In ancient China, it had two names: "Banxiu" (半袖) and "Banbi" (半臂). It originally evolved from the short ru (a kind of traditional Chinese upper - body garment). Usually, it reached the waist, and the sleeve length was up to the elbow or even shorter. It was not worn alone, and the most common way to wear it today is to put it over a long - sleeved garment. Actually, men could also wear it. In the Tang Dynasty, it was often used as an inner layer, like wearing a Banbi inside a round - collar robe. The Origin and Popularity of Banbi This style emerged during the Han and Jin dynasties. The figurines of a lute - playing person and a mirror - holding person in Sichuan Han tombs were all wearing Banbi over long - sleeved…

Questioning Ancient Hair Volume Did the ancient people have astonishing hair volume? Could they create such high buns with their own hair? Well, it's a joke! The ancient people already had the "baldness crisis" and secretly wore wigs. In fact, the hair volume of the ancient people might not be as thick as that shown in Zhou Fang's Painting of Ladies Wearing Flowers in Their Hair (《簪花仕女图》). The so - called "Yiji" (义髻) in ancient times was the predecessor of the wig buns we see today. The fashion of wearing wigs started among upper - class women, aiming to increase hair volume and create more complex bun styles, similar to today's hair pads. Materials and Styles of Ancient Wigs The common materials for Yiji were hair or alternative modeling materials like wooden pieces. This spiral - shaped Yiji was made of "false hair". Lined with linen, wrapped with palm hair and dyed, it was made into a spiral shape. You could just press it on your head to complete the makeup, showing both simplicity and ingenuity. The materials for making Yiji were diverse, not limited to real human hair. For example, thin wooden pieces were used. This lacquered wooden wig…

Nowadays, young people are into black lipstick. Their families would surely be shocked and wonder about this "weird" aesthetic. But if this trend went back over a thousand years to the Tang Dynasty, you'd be amazed at the "ahead - of - time" makeup looks. People would exclaim, "It's still our ancestors who were the trendsetters!" The "Wu Gao" (乌膏) mentioned by Xi Jun and Mrs. Ma in "The Detective Diaries 2" (唐诡2) did exist in the Tang Dynasty. It was a special kind of lip balm in the "Shishi Zhuang" (时世妆), or the fashionable makeup of the time. According to "New Book of Tang -五行志", during the Yuanhe period of Emperor Xianzong of the Tang Dynasty, women favored a makeup style of "round - bun and cone - shaped hair, no hair ornaments, no rouge or powder, only using Wu Gao to paint the lips, looking like someone who had been crying." Characteristics of the Makeup Even the spider spirit in "Black Myth: Wukong" has the same "Wu Gao - painted lips". This makeup was not just about painting the lips nearly black. It also included drawing eight - character eyebrows, adding oblique red makeup on the cheeks, and…

Somewhere along the way, in TV dramas, it became trendy for brides in Tang and Song Dynasty settings to wear green wedding dresses, and the trend has only grown. After revisiting historical records, it dawned on me: have we been misled? Have you also been bombarded with images of "red - clad grooms and green - clad brides"? First, let's talk about the concept of wedding attire. In ancient times, there was no strict dress code for weddings, which has led to the current confusion about wedding dress styles. However, officials and noblewomen had corresponding strict dress codes, and their use was defined according to specific scenarios in the Five Rites. Weddings and coming - of - age ceremonies were important occasions in the auspicious rites. From the Sui and Tang Dynasties to the Song and Ming Dynasties, cyan was always a high - end color for women's formal dresses. "The Book of Sui: Ceremony 7" records that the empress's Yi dress was "made of dark cyan fabric, with woven collars and cuffs, embroidered with five - colored pheasants in twelve rows." "Tang Six Codes" states that the empress's Yi dress was "made of dark cyan woven fabric..." "New Rites…

Sometimes when we see people in TV dramas wearing clothes with large sleeves while going out, having meals, dating, fighting, or sleeping, it just seems so awkward. Were all the ancient people's clothes with large sleeves? How inconvenient would it be to go to the toilet then? We usually use the term "broad robes and large sleeves" to describe the characteristics of Hanfu. "Broad robes" means the Hanfu has a loose fit, and "large sleeves" or "wide sleeves" refer to the wide sleeves. However, it should be noted that this is not a universal feature of Hanfu but rather a characteristic of Hanfu formal wear, used to highlight the wearer's status, such as the historical large-sleeved shirts and official uniforms. Except for formal occasions, people in daily life rarely wore such large sleeves. Various Sleeve Types of Hanfu If we simply categorize the sleeve types of Hanfu, there are many, suitable for any current daily occasion. To simplify, narrow sleeves are suitable for daily labor, martial arts, etc.; hanging beard sleeves, pipa sleeves, and straight sleeves are suitable for daily occasions without labor; short sleeves are suitable for ordinary outerwear and home wear in summer. Examples of Sleeve Width For…

At a recent event, actress Zhou Ye (周也) stunned in a shawl draped in a way reminiscent of her character in Scent of Time (为有暗香来). This sparked a wave of admiration online: “Who knew a shawl could be worn like this? Fashion truly transcends time!” Indeed, the various ways modern shawls are styled bear a striking resemblance to the classical pibo (披帛) of ancient China. While today’s shawls come in a variety of materials and styles, their role in enhancing an outfit remains unchanged. And just like in ancient times, there’s more than one way to wear them. The Evolution of Draped Elegance The concept of draping fabric over the shoulders dates back thousands of years. As early as the Wei and Jin dynasties, terracotta figurines depicted women wearing short, wide scarves known as 帔 (pei) or 披 (pi). These early forms of pibo were not just functional but also stylish, much like modern scarves. A poetic reference from the Southern and Northern Dynasties describes a woman’s elegance: "Her step-shaking hairpin sways, and the red edges of her pei flutter." By the Tang Dynasty, the pibo had evolved into a long, narrow accessory, becoming an essential part of women’s fashion.…

A Shift Towards Historical Accuracy For years, historical dramas have enchanted audiences with their lavish costumes, intricate sets, and grand storytelling. However, one aspect often overlooked is the accuracy of children’s hairstyles. Many period dramas have traditionally styled young characters with adult-like hairdos, giving them a "miniature adult" appearance that lacks the playful authenticity of childhood. Recently, however, a shift has begun, and productions like Jia Ye (家业), Flourished Peony (国色芳华), and Joy of Life (庆余年) are finally embracing historically accurate child hairstyles, leading viewers to exclaim: "So this is what ancient children really looked like!" The Evolution of Child Hairstyles in Ancient China Ancient Chinese children's hairstyles were far from uniform; they evolved through different stages as the child grew. Similar to modern times, children in historical China had distinct hair grooming traditions, beginning with shaved heads in infancy, moving to partially grown and styled hair, and eventually progressing to more formal hairstyles in adolescence. The idea that children must wear miniature versions of adult hairstyles is a modern misconception that certain period dramas are now correcting. Infancy: The Shaved or Minimal Hair Phase In early childhood, many children had their heads shaved regularly to promote hair growth, a…

Hanfu, the traditional clothing of the Han Chinese, has experienced a remarkable resurgence. What was once a niche interest among history enthusiasts and cultural purists has now blossomed into a full-blown fashion movement. By 2024, the Hanfu market is not just thriving—it’s evolving, adapting, and influencing modern fashion in ways that few could have predicted a decade ago. The Hanfu Phenomenon The Hanfu revival isn’t just about clothing; it’s a cultural statement. Rooted in over 3,000 years of history, Hanfu represents more than just aesthetics—it’s a symbol of identity and heritage. In 2024, this traditional attire has found its way into the wardrobes of a diverse audience, from young students to working professionals, and even international fashion enthusiasts. The driving force behind this resurgence? A combination of government support, cultural pride, and the rise of China-chic (国潮). Policies promoting traditional culture, such as the "14th Five-Year Plan for the Development of Chinese Traditional Culture," have played a significant role in boosting public interest. Events like China Huafu Day (中国华服日) and Huazhao Festival (花朝节) have further cemented Hanfu’s place in contemporary culture, turning it into a symbol of national pride. The Market Boom: Numbers Don’t Lie The numbers speak for themselves.…

Ancient Chinese wisdom distilled clothing choices into simple truths: light robes for summer, padded jackets for winter. But look closer, and you’ll find a nuanced system—24 solar terms (节气), 72 micro-seasons (物候), and festivals each demanding specific colors and motifs. This wasn’t just practicality; it was a silent dialogue between humans and the rhythms of nature.. Chapter 1: Lunar New Year (春节) The tradition of wearing new clothes for the Lunar New Year is widespread in Chinese culture. Regardless of social class, people are expected to wear their finest attire to usher in the new year. For officials and those of higher status, formal ceremonial clothing is a must. The colors of these garments—red, blue, yellow, white, and black—offer a range of options, but certain traditions guide their use. White is typically worn for mourning, red symbolizes celebration, and yellow was reserved for emperors after the Tang Dynasty. Red, blue, and black are more common, with red standing out as a symbol of prosperity, joy, and good fortune. Throughout the New Year festivities, red decorations such as firecrackers, lanterns, and spring couplets (春联) fill the environment, creating an atmosphere of happiness and festivity. Red has become the hallmark of wealth…

If there’s one thing historical dramas love, it’s a good cloak. Flowing, dramatic, and effortlessly elegant, the cloak has become a staple in costume design, draping over generals, scholars, and noblewomen alike. But as striking as they look on screen, one can’t help but wonder—do these cloaks actually keep anyone warm? Take Nirvana in Fire (琅琊榜) as an example. The protagonist, Mei Changsu (梅长苏), spends most of his time wrapped in thick fur-lined cloaks, yet somehow, he always looks like he’s one chilly breeze away from freezing solid. Viewers have joked that he must have succumbed to hypothermia long before the series’ dramatic conclusion. So what’s the deal? Are these cloaks truly as impractical as they seem, or is there more to their historical evolution? Cloaks in Costume Design Cloaks have long been favored by costume designers for their cinematic effect. They add movement to a character, create an air of mystery, and make even the most unassuming figure look imposing. In Nirvana in Fire, Mei Changsu’s fur-lined cloaks emphasize his frailty while still giving him an air of quiet authority. But do these garments serve their intended function, or are they just glorified fashion statements? The answer, unfortunately, leans…

The opulent red gown worn by the character of Empress Miao in the historical drama The Glory (雁回时) has left viewers in awe. With its vibrant crimson hue, intricate details, and dramatic silhouette, it conjures up images of Dream of the Red Chamber (红楼梦), especially the scene where the imperial consort visits the imperial court in a ceremonial outfit. Could it be a nod to a regal garment from the Ming Dynasty, the mangpao (蟒袍), a dress that exudes both power and ceremony? The outfit Miao Guifei (苗贵妃) wears in The Glory isn't just any costume—it's an interpretation of the mangpao, a traditional Ming Dynasty ceremonial gown typically worn by high-ranking officials and imperial family members. The gown’s structure is a perfect balance between grandiosity and elegance, characterized by its round collar, long robe length, and the iconic mang (蟒) dragon motif embroidered onto the fabric. The mangpao was often reserved for the most important occasions, worn by figures of the highest stature, such as empresses or consorts. In the case of Miao Guifei, the attire suggests not only her high rank but her formidable presence—no wonder viewers felt like this was more than just a royal entrance; it had…

If you've seen the stills of costume dramas like Moyu Yunjian and For the Sake of the Hidden Fragrance, you'll notice that director Yu has a particular preference for one type of clothing style: the shirt and skirt ensemble. It's the most common style in traditional Chinese clothing and also the easiest to mass - produce and replicate. It's like wearing hundreds of different - colored shirts. Can you really not get aesthetically tired of it? Styles of Shirt and Skirt The upper part of the shirt and skirt can be in the styles of cross - collar, front - closing, or shallow cross - collar. The lower skirt is usually a split skirt or a pleated skirt. Simply put, if you change the fabric and color of the upper shirt and the lower skirt respectively, it counts as a new set of clothes. The dynasties when the shirt and skirt were most popular were the Tang and Song dynasties. The styles of the shirt and skirt in these two periods were different. In the Tang Dynasty, the skirt was tied high to the chest, showing a luxurious and noble style. In the Song Dynasty, the skirt returned to the…

On March 29, 2025, as the 'Spring Festival Elder' Luoxia Hong from Langzhong and famous lyricist Fang Wenshan jointly opened the door, the 2025 Langzhong Hanfu Festival grandly kicked off at the Chengqing Gate in Langzhong Ancient City, Sichuan. The event, themed 'Roaming in Langzhong with Hanfu, Spreading the Glory of Chinese Culture', attracted thousands of Hanfu enthusiasts from all over the country to gather in Langzhong Ancient City for the 'Dynasty Carnival'. It was a feast that allowed people to glimpse the beauty of Hanfu across thousands of years. The term 'tongpao' refers to contemporary Hanfu lovers. At 9:30 a.m., the 'Spring Festival Elder' Luoxia Hong, dressed in Hanfu and holding a celestial globe, started the event, accompanied by the dance of twenty - four flower fairies. Various phalanxes, including those representing the Han, Three Kingdoms, Tang, Song, and Ming dynasties, as well as wedding, twelve flower fairies, intangible cultural heritage peddler, Hanfu merchant, parent - child, public, and flag phalanxes, paraded in turn. More than 1,000 Hanfu enthusiasts, with delicate makeup and elegant accessories, showed the classical and elegant beauty of Hanfu to the fullest. The 'Dynasty Carnival' was based on China's excellent historical culture, with elements such…