At various Chinese festive events, the beautiful and elegant Chinese knots often appear as important decorations. As a traditional Chinese handicraft, it originated from knotting for record-keeping and has been widely used in daily life since then. To know more about Chinese knots, one must understand Basic Knots, which are the smallest units that can be combined and varied to create complex knot patterns, and they are the basic knotting method used in making Chinese knot art. Complex variations and combinations of these basic knots can be created through the use of these fundamental knots. This article will primarily focus on the forms and meanings of 12 basic Chinese knots.   Flat Knot The flat knot is an ancient and simple knot that can be made by winding one end of a line around the other line, with the later one being the axle. This knot can also be made with only one line by winding around an object to form a knot. Flat knots, while simple in appearance, are flat and easy to undo, which makes them widely used in daily life. They can be used to tie things together or to make bracelets, hanging chains, and other decorations,…

The popular Xianxia drama "Till The End Of The Moon" has adopted a large number of Dunhuang styles in costumes and makeup, which is different from conventional dramas. In addition to receiving a lot of praise, it has also made more people aware of and started to like Dunhuang costumes. As for the modern art form that integrates with the Dunhuang style, there has long been one. "Silk Road Flower Rain" is a famous Chinese ethnic dance drama, which is created based on the Silk Road and Dunhuang murals. Since its birth in 1979, it has been continuously performed, keeping up with the times, and enjoying a great reputation. The dance drama takes Dunhuang as its main theme, and the dance costumes have a strong Dunhuang style. Moreover, the dance "Thousand-Hand Guanyin" at the 2005 China Spring Festival Gala received rave reviews, which is also in Dunhuang style. The artistic expression of Dunhuang themes is very popular among audiences, and there are also many Dunhuang-style dances and costumes in some dance variety shows. Naturally, Dunhuang-style Hanfu has also been very popular among consumers. If you have been paying attention to Hanfu, you must be familiar with Dunhuang costumes, but are…

In the context of the Chinese language, "Ling Luo Chou Duan" usually refers to various exquisite silk fabrics. However, there are many types of ancient Chinese fabrics, and "Ling Luo Chou Duan" cannot cover them all. This article will briefly introduce how to identify various Chinese ancient hanfu fabrics such as "yarn, silk, brocade, velvet", and so on. However, it should be noted that the names of each textile organization in different dynasties are not exactly the same. They have also developed over time, so this is just a general explanation to give everyone a simple impression.   Structure of Ancient Chinese Fabrics The common structures in Chinese fabrics are needed to determine the relationship between each yarn, which is the pattern of overlapping warp and weft yarns in the fabric. There are five common types of structures, which are also known as San Yuan structures. Ping Wen Structure Ping Wen structure (plain weave) is woven with the warp and weft threads alternating over and under each other. Plain weave fabrics are durable and resistant to wear, but have less elasticity and a lower sheen. If you touch it, you will find that the feel is hard, but relatively thin.…

Chinese civilization is one of the oldest and longest-lasting civilizations in the world. As an ancient country with a brilliant civilization, countless legendary people and events have been a part of its long history, forming China's unique historical culture. This article will introduce you to a wonderful documentary series called "China". China - Season 1 Director: Li Dongshen / Zhou Yan / Fu Yongqiang Screenplay: Deng Jianyong Starring: He Jiong / Wang Han / Zhou Tao Release Date: 2020-12-07 "China" is a humanistic and historical documentary series produced by Hunan TV, Mango TV, and Beijing Bojing Culture. It portrays the people and stories of ancient Chinese civilization that have had the most profound impact on today's Chinese society, and is an absolute must-see for history enthusiasts. With a first-class audiovisual experience that surpasses movies, it took five years to produce and boasts a dream team of behind-the-scenes staff. Director Li Dongshen's team has previously produced two highly acclaimed documentary series, "Hexi Corridor" and "Rebirth." This time, he worked with the screenwriter of "The Rise of the Great Powers," Zhou Yan, as co-directors. In addition, stars such as Wang Han, and He Jiong portray historical figures in the series. Photography is…

The traditional colors of China are an indispensable part of Chinese culture. These colors are not just simple visual elements, but also carry rich cultural connotations and historical backgrounds. In traditional Chinese culture, each color has its unique symbolic meaning, and is closely related and complementary to many aspects. From architecture, clothing to painting, calligraphy, and even daily etiquette and festival activities, these traditional colors have been widely used and have become an essential element of Chinese culture. This article will explore the cultural connotations contained in traditional Chinese colors and their expressions in various fields.   01 What are traditional Chinese colors? When it comes to colors, we naturally think of specific colors such as red, yellow, blue, and green, each with a fixed number. But when we look at traditional Chinese colors, we see names such as "Xuan (玄)", "Xun (纁)", "Piao (缥)", "Qing Dai (青黛)", etc. If there is no special color card, I believe that most people will be confused when they see these color names. In fact, this is due to the different color order regulations between the East and the West. Western color culture pays more attention to physical properties and scientific theories, and…

As one of the most celebrated and sought-after ceramics of the Song Dynasty, Ru ware embodies a sense of understated refinement that has captivated collectors and scholars alike for centuries. One of the hallmarks of this delicate porcelain is its unique coloring, which comes from the use of glazes made from carefully selected natural materials. These hues are not only beautiful in their own right but also imbued with symbolic meaning that reflect important cultural values. In this article, we take a look at the ceramics of Zhang Wentao, a master of traditional Chinese arts and crafts, and delve into the delicate world of Ru ware and the fascinating relationship between its traditional colors and Chinese culture. As the pinnacle of Chinese porcelain, the beauty of Song Dynasty Ru ware has been continuously receive attention since its birth and gradually integrated into the lives of literati in various dynasties. Unlike the richness and liveliness of the Tang Dynasty, it removes all decorations and returns to nature. Simple and elegant, crystal clear. "Like jade, not jade, but better than jade", the aesthetic mood of the peaceful East is revealed. Even ancient emperors cannot resist this beauty. In the late Northern Song…

With the revival of Chinese culture, more and more people are paying attention to Hanfu. Recently, the minimalist Song-style Hanfu has received more and more attention due to its lightweight, elegant, and comfortable features. So, how can you wear it to show a rich ancient charm? Below are some key points for matching minimalist Song Dynasty Hanfu. The biggest feature of Hanfu is its ancient charm. No matter what kind of style it is, wearing it will give people a classical and atmospheric feeling. To show this temperament, we need to use styling and color matching. When matching traditional Hanfu, we should choose classical Chinese colors first, which gives a clear and bright feeling that is more in line with Eastern aesthetics. When matching, we can control the number of colors in a single outfit to three or less. This not only reduces the difficulty of matching but also makes it more accommodating to different occasions. Finally, we can match traditional colors according to our own preferences. Among the five color systems of red, blue, yellow, white, and black, red and yellow are warm colors that can brighten the entire outfit and make it look more energetic. Blue is a…

Weddings are important ceremonies across the globe and one of the most fascinating aspects is the attire worn by the bride and groom. China, in particular, boasts a rich history of traditional wedding clothing that has evolved over thousands of years. From the hanfu of the ancient dynasties to the modern qipao, each style holds significant cultural and symbolic meaning. In this article, we will delve into the captivating history of Chinese wedding attire and explore the significance behind some of the most iconic designs.   Black Wedding Attire in Zhou Dynasty The Zhou Dynasty was known for its emphasis on ritual and its marriage system also highlighted this. The wedding ceremony in the Zhou Dynasty was called the "Hun Ceremony". As the name suggests, "Hun" means dusk, and the ceremony was held at dusk, with a solemn and dignified atmosphere. "The Book of Rites - The Ceremony of the Marriage of a Scholar" is the earliest record of Chinese wedding ceremony, and of course, it is not only applicable to the scholar class. According to "The Book of Rites", the wedding attire of the Zhou Dynasty was mainly black with red as a complementary color. In the eyes of…

Fans of Jianghu & martial arts TV show are in for a treat with the highly anticipated series, "The Ingenious One". With an all-star cast and impressive fight choreography, this drama promises to be an exciting and thrilling ride for viewers. After "A Dream of Splendor", Chen Xiao's career reached another peak. Not only did he star in one successful product after another, but his personal achievements and performances also improved. First, he starred in the period drama "Miles to Go", playing the role of Gao Jialin, demonstrating the importance of self-reliance in life. Whether it was the immersion of his character, or the presentation of details, Chen Xiao's interpretation was perfect. Following that, he worked with Chen Jianbin to bring the suspenseful detective drama "Thirteen Years of Dust", once again playing a police officer and effectively conveying the sense of responsibility and belief that comes with the job. His personal performance was outstanding, and combined with the high-quality products and strong performances from the entire cast, received numerous positive reviews and can be considered a top suspense drama of 2023. Just as "Thirteen Years of Dust" has finished airing, Chen Xiao's next project "The Ingenious One" is set to…

"Till the End of the Moon" can be said to be the most popular Xianxia drama in recent. And the topic of Xianxia styling in cdramas seems to have once again been pushed to the forefront. In more and more Xianxia dramas, the characters have different appearances and rich accessories, the styling of Xianxia dramas no longer seems to be identical.   Classic Xianxia Styling At first, the styling photos of "Till the End of the Moon" were praised for creating a magnificent feeling for Xianxia dramas. However, after the broadcast, some audiences felt that the styling was not as stunning as it was advertised. But most netizens think that this is already an excellent enough styling for Xianxia dramas nowadays. Because for many years, the styling designers of Xianxia drama seem to be obsessed with the light and simplicity. Being immaculate and elegant seems to have become the standard for immortals nowadays. In order to create an atmosphere of "not being affected by the mundane world", the styling of immortals is extremely simple. If you cover the actors' heads, it is probably difficult to tell the difference. Uniform cold-toned clothes, plus a bit of gauze texture, seem to be…

Unlock the aesthetics of the Song Dynasty and its people through this selection of elegant and inspiring paintings. "The Song, Painted" is a digital exhibition launched by CGTN, which comprehensively presents the living scenes of ancient people in Song Dynasty paintings. Several artists, scholars, and curators share their professional insights to analyze the historical and cultural elements hidden within the Song Dynasty paintings. In this article, let's follow the Hanfu Shidai and renowned designer Chu Yan into the world of Song Dynasty paintings to appreciate the beauty of Song Dynasty costumes and makeup in detail. Song Dynasty costumes were renowned for their refined and elegant beauty. -- Chu Yan During the Song Dynasty, there was a significant shift in female body aesthetics. While plumpness was considered beautiful in the Tang Dynasty, thinness became the beauty standard in the Song Dynasty. Simple and elegant clothing styles were widely popular during this time. In "Palace Concert Rehearsal," we can see characters dressed in simple and modest Beizi (long-sleeved garments) with straight collars and side slits. The loose fit and narrow skirt worn with a tight chest wrap fully showcased the slender and graceful physique of Song women. The painting "Enjoying the Moon…

Chinese costume dramas have gained immense popularity in recent years, both in China and around the world. These dramas are known for their intricate costumes, beautiful set designs, and of course, their unforgettable female leads. While each drama has its own unique story and characters, there are three distinct types of female leads that are commonly seen in Chinese costume dramas. In this essay, we will explore these three types of female leads and examine what makes each of them so compelling. Costume dramas are an enduring theme, particularly beloved by female audiences. Upon reviewing the performance of dramas over the past three years, we have observed that the female leads' characterizations have been continuously innovative in these popular works. Some are powerful and gallant heroines, whose continuous growth propels the work's excitement; while others are clever and lovable young ladies, naturally drawing closer to the audience and evoking emotional resonance.   Female Leads in Hit Costume Drama Among the latest and most popular five period dramas in the past three years, take "A Dream of Splendor," "Douluo Continent," "My Heroic Husband," "Love Like the Galaxy" and "Legend of Fei" as examples. "A Dream of Splendor" features a "career-oriented" female…

The Shang Dynasty, which ruled over a vast area of China from roughly 1600 BCE to 1046 BCE, is known not only for its impressive dynasty achievements in bronze casting, architecture, and oracle bone script but also for its exquisite attire and makeup. Clothing and cosmetics were more than just functional items during this era; they were essential elements that reflected one's social status, class, and personal taste. In this article, we will delve into the fascinating world of Shang Dynasty fashion and beauty and learn about the various styles, materials, and colors used by ancient Chinese people to express themselves through their appearance.   The Clothing of the Shang Dynasty Shang Tang, the head of the vassal state of the Xia Dynasty, led the vassal state to establish the Shang Dynasty in Bo (now Shangqiu) by winning the Battle of Mingtiao. The Shang Dynasty (about 1600 BC ~ 1046 BC) was the second dynasty in Chinese history, also known as the Yin Shang (殷商). It was the first dynasty in China to have direct written records in its own age. At that time, most of the texts were pictographic, or even just pictures. The Shang Dynasty has gone through…

The ancient simplicity of Qin, the elegance of Han, the splendor of Tang, the gracefulness of Song, and the dignity of Ming, every pattern and design of Han clothing is engraved with the mark of China's history. With the help of professional research, this article will share some basic knowledge of Hanfu clothing, inviting everyone to appreciate the stunning attire of Chinese ancestors.   01 Hanfu Clothing: A Comprehensive Dressing System Hanfu clothing has undergone thousands of years of evolution. It originated as an important manifestation of social ranking, etiquette, and lifestyle, while also reflecting the characteristics of different times through displaying the state of textile technology, aesthetic consciousness, and daily customs. After thousands of years of cultural accumulation, Hanfu clothing has become an important cultural symbol. It is not entirely accurate to call Hanfu the traditional attire of the Han people. Based on today's concept, Hanfu clothing should be considered the traditional attire of the Chinese nation as a whole. The Han ethnicity is inclusive, throughout the changing dynasties, Han clothing continuously absorbed foreign styles and underwent multiple periods of integration among various ethnic groups to develop rich styles and unique aesthetics. Therefore, Hanfu clothing is not merely the…

History of Lotus Pattern The origin of the lotus pattern in China can be traced back to ancient times. During the Western Zhou period, bronze lamps were decorated with lotus patterns as ornaments. In the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period, lotus patterns remained an important decorative pattern for bronze vessels, with the Lotus and Crane Square Vessel being a representative example showcasing the skilled craftsmanship of the time. The vessel featured double-layered lotus petals as decoration on its lid, with intricately carved empty spaces between the layers, displaying exquisite artistry that seemed almost supernaturally created. In both ancient India and China, the symbolic meaning of the lotus was very similar, making it the ideal bridge for the spread of Buddhism. During the Wei, Jin, Southern, and Northern Dynasties, Buddhism was widely spread throughout the Central Plains of China, with lotus patterns becoming an important decorative design due to their high aesthetic and expressive value. This had a significant impact on the development of indigenous lotus patterns in China. During the Qin and Han dynasties, lotus patterns in China mostly took on a round flower shape, in keeping with traditional design concepts. However, as Buddhism continued to…

From conception to airing, "Till The End Of The Moon (长月烬明·月照千峰)" has garnered much attention and has not disappointed audiences. Since its premiere on March 6th, it has set a record for the highest viewership rate in two years among Chinese web dramas. Discussions about the combination of immortal fantasy with Chinese mythology, the fusion of modern special effects and Dunhuang aesthetics, and more have been ongoing and many netizens praise the drama's cultural significance and aesthetic style.   The Return of the Xia Spirit The first few episodes of "Till The End Of The Moon" are efficient and succinct. It immediately opens with a high-energy scene of the demon Tantai Jin unleashing mayhem, followed by an impressive display of special effects. Without wasting any time, it then launches into a plot about turning the future around. In just a few episodes, the female lead has already in the main storyline and try save humanity. The market is not lacking in Xianxia dramas, but what it lacks are good-looking ones. As the contradiction between users' increasing demand for good content and the inevitable homogeneity of content deepens, innovation becomes more urgent. "Till The End Of The Moon" redefines the boundaries…

As the weather warms up and flowers begin to bloom, many couples are looking for ways to celebrate the season of love. One beautiful option is by donning traditional hanfu together. With its flowing lines and elegant designs, hanfu has been a popular choice for couples who want to show off their affection while looking stylish at the same time. Hanfu Shidai has compiled several spring hanfu that are appropriate for couples.   Orchid The orchid is renowned for its delicate beauty and cool, charming fragrance. The flower petals are small, while the leaves are long and slender, resembling willow branches with clearly visible veins, unpretentious yet elegant. Throughout history, Chinese people have regarded the orchid as a symbol of elegance and purity, often grouped with "plum blossoms, bamboo, and chrysanthemums" to form the "Four Gentlemen". The term "orchid chapter" is commonly used to describe the beauty of poetry and literature, while "orchid friend" is used to express true friendship. Therefore, ancient people loved orchids, and orchid culture has infiltrated into people's daily lives. The earliest meaning of the orchid was as an auspicious symbol of love, expressing pure and romantic love for one's partner.   Hanfu Recommendation The design…

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,…

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…