"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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…