During the Tang Dynasty, which was the pinnacle of feudal society in China, many aspects reached unprecedented heights. Well-known achievements such as poetry, calligraphy, painting, and dance were accompanied by a vibrant clothing culture that became one of the most dazzling chapters in Chinese fashion history. Consequently, hairstyles also exhibited an unimaginable array of colors and postures.   High Bun The term "high bun" may refer to a specific type of bun hairstyle, but it is more likely a general term for tall buns. High buns were frequently seen during the Tang Dynasty and underwent continuous innovation in style. Many poets mentioned them in their works. The popularity of these high buns spanned the entire three hundred years of the Tang Dynasty.   Lofty Bun Lofty Bun (峨髻, e ji) implies grandeur and magnificence. It is widely believed that the hairstyle depicted in Zhou Fang's painting "Court Ladies Adorning Their Hair with Flowers" represents lofty bun due to its towering mountain-like appearance. However, some people associate it with flower-decorated bun because women in the painting wear golden and silver floral accessories.   Side Bun This type of bun existed as early as the Sui Dynasty. It involved creating a tall…

A film of such magnificence and grandeur, "Creation of The Gods I: Kingdom of Storms" has been in preparation for nearly 10 years, finally makes its way to the audience. The whole crew is inevitably filled with apprehension. As a master of oriental aesthetics, Ye Jintian (Timmy Yip) has previously designed costumes for numerous films and TV productions such as "A Better Tomorrow," "Rouge," "The Banquet," and "Red Cliff." In 2001, he won the Academy Award for Best Art Direction for his work on "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon," becoming the first and only Chinese person to receive this honor. However, when Ye Jintian took on the role of art design director for the Creation of The Gods movie, it was an unprecedented challenge for him. It is the largest project in terms of workload and scale that Ye Jintian has ever encountered. With over 200 members in the art team and a set covering 500 acres, Ye Jintian designed more than 120 scenes and thousands of costumes. From the magical city of Zhaoge to the ancient kingdom of Xiqi, from primeval forests to Kunlun's fairyland; from King Zhou with his martial prowess to Daji with her enchanting beauty; from mythical…

"Young Blood Season 2" premiered on July 29th, 2023, with main cast includes Zhang Xincheng, Zhou Yutong, Wang Youshuo, Su Xiaotong, Zheng Wei, Fu Weilun, and others. After a four-year hiatus, "Young Blood Season 2" has arrived as scheduled with the original team behind its creation. What's different this time is that Wang Juan not only served as the script planner but also personally took on the role of screenwriter. Such sincerity undoubtedly raises high expectations among viewers for a new round of plot developments. The second season continues the storyline and character settings from the first season. Set during the Qingli period in the Northern Song Dynasty era when young spies were trained in the Secret Pavilion by the Bureau of Military Affairs, it revolves around six intelligent and resourceful youths: Yuan Zhongxin who possesses great wisdom; Zhao Jian who combines beauty with quick-wittedness; Xiao Jing who refuses to take lives; Wang Kuan who never tells lies; Xue Ying who prefers solitude; and Wei Ya Nei (Wei Yuan) who has an outgoing personality, together they form Qi Zhai. After going through numerous life-and-death trials, they experience personal growth while remaining united and loyal to their country. In the first…

Vocab of Wrapped Flower Wrapped flower - 缠花 (chán huā) - a name used to called artificially made flower using the techniques of wrapping colored silk thread around cut-out pieces and combining each parts together to make flowers, animals, insects, etc. Spring Flower - 春仔花 (chūn zǐ huā) or 春花 (chūn huā). Used in this situation would mean various types of flower combined into a small batch each flower symbolize for different meanings in China. In this case, the flower would be a wrapped flower rather than a real flower.   History of Wrapped Flower Through ancient China, people held a profound appreciation for nature, which manifested in their beliefs of deities who governed natural forces to their interest in making poetry, music, and artworks that represented the beauty they saw. One remarkable custom in ancient China were the flower hair-pinning practice known as "簪花的习俗 (zān huā de xí sú)," where both men and women adorned their hair or hat with flowers, either fresh or artificially made. Talking about flowers, there are many artificial flower craftsmen that have passed down for centuries, including "ronghua" and "wrapped flower." The art of wrapped flowers originated during the Ming Dynasty and arrived in the…

Nowadays, hanfu is attracting more and more attention from enthusiasts due to its traditional charm. When choosing hanfu, enthusiasts no longer solely focus on the form, but also pay attention to style and color. This change in purchasing mindset has prompted hanfu designers to actively innovate and strive to provide a variety of styles. Today, let's explore the charm of different color schemes in hanfu.   Red Color Hanfu In traditional symbolism, red not only represents auspiciousness and completeness but also signifies wealth and grandeur. If we want to create a luxurious style or participate in formal hanfu events, we can choose a hanfu with a deep red as the base color, paired with pink for transitions or adorned with gold thread embroidery. This combination showcases an elegant style while maintaining intricate craftsmanship. Furthermore, when paired with golden hairpins and waist ornaments, it exudes dignity and beauty.   Blue Color Hanfu If we seek a fresh and casual dressing style, why not try the blue color scheme hanfu? Blue reminds us of clear skies and oceans; it is synonymous with freshness. Wearing blue-toned hanfu instantly transforms one into sprightly elves. For example, hanfu incorporates pink bows into the waist belt…

Once again, the annual summer season has arrived, and multiple top-tier S+ drama projects are being released. The competition among these prominent historical costume dramas is intense, as they strive to break viewership records. On one hand, there's the attention-grabbing cast of "Destined" that has sparked discussions; on the other hand, "The Longest Promise" makes a sudden appearance in an attempt to capture audience interest and attention. Amidst this fierce battle between major productions, a low-budget self-produced drama called "An Ancient Love Song" manages to carve out its own space in the realm of public discourse. Upon exploring the series synopsis, it becomes clear that it neither relies on conventional online literature adaptations nor boasts renowned actors; however, it surprisingly gains audience traction during this highly competitive summer season. Distinct from grandiose productions vying for attention through lavish displays, "An Ancient Love Song" primarily relies on passionate recommendations from its audience.   A Nonconventional Time-Travel Drama In terms of genre,"An Ancient Love Song" falls into the category of time-travel dramas wherein a modern-day male protagonist encounters an ancient "demonic queen," leading to a captivating love story. Notably innovative within this time-travel framework is its utilization of dual reverse chronological travel.…

The movie "Chang An (长安三万里, Chang An San Wan Li)" is a film brimming with talent and charm. Describing it as such is perfectly appropriate, for no other word captures its essence accurately. Its romance belongs to the youth rather than the grand palace banquets, and its richness belongs to the ambitious and talented individuals from all corners of the nation rather than mere material wealth. And yet, all of this is influenced by the ebb and flow of political affairs in the court. When it comes to flourishing Tang Dynasty, we have seen countless depictions of prosperous Chang'an - from theatrical novels to well-made commercial films, showcasing scenes like wine in Hua Qing Chi and open exchange with foreign countries. However, "Chang An San Wan Li" extends the panorama of Great Tang beyond that magnificent city: west Chang'an, south Yangzhou, Shangqiu & Liangtian, and Xiangyang. It strips away the mystique surrounding Chang'an City itself and even almost dispels any illusion about an era of prosperity. The starting point lies in two young men living far from courtly life: Jiangxia (present-day Wuchang area) near Huanghe Tower where they first met on a deserted piece of land - Li Bai and…

To truly understand the fashionable attire of Tang Dynasty women, one must not miss the renowned painting "Court Ladies Adorning Their Hair with Flowers". It is said that during the late 8th century in the Zhenyuan era, painter Zhou Fang created this masterpiece. This painting serves as a benchmark for ancient lady paintings and fully showcases the dressing essentials of fashionable Tang Dynasty women. Cctvnewscenter has made a fine interpretation of this painting, come and feel the charm of Tang Dynasty fashion.   The great Tang Dynasty style In this painting, there are five ladies with adorning flowers and one maid holding a fan. Enjoying themselves amidst blooming flowers and elegant cranes, with two playful dogs nearby. The dressings of these Tang Dynasty fashion influencers not only emphasize color coordination but also pay attention to layering, exuding sophistication and ambiance. The women in the painting wear dresses made from yarn or silk, which were considered to be the most fashionable fabrics in Tang Dynasty. A strapless long skirt trails on the ground while transparent shawl wrap around both sides. Loose and comfortable wide sleeves, mainly in shades of red with various decorative patterns. Let's focus on these ladies: the second woman from…

The Dragon Boat Festival (Duan Wu Festival, 端午节) is considered one of the oldest traditional folk festivals in China, alongside the Spring Festival, Qingming Festival, and Mid-Autumn Festival. According to records, the Dragon Boat Festival originated from the worship of celestial phenomena and evolved from ancient dragon rituals. The Dragon Boat Festival is an auspicious day associated with this imagery of a soaring dragon; thus, both dragons and dragon boat culture have always been an integral part of its historical legacy. The term "Duan Wu" itself first appeared in Fengtu Ji during the Jin Dynasty. However, nowadays when most people mention the Dragon Boat Festival, they often associate it with Qu Yuan's legend. Legend has it that on the fifth day of the fifth month of the lunar calendar, Qu Yuan tragically sacrificed himself by plunging into Miluo River out of loyalty to his country. Upon hearing this news, local villagers rushed to their boats to rescue him. Worried about their speed not being fast enough, they vigorously rowed while also fearing that fish would devour Qu Yuan's body, hence throwing rice dumplings into the river. Later on, people designated the fifth day of the fifth month of the lunar…

From the enchanting landscapes of ancient China to the modern fashion runways, the timeless elegance of Hanfu garments continues to captivate hearts across the globe. As we embrace the warmth of summer, it's time to dive into the fascinating world of fabrics that effortlessly blend tradition with comfort, bringing forth a refreshing sartorial experience. Still bothered by what fabric is cooler for hanfu? This article will introduce you some common fabrics for summer hanfu.   01 Preliminary introduction to modern clothing fabrics Modern clothing materials can generally be categorized into three types: natural fibers, artificial fibers, and synthetic fibers. Artificial and synthetic fibers can also be combined to form chemical fiber. Natural fiber mainly refers to animal or plant-based fibers such as cotton, linen, wool and silk. Cotton has excellent moisture absorption properties while being breathable and warm but is prone to wrinkling; linen fiber doesn't curl easily but wrinkles easily with a rougher texture. Artificial fiber (also known as regenerated fiber) is made from natural polymers. According to the shape and usage of artificial fibers, they are divided into three categories: rayon, viscose staple fiber, and artificial wool. Important varieties include viscose fibre, acetate fibre, cuprammonium rayon fibre etc.…

The "Jiaoling Youren (交领右衽, cross-collar-and-right-wrapped, the left lapel covers the right lapel when wearing)" based on flat cutting is a typical collar that has been passed down in the Chinese civilization for thousands of years. It fully embodies the diverse and integrated pattern since ancient times, carries Chinese common cultural connotation as a nation, and is a symbol of the spiritual essence extracted from the long history of Chinese civilization. Chinese traditional costumes are profound and have a long history, Jiaoling Youren is like main threads linking thousands of years' of flowery clouds together to inherit continuously with boundless beauty. The character "衣 (clothing)" already existed in oracle bone script which reveals its structural feature: two lapels overlap each other forming into textual symbols.   01 What is Jiaoling Youren One of the most prominent features of Hanfu is the collar design that crosses left over right to form a "Y" shape known as the Jiaoling Youren style. This collar design has more than 5,000 years of history since Zhou Dynasty. Even though Hanfu keeps innovating with different styles such as straight collars, tank tops, and stand-up collars, the cross-collared Hanfu still maintains its mainstream position among these styles.  …

In 1904, the construction of the Bianluo Railway began. As a part of the later Longhai Railway, this transportation line passed through Mangshan to the north of Luoyang city, an ideal place for emperors, officials and civilians to choose their burial grounds since at least the Eastern Zhou Dynasty. The construction of modern railways undoubtedly broke the peace of another world, but it also allowed underground treasures to see daylight again. Among many damaged Tang tombs, a type of color-glazed ceramic funerary object that had never been seen before by people drew attention from antiquarians; this is "Tang Sancai". Since then, people have been indulging in the gorgeous and lustrous colors of Tang Sancai as if all the grandeur and majesty of Tang Dynasty were condensed into such an object. It was an era completely different from that during Qing Dynasty; gazing upon and playing with Tang Sancai might help one temporarily withdraw from chaotic times and dream peacefully in a book room filled with sandalwood aroma.   The Legacy of the Tang Dynasty In fact, although they are called Tang Sancai, there is no record of such object names in historical documents. The name "Tang Sancai (唐三彩, Tang Tri-color…

As a typical representative of Chinese traditional clothing culture, cheongsam has fascinated people around the world with its outstanding form. Although there are still many disputes over the definition of cheongsam today, it remains one of the most splendid and formal dress cultures in China's long history. At first, the style of Chinese cheongsam had tight cuffs, narrowed edges, slightly embroidered patterns and slightly longer hemlines. In the late 1920s, influenced by Western skirts, cheongsam underwent more obvious changes, tightening waistline to highlight curves and simplifying decorations. Cheongsam became a fitted curve shape that first reflected women's features such as concave-convex lines and laid a foundation for today's basic characteristics and fashion trends in women's wear. After the 1930s and 1940s, Chinese cheongsam reached a perfect maturity in design becoming world-renowned classic attire - this was also the peak period for cheongsams. High-collared necklines with waists sucked-in tightly; short sleeves fastened with knots or buttons; slanting fronts often opened high on one side; some dresses were short while others were long; cutting styles followed western skirt designs emphasizing smoother lines which made Chinese Cheongsams fit better to display female beauty figures. When wearing a Chinese Cheongsam dress woman’s graceful figure…

"Gone with the Rain" is a female costume drama led by Zhang Nan, Wang Yuwen, Sun Yizhou, Zhao Yingbo and Liu Meitong. It was broadcasted on June 5th, 2023. The drama is adapted from the romantic novel "Feng Yu Nong, Yan Zhi Luan" by Ni Luo. It tells the story of two sisters Mo Xi and Bai Fengyao who grow up together through ups and downs while always sticking to their inner justice and working together to resolve various crises. On the day of its broadcast, it immediately sparked discussions among netizens on social networking websites with almost everyone focusing on the portrayal of female characters. By abandoning conventional character designs for costume dramas and creating bold and agile female images that viewers want to see in such dramas. "Gone with the Rain" portrays both personal loyalty as well as national patriotism, during times when the country faces danger, personal emotions are intertwined with patriotism throughout. The drama does not directly focus on struggles between various factions in court but instead focuses on how Mo Xi & Feng Yao support each other against difficulties they face; portraying deep sisterly love as well as women's growth provides new inspiration for creating…

What is a tea ceremony? The book "Chinese Tea Ceremony", is explained as a cultural art that embodies the perfect combination of tea and culture, a means of cultivating oneself. However, when people mention tea ceremony, many think of the Japanese tea ceremony. Yet this ancient way of drinking tea has actually retained many Chinese Tang and Song dynasty customs. Over the past two thousand years, the way people drink tea has been constantly changing from simple to complex. It took Chinese people more than one thousand years to evolve from simplicity to complexity; then another one thousand plus years to return back to simplicity. Let us explore the Chinese tea ceremony by savoring a cup of warm tea soup while searching for flavors once tasted by our ancestors.   1 Tang Dynasty: The Art of Jian Cha Ceremony The most primitive way for Chinese people to taste tea was by eating it. Ancient people originally used tea leaves for medicinal and food purposes, boiling fresh leaves and consuming the liquid directly. Gradually, they discovered that tea had a refreshing effect on the body, leading to the development of cooking tea as a dish with added seasonings such as scallions,…

In the early 1920s, when the popularity of upper coat and lower dresses was dwindling, qipao quietly emerged and underwent bold improvements. This can be considered a remarkable revolution in women's clothing, elevating qipao to become one of the world's distinctive Eastern female outfits. During the Republican era, qipao was a long robe-style one-piece garment that cinched at the waist and highlighted women's natural beauty while accentuating their curves and slender figures. Instead of wearing long pants underneath, silk stockings, thread stockings or underwear were worn. The thin and transparent material of the cheongsam should be worn with a white petticoat, which also has white lace. In this way, the slender legs and lines can also be shown in the slit of the cheongsam. In this article, we will introduce the basic 9 type of cheongsam sleeve for you.   Sleeveless The sleeveless style is a universal design that can be worn by anyone regardless of body type or age. The most significant feature of this style is its coolness and comfort, showcasing one's entire arm, making it perfect for summer wear. Zhang Manyu wore many sleeveless qipaos in "In the Mood for Love", which complemented her tall and slender figure…

As June arrives, we first welcome Children's Day on June 1st. Let us enjoy the joyful atmosphere of Children's Day with this painting from the Southern Song Dynasty called "Bai Zi Tu." In the painting, children are seen riding on wooden horses, wearing masks, playing drums and flutes, dancing and performing plays, all kinds of entertainment for their amusement. While we reminisce about how carefree childhood was during this time, the third solar term of summer, Mang Zhong, arrives punctually on June 6th. Every year when mantises are seen in fields and farms it is a sign that Mang Zhong has arrived. It is also known as the busiest farming season where wheat is harvested followed by sowing late millet crops such as sorghum and broomcorn. There can be no delays during this season. So what customs do people follow during Mang Zhong? In southern Anhui Province in China, after planting rice paddies people hold an Anmiao ceremony to pray for a good harvest in autumn. There are also many delicious foods to enjoy around Mang Zhong. In the south of China, Mei Zi (plums) have ripened and it's a great time to pick some during the rainy season and cook…

The caves with undulating heights and depths are truly spectacular; the exquisitely crafted statues are vivid and lifelike; the colorful and dazzling murals. For a thousand years, time has silently passed over this desert, proclaiming to the world the former prosperity and bustle of this place. Among them, murals are the most widespread and deeply ingrained art in Dunhuang. Dunhuang, known as the "Great Gallery in the Desert," has 735 caves, more than 2,400 colored sculptures, and over 45,000 square meters of murals. These precious works of human civilization include portraits of Buddha, stories of Buddha's life, myths and legends, Buddhist historical events, and Buddhist scriptures. Despite enduring wind and frost, these brightly colored murals still radiate their brilliance. To appreciate the beauty of Dunhuang, one must learn to understand the rich world within the murals. The following introductory guide to Dunhuang murals from "Art Culture China" will present the most beautiful side of Dunhuang to you.   Costumes in Dunhuang Murals In the Dunhuang murals, there is a group of people who believe in Buddhism and funded the excavation of the caves. They not only funded the painting of Buddhist themes but also depicted their own popular ideas and…

Traditional Chinese hanfu costumes has been pursued by many young people. The bustling streets and crowded scenic spots are often decorated with people’s figure in hanfu. Some enthusiasts even actively hold activities for traditional cultural communication. Chinese ancient clothing culture has a long history, from the top officials to the common people, there are corresponding clothing requirements according to different social status in ancient China.   I. Classification of Traditional Chinese Hanfu Clothing Ancient Chinese women's hanfu clothing can be divided into three parts: Shou Fu (首服, headwear), Ti Fu (体服, main clothing), and Zu Fu (足服, footwear). Although the styles are varied, they can be generally divided into upper and lower garments or up-and-down-attached style. Before the Western Zhou Dynasty, clothing was mainly upper and lower garments. The upper garment was called "Yi (衣)", and the lower garment was called "Chang (裳)". During the Spring and Autumn and Warring States period, people combined the upper garment and lower garment into one piece of clothing, which was called "Shen Yi (深衣)". "Shenyi" has been the representative clothing of the Spring and Autumn and Warring States period. Many documents have recorded its characteristics. The annotation in The Book of Rites - Shenyi…

An increasing number of young people are beginning to experiment with wearing hanfu, these clothing styles, which were widely used in different historical dynasties in ancient China, are now being reintegrated into contemporary life and have become an important part of youth culture.   The Origin of Hanfu Culture: From Niche to Popular Typically, the origin of the modern Hanfu culture is traced back to 2003. On November 22nd of that year, a power worker named Wang Letian from Zhengzhou, Henan, walked into a downtown commercial street wearing hanfu. This event was reported by Singapore's Lianhe Zaobao, making Wang Letian the first modern Chinese person wearing hanfu to appear in public. Wang Letian was introduced to hanfu culture through forums Han Wang, and around 2003, the first hanfu enthusiasts gathered around Han Wang and other online hanfu forums, gradually forming the Hanfu circle. At the same time, some offline Hanfu culture communities began to be established. Around 2011, the subculture of adolescent internet culture rapidly developed. With the successive rise of the Lolita and the JK uniform fashion subculture, as well as the development of the cosplay community, hanfu has found its place among various clothing subcultures and has gained…