The Zhou Dynasty, which lasted from 1046 to 256 BCE, was a period of great cultural and artistic achievements in China. One of the most notable aspects of this era was the fashion and beauty trends that emerged among the ruling class. From elaborate hairstyles to intricate makeup designs, the dress and appearance of the Zhou Dynasty were highly symbolic and reflected the social status and cultural values of the time. In this article, we will explore the fascinating history of dress and makeup during the Zhou Dynasty, revealing the intricate details and rich symbolism behind these ancient fashion trends.   The Clothing of the Zhou Dynasty During the Zhou Dynasty, which was the third slave society in Chinese history following the Shang Dynasty, there were a total of 32 monarchs and 37 kings who ruled for 790 years. The clothing system in ancient China was already well-established during the Zhou Dynasty. There were even official positions designated to manage the imperial clothing. The clothing style during the Zhou Dynasty era consisted of top and bottom – the upper part being called “Yi”, which was slightly looser than the clothing during the Shang Dynasty and had two types of sleeves…

Chinese fashion has had an independent, complete, and comprehensive cutting system since ancient times. However, since modern society, it has gradually been replaced by Western cutting techniques. Even traditional and ethnic clothing has to use Western cutting structures in order to survive. This state persisted until the revival of Hanfu. As one of China's traditional clothing, Hanfu not only has considerable influence but also has a different cutting method from Western fashion. However, this did not stop Hanfu from exploring fashion. For the past 20 years, there have been roughly four stages of exploration.   Traditional Shape · Daily Style - The First Exploration of Hanfu Fashionization In the 20 years since the revival of Hanfu, the road to fashionization has been difficult and challenging, but it has never given up moving forward. The audience of Hanfu continues to update, but there are always a group of people who are keen to explore the styles that are more suitable for modern daily life among the historical Hanfu styles. They make subtle adjustments to the size or structure based on the aspects where the wearing experience is not very good through daily wearing practice, making these styles more suitable for daily…

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…

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…

The Xia Dynasty, believed to be the first dynasty in Chinese history, lasted from around 2070 BCE to 1600 BCE. Despite its importance, little is known about the Xia Dynasty's customs and traditions. One area that has captured the interest of historians and anthropologists is the clothing and makeup worn by the people during this period. In this article, we will take a brief look into the fascinating world of Xia Dynasty costumes and makeup, exploring their styles, materials, and cultural significance.   The Clothing of the Xia Dynasty After successfully controlling the floods, Yu the Great was spontaneously supported by the people and established the Xia Dynasty. The system of succession was changed from abdication to hereditary. There were a total of fourteen generations in the Xia Dynasty, which lasted for about 471 years. This dynasty marked the formation of China's slave society, and the clothing system developed during this period, known as the "Guanfu" system, was one of the earliest forms of dress code in Chinese history. In ancient primitive times, clothing was primarily a result of aesthetic and sexual competition needs, followed by the requirement for warmth. During the periods of the Yellow Emperor, Yao, Shun, and…

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,…

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

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…

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

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…

The Mamian Qun, or the horse-face skirt, is a traditional Chinese dress that has a long history and a rich culture, and its elegant and graceful style. However, in recent years, the Mamian Qun has undergone some changes and innovations, thanks to the creative efforts of some designers who have given it a modern twist. In this article, we will introduce you to eight modern Mamian Qun that are stunning and fashionable. These dresses combine the essence of tradition with the elements of innovation, creating a new trend of Chinese dress that you don’t want to miss.   Style 1 It features a simple design with a piece of leather buckle, which not only adds to the aesthetic appeal but also helps to keep the dress in place. The fabric used in this Mamian Qun is not prone to wrinkles, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer a neat and polished look. The pleat style is stable, ensuring that it retains its shape even after multiple washes. Furthermore, this Mamian Qun particularly striking in the way it reflects light, displaying a golden sheen that catches the eye and adds a touch of luxury.   Style 2 This Mamian…

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

Among the many Tang Dynasty relics in the Xinjiang Museum's History Hall, two painted clay women figurines on horses are particularly attractive: "Horse and Female Rider". One is from Turpan Astana Tomb No. 187, excavated in 1972, showing a woman with dignified features, wearing a Wei Mao (帷帽), holding the reins in her left hand and sitting on top of a saddle, a typical image of a noblewoman riding a horse at that time. The other figurine was excavated in 1973 from Turpan Astana Tomb No. 216 and shows a woman riding a red horse with white skin and red lips, wearing a Wei Mao, which is quite charming. Looking at these two figurines of ladies, we can see a scene in our mind: in the city of Gaochang more than a thousand years ago, during the early spring, several fashionable Tang dynasty women wearing Wei Mao and riding their horses slowly, the ladies seem to be talking about something; and not far away, under the pavilion, a noblewoman with a graceful physique is concentrating on playing Go.   Mysterious underground history museum Astana is known as the "Underground Museum of Turpan", the ancient tombs are located in the northern suburbs…

In ancient China, women's headwear was very gorgeous, and in addition to gold and silver jewelry, beautiful flowers were often worn as accessories. In the Song Dynasty, from the court down to the folk, both men and women loved flower hairpins. In this article, let's explore the history of traditional Chinese flower hairpins.   Origin of Flower hairpins The earliest record of the custom of flower pinning is from the period of Emperor Gaozu of Han, in which Lu Jia wrote in his "Nan Yue Xing Ji" that women in the Lingnan region liked to wear jasmine flowers as hairpins. During the Sui, Tang, and Five Dynasties period, flower hairpin was very popular among the Central Plains. At this time, society was open, people pursued fashion and novelty, and there was a wide variety of clothing and accessories, including flower pins. In the painting "Court Ladies Adorning Their Hair with Flowers", we can see that the ladies are wearing peonies, lotus, hydrangea, and other flowers in their hair, which has a unique flavor. The Tang Dynasty also featured men wearing flower hairpins, and the emperor often rewarded officials and scholars with flowers. In the Song Dynasty, the custom of flower…

Are you looking to add some extra flair to your cheongsam outfit? Cheongsams are already a stunning traditional Chinese dress that exudes elegance and grace, but with the right accessories, you can take your outfit to the next level. Whether you're attending a formal event or simply looking to spice up your daily wardrobe, the right accessories can make all the difference. From jewelry, hats to handbags, there are many options to choose from. Here are some of the best accessories to match with your cheongsam.   01 Shawl A shawl can be a beautiful accessory to pair with a cheongsam outfit. One of the advantages of wearing a shawl with a cheongsam is that it can add an extra layer of warmth and comfort, especially if the dress is made of lightweight fabric. Additionally, a shawl can add a touch of elegance to the outfit, especially if it is made of luxurious fabric such as silk or cashmere. Another advantage of wearing a shawl with a cheongsam is that it can be used to add some color and texture to the outfit. A brightly colored or patterned shawl can complement the dress and create a beautiful contrast. It can…

As an objective visual aesthetic element, the color in nature has a stable aesthetic meaning as the cognitive ability of the aesthetic subject improves and the aesthetic interest accumulates. Human cognition of the objective color world is the sublimation of people from material cognition to spiritual cognition, so color has strong psychological properties and emotional factors. During thousands of years of history, the Chinese people, with their unique cultural character, have gradually formed their own philosophical and discursive view of color in their consideration of nature and themselves.   1 Traditional Chinese Color Theory Ancient Chinese color theory is mostly derived from man's profound understanding of ecological phenomena in nature, as well as the imitation and generalization of natural colors. On this basis, the ancients linked their understanding of color with the traditional "Wuxing (五行, five phases)" philosophy, forming a very oriental flavor of the "Wuxing & Wuse (五行五色, five phases, and five colors" color theory. When the ancients began to understand color at the beginning, they saw that everything in the world was covered with harmonious and beautiful colors, so they had the desire to follow suit and collected colorful objects for their own decoration. With a further understanding…