In recent years, you may have seen young people walking through historic streets or even modern city centers wearing long flowing robes, wide sleeves, and intricate embroidery. No, it’s not a movie set. They’re wearing Hanfu, the traditional clothing of the Han Chinese.

Of course, I’m also a Hanfu enthusiast myself. I’ve mentioned in a previous blog post that I once wore a mamian skirt to my graduation ceremony. My professor told me I had great style — that compliment absolutely made my day!

But Hanfu is more than just a fashion statement. So — what does it actually mean?

Ⅰ. A Symbol of Cultural Confidence

The modern Hanfu movement began around 2003, as young people in China began reconnecting with traditional culture. What started as a niche community has grown into a widespread cultural revival. Today, people wear Hanfu not only during festivals or photoshoots but also to graduation ceremonies, museums, or even just a casual day out.

For many, Hanfu represents cultural pride, a peaceful celebration of heritage, and a way to say: “We remember where we came from.”

This quote from Bilibili creator Líntái Lìng (麟台令) offers a powerful reflection on the Hanfu revival:

“Looking back on the past 20 years of the Hanfu movement, what are we really trying to restore? It’s not just clothing — it’s the brilliance of a 5,000-year-old civilization, and the soul of a people that was lost for over 300 years. As descendants of Huaxia, our long and difficult journey has been about proving one thing: we are not a people without heritage.”

This captures the deeper emotional and cultural core behind the movement — it’s about reclaiming identity, dignity, and history.

Ⅱ. A Bridge Between Past and Present

While some purists favor historical accuracy, many modern Hanfu designs blend traditional shapes with contemporary touches — known as “Hanfu-inspired” or “Han elements.” This makes it easier for younger generations to wear Hanfu more comfortably and casually.

When I first started wearing mamian skirts, I didn’t really know how to style them properly either. So for friends who admire how beautiful Hanfu looks but feel hesitant to try, I usually recommend more modern, beginner-friendly styles to help them ease into it.

Ⅲ. A Type of Formal Attire for Chinese

Hanfu offers styles well-suited to Chinese body types and is versatile across different settings.

For major life events—such as graduations, weddings, and ancestral ceremonies—formal Hanfu garments like men’s lanshan (襕衫 ↓) robes or women’s Phoenix Crown ensembles combine exquisite craftsmanship with a grand, dignified appearance that reflects respect and composure.

In public or social occasions—like festivals, diplomatic events, or cultural celebrations—styles such as deep robes, round-collar robes, or wide-sleeved skirts for women convey elegance and quiet confidence.

Even in daily life, simple pairings like narrow-sleeved tops with skirts or pants still carry a sense of ease, grace, and cultural charm.

Ⅳ. Meanings in the Details

Another fascinating thing about Hanfu is that the patterns aren’t just for decoration—many of them carry deep cultural meanings and symbolism…

From phoenixes and cranes to clouds, peonies, and plum blossoms — Chinese dress designs are filled with symbolic imagery.

• Cranes symbolize longevity.
• Peonies stand for wealth and grace.
• Clouds often suggest good fortune.

Take the sea-and-mountain pattern (海水江崖纹 in Chinese) as an example — this classic motif combines stylized waves and cliff-like mountains, often with additional auspicious symbols. It’s more than decoration; it carries the powerful symbolism of enduring sovereignty and national stability.

Historically used on imperial robes, it represented a flourishing land, a stable realm, and the emperor’s supreme authority over mountains and rivers. Beyond power, the ordered structure and carefully chosen colors of the pattern also reflect Confucian values of ritual and harmony, making it not just a visual design but a vessel of tradition and meaning.

Even the way the robes wrap (right over left) carries meaning — it reflects traditional ritual practices and is tied to the Confucian ideal of order and harmony.

For others, especially overseas Chinese or international Hanfu lovers, wearing it becomes a way to connect with Chinese culture across borders. It’s not about ethnicity — it’s about understanding and appreciation.

Summary

“The upper garment and lower skirt symbolize the harmony of heaven and earth; the crossed collar and wide sleeves reflect the ancient belief in a round sky and square earth; the central seam and hanging ties represent integrity and righteousness.”

This isn’t just poetic praise for traditional clothing — it’s a tribute to the wisdom and values of Chinese civilization. Every stitch seems to carry the thought and care of generations past, holding within it the richness of a culture passed down for over a thousand years.

Hanfu is:

• A connection to cultural roots
• A quiet yet powerful form of self-expression
• A celebration of craftsmanship and elegance
• A symbol of China’s rising cultural confidence

In a world of fast fashion and fleeting trends, Hanfu stands apart — timeless clothing that tells a deeper story.