Hanfu has been gaining popularity both in China and abroad in recent years, but that wasn’t always the case. Back around 2010, when I was still in elementary school, most people in China didn’t even know what Hanfu really was. The mainstream trends at the time had nothing to do Read more…
White wedding dresses are undeniably beautiful—that’s just a fact. But have you ever heard about some of the cultural taboos surrounding the color white in Chinese tradition? 🤔 In the eyes of some Chinese people, wearing an all-white Hanfu might look like you’re dressed for a funeral. Ⅰ. Ancient “White” Read more…
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 Read more…
Picture this: You stumble upon a photo of a Song Dynasty beizi – those elegant, flowing robes with delicate embroidery. You’re captivated. You imagine wearing it to a summer garden party. Then, a nagging question pops up: “Wait… can I, as a non-Chinese person, actually wear this?” If this resonates, you’re Read more…
There’s been quite a bit of discussion on Chinese social media about Jiang Yurong—the student speaker at this year’s Harvard commencement—and the cloud shoulder (yunjian) she wore over her graduation gown. Some people praised the look, saying it was a beautiful way for a Chinese graduate to showcase her cultural Read more…
In the historical drama In the Name of Blossom, a party scene unexpectedly features a live acrobatic performance. That spinning object—could it be a yo-yo? Let Silkdivas walk you through the story behind this unique traditional sport! Last year’s Spring Festival Gala featured a program called Jin Xiu, celebrating the Read more…
Does anyone know more about the unique historical role of eunuchs in ancient China? Lately, there’s been a lot of buzz around The Litchi Road, both the film and TV versions — but people have noticed that the eunuch characters wear different styles of their hanfu hats in each. So, Read more…
In the costume drama A Dream Within A Dream, Li Yitong plays Song Yimeng, a modern woman who time-travels to the past. In one scene, she ties her hanfu hair ribbon into a bow, leading viewers to ask: “Isn’t that ribbon style a bit too modern?” Ⅰ. What is that Read more…
Recently, the Tang Dynasty styling in The Litchi Road has been a hit among viewers. However, many netizens have expressed their frustration with the overly sharp, V-shaped faces of the actresses, commenting: “They’re so slim, they can’t even carry the grandeur of ancient China!” The combination of extreme face-slimming makeup and Read more…
Previously, Chen Duling appeared on a show wearing a fashion-forward outfit inspired by Hanfu. The design featured an off-shoulder cut that revealed her shoulders, giving it a stylish, modern flair. However, some netizens questioned whether it’s appropriate to modify Hanfu this way—wondering if it might be too casual or not Read more…