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The "craze" for traditional costumes among young people in China.
Hanfu encompasses the clothing worn during several periods of Chinese history. The most popular styles were during the Tang, Song, and Ming dynasties. Hanfu attire typically includes a brightly colored robe and a skirt with intricate embroidery.
In recent years, according to SCMP, Chinese people have been increasingly wearing hanfu-style clothing on the streets, especially in major Chinese cities. More and more teenagers are turning to wearing the attire as a fashion statement and a reflection of their mainland Chinese cultural identity.
Hanfu embodies the cultural identity of the Chinese people.
"Only when people are truly interested will more people want to learn about hanfu and understand its history better," the Chinese government has been promoting a stronger sense of national identity among its citizens and inspiring the building of cultural trust. In recent years, hanfu has become a visual symbol of China's Hanfu revival movement.
Thanks to the influence of historical dramas, young people in China not only wear this glamorous and beautiful fashion style at cosplay festivals or cultural events, but also apply it to their daily lives. There's even a day called Chinese Traditional Clothing Day, first held in April 2018.
Hanfu, the traditional attire of the Han people dating back thousands of years, has gradually returned to everyday life in various forms.
During the Lunar New Year, the surge in searches and purchases of Hanfu (traditional Chinese clothing) clearly reflects this trend. According to data from the online shopping site Taobao, searches and purchases of modern Hanfu and Song Dynasty-style brocade fabrics increased by 683% and 2,058% respectively in a short period. This sudden increase shows that not only young people but also other demographics are increasingly drawn to the uniqueness and sophistication of traditional attire.
The allure of traditional costumes
In an interview conducted by Reuters, 27-year-old Li Doudou, a devotee of Hanfu, said: "When I wear Hanfu, I feel like the most beautiful woman in the world." CGTN, a Chinese English-language news channel, also produced a video report on this Hanfu trend.
This stems not only from the desire to take beautiful photos or preserve personal memories, but also reflects the respect and wish of young people to preserve traditional cultural values.
An elderly person stated that this is part of their ancestors' culture, so wearing them is nothing strange or unusual. Furthermore, many people who wear Hanfu say they feel a sense of escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life when they put on this ancient attire, allowing them to live at a slower pace.
Typically, a Hanfu outfit costs between 300 and 500 yuan (1-1.6 million VND). Fashion enthusiasts have even spent up to 80,000 yuan (267 million VND) on over 240 outfits in the past nine years, with the most expensive outfit costing 6,000 yuan (20 million VND).
Hanfu is not just a passing trend, but has become a part of the identity of modern Chinese youth.
Along with the strong economic growth, analysts believe that the surge in popularity of Han Chinese traditional clothing will boost the development of cultural tourism in the country.
Notably, last year the Communist Youth League of China called on the entire population to share photos of themselves wearing traditional clothing on social media during National Day celebrations. This call was not only aimed at encouraging national pride but also served as a strategy to promote Vietnamese culture to the world. This aligns perfectly with President Xi Jinping's policy of bringing traditional cultural values beyond national borders.
The tourism and photography industries in China are greatly benefiting from this trend. Museums, ancient towns, estates, and traditional gardens are constantly crowded thanks to the influx of visitors wearing Hanfu (traditional Chinese clothing). Not only does this enrich the travel experience, but professional photography services at these destinations are also thriving. Having artistic photos taken in ancient attire at historical sites has become a popular trend, especially during holidays and festivals.
This trend not only has a positive impact on the tourism and photography industries but also makes a significant contribution to preserving and promoting traditional Chinese culture.
Hanfu has transcended its function as traditional clothing to become a powerful cultural symbol, connecting the past with the present. For many young people, wearing Hanfu is not just a fashion statement but also a way to recreate and preserve the spiritual values of their ancestors. For this reason, Hanfu not only has cultural value but also offers profound insights into Chinese history and culture.
