Listen to this articleHanfu, the traditional clothing of the Han Chinese, has a rich history that spans over three thousand years. It is an important aspect of Han culture and remains a fundamental keystone to understanding China’s traditional aesthetics. In modern times, casual dress such as Zhongshan suits have become more practical, but the Hanfu has been re-emerging in popularity among young people in China.
The Hanfu is made up of a yi (衣), a narrow-cuffed, knee-length tunic tied with a sash, and a chang (裳), a narrow, ankle-length skirt worn with a bixi (蔽膝), a length of fabric reaching the knees. The traditional Hanfu is red and green silk, with elaborate hats for men and hairpieces for women. Depending on the dynasty and time period, the Hanfu style ranges from colorful and extravagant to simple and modest. Each period also has its own hairstyle and make-up look.
The Hanfu Movement is a social movement aimed at popularizing hanfu and incorporating traditional Chinese elements into modern clothing design to promote traditional Chinese culture, especially among the youth in China.
