hanfu

Spring in Luoyang offers countless reasons to visit: feel the breeze by the Luo River, admire the late-blooming peonies, savor the street-side beef soup, and perhaps even encounter a celebrity. Not long ago, Tong Liya visited Luoyang, where she witnessed the millennia-old charm and blooming vitality of the city. When actress Tong Liya encounters the ancient capital that thrived through thirteen dynasties, what breathtaking scenes unfold? The April issue of "National Geographic Traveler," themed "Blossoming Luoyang," has the answer. As night descends and the lanterns glow, the Longmen Grottoes light up with the brilliance of three thousand lamps, merging light and shadow art with the cave sculptures and natural scenery into a dazzling visual feast. Each moment in Luoyang's millennia-old history, from its landscapes to its cultural treasures, has traversed the passage of time to reach us today. Late at night, as boats glide past the Longmen Grottoes, fluttering garments and shimmering reflections on the water tell the city's thousand-year story. Over the 5,000-year stretch of civilization, Luoyang has witnessed countless ebbs and flows, while peonies have intertwined with the city's history like silent witnesses, narrating the brilliance and splendor of Luoyang's past through their beauty. Every April and May,…...

In the hallowed realm of wuxia, where moonlit blades dance and honor collides with treachery, there exists a tapestry woven from starlight and secrets. It is a world where the clash of steel echoes through bamboo forests, and the scent of jasmine mingles with the tang of blood. Within this intricate web of fate, “The Meteor, Butterfly, and Sword” (流星蝴蝶剑) unfurls—a tale that transcends mere legend. The Meteor: Meng Xinghun’s Fleeting Brilliance Meng Xinghun (孟星舜), a shadow among shadows, strides across the martial world like a comet ablaze. His life, like that celestial wanderer, burns brightly but briefly. As an assassin, he wields his blade with ruthless precision, leaving behind a trail of enigma and whispered rumors. Yet beneath the cold steel lies a heart yearning for redemption—a desire to escape the cycle of violence and find solace in the arms of love. The Butterfly: Sun Xiaodie’s Fragile Wings Sun Xiaodie (孙小蝶) flutters through this tale, delicate as a butterfly’s wing. Her beauty captivates hearts, but her spirit harbors secrets. She dances on the edge of danger, torn between loyalty and desire. For her, love blooms like a forbidden flower—an intoxicating fragrance that defies the rigid rules of jianghu. In…...

In the realm of captivating television dramas, "Longing Heart Season 2" emerges as a beacon of storytelling prowess and artistic depth. Recently announced to premiere exclusively on Jiangsu TV's Happiness Theater platform starting July 8th, the series is poised to continue its spellbinding narrative journey that began with its acclaimed first season. Adapted from Tong Hua's novel of the same name, "Longing Heart" transports viewers to a period of tripartite rivalry among the kingdoms of Xi Yan, Hao Ling, and Chen Rong. At its heart is the protagonist Wang Ji, also known as "Xiao Yao," who endures a century of tumultuous trials only to find solace in the tranquil town of Qingshui, where she becomes known as Wen Xiaoliu. Xiao Yao's cousin, Wang Sunjuan, traverses the vast wilderness in search of her, while Xiaoliu unwittingly saves the life of Tu Shanjing, a noble scion of Qing Qiu, forging a bond that blossoms into romance amid their daily interactions. Later, Xiaoliu becomes acquainted with Xiang Liu through a series of serendipitous encounters, eventually forming a deep bond of camaraderie. The path to reunion with Sunjuan proves fraught with challenges and twists before their eventual recognition. When "Longing Heart Season 1" aired…...

In a digital era where entertainment often leans towards the flashy and transient, Tencent Video's latest offering, "Renewal Journey," emerges as a refreshing tribute to cultural depth and human connection. Premiering on July 10th, this spin-off from the beloved series "Empresses in the Palace" (also known as "甄嬛传") embarks on a quest to explore and celebrate the rich traditions of ethnic cultures across China. At its heart, "Renewal Journey" is not just a reality show; it's a poignant homage to heritage and a celebration of life's enduring journeys. The inaugural episode whisked viewers to the historic city of Hetur Ala in Fushun, Liaoning, where the cast, led by Cai Shaofen (蔡少芬), embarked on a profound exploration of Manchu culture. What began as a cultural exploration soon transformed into an emotional reenactment of a traditional Manchu wedding, a spectacle that left both participants and viewers alike awestruck. The marriage rituals, meticulously portrayed by Lan Xi (斓曦) as the bride and Zhang Xiaolong (张晓龙) as the groom, included rituals such as "Shooting the Magpie," "Phoenix Three Bows," and the symbolic act of crossing the saddle. These age-old customs not only brought the past to life but also resonated deeply with the cast, symbolizing a personal and collective…...

In recent days, the historical drama Duhuanian (度华年), starring Zhao Jinmai and Zhang Linghe, has captured the attention of viewers. As the follow-up to the popular series "Moyu Between the Clouds," "Duhuanian" may not have achieved explosive viewership initially, but its narrative depth and character dynamics have gradually garnered increasing popularity. Adapted from the novel "Princess Chang," written by Moshibai, "Duhuanian" unfolds the story of Princess Li Rong, a regent of the Da Xia Dynasty, and Pei Wenxuan, the chief minister of the court. Their tale spans two lifetimes, marked by enmity and unresolved emotions. Li Rong (played by Zhao Jinmai) and Pei Wenxuan (played by Zhang Linghe) are portrayed as erstwhile adversaries who meet again after reincarnation, presenting a unique twist of youthful appearances with matured souls. This reincarnated love story offers viewers a fresh perspective, blending familiarity of long-term relationships with the novelty of new beginnings. Director Gao Yijun emphasizes the complexity of Li Rong, depicting her as independent, intelligent, and courageous, contrasted with Pei Wenxuan's outward arrogance and inner depth. Their second chance at life not only emphasizes seizing the moment but also cherishing the people around them. "Duhuanian" and its predecessor "Moyu Between the Clouds" inevitably…...

In the late summer of 2022, "Strange Tales of Tang Dynasty," produced by Guo Jingyu, written by Wei Fenghua, and directed by Bai Shan with Yang Xuwen and Yang Zhigang in leading roles, burst onto the scene as a dark horse, paving a new path in historical dramas labeled as "Zhiguai" (tales of the strange). Since then, updates about its sequel have continuously captivated fans. From the promise of the original team's return to the announcement of the sequel's narrative direction towards the west in "Strange Tales of Tang Dynasty II To the West", each new development has sparked renewed interest and speculation among fans revisiting the original series, anticipating the plot of the new installment. Prior to the premiere of "Strange Tales of Tang Dynasty II To the West," nearly 6 million members had already pre-booked their spots, eagerly awaiting updates. The first six episodes, featuring the unit "The Demonic Transformation," received the most feedback in the barrage comments: "still the same." It maintains the familiar grandeur of Tang aesthetics and the eerie intrigue of zhiguai, coupled with meticulous attention to folk customs that resonate deeply. Lu Lingfeng (played by Yang Xuwen) and Su Wuming (played by Yang Zhigang),…...

"Flames," (烈焰) starring Ren Jialun (任嘉伦), has set ablaze the summer TV lineup with its gripping storyline and state-of-the-art visual effects. Adapted from the popular webcomic "Wu Geng Ji," (武庚纪) the series has not only won over loyal fans of the original but also attracted a new wave of viewers, marking a significant milestone in the realm of Chinese fantasy adaptations. Since its debut in the spring of 2024, "Flames" has dominated streaming platforms, topping charts with an impressive viewership of over 12.84 billion cumulative views. Its success extends internationally, capturing the top spot on iQiyi's international platform in 14 countries and regions, spreading Chinese heroic tales and Eastern culture worldwide. The series' success lies in its meticulous attention to detail and bold innovations. Unlike previous adaptations that often faltered in fidelity to the source material, "Flames" combines faithful adaptation with creative liberties, enhancing the narrative's depth and visual appeal. This approach not only pleased existing fans but also attracted a broader audience intrigued by its immersive world-building and compelling characters. Crafting Visual Spectacles with Precision At the core of "Flames" is its groundbreaking use of visual effects (VFX), which elevate the storytelling to cinematic levels. Unlike typical TV productions, which often rely on a…...

In the realm of television drama, the wait for the second season of "Longing Heart" (长相思) has been a topic of anticipation among fans for nearly a year, following the resounding success of its first season. Recently, the official Weibo account of "Longing Heart" announced that Season 2 is scheduled to premiere on July 8th, featuring the original cast. According to a report from Cover News on July 3rd, the series will exclusively debut on Jiangsu TV on the same date. Let's rewind to July 2023 when the entire 39 episodes of "Longing Heart" Season 1 premiered on online streaming platforms. Shortly after its release, the series gained immense popularity, surpassing 33,000 in heat value due to its unique storyline, distinct characters, and high production standards. It became one of the hottest dramas of the summer of 2023. With the announcement of the premiere date for Season 2, glimpses of its standout scenes and climactic moments have already heightened audience expectations through teaser trailers. Particularly poignant scenes, evident from the trailers, showcase the emotional entanglements of the characters. Jiangsu TV has further indicated that they will innovate by airing both seasons consecutively: re-airing Season 1 during daytime slots and premiering…...

The Rise of "Changxiangsi 2" (长相思2) In the midst of China's summer television lineup, one series has captured both critical acclaim and audience fervor: "Changxiangsi 2." Starring Yang Zi (杨紫) alongside a talented ensemble cast including Zhang Wanyi (张晚意), Deng Wei (邓为）, Dai Luwa (代露娃), and Wang Hongyi (王弘毅), this historical drama debuted on Tencent Video with unprecedented anticipation and quickly became a focal point of the entertainment industry. The Phenomenon of Online Streaming and Audience Engagement "Changxiangsi 2" premiered on Tencent Video on July 8, 2024, and within just three hours, its viewership soared past 27,000, marking an auspicious start. The following days witnessed a steady rise, with the series surpassing 28,000 and 29,000 in subsequent days, eventually earning its place in Tencent Video's exclusive "blockbuster club." Alongside five other top-performing dramas, including "Fan Hua," (繁花) "Yu Feng Xing," (与凤行) "Cheng Huan Ji," (承欢记) "Qing Yu Nian 2," (庆余年2) and "The Story of Roses," (玫瑰的故事)"Changxiangsi 2" distinguished itself through its compelling storyline and stellar performances. Comparative Success: Analyzing Other Top Contenders Each of these dramas brings something unique to the table. "Fan Hua" captivated audiences with its intricate historical backdrop and complex character relationships, leveraging the powerhouse performances of…...

In the realm of historical detective dramas, "Records of Strange Events in the Tang Dynasty" has emerged as a refreshing wave. Anchored by the popular duo Guo Jingyu and Yang Zhigang, the series quietly captured attention initially, but swiftly rose to prominence due to its superior quality. Now, the much-anticipated sequel is finally on the horizon. "Records of Strange Events in the Tang Dynasty 2" is set to dazzle audiences next week, marking a full-blown resurgence for Peach Studio just in time for the summer blockbuster season. The first installment's gripping tales have undoubtedly left a lasting impression on many fans. Renowned for his formidable martial prowess, Lu Lingfeng (portrayed by Yang Xuwen) and Di Renjie's only closed-door disciple, Su Wuming (played by Yang Zhigang), bravely tackled and solved eight extraordinary cases within Chang'an City. In the second season, the duo shifts their focus from Chang'an to the Western Regions. Set during the prosperous era of the Tang Dynasty in 712 AD, the outward splendor and festivity mask the turbulent currents within the imperial court. The power struggle between the Crown Prince and Princess factions is nearing a boiling point. Having earned significant acclaim for their previous achievements, Lu Lingfeng…...