Hanfu and Cultural Tourism: The Same Hanfu, A Different Celebration

Hanfu and Cultural Tourism: A Revival of Elegance Across Time and Space

Hanfu, a unique cultural symbol that carries over 5,000 years of Chinese civilization, is not only a shining gem of national heritage but also a vivid testament to the exquisite craftsmanship found in many of China’s intangible cultural heritages. In recent years, young people have embraced Hanfu culture with growing enthusiasm. No longer confined to the quiet alleys of ancient towns, Hanfu has gracefully made its way into bustling modern cities, blending with contemporary fashion to create a striking fusion of past and present. This Hanfu revival allows history and modernity to coexist beautifully, breathing new life into traditional aesthetics while evoking a deep sense of nostalgia and cultural identity.

This blending of old and new isn’t just a visual feast—it’s an emotional experience. It reignites people’s appreciation and respect for traditional culture, encouraging them to explore and connect with their historical roots. More importantly, the resurgence of Hanfu has become a driving force behind the innovation and growth of Hanfu and cultural tourism in China. Many regions are now integrating their unique cultural heritage with tourism, launching a variety of Hanfu cultural heritage experiences. These initiatives not only enrich the travel market but also inject new energy into local economies, fostering the dual development of both tourism and cultural industries.

In this thriving cultural movement, Hanfu is no longer just traditional attire—it has become a bridge between the past and the future, tradition and innovation, showcasing the timeless charm and contemporary relevance of Chinese culture. This Hanfu revival is not just about reviving traditional clothing; it’s about reconnecting with history in a modern context, with Hanfu and cultural tourism playing a crucial role in this transformation.

01. Handan’s “Warring States Robes”: A New Cultural Tourism Icon

“A robe from the Warring States era, a dream spanning millennia.”

Recently, Handan’s “Warring States Robes” have taken the internet by storm. This ancient city has seen an influx of young people donning these elegant, historically inspired garments, their fluid lines and rustic charm evoking the grandeur of a bygone era. As part of the growing Hanfu revival, these robes are not just a fashion statement—they represent a deeper connection to China’s ancient history and cultural traditions.

With a history spanning over 3,100 years, Handan is recognized as a “National Historical and Cultural City.” It has played a significant role in Chinese civilization, particularly as the capital of the State of Zhao during the Warring States period. In recent years, Handan has been pioneering Warring States Robes tourism, offering a new and immersive way for travelers to engage with its rich historical and cultural landscape. The Warring States Robes have emerged as a standout cultural symbol, seamlessly merging historical heritage with modern tourism.

These robes, inspired by clothing styles from the Warring States period, reflect the unique craftsmanship and aesthetic principles of ancient Chinese attire. Characterized by loose, flowing silhouettes, they were worn by both men and women of noble status. When in motion, the draped fabric forms an elegant “入” (ru) shape, exuding both grace and dignity. With the rise of “Guochao” (the trend of incorporating traditional Chinese elements into modern fashion), these robes have seen a resurgence in popularity among the younger generation.

Recognizing this trend, Handan’s cultural and tourism authorities have taken active steps to promote the Warring States Robes. The city has invited influencers and content creators to showcase these outfits, while local tourism boards have launched initiatives such as free entry to historical sites for visitors wearing the robes. This initiative allows tourists to experience history firsthand by walking through ancient ruins dressed in attire reminiscent of the era—offering a true Hanfu cultural heritage experience.

Handan’s rich cultural heritage, combined with its natural beauty and local customs, has propelled its tourism industry forward, contributing to economic growth and rural revitalization, marking a new chapter in Hanfu and cultural tourism.

02. Xi’an: Hanfu Bringing Cultural Tourism into the Spotlight

As one of China’s top travel destinations, Xi’an has leveraged its deep historical roots to captivate travelers from across the country. A major draw for visitors is the immersive cultural experience, with Hanfu playing a central role in shaping modern tourism trends and contributing to the broader Hanfu revival.

“Flowing silk and delicate embroidery, capturing the essence of ancient beauty.”

This sentiment resonates with the many visitors who don traditional Hanfu to explore Xi’an’s historical sites. Whether wearing a Quju Shenyi or a Qiyao Ruqun, tourists dressed in Hanfu can be seen strolling through the vibrant Tang Paradise, the Great Tang All Day Mall, and the Qujiang Pool Relics Park. As they walk through these scenic spots, it truly feels like stepping into a thousand-year-old painting.

Xi’an has seamlessly woven traditional culture into its urban identity, reviving the classical elegance of Hanfu while embracing the city’s rich history. More than just a fashion trend, Hanfu has become a cultural statement, symbolizing both a connection to the past and a celebration of heritage in modern life. This movement reflects Xi’an’s commitment to merging tradition with innovation, enhancing its reputation as a global cultural hub.

The city’s investment in Hanfu culture is paying off. Data shows that out of China’s 5,391 registered Hanfu-related businesses, Xi’an boasts 1,263, accounting for an impressive 23.43%, the highest in the nation. This dominance highlights Xi’an’s leading role in shaping the Hanfu industry.

By combining cultural preservation with tourism development, Xi’an has positioned itself at the heart of China’s Hanfu revival. The city’s deep affinity for Hanfu is not only driven by the aesthetic appeal of historical attire but also by the younger generation’s growing pride in their cultural heritage. Hanfu has become a defining cultural symbol of Xi’an, making it a central hub in the development of Hanfu and cultural tourism.

03. Hanfu as an IP: Boosting Luoyang’s Cultural Tourism Industry

Henan’s emergence as a cultural tourism powerhouse is no coincidence. Its rich historical legacy, coupled with continuous efforts in heritage promotion and content creation, has propelled the province into the spotlight. Henan’s “Walking in Henan, Understanding China” campaign has garnered over 4.5 billion online views, highlighting its growing influence in global cultural tourism.

Among Henan’s many cultural icons, one is gaining particular attention—Hanfu as a cultural IP (intellectual property).

Luoyang, with its deep historical roots, has fully embraced Hanfu, integrating it into a comprehensive tourism strategy that combines history, culture, and immersive experiences.

The city has introduced “Tracing the Goddess of the Luo River,” a theatrical performance that brings historical figures like Li Bai, Ji Kang, Li Qingzhao, Laozi, and Confucius to life through elaborate Hanfu-inspired stage designs. Featuring over 130 styles of Hanfu from various dynasties—including the Spring and Autumn Period, the Three Kingdoms, the Tang Dynasty, and the Song Dynasty—this performance breathes new life into Chinese history. Drawing inspiration from classic literature like The Rhapsody on the Luo River Goddess and the Twenty-Four Solar Terms, the production transforms historical narratives into an engaging visual spectacle, creating a unique Hanfu cultural heritage experience.

Luoyang’s embrace of Hanfu has turned it into a Hanfu tourism hotspot, where visitors actively seek out Hanfu rental shops as part of their travel experience. The city’s Hanfu-related businesses have grown to over 2,000, with major attractions like Luoyi Ancient City and Longmen Grottoes capitalizing on the Hanfu trend. During the Luoyang Peony Festival alone, tourism revenue reached a staggering 17.7 billion yuan, demonstrating how Hanfu has become a major economic driver.

Today, Luoyang has established a full-fledged Hanfu industry, covering everything from Hanfu styling, photography, and portrait sessions to an entire ecosystem of over 1,000 Hanfu-related businesses. Hanfu tourism has evolved beyond mere costume sales—it has become an immersive cultural experience. Particularly during traditional festivals and at historic sites, Hanfu has become a symbol of cultural pride and a sought-after travel experience.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Hanfu and Cultural Tourism

From Handan’s Warring States Robes to Xi’an’s thriving Hanfu scene and Luoyang’s cultural IP expansion, the growing popularity of Hanfu reflects a broader trend—a generation deeply connected to its cultural heritage. This rising enthusiasm presents both opportunities and challenges for local tourism industries, requiring them to continuously innovate and diversify their offerings to meet evolving consumer demands.The integration of Hanfu culture into tourism strategies is becoming a key factor in driving growth and attracting global attention to Hanfu cultural heritage experiences.

To sustain long-term tourism growth, regions must capitalize on their unique cultural assets, creating authentic and engaging experiences that resonate with travelers. Enhancing visitor services and digital marketing strategies can further boost engagement and attract younger audiences.

With continued investment in innovative cultural tourism, Hanfu is set to play a crucial role in shaping the future of China’s travel industry, transforming historic landmarks into dynamic cultural destinations.

For more on the rich history of Hanfu, visit it.