Hanfu Culture: Cross-Strait Exchange at Taoyuan Lantern Festival

Hanfu culture blossomed at a 2024 cultural exchange in Taiwan, uniting young enthusiasts from both sides of the Taiwan Strait. Organized by the Hanfu Research Institute, the event sparked passion for traditional Chinese clothing, culminating in the Taoyuan Lantern Festival’s Dynasty Carnival. In 2025, this celebration of cross-strait exchange continues to inspire, showcasing Chinese cultural heritage through vibrant Hanfu displays and shared appreciation.

“I first learned about Hanfu because of the recent popularity of Mamian skirts. I’ve always wanted to try wearing Hanfu, but it’s not very accessible in Taiwan,” said Wang Zihui, a junior at Ming Chuan University in Taoyuan, Taiwan. On the 19th, she joined a face-to-face cultural exchange event where Hanfu enthusiasts from both sides of the Taiwan Strait came together.

This exchange was organized by the Hanfu Research Institute under the China Cultural Promotion Association’s Fashion Culture Committee. Around 40 young Hanfu lovers from Taiwan signed up to participate. Two expert advisors from the mainland gave lectures covering topics such as the historical evolution of Hanfu, the distinct styles of different dynasties, clothing categories, and traditional makeup and hairstyling. Additionally, over ten Hanfu “ambassadors” from the mainland showcased outfits from various historical periods, bringing the essence of Hanfu culture to life.

After the presentations, many Taiwanese students eagerly tried on Hanfu for the first time. Wang Zihui chose a vertical-collared jacket paired with a pleated skirt, while her classmate Yang Ziling opted for a flowing scarf and a Daoist robe. Their eyes lit up as they admired the intricate designs of the Quju robe, the Tieli robe, and the strikingly vibrant Feiyu suit worn by the mainland presenters.

Tang Houxiang, a Hanfu designer from Hunan and one of the event’s guest lecturers, explained that while many people recognize the Feiyu suit from historical dramas, it’s actually not a specific Hanfu style but rather a decorative pattern used on clothing.

The organizing team behind this event hails from the mainland and has been actively involved in Hanfu cultural exchanges for over a decade. They have played a key role in hosting the annual Hanfu Cultural Week in Xitang, Zhejiang—a well-known event founded by Taiwanese lyricist Vincent Fang. Tang Houxiang has been part of this initiative for ten years and noted that many Taiwanese Hanfu fans first learned about the attire through the Xitang festival, which has become a bridge for cultural exchange between Hanfu lovers across the strait.

“In Taiwan, Hanfu information tends to lag a bit behind, while research and the industry on the mainland have progressed rapidly. But that’s not a big issue,” Tang said. “This trip is all about cultural exchange, and I believe everyone here can feel the passion we share for Chinese heritage.”

A Cultural Bridge in Taiwan

On February 19, 2024, 40 Taiwanese students, including Wang Zihui from Ming Chuan University, joined a Hanfu culture event in Taoyuan. Two mainland experts lectured on Hanfu’s history, dynasty styles, and traditional styling, while over ten ambassadors modeled outfits like Quju robes and Feiyu-patterned suits. “I’d only seen Mamian skirts online,” Wang said. “Wearing a pleated skirt and jacket felt like stepping into history.” This cross-strait exchange opened doors to traditional Chinese clothing for many.

“We came to Taiwan for this event because we want more people to see and appreciate the beauty of Hanfu,” said Mao Chaoxi, a Hanfu ambassador from Yunnan. “These outfits may come from different dynasties, but they are all part of our shared cultural heritage.”

For many young people in Taiwan, Hanfu—rooted in Chinese traditions—has great potential to resonate with local youth. They hope to continue spreading awareness among their friends and classmates, passing on the cultural appreciation just like the mainland ambassadors have.

Hands-On Hanfu Experience

Post-lecture, students tried Hanfu themselves. Wang Zihui donned a vertical-collared jacket, while Yang Ziling chose a flowing Daoist robe. Their excitement echoed as they admired intricate designs, learning that Feiyu suits, often seen in dramas, are decorative patterns, not distinct styles, as explained by designer Tang Houxiang. Such moments deepened appreciation for Hanfu culture, connecting Taiwan’s youth to Chinese cultural heritage.

Dynasty Carnival at Taoyuan Lantern Festival

The Taoyuan Lantern Festival (February 21, 2024) amplified this exchange with its Dynasty Carnival. Mainland ambassadors showcased traditional Chinese clothing, from Tang’s bold silhouettes to Ming’s structured skirts, hosting parades and Hanfu-themed photo zones. Visitors experienced Hanfu culture through wedding displays and cultural activities, blending tradition with festival vibrancy. In 2025, similar events promise to draw global fans to Chinese cultural heritage.

Tips for Joining in 2025

Want to dive into Hanfu culture? Try these:

• Visit Festivals: Attend Taoyuan Lantern Festival for Hanfu parades.
• Try Hanfu: Rent outfits at events for photos.
• Learn More: Explore China National Silk Museum for Hanfu history.
• Connect: Join exchanges via China Culture.