Hanfu: The Forgotten Beauty

One

Maybe it’s the long history, the endless stretch of time, but Hanfu,

this beauty from a thousand years ago, slowly faded from memory.

Yet, she waited quietly, patiently, for the day she’d be rediscovered.

Thankfully, the bond spanning millennia wasn’t broken.

People found her again, and Hanfu reappeared in the world’s eyes.

Gently brushing off centuries of dust, Hanfu—China’s peerless traditional attire—reemerges with undiminished grace. Once fading from memory, this beauty from a thousand years ago now reclaims its place in modern culture. As silk robes flutter lightly, we witness the revival of China’s identity as the “land of refined attire” and “nation of etiquette” (China Culture.org)

“Silk robes flutter lightly, hems dance with the breeze.”

it isn’t just about the Han dynasty—it represents the entire Han Chinese nation.It embodies China as the “land of refined attire,” the “nation of etiquette,” and the “realm of splendid embroidery”—a beauty uniquely Chinese.

Two

Just a few years ago,

seeing someone in Han-fu on the street drew strange looks.

People would stare, puzzled, even shocked:

“Why are young folks dressing in such weird outfits?”

Meanwhile, in Japan, kimonos grace the streets regularly.

A country that once learned our clothing techniques

developed its own style over time,

made it their national dress, and kept it alive in modern life.

No one bats an eye when a kimono is worn out and about.

Back then, China was almost the only nation to have lost its traditional clothing.

Before passing, the writer Shen Congwen expressed his greatest regret:

“Chinese people don’t wear their own clothes.”

Indeed, many don’t see the point of wearing Han-fu or promoting it.

But an old saying goes:

“China is called Xia for its grand rituals;

it’s called Hua for the beauty of its attire.”

Promoting Han-fu isn’t just about its gorgeous looks—

it’s about understanding the history and heritage behind it,

rebuilding our cultural confidence.

Three

Now, more and more young people

are joining the Hanfu revival movement.

They step into the public eye wearing Hanfu,

explaining over and over:

“This is our own national clothing.”

They’re working hard to weave Hanfu into everyday life.

CCTV’s National Treasure took this to the next level,

not only showcasing meticulously designed costumes on stage

but also presenting two heavyweight artifacts:

the Gauze-Clothed Painted Wooden Figurine and the Ming Duke Yansheng’s Court Robe.

While dazzling audiences with a stunning fashion show,

it left a powerful reminder: “Protect history, preserve Huaxia’s attire.”

How long until Hanfu truly blends into daily life?

No one knows.

But as long as people keep pushing for it,

that day will come…

Peerless beauty, unrivaled Hanfu. Standing apart, a glance spans a thousand years.