The First Hanfu Trade Center in Northwest China Opens in Xi’an

Xi’an Hanfu trade center

Hanfu, as a significant representation of Chinese traditional culture, is more than just historical attire—it is a cultural symbol that embodies the essence of the nation’s heritage. In recent years, Hanfu has been making a remarkable comeback, becoming increasingly popular in modern society. On the afternoon of April 8, the Xi’an Hanfu Trade Center was officially launched at Huadong Wanyuecheng in Xi’an, marking a new milestone in the Hanfu industry. The grand opening featured a mesmerizing performance of The Twelve Hours in Chang’an by a traditional Chinese music ensemble, as well as a stunning Hanfu fashion show titled Dreaming of Chang’an.

Singer Ren Jing, dressed in a magnificent Hanfu outfit, captivated the audience with his performance of Chang’an Blossom: The Song of Zhenguan, perfectly complementing the breathtaking Hanfu displays and bringing the beauty of Oriental aesthetics to life. This event further solidified Xi’an’s position as a Hanfu fashion hub and highlighted the growing prominence of Hanfu Trade Centers in China’s cultural landscape.

Blending Innovation with Cultural Renaissance

During the event, Kou Zengwen, president of the Shaanxi Garment Association, and Liu Aqin, Party Secretary and Executive President of the Qin Merchants Association, joined other industry leaders to discuss new strategies for developing the Hanfu industry in Shaanxi. Topics included preserving and promoting traditional culture, leading the rising Guochao (Chinese cultural revival) movement, and capitalizing on the growing market potential of Hanfu, particularly through the expansion of the Xi’an Hanfu fashion hub. The development of platforms like the Hanfu Trade Center plays a crucial role in shaping the future of the Hanfu industry and fostering the next generation of cultural entrepreneurs.

The surge in Hanfu’s popularity in recent years is more than just a passing fashion trend—it reflects a deeper sense of cultural confidence and national pride. According to public data, the number of Hanfu enthusiasts in China has been growing at an impressive rate of over 70% annually for four consecutive years. In 2022, the Hanfu market was valued at 12.54 billion RMB and is expected to reach 19.11 billion RMB by 2025, with an annual growth rate of 13.2%.

Xi’an Hanfu fashion hub is playing a key role in this cultural resurgence. Xi’an, in particular, has become a hotspot for Hanfu culture. From tourist attractions like the Great Tang Everbright City to casual everyday scenes in subway stations and streets, Xi’an Hanfu styles are becoming an integral part of the city’s modern lifestyle. Popular cultural performances such as The Twelve Hours in Chang’an, viral internet sensations like the Never-Falling Miss, and immersive historical experiences such as The Prosperous Tang Dynasty Mystery Box have all contributed to Hanfu’s mainstream appeal, turning it into a social media sensation and a key driver of cultural tourism.

Tradition Meets Fashion: A New Chapter for the Hanfu Industry

As one of the birthplaces of Chinese civilization, Shaanxi boasts a rich cultural heritage and a deep historical connection to Hanfu. Xi’an Hanfu culture, known as the starting point of the Silk Road and the capital of thirteen ancient dynasties, has a natural advantage in becoming a hub for Hanfu innovation and commerce. With the rise of Guochao (the Chinese cultural renaissance), the city is embracing this opportunity to merge tradition with modern trends.

At the Hanfu Trade Center in Xi’an, visitors were treated to an immersive experience, exploring beautifully designed Hanfu garments with elegant silhouettes, intricate patterns, and exquisite accessories. The fusion of ancient craftsmanship and modern fashion created a visually stunning display, drawing large crowds of Hanfu enthusiasts and curious shoppers alike.

According to organizers, the Hanfu Trade Center aims to serve as a centralized platform for Hanfu manufacturing, sales, and cultural experiences in Shaanxi. The goal is to build a dedicated “Hanfu Street” in Xi’an, offering a one-stop, immersive shopping and cultural experience for Hanfu lovers.

Kou Zengwen, president of the Shaanxi Garment Association, emphasized that the establishment of the Northwest’s first Hanfu Trade Center is a strategic move to strengthen Shaanxi’s textile and fashion industry. “By leveraging Shaanxi’s unique cultural heritage and textile resources, we hope to bring together local clothing enterprises, expand the supply chain, and establish Xi’an as a key marketplace for Zhou, Qin, Han, and Tang dynasty-inspired fashion,” he stated.

Looking ahead, the Xi’an Hanfu Trade Center will focus on innovation and quality, exploring themes like “New Hanfu, New Guochao” to create a sustainable and competitive Hanfu industry. By integrating traditional culture with modern fashion trends, the goal is to develop high-quality, creative, and premium Hanfu products. The ultimate vision is to make Xi’an a leading hub for Hanfu and Guochao culture, driving both cultural tourism and the fashion economy while promoting the high-quality development of Shaanxi’s consumer goods industry.

With this new Hanfu Trade Center, Xi’an is not just reviving its historical legacy—it is setting the stage for a thriving, modern Hanfu industry that blends tradition, creativity, and commerce, ensuring that the elegance of Hanfu continues to flourish for generations to come.

For more on Hanfu, the Guochao movement, and other cultural initiatives in Xi’an, check out: here.