Age-old Han attire sees modern appeal develop overseas

Ding Ding recalls introducing her students in London to hanfu, or ancient clothing worn by China's Han ethnic group, in 2013.

Before the class, in order to teach her students, the teacher from Shanghai had to learn more about it herself. "I learned about our history while researching the clothes," says the 35-year-old. "Sometimes, living abroad leads us overseas Chinese to feel a certain loss of identity - who we are and where we're heading. Wearing Han-style clothing helps guide me."

Ding joined the UK Han Culture Association in 2014. Overseas Chinese founded the group in 2007 to introduce and promote Chinese culture in Britain. She became the association's chair two years later. Ding appreciates the compliments she receives when she wears hanfu.