Hanfu finds ideal setting in East-meets-West hub
Gaining traction
Lin Zhihui, a fellow from the Department of Chinese History and Culture at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, teaches ancient clothing-themed courses, and had been a judge in a hanfu modeling competition. She agreed there's a trend that young people are more willing to take part in hanfu activities or wear hanfu on special occasions.
"When the hanfu modeling competition was held at Lok Fu Place (a mall in central Kowloon) in 2023, every floor was filled with enthusiastic onlookers," recalls Lin.
She says people are now more willing to express themselves and wear hanfu, and even incorporate it with modern dresses, such as by wearing a blouse on top. These changes allow people to wear hanfu more often in their daily lives.
As for the influence these changes may have on hanfu's characteristics, Lin says the tradition itself is changeable, flexible and inclusive. As hanfu becomes easier to practice in modern society, it may encourage more people to learn more about it, helping to promote the traditional attire in the mainstream.
Han Yike, 23, who works in the education sector and fell in love with hanfu six years ago, says she always wears the costume at traditional festivals or major events. "The beauty of hanfu goes beyond its gorgeous appearance. It's unique and elegant."
