China-chic keeps winning fans overseas

BEIJING -- A content creator recently shared a video on YouTube showcasing the souvenirs she brought home from a trip to China: a delicate hairpin, a panda pendant, several fridge magnets and a photo book featuring her dressed in Hanfu, a traditional style of Chinese clothing.

Her collection offers a glimpse into the growing appeal of China-chic, a trend that is bringing Chinese aesthetics, traditional culture and contemporary creativity to consumers and audiences both at home and abroad.

From traditional Chinese clothing and intangible cultural heritage crafts to cultural and creative products and homegrown brands, the concept of China-chic has been increasingly visible in China's consumer markets and among international visitors.

New Chinese-style outfit has emerged as one of the most recognizable expressions of the trend. Foreign visitors have tried on traditional Chinese clothing and taken part in Hanfu photography during their trips to China. For some, the experience has also led to purchases to take home and share on social media. The hashtag #Hanfu has been used in more than 350,000 posts on TikTok.

Data from the General Administration of Customs show that China's goods trade reached 25.47 trillion yuan (about $3.75 trillion) in the first half of 2026, up 16.9 percent year on year, with a growing number of culturally creative, technology-driven and brand-oriented consumer products entering overseas markets.