Hanfu enthusiast leads new fashion trend in Kunshan

The traditional Chinese dress of the Han people is being revitalized in the Jiangsu city of Kunshan.

"What makes me feel so sad is that the public mistake my traditional Chinese hanfu for a Japanese kimono or Korean hanbok," says Chen Liumeihui, founder and leader of the Kunshan Hanfu Association.

The 28-year-old, who settled in Kunshan a dozen years ago, has long been fascinated with traditional Chinese culture, especially hanfu.

She recalls the moment she first encountered the art form – a photo showing a girl in hanfu that read "Can you identify our traditional costume?" – it deeply impressed her.

Since then, Chen began learning how to make and wear hanfu, gathering together a group of like-minded friends and co-founding the Kunshan Hanfu Association two years ago.

No more an indulgence in self-admiration, Chen encouraged her friends and members of the association to wear hanfu, and began planning and organizing cultural events, such as guessing lantern riddles and making tangyuan (sweet dumplings made of glutinous rice flour) to celebrate Lantern Festival.

"China is a country of exquisite costumes and I'm doing my bit to promote our traditional culture, and let more people know and be familiar with our clothes," Chen says.

The Kunshan Hanfu Association has by now attracted more than 300 members and plans to establish music and dance groups in the near future.