Gaining traction

Lin Zhihui, a fellow from the Department of Chinese History and Culture at Hong Kong Polytechnic University, teaches ancient clothing-themed courses and once served as a judge in a hanfu modeling competition. She agreed there is a trend that young people are more willing to take part in hanfu activities or wear hanfu to attend 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 people looking on," Lin said.

She said people are more willing to express themselves and wear hanfu, and even incorporate it with modern dress such as by wearing a blouse on top. These changes allow people to wear hanfu on more occasions in their daily lives.

As for the influence these changes may have on hanfu's characteristics, Lin said the tradition itself is changeable, flexible and inclusive. As hanfu can be made more practical in modern society, it may encourage more people to try and learn more about it, thus helping promote the traditional attire in the mainstream, she said.

Han Yike, 23, who works in education, fell in love with hanfu six years ago, and said she always wears hanfu at traditional festivals or major events.

"The beauty of hanfu goes beyond its gorgeous appearance; it's unique and elegant," she said.