Love for hanfu binds people together

Video bloggers help promote traditional Chinese attire to wider audiences

Editor's note: The efforts to promote traditional Chinese culture have reached far and wide. This page looks at how these efforts, which align with the Belt and Road Initiative, enhance connections between peoples and civilizations.

Hanfu, the traditional Chinese attire, has gained popularity as a symbol of Chinese culture, captivating enthusiasts from around the globe.

Rian Neves, a 29-year-old Brazilian, for instance, was fascinated by China's vibrant history and diverse culture, since his arrival in the country more than five years ago.

Growing up with his grandparents in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Rian joined the military after completing his education. However, he soon felt the need for a change in his life, prompting him to make a life-changing decision to move to China.

Supported by his family, Rian traveled thousands of kilometers to a foreign land, where he encountered a huge culture shock since he didn't know the Chinese language, as well as stark differences in culture, cuisine, environment, and way of life.

"At that time, my English was not good, and I could barely speak anything in Chinese. I felt very lonely as a new arrival," he said.

To overcome this disorientation, Rian engaged with Chinese friends who provided unwavering support and introduced him to various facets of Chinese culture. Through their companionship and frequent outings, his interest in Chinese culture gradually increased, and he began to feel more at ease.

In 2019, Rian and his friends stumbled upon a group of young Chinese individuals dressed in hanfu by the picturesque West Lake in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province. Impressed by the flamboyant hanfu styles, Rian developed a fascination for this traditional costume.