culture · 5 May 2026
Hanfu Wearing Today: What the Revival Looks Like in 2026
Hanfu — the historical clothing style of Han Chinese people — has gone from a fringe internet subculture to a mainstream fashion presence. Here is what the movement is, who participates, and where you will see it in Chinese cities.
Hanfu (汉服) — historical Han Chinese clothing — has grown from an internet subculture around 2000–2005 to a commercial mainstream in 2026. The market was estimated at several billion yuan in 2024.
Hanfu covers many historical dynasty styles: ruqun (short upper + long skirt, Tang/Song female), zhiju (straight-cut robe, Han dynasty), aoqun (padded robe + skirt, Ming), changpao (long male robes). All have cross-collar construction (right over left), wide sleeves, and sash fastening.
Who wears it: dedicated enthusiasts, casual tourists who rent hanfu at scenic sites for photographs (¥80–200 including hair styling), and young people attracted to the aesthetic through gaming and social media.
Where to see it: scenic areas and heritage sites (rental shops at the Forbidden City, West Lake, Lijiang, Wuzhen), temple fairs during Spring Festival and Lantern Festival, university hanfu clubs.
Hanfu rental at tourist sites is accessible to foreign visitors. The hair-styling process can take 30–60 minutes.
Tags
hanfu, fashion, culture, identity, traditional-clothing