Full-time Hanfu model Qingyin: China's Gen Z is learning Chinese culture and history through Hanfu
13 Video Views·Mar 9, 2026
Full-time Hanfu model Qingyin told CGTN that she is optimistic about the future of Hanfu, saying that Chinese people are increasingly freeing their minds and thinking outside the box and are becoming more inclined to accept traditional arts. In the end, she thinks, things that are beautiful are popular with everyone. She also believes that China's Generation Z is learning about Chinese culture and history through Hanfu clothing. She herself began learning interesting snippets of history from different dynasties because of the Hanfu she wore. For example, many people might have stereotypes relating to specific dynasties, but through research, she has learned very novel and interesting stories.
Around 2018 I had just begun learning about
Hanfu and at the time I was simply drawn
to its appearance—thinking everyone seemed
to love wearing such elaborate styles
I love dressing up in ways that I think look great on me
The opportunity arose because I was fortunate enough to meet my own Bole
where I connected with two wonderful photographer friends
who discovered me
and invited me to pose for numerous photos
It was because of these photos that I became well known
to everyone so that's how I ended up entering this industry
I've been participating in Hanfu fashion
shows since 2019—I'm somewhat of a regular at
such events—but coming to a comic convention
like this today is still quite fresh for me
Rarely do I get the chance to attend events at the comic convention
I used to be a dance instructor but now since Hanfu
events are happening so frequently it no longer feels
like our usual standardized work—like the kind of
structured formal performance-based job it once was
So now some of my previous
work is temporarily on hold
That would definitely be very helpful—for instance
when merchants are looking for models they’re
also happy to find individuals
who have studied dance
or opera or who have a certain classical posture
A couple of years ago strangers might have stared
in odd ways but I've noticed that in the past two
years Hanfu has developed incredibly quickly and public acceptance of it has been growing steadily
Now when I go out I feel people mostly
praise me so I don't feel uncomfortable at all
I think people's minds are becoming increasingly free
and open no longer constrained
by the rigid rules of the
past which is why traditional
arts and in fact all that
I consider beautiful are finding renewed appreciation
All are widely accepted
I'm certain about that—even though I'm
not part of the 95ers or 00ers—I started
learning about the stories from various
dynasties precisely because of Hanfu
We've all had stereotypes about many dynasties
before but through Hanfu
through the research and
insights shared by numerous Hanfu merchants and
pioneers I've gained a much deeper understanding
That is some very curious and fascinating stories from history