Ancient Chinese fashion finds a new stage in London

Hanfu is a type of Chinese clothing worn historically by the Han people, the largest ethnic group in China. It dates back thousands of years but has been having a revival this decade and it's estimated to have been worn by around 12 million young enthusiasts in China last year.

Xin Yizhang, host of London Hanfu Fashion Day and a student at King's College, London, says the popularity of traditional dress has surged as more young Chinese people embrace their culture.

"Chinese young adults are becoming more and more confident and they want to wear something of our own and from our country. It can represent our culture (historically) and it also represents the culture nowadays too," said the event host.

The Liyihuaxia Hanfu Model Contest is China's leading modelling competition dedicated to traditional clothing. This was the first time it was staged in London. The traditional dress contest for the London division was won by Xin Mingke, a King's College student.

"Hanfu is our tradition and it belongs to our history from very, very long ago," she told CGTN Europe. "It's changed, it's always changed and it's always so beautiful."

There was also a fashion category, with the contestants modeling outfits that combined traditional Hanfu with contemporary styles. Meng Hanyu won this contest and said it is a great way to introduce Hanfu to the West by giving the looks a modern twist.

The flowing silhouettes and intricate embroidery of Hanfu designs make it highly visual and particularly popular on social media. The London Fashion Day was an opportunity to attract a wider audience.

Emma, a PHD student in Physics, attended the traditional fashion workshop at the event after watching Chinese films inspired her to learn more about Chinese culture.

"Everyone was very welcoming and made us feel very accepted. They let us try their traditional clothes. They're very beautiful pieces," she said.

The catwalk even attracted tourists who were on holidays in the UK capital.

"We saw a young lady dressed with the traditional dress of China, and then she suggested we come here and see the festival," Bernard and Sunny, who live in Canada, told CGTN Europe.

The day also takes the audience on a journey through China's artistic traditions, with Guqin and Kun Opera performances as part of the cultural program.

Organizer Cao Shuting says she is very proud to see how the event fostered cultural exchange. She shared how when they were setting up during the night, a group of people walked past and were keen to learn more about the costumes.

"They wanted to know more about our culture. And they asked us, 'Where is the culture from? Where are the clothes from?' And we said,'It's from China.' And at that moment, we felt so proud of our culture."

These traditional dresses are serving not only as a means of preserving China's heritage, but also as a platform for connecting people and cultures.