Chongqing- As a nocturnal breeze stroked past the iconic Zhangfei Temple in Yunyang on September 30, contestants participating in the first-ever Yangtze International Chinese Costume Art Competition made their appearance on the catwalk to the accompaniment of ancient melodies, dressed in gorgeous Han costumes along with intricately styled hair and makeup. While vying enthusiastically for top honors in this triumphant climax, contestants also demonstrated their deep passion for Three Gorges poetry and traditional culture. 

Once the stage hosts declared the contest open, participants dressed in traditional costumes took the stage one after another to perform elegant dance and martial arts routines. They displayed cultural accessories like fans, lanterns, and swords in a picture of aesthetic beauty that won bursts of applause from public viewers. 

The panel of judges selected champions, second and third-place runners-up, as well as excellence awards for multiple categories (Photograph/Official Event Album)

Interest in the Han style grows worldwide

Contestants featured professional models, everyday workers, and university students, including ten from overseas-based at SISU, who brought a unique international flavor to the proceedings. 

For example, An Dong from Russia wore a snow-white gauze dress with a folding fan, resembling a great poet from the Tang Dynasty. Afterward, he shared how the Belt and Road initiative has aroused intense interest in Han clothing and traditional Chinese culture in his hometown.

Meanwhile, Steven Nganga from DR Congo, an admitted fan of the story behind ancient general Zhang Fei, hopes to gain a deeper understanding of traditional costume by participating in this competition. In the future, he hopes to make this a future direction in his research and studies.

Ten overseas students from Sichuan International Studies University took part in the catwalk event of the first Yangtze International Chinese Costume Art Competition (Photograph/Official Event Album)

During this contest, which lasted over three hours, the panel of judges adhered closely to transparency, fairness, and impartiality as they carefully evaluated scores based on appearance, grace, and performance quality. Finally, judges selected champions second and third-place runners-up for the respective talent and catwalk groups, while ten further contestants and international students won excellence awards. 

Event winners become cultural ambassadors

Winners will enjoy the privilege of becoming publicity ambassadors for the Yangtze International Chinese Costume Art Exhibition and will feature in the official promotional video in the following edition next year. Additionally, they will be invited to experience the most famous scenic tourist attractions in Yunyang County as promotional representatives. 

A participant was on the stage during the show. ( Photograph/Official Event Album)

Ge Yue, the third-place runner in the talent group, commented on the night’s proceedings and her impression of Yunyang. “My costume tonight reflects the grace and prosperity of Tang Dynasty culture, and it was a true pleasure to display these magnificent costumes in this city I have come to love.”

An event organizer stated hopes the Yangtze International Chinese Costume Art Competition will become a platform to display the beauty of traditional culture and time-honored national costumes before a world audience. “The significance of our competition lies in presenting the beauty of national style and etiquette so that more people can understand them and increase their level of participation.” The organizer added.