Buying your first hanfu can feel overwhelming with the variety of options, brands, and price points. Assuming you can read Chinese, this guide will help you navigate Taobao, from understanding its pros and cons to key shopping tips, so you can make an informed purchase with confidence.

You may have heard of brushwork-style photography, but what exactly is it?

For starters, the term 工笔画 (literally "meticulous brush painting") might sound a little confusing when used to describe photography. Traditionally, it refers to a highly detailed, realistic style of Chinese painting that dates back to the Han Dynasty.

Hanfu, renowned as traditional Chinese attire, has long been admired for its rich cultural significance. Derived from careful studies of historical relics and ancient texts, hanfu is a recreation of the clothing worn by the Han Dynasty and subsequent Chinese dynasties. It follows precise patterns and proportions, with many of its designs meticulously based on archaeological discoveries and relics preserved in museums.

Today, however, it is more loosely associated with long, flowing robes made from multiple layers of fabric, evoking a specific "ancient Chinese" aesthetic that has been popularised by dramas, comics, and games. This modern interpretation of hanfu is increasingly popular, but some have argued that it shouldn’t be classified as hanfu at all, but xianfu (仙服).

Singapore's modern, urban landscape may seem far from ideal for a hanfu photoshoot, given its limited traditional Chinese architecture. However, with a little creativity, even the city's most unexpected spots can become breathtaking backdrops that showcase the timeless elegance of hanfu. Here are some of our favorite locations: