Program Introduction
“A Thousand Years of Dress and Ritual: The Codes of Etiquette in Traditional Chinese Clothing” is a cultural learning and hands-on experience course designed for international students in China, as well as foreign residents, professionals, and visitors living or working in China.
In Chinese tradition, clothing carries values and expresses etiquette. Dress is not only a reflection of personal image, but also an expression of lifestyle, social norms, and ritual order. Centered on the aesthetics and etiquette culture of traditional Chinese clothing, the course guides participants to discover the unique charm of Chinese dress and understand the close connection between clothing aesthetics and traditional Chinese etiquette.
The course is highly accessible and suitable for learners interested in ancient Chinese clothing and ritual culture. With a strong focus on visual appreciation and immersive experience, it includes lectures, video viewing, costume try-ons, and etiquette workshops, helping students understand the cultural codes embedded in traditional Chinese dress.
Program Highlights
1.Explore Knowledge Through Lectures and Museum Resources
Learn about the clothing features and cultural backgrounds of different historical periods in China.
Understand the forms and evolution of traditional clothing across major Chinese dynasties.
2.Experience the Charm of Etiquette Through Videos and Interactive Learning
Understand the five major rites of life in ancient China, as well as basic garment forms and etiquette.
Become familiar with traditional clothing styles and dressing etiquette for different dynasties and occasions.
Learn the dress etiquette of representative ceremonies such as coming-of-age rites, auspicious rites, weddings, and refined cultural gatherings.
3.Experience the Beauty of Traditional Styling Through Etiquette Workshops and Immersive Practice
Experience the dress etiquette of refined gatherings, including incense appreciation, hanging scrolls, poetry, qin music, and tea rituals.
The course provides eight complete wedding outfits for men and women from the Han, Tang, Song, and Ming dynasties, along with accessories and styling. Students will experience traditional wedding attire in groups and learn details such as jade ornaments, hair styling, hairpins, floral ornaments, xiapei robes, phoenix crowns, and red ceremonial sashes.
Students will also take part in an immersive traditional Chinese wedding ritual and appreciate the beauty of traditional wedding attire.
Host Universities
Beijing Institute of Fashion Technology follows its educational positioning and distinctive strengths, upholding the philosophy of “integrating creativity with technology, and using technology to inherit culture.” The institute cultivates advanced applied professionals who meet the needs of the modern fashion industry, with solid foundational knowledge, practical skills, creativity, and scientific literacy. Over the years, the institute has trained many undergraduate, junior college, and postgraduate students who have contributed actively to China’s local fashion and creative industries. The School of Fashion Art and Engineering places great importance on this Study in China course project and will provide strong support in theoretical teaching, practice-based learning, and workshop training.
Daily Schedule
Learning formats include: Classroom Teaching, Mobile Classroom, Field Study, Innovation Workshop, Self-directed Learning, and Other Innovative Formats.
Classroom Teaching: in-school classroom instruction.
Mobile Classroom: mobile teaching conducted at relevant sites.
Field Study: visits to different practice-based learning sites, such as companies, venues, or institutions.
Innovation Workshop: hands-on practice-based learning activities for students.
Self-directed Learning: after-class individual or group learning in which students complete specific teaching objectives.
Other Innovative Formats: practice-based learning formats designed according to the course content, features, and highlights.
Program Information
