The Rise of Guochao: A Defining Feature of China’s Cultural Landscape

In recent years, a cultural phenomenon has taken hold of China, captivating the imagination of its people and the world at large. Guochao, or China chic, has become a defining feature of China’s cultural landscape, permeating fields such as clothing, cuisine, furniture, architecture, music, and industrial manufacturing.

• Guochao has become a cultural trend that reflects the nation’s growing confidence in its own heritage.
• It has led to a surge in demand for traditional Chinese garments, as well as museum-inspired creative products and peripheral merchandise inspired by period dramas.
• The market value of Chinese traditional costumes is estimated to reach 250 billion yuan ($34.85 billion) this year, indicating a significant shift in consumer behavior.

The Influence of Guochao on Contemporary Chinese Fashion

Fashion is one of the most emblematic domains of guochao. Young people dressed in traditional Chinese garments have become a common sight during holidays, expressing their individuality and appreciation for traditional aesthetics. Guochao has deeply influenced contemporary Chinese fashion design and consumption, with clothing featuring cultural motifs gaining immense popularity.

• Guochao has inspired a new wave of fashion designers to incorporate traditional elements into their designs.
• Traditional Chinese garments have been reinterpreted in modern ways, making them more accessible to a wider audience.
• The influence of guochao can be seen in the rise of “traditional-chic” fashion, which combines traditional elements with modern styles.

The Culinary World: Guochao’s Impact on Restaurants and Food Culture

In the culinary world, designs rooted in traditional culture have become a trend in restaurants’ decor, tableware, and food packaging. Iconic regional dishes have been reborn as guochao staples. Diners seek out these centuries-old delicacies of cities, and some restaurants even offer “imperial banquet” experiences, where guests don traditional attire and savor dishes accompanied by performances of classical music, dance, and poetry recitals.

• Guochao has inspired a new generation of chefs to create dishes that blend traditional flavors with modern techniques.
• Traditional dishes have been reimagined in creative ways, making them more appealing to a wider audience.
• The influence of guochao can be seen in the rise of “traditional cuisine” restaurants, which focus on serving authentic regional dishes.

Museum Cultural Creativity: The Heart of Guochao

Museum cultural creativity lies at the heart of guochao. Collecting cultural and creative products has become a must-do activity for museum visitors. Treasures in different museums provide fertile ground for the development of cultural creative products. They have evolved from simple artifact reproductions into a creative industry spanning fields such as publications, animations, and games.

• Guochao has inspired a new generation of artists and designers to create products that combine traditional elements with modern techniques.
• Museums have become hubs for cultural creativity, with many museums showcasing traditional cultural products and artifacts.
• The influence of guochao can be seen in the rise of “museum-inspired” products, which combine traditional elements with modern designs.

The Factors Behind Guochao’s Rise

The rise of guochao is no accident but the result of multiple factors. Culturally, social perceptions of traditional culture have changed in the new era. No longer seen merely as heritage to be preserved, it is now viewed as an organic part of modern life. Additionally, policies promoting cultural tourism and rural vitalization have rekindled interest in regional traditions. Nationwide events like dragon boat races, flower-basket performances, and ethnic cultural events have brought living culture into the mainstream, amplified by digital media.

• Guochao reflects a shift in cultural attitudes, where traditional culture is no longer seen as separate from modern life.
• Policies promoting cultural tourism and rural vitalization have contributed to the growth of guochao.
• Digital media has played a significant role in amplifying guochao’s influence and reach.

The Economic Impact of Guochao

Economically, guochao represents a fusion of traditional culture with industrial and digital civilizations, a manifestation of China’s new quality productive forces. Here, traditional culture becomes a vital part of advanced productivity, while modern manufacturing breathes new life into it. This synergy mirrors the integration of the basic tenets of Marxism with the best of China’s traditional culture.

• Guochao has created new economic opportunities for traditional craftspeople and artisans.
• The industry has also attracted significant investment from domestic and foreign companies.
• The influence of guochao can be seen in the rise of “traditional-industrial” products, which combine traditional elements with modern manufacturing techniques.

The Future of Guochao

In essence, guochao is the zeitgeist of China’s cultural confidence, a warmth radiating from the nation’s reclaimed glory and its march toward new historical heights. As guochao continues to evolve, it is likely to have a profound impact on China’s cultural landscape, shaping the nation’s identity and influencing the world at large.

• Guochao is expected to continue its growth, driven by increasing demand for traditional Chinese culture.
• The industry is likely to expand, with new products and services emerging that combine traditional elements with modern techniques.
• The influence of guochao can be seen in the rise of “traditional-culture” tourism, which focuses on experiencing and learning about traditional Chinese culture.

About the Author

The author is associated with the Cultural Research Center, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily. If you have a specific expertise or would like to share your thoughts on our stories, please send us your writings at opinion@chinadaily.com.cn, and comment@chinadaily.com.cn.