As 2025 draws to a close, China’s fashion scene is witnessing a cultural resurgence rooted in heritage reimagined. The xin zhongshi (Neo-Chinese) movement, which merges classical aesthetics with contemporary design, has become a defining force in Asia’s creative industries.
This year’s Shanghai Fashion Week showcased the trend’s global appeal, highlighted by Adidas’ 2026 Chinese New Year collection. Titled Power of Three, the line features jade-inspired buttons, cloud-pattern quilting, and palace-skirt hems – all reinterpreted through streetwear silhouettes. The collection underscores how traditional craftsmanship is being revitalized to resonate with Gen Z consumers.
Industry analysts note that this cultural pivot aligns with growing domestic demand for fashion that balances national identity with modern functionality. Over 68% of Chinese millennials surveyed this year expressed preference for brands incorporating cultural elements, according to market research firm Daxue Consulting.
The trend extends beyond apparel, influencing architecture and product design across the Chinese mainland. As Beijing prepares to host the 2026 Winter Olympics, observers anticipate this fusion aesthetic will feature prominently in China’s global cultural diplomacy efforts.
