In the quiet corners of Shandong Province, Caoxian County is becoming an unlikely symbol of China's cultural renaissance. Once known for producing performance costumes, this region has pivoted to Hanfu—traditional Chinese attire—and harnessed live-streaming e-commerce to revitalize its economy. The integration of digital platforms with its traditional "front shop, back factory" model has turned local workshops into global suppliers.
"Caoxian has transformed itself into a cultural intellectual property," said Dong Chenyu, associate professor at Renmin University of China, in an interview with CGTN. He attributes this shift to rising interest in traditional Chinese culture and emphasizes that "cultural confidence stems from China's growing political and economic strength."
Analysts note that the Hanfu boom reflects broader trends: younger generations are embracing heritage, while e-commerce bridges rural producers with urban and international markets. For business professionals, Caoxian’s success offers insights into leveraging cultural assets for economic growth. Travel enthusiasts, meanwhile, may find the county’s blend of tradition and innovation a compelling case study in cultural sustainability.
