The annual college graduation season is drawing to a close across China. Unlike previous years, this year's graduation galas have witnessed many students donning graduation caps and gowns adorned with traditional Chinese decorations.

In addition to the recent resurgence of horse-faced pleated skirts (mamianqun) and floral hairpins, yunjian (literally translated as "cloud shoulder"), a decorative shawl worn over the shoulder, is the latest fashion accessory for graduation photo shoots.

As bright-faced students start a new chapter in their lives, more and more graduates prefer to celebrate this momentous occasion by reconnecting with their cultural roots.     

Best wishes

These days, it seems the nation's graduates are wild for "new Chinese-style" attire, and many universities are embracing this trend by incorporating traditional Chinese elements into the design of their graduation gowns. For instance, Shandong University in East China's Shandong Province introduced an exclusive yunjian for recent graduates.

A yunjian specially designed for Shandong University graduates. (Photo provided to People's Daily)

"Professor Liu Yan, the designer of the yunjian (pictured), said that the overall design adheres to the philosophy that 'every pattern carries auspicious meaning,'" noted Jiang Yi, a fresh Shandong University graduate.

The patterns on this yunjian mainly consist of two parts: the carp leaping over the Dragon Gate and a swallow heralding spring. These patterns symbolize accomplishment, courage and hope. The yunjian, dubbed "boundless ocean and vast sky," is a specially designed accessory that conveys the university's best wishes for students embarking on their new life journey.

Shandong University graduate Jiang Yi poses for a photo with the university's exclusive yunjian on her shoulder. (Photo provided to People's Daily)

The university also asked Jiang to be their yunjian model.

"This set of photos holds special significance for me, and the love and blessings from our school have been beautifully preserved with a camera for posterity," Jiang said proudly. 

Sense of identity

The resurgence of traditional Chinese attire is more than a fashion statement. It is a testament to the enduring appeal of traditional Chinese culture and the cultural confidence rooted in the youth of the nation's heart.

Young Chinese nowadays are passionate about Chinese culture and eager to demonstrate Chinese culture as they travel the world in their own uniquely expressive ways.

For example, on the other side of the Pacific Ocean, Tang Fan, a graduate of Syracuse University, wore traditional Han ethnic group Hanfu clothing and other "new Chinese-style" accessories at her graduation ceremony, displaying personal pride in traditional Chinese culture.

Syracuse University student Tang Fan attends her graduation ceremony wearing traditional Chinese Hanfu clothing. (Photo provided to People's Daily)

"Hanfu is not merely a kind of clothing but also a symbol of Chinese culture. I want to show my cultural identity at such a remarkable moment and pass on traditional Chinese culture's beauty and rich tapestry to the world," Tang explained.

She further recalled that many of her classmates and teachers at the ceremony had marveled at the exquisite craftsmanship and design of her Hanfu garments.

"I also introduced Hanfu to some of my friends and explained its history and cultural connotations," she added. 

Syracuse University graduate Tang Fan poses for a picture wearing Hanfu clothing. (Photo provided to People's Daily)

A blend of old and new

The "new Chinese-style" fashion craze offers a glimpse into the innovative inheritance and promotion of traditional Chinese culture. 

Thanks to a delightful fusion of modernity and tradition, traditional Chinese clothing has softened its original solemnity. The "new Chinese style" is gaining popularity among today's youth as it better aligns with their needs to show their distinctive personalities.

"We can inject fresh vitality into traditional culture via modern means and allow more foreign friends to understand and love Chinese culture. Innovative expression can bring traditional culture closer to people," Tang said.