At this year’s Lantern Festival Gala in the Year of the Snake, there was a program that featured some really decent men’s Hanfu. The program was titled “Coming of Age through Ritual”. Jackson Yee (易烊千玺) took on the lead – singer role. In the stage show, a group of handsome young men made a collective appearance in Panling Lanshan (襕衫), presenting the culture of the coming – of – age ceremony.

As the chorus of “Coming of Age through Ritual (《一礼成人》)” echoed through the screen, fourteen young men in blue Panling Lanshan gradually ascended. At that very moment, an elegant and scholarly atmosphere filled the air.

To be frank, we’ve witnessed relatively well – restored women’s Hanfu on numerous grand occasions. However, men’s Hanfu has always seemed to be somewhat absent. Although the Panling Lanshan on the Lantern Festival Gala still showed up as performance costumes, they managed to gain some spotlight, and it’s definitely worth a mention.

I. The History and Design of Panling Lanshan

Put simply, Panling Lanshan is a style of Hanfu. Its name comes from the horizontal hem added to the bottom of the garment. Initially, the Tang – style Panling Lanshan was a round – collar, cross – lapel robe with symmetrical inner and outer lapels. Later, it gradually evolved into the Song – Ming style with non – completely symmetrical inner and outer lapels. Moreover, the specific colors, silhouettes, and trims varied in different dynasties.

Generally speaking, in the ancient context, Panling Lanshan was the iconic clothing of the literati class and scholars. Today, it can be used for a wider range of purposes.

The design features of the Panling Lanshan in the program “Coming of Age through Ritual” are as follows:

• Cross – collar Structure: The Panling Lanshan adopts a cross – collar design, where the left and right lapels of the front overlap, embodying the symmetrical beauty of Hanfu. This design not only makes it convenient to wear but also showcases the wearer’s dignified demeanor.

Take a close look at the chest area, where the shape of the inner lapel can be faintly seen. Now, let’s take a look at the prototype of this garment:

• Wide Sleeves: The sleeves of the Panling Lanshan are relatively wide. They not only cover the body but also give an elegant and floating impression. The sleeves have wide cuffs, which echo the collar edges and the hem edges, creating a harmonious whole.
• Hem – Band (襕): A horizontal hem – band is added to the bottom of the robe. This helps to balance the overall look, preventing it from appearing top – heavy.
• Outer Flaps: As can be seen from cultural relics and the stage performance, there are outer flaps on both sides.

• Sashes: The inner and outer lapels of the Panling Lanshan are fastened with sashes, which makes it easy to adjust the fit. Only in the inconspicuous areas around the shoulders and neck, one or two fabric buttons and loops are used to secure the upper part of the outer lapel. In the Hanfu system, buttons and loops play an auxiliary role and are always hidden in unobtrusive places, rather than being prominently displayed.

II. Panling Lanshan: More Than Just for Coming – of – Age Ceremonies

Panling Lanshan carries profound cultural connotations. Nowadays, it is used in family sacrificial ceremonies and graduation ceremonies. Wearing a Panling Lanshan to a graduation ceremony is even more meaningful than wearing an ordinary academic gown. Additionally, the Shidian Ceremony (释奠礼, a ceremony to worship Confucius) is also an occasion where Panling Lanshan is appropriately worn.

III. Panling Lanshan: Cultural Confidence Worn on the Body

In this fast – paced era, being able to calm down and appreciate the beauty of traditional culture is truly a form of happiness. The Panling Lanshan in the program “Coming of Age through Ritual” is not just a piece of clothing; it is a symbol of cultural inheritance. It reminds us that no matter how the times change, some beautiful traditions are always worthy of our cherishing and passing on.

This cultural DNA hidden in the stitches might just be the secret to the global popularity of Li Ziqi‘s videos. The moonlight still shines on the Lantern Festival night in 2025. We are pleasantly surprised to find that traditional culture has never died. It has just found a new way to exist in the hustle and bustle of everyday life.