This set of photos was captured alongside the iconic crimson walls of the Forbidden City. To harmonize with this blush-pink Ming-style Hanfu, I crafted a full-bodied, symmetrical traditional coiffure combining my natural hair with hairpieces, secured with over thirty bobby pins and accented with ornate ornaments of pearls, butterflies, and floral filigree, finished with long pink ribbons cascading down both sides. The fabric of the ensemble carries a soft luster; when struck by sunlight, the golden threads and pastel-blue embroideries of blossoms and birds glint with exquisite delicacy. The lower garment is a classic pleated skirt adorned with lavish hemline embroidery (dilan). Its tender pale-pink hue against the stark red walls of the palace generated striking, picture-perfect chromatic contrast.
Two handheld props accompanied this shoot: a woven rattan ball and a traditional thread-bound book. For the seated compositions on the ground, bundled within the voluminous folds of the skirt, I cradled the rattan ball in both hands, gazing downward with a subtle smile or meeting the lens. This stance was a test of core and lumbar strength, as the pleated skirt needed to fan out into a smooth, rounded drape without appearing crushed. The shot holding the book was framed standing up: holding the open volume in one hand while grazing the hair accessories with the other, keeping my demeanor poised and gentle. The dynamic action shots that followed were physically demanding—leaning playfully while hugging the rattan ball and eventually twirling in full circles. To get the skirt to billow into a perfect, buoyant bell silhouette, I spun five or six times; the ribbons in my hair whipped through the air, lending an energetic vitality to the snapshot as the tips of my embroidered shoes peeked through.
The afternoon sunlight angled across the scene, casting deep, dramatic shadows against the stone pavements and vermilion walls. The wide sleeves and standing collar of Ming-style Hanfu flatter the silhouette beautifully, though walking across the uneven flagstones of the Forbidden City in full ceremonial layers proved quite exhausting—especially when spinning, where the heavy textiles and complex hairpieces made it tricky to anchor my balance. Yet, standing before centuries-old architecture gazing up at glazed tiles and sweeping eaves, one feels every corner holds a timeless tale. The red walls and golden tiles paired with Ming-era regalia created an organic, deeply historical visual harmony. Free of exaggerated expressions, it was simply about quietly absorbing the ambiance and letting the camera capture the light, shadows, and fleeting mood of the moment.