Dadaocheng cafe offers hanfu experience

Dadaocheng cafe offers hanfu experience

2025-07-23

Taipei’s Dadaocheng, with its rich historical roots as a thriving trade hub has evolved into a cultural destination where tradition and modernity coexist. In recent years, it has become a popular hotspot for people who appreciate hanfu -- a style of traditional Chinese clothing. FTV reporter Stephany Yang takes us to a store that specializes in hanfu from different historical periods.

Here at this store in Dadaocheng, visitors don elegant hanfu that features intricate embroidery and modern designs. Hanfu is experiencing a revival in Dadaocheng. Many visitors to this store in Dadaocheng embrace hanfu as part of their daily attire.

Catherine Huang
Hanfu enthusiast
In daily life, if you want to wear a dress or business suit, you can choose to wear hanfu for more formal occasions because hanfu also has many exquisite and formal styles. Hairpins are also very special. When you wear hairpins, you will feel very elegant. There is a wide range of hanfu to choose from. You can easily find one that suits you, and you can wear a more contemporary makeup look.

The Mamianqun, also known as the traditional Chinese "horse-face skirt," has seen a surge in popularity in recent years. Stylist Betty Chen suggests pairing it with more commonly worn pieces, such as lace tops or white blouses.

Betty Chen
Designer
We adapt traditional styles to suit modern aesthetics, incorporating them into everyday wear. For instance, my current outfit reflects a contemporary twist on classic designs. If you wish to achieve a more historical look, you could opt for a top-and-bottom “ruqun” set in the summer. Or you could pair a Neo-Chinese-style shirt with a skirt like this. Seasonal colors can enhance the overall ensemble, while embroidered earrings complement embroidered garments.

This store, established in Dadaocheng in 2017, specializes in hanfu from various historical eras. In addition to providing makeup, hairstyling, and accessory styling services, professional photographers are available to capture stunning photos for visitors. The space also doubles as a cozy café, serving hand-brewed coffee and handmade cookies. Furthermore, the store offers a curated selection of unique, handcrafted items for sale, including vintage-inspired accessories and decor. These exquisite pieces are handmade by Betty Chen and her team.

Betty Chen
Designer
We will incorporate natural floral and herbal elements into our designs and looks. For example, our shop allows for mixing-and-matching because historical clothing may not always be appreciated. We assist our patrons in taking photographs in their hanfu. The colors of Dadaocheng vary with the seasons. Everyone is familiar with the “purple Dadaocheng,” which is most prominent during the spring. When paired with the clothing here and the surrounding street scenes, it creates a harmonious picture."

Chen says, their vision goes beyond preserving tradition; it focuses on innovating and adapting hanfu for modern lifestyles. Through their designs and styling, the brand aims to inspire people to rediscover hanfu as a part of their daily lives and make hanfu accessible to all.

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