To meet growing consumer demand for various designs, the designers are also accelerating innovation.

In a studio, designer Chen Long and his team refine patterns that blend modern aesthetics with traditional forms.

"In the past, Chinese New Year attire was primarily red. This year, we have introduced several additional colors, as more young people have different preferences," says Chen.

Another design studio has produced a sought-after set featuring the image of a hundred birds paying homage to the phoenix, a symbol of harmony, prosperity, and virtuous leadership in traditional Chinese culture.

"This design is in extremely high demand. It features intricate craftsmanship, with patterns aligning perfectly at the center front seam," says designer Zhang Zichen.

"We prioritize fine workmanship while keeping prices affordable, which explains its strong sales," she says, adding that their factory produces no more than 10 sets per day to ensure quality.

Seizing opportunities presented by trends, the local government is developing a hanfu sector where culture fosters industry and industry promotes culture.

The county hosts immersive activities such as fashion shows to weave traditional culture into the fabric of modern life. Hanfu producers in the city have collaborated with more than 20 universities to produce co-branded doctoral robes.

Today, Caoxian boasts over 2,700 hanfu enterprises involved in design, fabric production, and sales, providing jobs for nearly 100,000 people. The county has developed a highly integrated industrial cluster, allowing for the complete production process from dyeing to finished garments within a 5-kilometer radius.

"We will continue to uphold originality and delve deeper into cultural heritage, ensuring that this industry becomes a solid force in boosting rural revitalization and showcasing cultural confidence," says Zhang Longfei, director of the Caoxian e-commerce service center.

Qiu Bing contributed to this story.