On July 13, 2026, a large-scale hanfu parade took place at Daiwangfu (Prince Dai’s Palace) in Datong, Shanxi Province, offering residents and tourists an immersive traditional Chinese cultural experience. The event combined procession performances, interactive activities, and live reenactments to bring the ancient city to life during the summer season.
Daiwangfu, originally constructed in 1392 during the early Ming Dynasty as the residence of Zhu Gui, the 13th son of the Hongwu Emperor, is one of the best-preserved princely palaces in China. Its grand halls, ceremonial gates, and traditional courtyard layout provided a historically authentic backdrop for the hanfu parade, enhancing the immersive quality of the event. The palace’s restoration in recent years has made it a key cultural tourism destination in Shanxi, regularly hosting traditional Chinese cultural events.
The Daiwangfu performance troupe appeared in full regalia, presenting a diverse program that included martial arts demonstrations, classical dances, and lively market-themed street performances. Performers dressed in elaborate Ming-style hanfu moved gracefully through the palace grounds, their flowing robes and accessories evoking the grandeur of the Ming Dynasty. The Ming-style costumes on display included various garment types characteristic of the period — standing-collar jackets, aoqun ensembles, pibo sashes, and ornate xiapei ceremonial shawls, showcasing the rich diversity of Ming Dynasty apparel.
Parade Route Through Historic Streets
The parade started from Daiwangfu Square and proceeded along Heyang Street, Yongtai Street, Gulou West Street, Xiasipo Street, and Qingyuan Street — traversing the most historically significant thoroughfares of the ancient city. The procession culminated at Huayan Square with a choreographed performance. This carefully designed route connected the historical space of Daiwangfu with the everyday urban fabric of the old city, allowing spectators to experience both Ming Dynasty costume culture and the charm of Datong’s ancient architecture.
Large crowds gathered along the route to watch and photograph the event. Many local residents and tourists were seen wearing their own hanfu, adding to the festive atmosphere. Social media posts from attendees described the experience as “walking through a living Ming Dynasty painting.” The parade also attracted a significant number of photographers and content creators, amplifying the event’s reach across Chinese social media platforms.
Ming Thousand Lights Festival Launched
To enrich the summer cultural tourism experience, Daiwangfu also launched the “Ming Thousand Lights and Grand Flame Festival” as part of its Ming Dynasty-themed summer program. Six core performances were unveiled, complemented by the “Great Unity of the World,” “Ming Dynasty Splendor,” and “Guochao ICH Heritage” series of shows. The festival features ICH handicraft displays, traditional craft workshops, and a guochao-style market, creating a comprehensive immersive experience for visitors.
The event leverages Datong’s historical and cultural resources in combination with the nationwide guochao tourism trend, injecting new vitality into the city’s summer travel market. Datong, known for the Yungang Grottoes and the Hanging Temple, has been actively positioning itself as a destination for cultural heritage tourism. The Daiwangfu hanfu parade and summer festival represent the latest effort in this strategy, tapping into the growing demand for immersive cultural experiences among both domestic tourists and international visitors.