On November 12, 2024, Li Ziqi, who had not updated her YouTube videos for three years, returned. During the three years when Li Ziqi stopped updating, her number of YouTube fans increased by 5 million miraculously.
Who is Li Ziqi and Why Her Style Matters
Li Ziqi is a Chinese content creator known for her beautifully cinematic videos showcasing traditional Chinese culture, craftsmanship, and rural life. Born in Sichuan, China, she rose to fame on YouTube with her serene, aesthetically pleasing videos that depict her making traditional food, handicrafts, and even building furniture—all set against the backdrop of picturesque countryside scenery.
Li Ziqi currently has 26 million fans on YouTube.Her success on YouTube can be attributed to her unique storytelling style, which emphasizes slow living, self-sufficiency, and the beauty of ancient Chinese traditions. Unlike typical vlogs, her videos have minimal dialogue, allowing the visuals and ambient sounds to immerse viewers in a peaceful, almost meditative experience.
Li Ziqi’s rise to fame was also fueled by the growing global interest in Chinese culture and heritage. Her dedication to preserving traditional skills, combined with high-quality production and meticulous attention to detail, resonated with audiences across different cultures. By 2020, she had become one of the most-subscribed Chinese YouTubers, further cementing her influence in both digital media and cultural preservation.
Her style matters because it represents more than just aesthetics—it embodies a deep appreciation for traditional skills, sustainability, and a slower, more mindful way of living. In an era dominated by fast-paced digital content and mass production, Li Ziqi’s work serves as a reminder of the beauty and value of heritage, craftsmanship, and self-sufficiency. By blending ancient traditions with modern storytelling, she has not only revived interest in Chinese culture but also inspired people worldwide to reconnect with nature, creativity, and a simpler way of life.
Li Ziqi’s iconic dressing elements
On her YouTube channel, Li Ziqi’s wardrobe is as integral to her brand as her serene, rural lifestyle. She often opts for traditional Chinese garments—such as modern adaptations of the cheongsam or hanfu—with flowing silhouettes, delicate embroidery, and subtle, nature-inspired prints.
These iconic style elements, featuring earthy hues and minimalist details, not only evoke the timeless elegance of Chinese heritage but also harmonize perfectly with the rustic, pastoral backdrops of her videos. Her carefully curated looks serve as a visual narrative of cultural authenticity and refined craftsmanship, inviting global audiences to experience a slower, more poetic way of life.
How to Blend Li Ziqi’s Style into Western Wardrobes
Li Ziqi’s aesthetic celebrates the harmony of tradition and nature, but her style isn’t confined to rural idylls—it’s surprisingly adaptable to modern Western wardrobes. Here’s how to infuse her “wearable poetry” into your daily looks without sacrificing practicality:
The Art of Layering: Mix East and West
Hanfu-inspired jackets + Denim: Pair a loose linen or cotton jacket with wide sleeves (a nod to Hanfu silhouettes) over a simple white tee and jeans. The contrast of flowing Eastern lines and casual Western staples creates effortless sophistication.
Qipao meets Blazers: Elevate a minimalist qipao-style dress by layering a tailored blazer. This balances femininity with structure, perfect for office settings or brunch dates.
Accessorize with Intention
Subtle Embroidery: Opt for modern pieces with delicate floral embroidery—think tote bags, scarf hems, or collar details. These small touches channel Li Ziqi’s craftsmanship without overwhelming your outfit.
Knot Buttons as Statement Jewelry: Replace a standard brooch with a detachable handcrafted knot button pin. It’s an instant conversation starter that honors Chinese heritage.
Color Palette: Earthy Neutrals Meet Modern Minimalism
Li Ziqi’s wardrobe thrives on nature-derived hues like moss green, indigo, and terracotta. Integrate these shades through:
A linen trench coat in “Bamboo Green” for a timeless outer layer.
Neutral-toned accessories (e.g., a “Tea Brown” crossbody bag) to anchor brighter Western outfits.
Practical Occasion Ideas
Weekend Casual: A loose, side-tie linen shirt (inspired by traditional farmwear) tucked into high-waisted trousers. Add sandals for a relaxed yet polished vibe.
Evening Glam: A sleek satin cheongsam midi dress with slit details, paired with block heels. Keep hair sleek to let the fabric’s sheen shine.
Pro Tip: Start small! Many of our customers begin with accessories like embroidered hairpins or dyed silk scarves—subtle introductions to Chinese style that spark curiosity.
Trend Analysis: The Rising Demand for “New Chinese Chic”
The global fashion landscape is witnessing a quiet revolution: “New Chinese Chic” is no longer a niche aesthetic but a burgeoning movement captivating Western audiences. Fueled by cultural curiosity, sustainability values, and social media virality, this trend reimagines traditional Chinese elements for contemporary lifestyles. Here’s why it’s gaining momentum and how your wardrobe can join the wave:
1.The Data Speaks: Market Growth & Consumer Shifts
Explosive Social Media Influence: TikTok’s #hanfu hashtag has amassed over 800 million views, while Instagram posts tagged #ChineseFashion grew by 62% in 2023 (source: Vogue Business). Gen Z’s fascination with East Asian pop culture and “aesthetics of tranquility” drives this surge.
Retail Giants Take Notice: Fast-fashion leader Shein reported a 200% YoY increase in sales of its “Oriental Collection” in 2023, with embroidered jackets and mandarin-collar blouses topping wishlists.
Ethical Appeal: 68% of U.S. consumers under 35 prefer brands that celebrate cultural heritage (CBNData), aligning perfectly with New Chinese Chic’s emphasis on handcrafted techniques like plant-based dyes and artisan embroidery.
2.What Defines “New Chinese Chic”?
This trend isn’t about costume replicas—it’s a modern reinterpretation blending three pillars:
Silhouette Revival: Relaxed Hanfu-inspired cuts meet minimalist tailoring (e.g., wide-sleeve coats with clean lines).
Cultural Codes, Subtly Woven: Think discreet cloud motifs on totes or indigo-dyed denim using ancient Zhou Dynasty methods.
Sustainability Storytelling: Brands like Ziran and Brocade Collective market “farm-to-closet” narratives, highlighting organic ramie fabric and zero-waste pattern-making.
3. Why U.S. Shoppers Are Embracing It
Post-Pandemic Mindset: Consumers crave clothing with emotional resonance—garments that “tell a story” (McKinsey 2023 Report). Li Ziqi’s pastoral charm taps into this desire for authenticity and slower living.
Versatility Wins: Unlike traditional ceremonial attire, New Chinese Chic prioritizes adaptability. A convertible silk wrap skirt, for example, transitions from workwear to evening glam.
KOL Power: Western influencers like @ChloeFengStyle showcase how to style qipao dresses with sneakers, dismantling the “too ethnic” stereotype.
4. Capitalizing on the Trend: Opportunities for Fashion Retailers
For your independent brand, this trend isn’t just cultural—it’s commercial gold. Differentiate by:
Small-Batch Craftsmanship: Offer limited-edition runs of hand-embroidered pieces, appealing to anti-mass-production sentiments.
Educational Marketing: Include QR codes on garment tags linking to videos about the artisans behind the designs (e.g., Suzhou embroiderers).
Cross-Cultural Collabs: Partner with U.S.-based designers to fuse Chinese motifs with Western streetwear, like dragon prints on hoodies.
Your Invitation to the Movement
The New Chinese Chic wave isn’t fleeting—it’s a bridge between heritage and innovation, resonating deeply with today’s conscious consumers. At WingtuApparel, we curate pieces that honor tradition while fitting seamlessly into Brooklyn lofts or L.A. cafés.
Ready to lead the trend? Explore our East Meets Everyday collection—where every stitch carries a legacy, and every design defies borders.
Beyond Fashion — A Cultural Journey
Li Ziqi’s wardrobe is more than a collection of garments—it’s a tapestry woven with centuries of stories, whispered through every delicate stitch and earthy hue. When you embrace her style, you’re not just wearing clothing; you’re stepping into a living narrative of resilience, harmony, and artistry rooted in China’s pastoral soul.
From the indigo-dyed fabrics that mirror misty mountain valleys to the swirling embroidered peonies symbolizing prosperity, each piece carries the quiet pride of artisans whose skills have weathered dynasties. This is fashion that transcends seasons—it bridges ancient wisdom with modern sensibilities, inviting the world to rediscover beauty in simplicity and purpose in craftsmanship.
At Wingtuapparel, we believe clothing is a dialogue between cultures. Every design we curate honors this philosophy, transforming silent traditions into wearable conversations. Whether it’s a jacket cut with Hanfu grace or a scarf painted with ink-wash landscapes, these pieces are passports to a world where poetry meets practicality.
So, dare to wear more than fabric—wear legacy. Explore our collections and let your wardrobe tell a story that begins in rural Sichuan and finds its voice in your city streets. Because true style isn’t just seen; it’s felt, shared, and remembered.
Your journey into Chinese elegance starts here.
