Caoxian county in Shandong, known as China's hanfu hub, held a hanfu brand new product launch on April 11 and a high‑quality development forum on April 12, signaling a strategic shift from scale advantage to brand and quality leadership.

In 2025, the county's hanfu sales exceeded 13 billion yuan ($1.9 billion), capturing half of the national market and reaching over 30 countries and regions. The county has nearly 3,000 hanfu enterprises, forming a complete industrial chain.

The 2026 Caoxian county hanfu brand new product launch is held in Heze, Shandong, showcasing quality hanfu brands that were included in the first branch of the county's brand portfolio. [Photo/Dazhong News]

At the launch event in a digital economy industrial park, the "intelligent (humanoid) robot garment industry base" was inaugurated. Partnerships were signed to integrate smart technology with traditional hanfu design. A brand matrix cultivation plan was unveiled, with 30 selected local brands such as Luoruyan, Shifang, and Qiuchun receiving policy and resource support.

A humanoid robot dressed in hanfu, is on display during the High‑quality Development Forum of Hanfu Industry in Caoxian county, Heze. [Photo/Dazhong News]

The following day, the High‑quality Development Forum of Hanfu Industry, a part of the 2026 World Peony Conference, brought together experts from universities and research institutes. Discussions covered cultural heritage, fabric innovation, overseas communication, and enterprise practices. Ceremonies honored local hanfu talents, appointed overseas promotion ambassadors, and hired senior industry advisors.