What did Chinese people wear 600 years ago? A new exhibition from Shandong, the hometown of Confucius, is offering Swiss audiences a rare look at the elegance and ritual of hanfu (traditional Chinese attire).

The exhibition opened at the China Cultural Center in Bern, Switzerland, on Oct 30. Jointly organized by the center and the Shandong Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism, with support from the Chinese Embassy in Switzerland and presented by the Shandong Museum, it drew about 100 guests from Switzerland's cultural, artistic, educational and media sectors. Cui Ke, counselor at the Chinese Embassy and director of the center, attended the opening.

The exhibition features three sections covering the origins of costume culture, clothing systems of the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644), and the inheritance and innovation of traditional attire. It uses 20 illustrated panels and 10 reproductions of Ming Dynasty garments to present classic designs, auspicious patterns, and traditional weaving techniques, highlighting the profound influence of Confucian rituals on Chinese clothing.

Alongside the displays, members of hanfu clubs from China, Switzerland, France, Germany, and Italy presented a hanfu fashion show. Visitors could also browse creative cultural products and try their hand at traditional stone rubbing.

The exhibition aims to promote cultural exchange between China and Switzerland and will run through Dec 31.

Visitors examine illustrated panels about traditional Chinese costumes at the exhibition in Bern, Switzerland. [Photo/WeChat account:sdswltwx]

Traditional Ming Dynasty clothing is on display for visitors during the exhibition. [Photo/WeChat account:sdswltwx]