中国·福州——热爱城市从热爱美食开始

On May 1, Xiewei Street in Luoyuan County came alive with activity as a dozen photographers moved through the ancient Ming and Qing buildings. Their cameras captured not only the timeworn brick carvings and sweeping eaves but also the graceful movements of She women in their traditional Phoenix Attire. Recently, a video featuring popular actress Zhao Liying—filmed in Fuzhou and centered on intangible cultural heritage—showed her appearing alongside She women dressed in Luoyuan’s distinctive Phoenix Attire, a national-level intangible cultural heritage element. The video has since sparked renewed interest in this traditional She costume.

“Step half a pace to the left, so the embroidered tassels fall right where the light and shadow meet,” said Wu Guoqun, Deputy Secretary-General of the Provincial Photographers Association, as he composed his shot. Using the soaring eaves of the ancient street as a natural frame, he captured the flowing patterns of the Phoenix Attire. “The curves of the architecture echo the phoenix totems on the garments, creating a dialogue across time and space—a layered expression of ethnic culture and historical depth.”

Xiewei Street was designated as part of the sixth batch of provincial-level historical and cultural districts on April 22. During the May Day holiday, the district partnered with Bajing Village in Songshan Town to launch the “Phoenix Attire In-Depth Experience Week,” inviting visitors to try on traditional Phoenix costumes and experience the distinctive Phoenix hair bun. By the Caoqiao Wharf, Ms. Chen from downtown Fuzhou stepped into a full set of Phoenix Attire, proudly displaying the silver chains hanging from her head, symbolizing the phoenix’s tail feathers, as she posed for a photo. “After seeing Zhao Liying’s video, I couldn’t wait to try it myself. The intricate details of the costume are even more stunning in person,” she said. (Fuzhou Daily Reporter: Ren Siyan; Correspondents: Gao Kunying, Liu Qiyi)