Travel Notes
Chinese Culture

Accessories: Fans, Hats, and More

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Guide to Traditional Chinese Accessories

From folding fans to jade pendants, traditional Chinese accessories are more than decoration — they carry cultural meaning and social identity.

Folding Fans and Round Fans

Folding fans were the scholar’s essential accessory. When open, the surface could be painted or inscribed with poetry; when folded, it was tucked into the sash. Suzhou’s sandalwood folding fans are most famous, ¥30-500. Available at Suzhou Museum and garden souvenir shops.

Accessories: Fans, Hats, and More

Round silk fans are common in Tang Dynasty lady paintings. Now they’re essential props for Hanfu photography. Hand-embroidered round fans make lovely souvenirs.

Jade

Chinese people have worn jade for 7,000 years. “A gentleman compares his virtue to jade” — jade symbolizes moral purity. Common styles: jade bangles (women’s favorite), jade pendants (unisex), and jade safety buckles (“ping’an kou,” meaning “peace”).

Buying tips — jadeite (Burmese jade) is most expensive; Hetian jade (white/green nephrite) is China’s “national jade.” Yunnan’s Ruili and Xinjiang’s Hetian are origins. “Jade” at scenic spots is mostly glass imitation — buy from certified shops.

Other Notable Accessories

  • Silver jewelry — Miao ethnic silverwork is exquisite; Kaili, Guizhou’s silversmith village offers custom pieces.
  • 端午节传统配饰，装中药香料，驱蚊辟邪。Fragrance sachets — traditional Dragon Boat Festival accessory filled with herbal spices, believed to repel insects and evil spirits.
  • Hair pins — wooden, silver, or jade; essential for Hanfu styling.

Tips: Always ask for a certification (CMA/CAL certified) when buying jade. “Hetian jade” without certificates is most likely quartzite.

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