Hanfu is traditional Han Chinese clothing with flowing robes dating back over 3,000 years (Xia Dynasty, c. 2070 BCE). It features crossed collars (jiaoling), wide sleeves, sash belt, and loose fit. Hanfu is worn for ceremonies, festivals, and cultural events.

Qipao (also called cheongsam) is a fitted dress with mandarin collar, side slits, and button knots (pankou) that originated in 1920s Shanghai. It is form-fitting and elegant, designed for modern formal occasions.

Lion Dance costumes are performance outfits used in the traditional Chinese lion dance, a UNESCO-recognized intangible cultural heritage. They include an ornate lion head, body, pants, and shoes — completely different from qipao, as lion dance is a performance art form, not a garment style.

Key difference: Hanfu is loose and ceremonial (3000+ years history); qipao/cheongsam is form-fitting and modern (100 years history). Lion Dance costumes are performance gear for the traditional lion dance art form.

Measure your chest (fullest part), waist (natural waistline), hips (widest part), and height. Compare with China Cart's detailed size chart (XS-5XL available).

Key tip: Traditional Asian sizing runs 1-2 sizes smaller than US/EU sizing. If you're between sizes or prefer a looser fit, order one size up. For formal hanfu and qipao, custom sizing is available at no extra charge - just provide your measurements during checkout.

Standard shipping: 1-2 weeks worldwide - FREE on orders over $150

Express shipping (DHL/FedEx): 1-2 weeks - $25-45 (calculated at checkout)

Orders are processed within 1-2 business days from our warehouse. Tracking information is provided via email immediately upon shipment. We ship to 190+ countries worldwide.

Yes. China Cart has been supplying authentic Asian costumes since 2003. Our hanfu designs are based on historical references from museums, academic sources, and UNESCO cultural heritage documentation. We work with artisans who specialize in traditional techniques including hand embroidery, silk weaving, and period-accurate construction methods.

For specific historical accuracy questions about a particular costume, contact our customer service with the product number - our experts can provide detailed information about the historical period and design elements.

China Cart accepts returns and exchanges within 365 days of delivery. Items must be unworn, unwashed, and in original packaging with tags attached.

For sizing exchanges, we cover return shipping within China. Custom-made items are final sale unless there is a quality issue. Refunds are processed within 1-2 weeks after we receive the returned item.

Yes! China Cart offers free custom sizing for formal hanfu and qipao. Simply provide your measurements (chest, waist, hips, height, shoulder width) during checkout in the order notes. Custom sizing typically adds 3-5 days to processing time.

For ready-to-wear items, we recommend ordering one size up if you're between sizes - our customer service team can help you choose the right size based on your measurements.

For Chinese weddings, the most popular choices are qipao/cheongsam (modern brides) and traditional bridal sets with fengguan (phoenix crown) and xiapei (ceremonial cape). Red is the traditional wedding color symbolizing luck and happiness. Prices range from $200 to $2,000+ depending on embroidery detail and fabric quality.

It depends on the fabric. Polyester and cotton costumes can be hand-washed in cold water or machine-washed on gentle cycle. Silk and brocade should be dry-cleaned only. Always remove accessories before washing, avoid bleach, and hang dry in shade. Cotton and linen costumes soften with each wash.

Yes, China Cart ships to 190+ countries including the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, France, Australia, Canada, Japan, and South Korea. Standard shipping (1-2 weeks) is free on orders over $150. Express shipping via DHL/FedEx (1-2 weeks) is available for $25-45. All orders include tracking.

Northern lion dance costumes have a full shaggy mane, realistic lion head, and are larger (1.2-1.5m). They emphasize acrobatic movements and are popular in northern China. Southern lion dance costumes (more common internationally) have a more stylized head, movable eyelids and mouth, and come in traditional and modern styles. A complete set includes head, body, pants, and shoes. Prices range from $150 to $800+.

It depends on the dragon length. A standard 9-meter dragon needs 9 performers (1 for the head, 7 for the body, 1 for the pearl/ball). A 18-meter dragon needs 18 performers, and a competition-grade 28-meter dragon requires 28 performers. China Cart offers dragons from 7 to 35 meters, with complete sets including the head, body sections, pearl, and performance poles.

A complete hanfu outfit typically includes: the main robe (yi), skirt or trousers (chang/shang), a sash belt (to tie the waist), hair accessories (hairpin, hair crown, or hair stick), and traditional shoes (cloth shoes or embroidered boots). For formal occasions, add a semi-circular collar (banbi) and outer jacket. Budget $30-80 for a basic accessory set.

Yes. China Cart offers bulk discounts starting at 10+ items (10-15% off) and wholesale pricing for orders of 50+ items (20-35% off). We have supplied costumes to 190+ countries. Contact our wholesale team with your requirements for a custom quote. Custom embroidery and logo printing are available for institutional orders.