A Family of Four and Five Rulers: Our Hanfu Story
Dear Hanfu Companions Worldwide,
We are Shelia and Neil, an ordinary couple living in Beijing, China (Sheila works in foreign trade supply chain management, while Neil is engaged in medical sales). Our shared passion for traditional culture brought us together. We started our little family in 2012, welcoming our daughters Emily in 2016 and Elsa in 2017. As parents to these two little Hanfu enthusiasts, Emily and Elsa, we've experienced every pain point new Hanfu lovers face:
Receiving "children's Hanfu" with sleeve lengths of 140cm (which were actually adult sizes).
Being amazed by the embroidery and placing an order, only to find the fabric stiff as cardboard.
Trying to find authentic Tang Dynasty Ruqun, but ending up with stage costume-style sets.
Even bringing home a Mamian skirt and not knowing how to tie the waistbands correctly...
Seeing the disappointment and embarrassment in our daughters' eyes, we decided to change this ourselves—and that's how Jianxi Hanfu began.
Why "Jianxi" (Sword & Seal)?
Neil's favorite historical figure is Liu Bang, the founding emperor of the Han Dynasty. He always says: "Liu Bang's Serpent-Slaying Sword represents the courage to break with the old and establish the new, while the Imperial Seal symbolizes the relentless pursuit of excellence." This is exactly our founding spirit:
As sharp as the Serpent-Slaying Sword – Cutting through the traps in Hanfu shopping.
As solemn as the Imperial Seal – Guarding the commitment to quality in every garment.
The 5 Rulers (5DS): Our Family's Five Measuring Sticks
After stumbling through countless pitfalls, we gradually developed a five-dimensional standard for selecting Hanfu, and we want to share it with everyone to help you avoid the falls we took:
Fabric: Prioritize natural materials. (Higher manufacturing costs usually have good reasons.)
Craftsmanship: Insist on high-quality traditional techniques like embroidery, woven gold, and pleating. (Excellent and sophisticated traditional craftsmanship guarantees the texture.)
Style: Strictly distinguish between dynasty-specific styles. (No more awkward mix-and-match mishaps!)
brand endorsement: Thoroughly vet every Hanfu brand. (We present the brand's identity and the actual quality of the product to everyone.)
cost performance: Integrate supply chain resources from Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Suzhou, Caoxian, etc., Select high-quality suppliers with price advantages. (Shelia's area of expertise!)
Elsa always asks: "Mom, did this dress pass the five rulers test?" – Yes, sweetheart, every single one has.
This isn't just business; it's our family mission.
For hassle-free Hanfu shopping: Every piece you receive has been selected through the 5DS process, filtered by Neil's brand negotiations, Shelia's supply chain integration, and our daughters' supervision.
To set an example for our children: We see this as our future path, setting a good example of independence, innovation, and hard work for our kids, while also providing them a better life. Emily once made a wish: to take her sister to see the world, dressed in beautiful Hanfu.
To safeguard culture: We will continue to protect traditional culture and, with our humble efforts, inspire others to see the beauty of China.
A Final Word to Hanfu Companions
Jianxi Hanfu doesn't have earth-shattering tales, just the meticulous daily efforts of two determined adults: Neil's shoes worn thin from negotiation (cutting that 30% markup!), Shelia's eyes red from vetting suppliers at factories, and the sound of our daughters' laughter as they twirl in sample garments. We firmly believe: true heritage isn't just in museums; it's in the warmth of culture felt in every family.With the courage of the Sword and the precious commitment of the Seal, we sincerely dedicate ourselves to you, our dear friends.
Sincerely,
Shelia, Neil, Emily and Elsa
Begin Your 5-Dimensional Selection Journey: www.jianxihanfu.com
Note "cute daughters" for a chance to receive a random Hanfu bookmark hand-drawn by Emily or Elsa!