Caoxian county’s horse-face skirt gallops onto global stage

A fashion show that presents various types ofhanfufrom Shandong's Caoxian county. [Photo/Qilu Evening News]

Overseas orders for the traditional Chinese horse-face skirt, ormamianqun, are increasing, with one company in Caoxian county, Shandong, reporting a tenfold rise compared to last year. "We're now rushing to fulfill orders from Japan," said Hou Guodong, head of thehanfucompany.

The horse-face skirt, a traditional Chinese garment named for its pleated design resembling ancient city walls, has become a leading product of the county's growinghanfuindustry. In 2025, Caoxian'shanfusales exceeded 13 billion yuan ($1.88 billion), supported by over 2,800 enterprises and nearly 100,000 workers.

The industry's global reach is expanding. In Kenya, entrepreneur Ma Xiaomei has registered a localhanfubrand. A Nairobi resident described the skirt as "a versatile wardrobe essential". In Brazil, Chen Xiangguang, a general manager of a local media and cultural company, is exploring partnerships to present Caoxian's horse-face skirt designs alongside luxury brands.

The skirts now reach over 30 countries, including Italy, Japan, and Australia. The county is not just selling garments, but providing an immersive cultural experience born from industry practice. Caoxian county is allowing the world to experience Eastern aesthetics through modern industry.