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

Overseas orders for the traditional Chinese horse-face skirt, or mamianqun, 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 the hanfu company.

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 growing hanfu industry. In 2025, Caoxian's hanfu sales exceeded 13 billion yuan ($1.88 billion), supported by over 2,800 enterprises and nearly 100,000 workers.

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

The industry's global reach is expanding. In Kenya, entrepreneur Ma Xiaomei has registered a local hanfu brand. 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.

（chinadaily.com.cn）