We’re not weak, we’re Wonder Women: real Chinese femininity celebrated by group fighting traditional stereotypes through ancient dress and customs

A group of Singaporean women are subverting stereotypes of Chinese femininity by portraying Chinese beauty as not all about being demure and fairy-like

Called the Hanfugirls Collective, they use traditional dress and customs to express themselves as empowered, modern, confident women of Chinese heritage

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Women in Singapore’s Hanfugirls Collective dress up in the traditional clothing of Han Chinese for elaborate photoshoots, study ancient poetry written by women, and immerse themselves in the culture of the age.

Published: 7:30am, 14 Feb 2020Updated: 12:28pm, 14 Feb 2020

Gong Pan Pan wears a vivid blue dress and a red overcoat harking back through centuries of Chinese history. Her powdered face is fierce and her forehead is adorned with an elaborate deer ornament. She wears a heavy archer’s ring on her thumb as she lifts her bow and reaches for an arrow from the quiver on her back.

This modern Singaporean is creating her own version of a “Chinese Wonder Woman” – a character she has modelled on the legendary Lady Fu Hao (or Lady Hao), who lived during the Shang dynasty (1600BC-1046BC).

Despite being born into a largely male-dominated society, Lady Hao was a formidable military general, an empress and a high priestess who conducted oracle bone reading ceremonies. To Gong, Lady Hao stands as a symbol of female empowerment.

“She’s a mix of Mulan and a bit of the mythical Wonder Woman figure,” the 33-year-old says. “I really like that connection.”

Gong Pan Pan dressed in “Hanfu”, or traditional Han Chinese clothing, to convey the image of a Chinese warrior woman like Lady Hao. Photo: Hanfugirls Collective

Gong is one of a group of about 30 Singaporean women fighting to subvert traditional stereotypes of Chinese femininity, challenge male assumptions and celebrate their Chinese heritage.

Members of a group called the Hanfugirls Collective, they dress up in the traditional clothing of Han Chinese for elaborate photoshoots, study ancient poetry written by women, and immerse themselves in the culture of the age. They reimagine ancient Chinese social dance and practise old customs, ranging from making dumplings to tea-tasting. The name of the collective, “Hanfu”, is a term for traditional Han Chinese clothing.