In the bustling streets of Shanghai, among the tourists at the Bund and Nanjing Road, a tall young woman dressed in vibrant, meticulously designed traditional Chinese ethnic costumes attracts curious glances and admiration. However, what surprises many is that this confident and charming woman, confidently displaying China's ethnic clothing, is actually an American.
Lile Mahoney (America)
Meet Lile Mahoney, a 20-year-old junior majoring in Chinese Language and Literature at East China Normal University. She has become an online sensation thanks to a viral video series titled “Foreigners Challenge: Wearing All 56 Chinese Ethnic Costumes”. Through her videos, viewers not only appreciate the beauty of traditional attire but also gain a deeper understanding of the richness and diversity of Chinese culture.
Having lived in Shanghai since she was a child, Lile’s journey with Chinese culture began early. "Chinese culture has been a part of my life since I was little," she says. From attending classes in folk dance, calligraphy, and martial arts to exploring traditional clothing, she has always had a passion for China's diverse heritage.
Her social media series started with a video of her wearing the traditional attire of the Mongolian ethnic group. One moment she’s dressed casually, and in the next, she transforms into a striking figure in a Mongolian robe. Whether riding the subway or walking along the Bund, her outfit drew attention from locals and tourists alike. Many stopped to take photos with her and ask about the costume’s cultural significance.
Her foreign appearance combined with traditional Chinese fashion sparked widespread interest online. Comments like “So beautiful!” and “Fashion knows no boundaries” flooded in, and her popularity soared. In the following months, she explored costumes from various ethnic groups such as the Miao, Zhuang, Lahu, and Tatar, each time thoroughly researching the culture and history behind the garments.
Her journey, however, isn’t just about fashion—it’s about understanding the people and cultures that the costumes represent. For instance, while exploring the clothing of the She ethnic group, she learned that many of them live in Fujian Province, challenging her initial assumption that most ethnic minorities reside in China’s western regions.
Lile’s enthusiasm goes beyond simply wearing costumes. She immerses herself in the local customs and traditions of each ethnic group. In Inner Mongolia, she wore traditional attire and participated in the unique "bowl-breaking" ritual, drinking and smashing bowls to symbolize camaraderie. In Guizhou, she dressed as a Dong girl, joining in song and dance with new friends during a local festival.
Reflecting on her experiences, she says, "The beauty of these costumes lies not only in their bright colors and exquisite craftsmanship but in the deep cultural heritage they carry. Each stitch, each pattern tells a story of the people behind it."
Her videos have attracted a significant following online, and her family, particularly her grandmother in the U.S., are her biggest supporters. "My grandma shares every video with her friends. These videos are changing her—and many others’—understanding of China’s cultural diversity."
Lile has set herself a lofty goal: to experience and share the traditional attire of all 56 Chinese ethnic groups. "I’d love to visit every region, meet the people, and immerse myself in their customs and food. Only by being there can I have a fuller understanding of their culture."
In addition to ethnic costumes, she has also started a new series titled “Experiencing 100 Intangible Cultural Heritages”. From operating a loom to create Shandong silk to learning traditional Chinese opera and painting festive cakes during the Mid-Autumn Festival, her videos capture the rich tapestry of China’s intangible cultural heritage.
For Lile, Chinese culture is an inexhaustible treasure trove waiting to be explored. “There’s so much charm in Chinese culture, whether it’s food, art, or customs. The more I learn, the more I want to share these experiences with the world."
Through her videos, she hopes to inspire more people from around the world to appreciate and engage with Chinese culture firsthand. "I want to show the world the beauty of China and encourage others to come and experience it for themselves."
Author: Huang Siyin
Editor: Xu Xincheng, Philip Nash
