At the recent taping of Keep Running in Changzhou, actress Bai Lu caught everyone’s attention with a strikingly unique outfit. Dressed in a retro “grandma-style” Republican-era student ensemble, she appeared as if she had stepped right out of an old black-and-white photograph — graceful, poised, and unmistakably eye-catching.
Bai Lu wore a light blue blouse paired with a dark pleated skirt and two classic braided pigtails. The high collar accentuated the elegant curve of her neckline, while intricate embroidery on her waistline mirrored the delicate latticework of Jiangnan gardens. Even her hair accessories were made with Changzhou’s intangible cultural heritage — traditional velvet flowers. Every detail of her look was steeped in historical and cultural richness, clearly showing the styling team’s thoughtful effort to incorporate local traditions into the show’s concept.
But of course, Bai Lu’s famously energetic personality — often likened to a real-life husky — couldn’t be hidden for long.
Not far into filming, she passed by a well-known Changzhou-style intestine noodle shop and instantly broke character. Abandoning her elegant poise, she dashed toward the shop while yelling, “This one’s on me!” Her spontaneous outburst brought the entire set — and the comment section — to life. Netizens laughed, “She just jumped straight out of a period drama into real life!” and soon, comments like “Changzhou Tourism Ambassador Confirmed” began flooding the screen.
This taping was particularly meaningful for Bai Lu, as it took place in her hometown, Changzhou. In a heartwarming gesture, the production team even replaced her stage name with her real name, Bai Mengyan, on her name tag. In front of her parents and fellow townspeople, she shed her celebrity aura and transformed back into the cheerful, grounded girl who grew up in these very streets — someone who loves to joke, craves hometown food, and takes pride in where she came from.
Not only did she bring the Keep Running cast to her favorite childhood snack shops, she also enthusiastically introduced local delicacies like da magao (Changzhou sesame pastries) using authentic dialect. Her infectious charm and hometown pride led to a noticeable spike in online searches for these regional treats.
Bai Lu has always had a strong emotional connection with Changzhou. She once said, “Changzhou raised Bai Mengyan; now it’s Bai Lu’s turn to support Changzhou.” And she’s true to her word. Ever since becoming the city’s tourism ambassador, she’s actively promoted local specialties like soy-braised ribs and pickled radish. This time, wearing a “grandma’s outfit” and running through the familiar streets of her hometown, she once again demonstrated her genuine love and respect for local culture.
Her unique ensemble blurred the lines between past and present, bridging generations with an unexpected harmony of vintage grace and modern energy. More than just an entertaining moment, it became a cultural highlight of the show — a reminder that fashion can be both meaningful and playful, and that tradition can coexist with youthful spirit.
Bai Lu’s appearance in “grandma’s clothes” is not only a delightful nod to her roots but also a powerful statement about cultural pride and identity. She turned a variety show episode into a heartfelt homecoming and gave viewers across China a fresh look at the charm of Changzhou.
Perhaps this is what cultural preservation looks like in the modern world — not always grand ceremonies or academic lectures, but a beloved celebrity running through her hometown streets in a throwback outfit, laughing, shouting, and making everyone fall in love with the place she calls home.
With one outfit, Bai Lu paid tribute to the past. With one joyful sprint, she embraced the present. And in doing so, she reminded us: You can wear “grandma’s clothes” and still run like the wind — with grace, with joy, and with your roots in your heart.
