Fengguan literally means "phoenix crown" in English language, a name that originates from its adornments: phoenixes made of inlaid kingfisher feathers, as well as gold dragons, beaded pheasants, pearls, and other gemstones.

One of the earliest phoenix crowns that has been excavated belonged to Empress Xiao of the Sui dynasty.

[4] It was in Eastern Jin (317–420 AD) that the word fengguan first came up; however, it was referring to the hairpin which was imitating the comb of Chinese phoenix.

[7] Kingfisher feathers were extremely rare during the Ming dynasty and were potentially sourced from Cambodia.

The number of dragons, phoenixes and pheasants, in addition to the presence of certain ornaments was dictated by rank.

Coloured hats worn by commoner women on their wedding ceremony during the Ming and Qing dynasty was also called fengguan.

[1] The practice is believed to have started during Southern Song when the Emperor rewarded a girl for saving his life.

[2] Women wearing the fengguan as part of their set of wedding clothing has been a long tradition in the area of Zhejiang.