Three men from the Oroqen ethnic group, wearing traditional roe-deer antler hats, drew the attention of fellow passengers during a flight in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region in October 2025.

The men were on their way to Luoyang in central China to take part in an event promoting Oroqen culture. According to the person who recorded the video, the hat is part of the group's intangible cultural heritage. Traditionally made from roe deer hunted by earlier generations of the Oroqen people, the hats are now preserved as cultural heritage items. As roe deer are protected wild animals, the items are subject to legal restrictions and cannot be traded. Most of the hats seen today have been passed down through generations, reflecting the continuity of the Oroqen people's cultural traditions.

The moment, showcasing the continuity of ethnic traditions, comes as Chinese lawmakers review a draft law aimed at promoting ethnic unity and progress. The Oroqen people are one of the 56 ethnic groups in China.