Qipao (Cheongsam) is one of the traditional Chinese women's clothing. It was designed by Han women during the Republic of China in the first half of the 20th century, based on the traditional Manchu women's flag clothing and Western culture. It is a fusion of Eastern and Western cultures. In the eyes of some Westerners nowadays, cheongsam has a symbolic significance of Chinese women's clothing culture.
Shanghai Qipao
Qipao played a very important role during the Old Shanghai period. Formed in 1930s, Shanghai style Qipao not only carried on the traditional tailor style but also absorbed the western making ways. The common Qip ao dress is in red.
That is gorgeously eye-catching and in chic style, fully showing a long history of culture of the Chinese nation. And it mainly embodies charm of implicit elegant of oriental female. The patterns on Qi Pao is quite traditional, like fish pattern, flowers, plum blossom, etc.
Nowadays, Qipao becomes another fashionable dress in Shanghai, even around China. So enter into a Qipao shop and tell the boss which style you would like to make, you will have an unique Shanghai style Qipao when you finish your Shanghai tour.
Chinese cheongsam is divided into four major schools, namely Shanghai cheongsam, Beijing cheongsam, Guangdong cheongsam, and Suzhou cheongsam.