Cheongsam, Touch of elegance

Cheongsam, Touch of elegance Overview & Map Weather Transportation Information

The cheongsam is a body-hugging (modified in Shanghai) one-piece Chinese dress for women. It is known in Chinese as the Qipao, and is also known in English as a mandarin gown. The modern cheongsam is a modernized version of the qipao of the Manchurians who ruled China in the 17-19th century (Qing Dynasty).

History

Origin

There is a history behind Qipao. When the early Manchu rulers came to China proper after the 17th century, they organized certain people (mainly Manchus) into banners-Qi and called them banner people-Qi Ren. The Manchu women normally wore a one-piece dress which came to be called Qipao or the banner dress.

Changings

Although the 1911 Revolution toppled the rule of Qing Dynasty, the female dress survived the political change, and with later improvements has become the traditional dress for Chinese women. Influenced by the occidental fashion, Cheongsam (Qipao) got more slender and skintight with high-kick pleat so as to match the delicate, fairily and lively perfect figure of the 1930's.

The Name

In Northern China, for example Beijing, the term "Qipao" is popular while in Southern China the Qipao is also known as "Cheongsam." The name Cheongsam, meaning "long dress," entered the English vocabulary from the dialect of China's Guangdong Province (Cantonese).

Features

Style

Cheongsam (Qipao), the classic dress for Chinese women, combines the elaborate elegance of Chinese tradition with unique elements of style. The high-necked, closed-collar Cheongsam (Qipao) is buttoned on the right side with a loose chest, fitting waist, and the attractive slits up from the sides, is one of the most versatile costumes in the world. It can be long or short, some with full, medium, short or even no sleeves at all - to set off the beauty of the female shape and suit different occasions, weather and individual tastes.

Design

The special design on the material expresses women's femininity. One of the beauties of Qipao lies in that it is made of different materials and to varying lengths to suite different occasions. In either case, it adds elegance and charm to women.

Modern Cheongsam

Cultural Exchange

With more exchange with the outside world, today's Cheongsam (Qipao) combines both Chinese and western characteristics, traditional and modern features. There are bold changes and innovations. Whatever it is, cheongsam on one hand can still create an impression of simple and quite charm, elegance and neatness. On the other hand, blended with modern features, they can also show people's individuality and distinctiveness. No wonder cheongsam enjoys a growing popularity in the international world of high fashion.

Used in Movies

Huayangnianhua, a famous Hong Kong film, has been considered as a film which perfectly presents the beauty of Cheongsam (Qipao). Cheongsam, which features slender and skintight with the attractive slits up from the sides, adds the elegance and charm to the heroine Zhangmanyu and the romantic atmosphere to the whole film. The Chinese best-known actress Gongli possesses great preference for Cheongsam which perfectly shows her delicate, bewitching figure.

Cheongsam, Touch of elegance Highlights

Cheongsam, Touch of elegance Highlights Related

Silk attraction highlights

"A silkworm spins all its silk till its death and a candle won't stop its tears until it is fully burnt." This Tang poem accurately describes the property of the silkworm. Silk, a symbol of China, can now be found everywhere in the world.

• Hangzhou

• China National Silk Museum
• Bayunxiang Silk Clothing Shop

Embroidery attraction highlights

Embroidery is a brilliant pearl in Chinese art. From the magnificent Dragon Robe worn by Emperors to the popular embroidery seen in today's fashions, embroidery adds so much pleasure to our life and our culture.

• Chongqing

Cheongsam, Touch of elegance FAQ & Travelers's Tips

1. Is it convenient to pay by Credit Card when shopping?
2. Can I pay by cash?
3. Can I bargain when I want to buy some goods?
4. Do I need to compare the prices of several stores when I want to buy one item?
5. How to avoid cheating?
6. Is it safe shopping in China nowadays?
7. What is archway? What is archway used for?
8. What do I need to pay special attention to before I pay for the goods?
9. Is it a must for me to inspect my goods specially?
10. What must I do before I leave the Shopping Mall?
11. Who can I turn to for help when disputes occur?
12. Is it possible to get a refund if I am unsatisfied with what I bought?
13. How to choose what to buy when shopping?
14. What are your first choices when shopping?
15. Weather the tax of anything you buy overseas can be refunded?
16. How can I take the antiques that I bought in China?

1. Is it convenient to pay by Credit Card when shopping?

   Most city shops in china accept credit cards. Check the credit card slip before signing it and remember to take your receipt. Credit card companies and/or banks issuing the cards may charge a currency-exchange fee on overseas purchases. Please check with your credit card issuer for further details.




2. Can I pay by cash?

   Yes. RMB is accepted in local stores. Money exchange businesses are available on the streets. But it is not convenient to carry with a large amount of crash.




3. Can I bargain when I want to buy some goods?

   For those who want to go shopping for souvenirs to take home, they can look around, apart from large department stores and shopping malls, in some of the open markets such as the Xiushui Street (Silk Street) and Panjiayuan Antique Market in Beijing. Unlike large department stores where the prices are fixed, these places are where you can and you must bargain. Your local tour guides or hosts are the best help when you go to these places. They will prove be helpful in finding the real stuff and beating the prices down!




4. Do I need to compare the prices of several stores when I want to buy one item?

   Don't purchase something at the first place you find it, no matter how good the deal sounds. Go to several stores and ask for their price on the same goods. If you tell them you found the goods for a better price at another store, they are usually willing to negotiate the price with you. After looking at the same goods at different shops, you will have a better idea of what is available and the right price for the goods. This will allow you to bargain better and get the best value for your money.




5. How to avoid cheating?

   Avoid Bait and Switch Tactics. Some merchants display ambiguous prices or request a deposit on goods only to claim later that only an inferior or more expensive goods is available. In order to avoid these bait and switch tactics, be sure to shop at outlets where goods price is clearly displayed. You should also compare prices to get a better idea of the goods's price and features before purchasing it. You should also verify and understand exactly what you are buying and what the price covers. You also can get help from the local tour guides.




6. Is it safe shopping in China nowadays?

   Shopping in most cities of China nowadays should be a pleasant and rewarding experience. To ensure that visitors return home satisfied, China Tourism Board evaluates shops and restaurants using the Quality Tourism Services Scheme. Goods sold at accredited establishments are guaranteed to be genuine and of high quality.




7. Can you give some examples about the notices when I do shopping in some cities of China?

   Make sure you know what you want in terms of models, features, price and accessories, especially when you buy some costly goods. When you buy Chinese medicine and dried seafood, please check the goods's unit price and the method used to measure the weight of the goods. If you have any queries about prices please contact the Consumer Council, wholesaler or agent, or visit the manufacturer's showroom for further goods information.




8. What do I need to pay special attention to before I pay for the goods?

   Please make sure that the goods are in your hand before cash on the table. Many shops cater to the fact that tourists do not know what they are doing. When you are purchasing goods, make sure you ask for the case that the goods came with, and check the boxes to make sure the goods you are buying are indeed the same thing.




9. Is it a must for me to inspect my goods specially?

   Yes. Check the goods before paying and make sure you have all the accessories that should be included. Check the goods you have bought again before you leave the store.




10. What must I do before I leave the Shopping Mall?

    Check Your Receipts. You should always get a sales receipt (street stalls sometimes do not provide them). Check to ensure that all details and verbal agreements are fully listed on the sales receipt. Make sure the goods details listed match the goods you have bought.

11. Who can I turn to for help when disputes occur?

    If you have any problems, you can call the local Tourism Authority or the Consumer Association for help. The travelers also can lodge a complaint to the local Consumer Association or the Court.




12. Is it possible to get a refund if I am unsatisfied with what I bought?

    The large department stores or shopping malls in China promise a refund if tourists are not satisfied with the goods within two weeks. If you buy some goods from some of the open markets, you will not have chance to refund.




13. How to choose what to buy when shopping?

    When shopping, travelers should buy stuff that are of local characteristics as souvenirs. They are authentic, under reasonable price and worthy of being bought by consumers. For example, the Longjing Tea in Hangzhou, coconuts in Hainan, local styled clothes in Yunnan, Khatag in Tibet, are all souvenirs to keep for yourself or gifts for friends and relatives.




14. What are your first choices when shopping?

    Stuff that are small and light are your first choice when doing shopping, because it is convenient to bring with. If consignment is needed, it is also necessary to know whether your goods are allowed to be consigned. Some goods are vert fragile; if they would be broken during the consignment, they would be even more unnecessary to buy.




15. Weather the tax of anything you buy overseas can be refunded?

    Only the tax of certain products can be refunded, which are products that are marked with "TaxRefund," "TaxFree," or "EuroFreeTax." Products that need refund must be bought 1 to 3 months before they leave China (the time limit is set according to each nation's laws). Products as follows can not enjoy a refund: alcohol and tobacco (because they can be found in refund stores), goods without taxes (such as fresh goods like raw meat), and goods that have already been used abroad. Products that are not carried with the passengers also can not enjoy a refund.




16. How can I take the antiques that I bought in China?

    When buying antiques, travelers need to buy antiques that have the permission from the State Cultural Relics Bureau (under the Ministry of Culture) so they can bring them abroad.