Come to Hangzhou West Lake, stay at Qingtai Bieyuan, and wear the ancient charm qipao

Qipao: The elegant symbol of Oriental charm
The qipao, hailed as a Chinese national treasure and the national dress for women, is a distinctive female garment. It is not just a dress but a carrier of Chinese culture and feminine charm, perfectly outlining the soft curves and subtle grace of Oriental women with its close-fitting cut, elegant standing collar, and side slits.

1. Historical Evolution: From Manchu Robes to Fashion Icon
The history of the qipao is a story of continuous evolution.

Origin: Manchu Robes of the Qing Dynasty (mid-17th century to early 20th century)

The character "qi" in qipao directly points to its origin—the long robes worn by Manchu women of the Eight Banners during the Qing Dynasty.

At that time, the qipao was loose, straight, and wide, with straight lines that did not emphasize the waist, concealing the female body curves. Its main function was to cover the body and keep warm.

Birth and Evolution: Republic of China Period (1920s-1940s)

This was the period when the qipao truly took shape and entered its golden age. In the 1920s, influenced by Western culture and the "new civilized dress," women began to pursue bodily liberation and aesthetic innovation.

1920s: The qipao started to be tailored at the waist, shortened to ankle length, with narrower cuffs, forming the prototype of the modern qipao.

1930s-1940s: The golden age of the qipao. Influenced by Western fashion and Hollywood films, the qipao became extremely form-fitting with three-dimensional tailoring, extensively using Western-style darts and bust darts to perfectly fit the female body curves. Various styles emerged, including high collars, sleeveless designs, and low slits. Fabrics, prints, and decorations were also richly diverse. Shanghai was the fashion center for qipao at that time.

Dormancy and Uniformity: From the Founding of the People's Republic of China to Before the Reform and Opening-up (1950s-1970s)

On the mainland, the qipao was regarded as a symbol of "bourgeois sentiment" and gradually faded from daily life. It only appeared in very few diplomatic occasions or as hotel uniforms.

In Hong Kong and Taiwan, the qipao was preserved and developed.

Revival and Modern Interpretation: From the Reform and Opening-up to Present (1980s-now)

With China's reform and opening-up and growing cultural confidence, the qipao returned to public view. It is no longer everyday wear but serves as a cultural symbol, formal dress, or attire for special occasions, showing new vitality. Modern designers combine qipao elements with contemporary fashion, continuously innovating.

2. Structure and Features: The Craftsmanship of a Qipao
The essence of a traditional qipao lies in its exquisite tailoring and unique structure:

Standing Collar: The upright collar fits closely around the neck, highlighting the wearer’s dignity and elegance.

Diagonal Front: The collar extends diagonally downward to the right, usually fastened with exquisite pankou (frog buttons).

Pankou: Buttons hand-wrapped and woven from fabric, serving both as fasteners and beautiful decorations. They come in many shapes, such as straight buttons, pipa buttons, butterfly buttons, etc.

Waist Shaping: Through precise darting, the qipao fits tightly to the body curves, accentuating the waist-to-hip ratio.

Slits: Side slits not only facilitate movement but also subtly reveal the leg lines while walking, creating a reserved sensuality.

Piping: Edges of the collar, front, and slits are wrapped with fabric strips in colors different from the main fabric, outlining contours and adding decoration.

3. Cultural Connotations and Social Significance
The qipao transcends clothing itself, carrying rich cultural meanings:

Symbol of Women's Liberation: During the Republic of China period, the fitted qipao symbolized women breaking free from feudal constraints, pursuing bodily freedom and personal expression.

Exemplar of Oriental Aesthetics: The qipao embodies the balance of "subtlety and sensuality," "restraint and expression" in Oriental aesthetics. It does not expose directly but maximizes the display of feminine beauty through tailoring and lines.

Symbol of Ethnic Identity: On the international stage, the qipao is regarded as one of the representative symbols of Chinese culture and a typical expression of "Chinese style."

4. Modern Wearing of the Qipao
Today, occasions for wearing the qipao are more specific and diverse:

Weddings: As a toasting dress or outgoing gown in Chinese weddings, red qipaos symbolize joy and good fortune.

Important Ceremonies and Banquets: Such as award ceremonies, dinners, and balls, a delicate qipao can showcase the wearer’s taste and cultural depth.

Diplomatic and Formal Occasions: Chinese female diplomats or service personnel often wear qipaos to present the national image.

Cultural Performances and Photography: In artistic creations and personal portraits, the qipao is a classic choice to display Oriental charm.

Daily Life: Modified, more loose and comfortable "qipao-style" dresses have also become daily wear for some women.

5. How to Choose a Suitable Qipao?
Occasion: For formal occasions, choose high-quality fabrics (such as silk, brocade) and classic qipaos with knee-length or long cuts; for daily wear, cotton-linen or printed casual modified styles are suitable.

Size: The essence of the qipao is fit, not tightness. It should perfectly fit the body curves without hindering normal movement.

Fabric and Pattern: Silk is noble and elegant, brocade is gorgeous and grand, cotton-linen is comfortable and natural. Patterns vary from flowers and birds, ink wash, to geometric designs, each with its own charm.

Age and Temperament: Young women may choose bright colors and lively styles; mature women are better suited to calm colors and grand cuts.

Summary
Emerging from the dust of history, the qipao has completed a magnificent transformation from ethnic clothing to a fashion art piece. It is a walking poem, a flowing painting, continuing to write the elegant legend of the East on the world fashion stage with its timeless charm.