Shanghai-style and Beijing-style qipao differ primarily in their cut, and level of embellishment. The image above shows three sisters clad…
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History of the qipao (part IV): from Shanghai to Hong Kong, 1940s and beyond
Simplification during the Sino-Japanese war With the start of the Sino-Japanese war in 1937, the mood of China and Shanghai…
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History of the qipao (part III): qipao’s golden era, 1930s
I have to admit, I was pretty impatient to get to this third post on the history of qipao (or…
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History of the qipao (part II): from recluse to National Dress, 1910s and 1920s
This is part II of a mini series that I’m writing on the history of the qipao. If you missed…
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History of the qipao (part I): Nurhaci and the hoof cuffed pao, Qing dynasty
I first wrote about the history of the qipao (or Cheongsam in Cantonese) over two years ago in 2014. When…
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