Chinese Qipao Dress
Just how beautiful can the Chinese qipao dress be? Today, let’s explore its four major styles — the Beijing, Shanghai, Cantonese, and Suzhou schools.
01. Beijing Style Qipao
The Beijing-style qipao is elegant and regal, typically featuring a length that extends past the knees.
Its design is conservative and dignified, using traditional silk as the main fabric, with colors often chosen from red, gold, and similar shades.
The best example is Zhang Ziyi’s character Gong Er in The Grandmaster — with her grand frog buttons and wide sleeves, she commands the room effortlessly.
02. Shanghai Style Qipao
The Shanghai-style qipao reached the height of its aesthetic appeal during the 1930s and 1940s.
It perfectly blends Western tailoring techniques with traditional Chinese elements.
It often uses lightweight fabrics such as prints, lace, and velvet, featuring bright colors and a wide variety of styles.
Maggie Cheung’s captivating charm in In the Mood for Love wouldn’t have been the same without the support of the Shanghai-style qipao — it truly makes all the difference.
If you’d like to discover more, feel free to browse our complete selection of Chinese qipao dress and find the ideal design that suits your taste and special moments.
03. Suzhou Style Qipao
The Suzhou-style qipao is classical and gentle, often adorned with elegant depictions of plum blossoms, orchids, bamboo, chrysanthemums, peonies, and roses. At a glance, you can immediately sense the charm of Jiangnan.
Suzhou-style qipaos emphasize intricate details and embellishments, with embroidery often adorning the collar, front edges, and sleeve hems.
The fabrics are usually high-quality soft satin, plain crepe satin, and similar materials.
The stitching is typically lively and varied, with delicate embroidery and elegant, refined colors.
04. Cantonese Style Qipao
The last one is the Cantonese-style chinese qipao dress, often referred to as “the qipao that doesn’t quite look like a qipao.”
The Cantonese-style qipao worn by Hui ying hong is particularly iconic. Design elements like cross sleeves, a pointed chest, a slim waist, and a fitted hem give it a unique aesthetic appeal, making it very popular in Guangdong, Hong Kong, and surrounding regions.
From the regal elegance of the Beijing-style to the cosmopolitan flair of the Shanghai-style, the delicate charm of the Suzhou-style, and the distinctive appeal of the Cantonese-style, each variation highlights the artistry and beauty of the Chinese qipao dress. Together, these styles celebrate a timeless garment that continues to captivate and inspire across generations.
If you’re interested in exploring more, you can check out our full collection of Qipao and find the perfect piece to match your style and occasion.
