You are here: Home > Articles and References for Girl's Dresses > Chinese QiPao Cheongsam Dress History

Chinese QiPao Cheongsam Dress History

Girl's traditional Chinese dresses are called QiPao's or qi pao and is the traditional Chinese clothing that worn during the Ching Dynasty (1644-1911 AD), which was established by the Manchu people who were from Northern China. It is now worn for formal occasions such as weddings, engagements, and on the Chinese New Year. The Ching Dynasty in also spelled Qing Dynasty. Traditionally elements include brocaded cloth, frog knotts, and mandarin collars. Cheongsam is the Cantonese word, that is often used in English for QiPao. After the communist took over, wearing of the QiPao in China was seen as capitalistic during Mao's era.

After the Ching Dynasty took over, men were required to wear a queue, or a long pony tail as a mark of subservance. If the queue was cut off, this marked them as a rebel. The Ching Dynasty was overthrown in the revolution of 1911, but the QiPao was still worn in China and survived in Taiwan and Hong Kong as fashionable dress after the revolution of 1949. After the opening of China in 1976 QiPao's have again become common wear for special occasions including weddings in China! The boy's QiPao's have a Queue attached in the hat.

Traditionally Chinese Color Symbolism - Meanings for Colors

Red is the color of good luck, happiness, joy, and for brides, since it is of energy as symbolized by fire. Yellow traditionally the color used for imperial service and the first Emperor is called The Yellow Emperor. Blue is the color of immortality. Blue and Green are the symbols of Spring. Black is a color for young boys, since it's the beginning. White is the end, so it's the color of mourning, More information on Chinese Color Symbolism including pictures of examples.

Modern QiPao's

QiPao's are made out of many materials, with the high end ones made out of beads (like the one I wore for my wedding) and are often custom made. Custom made QiPao can cost up to $5000 dollars. In weddings, the bride will often have multiple QiPao's. The traditional color for weddings is Red (a good luck color in Chinese). In the movie, In The Mood For Love, the female protagonist wears beautiful QiPao's.

Further Resources on QiPao's:

Sort By:

Page of 2

Girl's Red QiPao Chinese Dress Traditional qi pao

Girl's Red Traditional Chinese QiPao Dress

List Price: $29.99
Our Price: $19.99
Sale Price: $14.99
You Save $15.00!

Girl's beautiful red traditional Chinese dress (QiPao or qi pao). Red is symbolic of good luck, vitality, and the New Year in the Chinese Culture! Gold brocaded Red Cloth of bamboo and plum leaves are symbolic of longevity.

Girl's Purple QiPao Traditional Chinese Dress

Girl's Purple Traditional QiPao Chinese Dress

List Price: $29.99
Our Price: $19.99
Sale Price: $14.99
You Save $15.00!

Purple is symbolic of wealth and winter in the Chinese Culture! Dark purple fabric is brocaded with shiny purple bamboo and plum blossoms. Bamboo and plum blossoms symbolize long life. Get your darling little princess this beautiful purple Chinese dress (QiPao or qi pao).

Girl's Pink QiPao Traditional Chinese Dress

Girl's Hot Pink Traditional QiPao Chinese Dress Costume

List Price: $29.99
Our Price: $19.99
You Save $10.00!

Girl's beautiful hot Pink traditional Chinese dress (qi pao). Qi Pao was the traditional Chinese clothing worn during the Ching Dynasty (1644-1911 AD). This elegance Pink Chinese dress will transform your little girl to a beautiful and elegant Chinese princess!

Girl's Pink Traditional Chinese QiPao Dress

List Price: $29.99
Our Price: $19.99
You Save $10.00!

Girl's beautiful Pink traditional Chinese dress (qi pao). Qi Pao was the traditional Chinese clothing worn during the Ching Dynasty (1644-1911 AD). This elegance Pink Chinese dress will transform your little girl to a beautiful and elegant Chinese princess!

Girl Purple Traditional Chinese Dress/Pant Set

Girl's Purple Traditional Chinese Dress/Pants Set - Zipper-less

List Price: $29.99
Our Price: $19.99
Sale Price: $9.99
You Save $20.00!

Size 1,2, and 10 left.

Girl's beautiful purple traditional Chinese dress pant set.
Uses Frog Knots and snaps on top (instead of zippers).
$12.88 for all sizes, on Clearance!

100% Money Back Guarantee!

Girl's Purple Traditional Chinese Dress/Pants Set

List Price: $39.99
Our Price: $19.99
You Save $20.00!

Girl's beautiful purple traditional Chinese dress pant set. This style was the traditional Chinese clothing worn during the Ching Dynasty (1644-1911 AD). This elegance Purple Chinese dress/pant set will transform your little girl to a beautiful and elegant Chinese princess!

Girl Pink Traditional Chinese Dress/Pant Set

Girl's Pink Traditional Chinese Dress/Pants Set

List Price: $29.99
Our Price: $19.99
You Save $10.00!

Girl's beautiful Pink traditional Chinese dress pant set. This style was the traditional Chinese clothing worn during the Ching Dynasty (1644-1911 AD). This elegance Pink Chinese dress/pant set will transform your little girl to a beautiful and elegant Chinese princess!

Girl's Hot Pink Traditional Chinese Dress/Pants Set

List Price: $24.99
Our Price: $19.99
Sale Price: $9.99
You Save $15.00!

Size 1 and 2 left.
No Zipper, uses Frog Knots
Girl's beautiful hot Pink traditional Chinese dress pant set. This style was the traditional Chinese clothing worn during the Ching Dynasty (1644-1911 AD). This elegance Pink Chinese dress/pant set will transform your little girl to a beautiful and elegant Chinese princess!

Girl Pink QiPao Traditional Chinese Dress/Pant Set

Girl's Pink Traditional Chinese QiPao Dress/Pants Set - Frog Knots and Snaps instead of Zipper

List Price: $29.99
Our Price: $19.99
Sale Price: $9.99
You Save $20.00!

Size 1 and 2 Left.
Uses Frog Knots and snaps instead of zipper!
Girl's beautiful Pink traditional Chinese dress pant set. This style was the traditional Chinese clothing worn during the Ching Dynasty (1644-1911 AD). This Chinese dress/pant set will transform your little girl to a beautiful and elegant Chinese princess!

Girl Red QiPao Traditional Chinese Dress/Pant Set

Girl's Red Traditional Chinese QiPao Dress/Pants Set

List Price: $29.99
Our Price: $19.99
You Save $10.00!

Girl's beautiful red traditional Chinese dress pant set. This style was the traditional Chinese clothing worn during the Ching Dynasty (1644-1911 AD). This elegance red Chinese dress/pant set will transform your little girl to a beautiful and elegant Chinese princess!