奇速英语

Traditional Chinese clothes reflected traditional Chinese aesthetics (美学), philosophy, and social values as they changed over 3,000 years of history. Next, I will introduce you to some traditional Chinese clothing.

1. Hanfu — The Most Traditional Chinese Clothing

The Hanfu is the oldest of China’s traditional clothes. Legend traces it back to over 4,000 years ago when Huangdi’s consort, Leizu, made cloth with silk. It was constantly improved throughout several dynasties.

Until the Han Dynasty, the Hanfu was adopted and promoted by the ruling class. It then became the national clothing of the Han ethnic people. It also had a far-reaching influence on neighboring Asian countries, such as Korea, Japan, and Vietnam.

Nowadays, people seldom wear Hanfu except on special occasions, such as festivals and wedding ceremonies, or by young people who want to take photos.

2. Qipao (Cheongsam) — the Most Famous Traditional Chinese Dress

The cheongsam (qipao) evolved (演变) from the Manchu women’s changpao of the Qing Dynasty (1644–1911). The Manchu ethnic people were also called the Qi people by the Han people; hence their long gown was named qipao.

Originating in the Qing Dynasty, the cheongsam has mainly developed into Beijing styles, Shanghai styles and Hong Kong styles. There are many differences in decorations, colors, materials, and designs.

3. Tang Suit

The Tang suit often refers to a type of Chinese jacket rather than the clothing of the Tang Dynasty (618–907). The origin of Tang suit actually only dates back to the Qing Dynasty. It was developed from a type of the era’s Manchurian clothing — the magua (马褂).

Traditional Tang suits, based on the magua of the Manchu ethnicity, usually have Chinese characters on them. The most popular characters include fu (福, “happiness and good luck”) and shou (寿, “longevity”).

Nowadays, Tang suits have become a kind of formal dress worn on some special occasions, such as Chinese New Year, wedding ceremonies, or important events.