Shanghai celebrates traditional Chinese dresses

A model presents a traditional Chinese dresse during the 2014 Chongqing. [Photo/Xinhua]

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Shanghai has designated June 6th as Cheongsam day. Also known as the Qipao, the body-hugging one piece Chinese dress is being worn by more than 150 Cheongsam enthusiasts at the city's New World Mall.

These Cheongsam fans each have more than 50 of these traditional Chinese dresses. This stylish and often tight-fitting garment was created in the 1920s in Shanghai, and made fashionable by socialites and upper class women. But nowadays its use is more restricted.

"Today, the Cheongsam is usually worn in formal occasions by hotel staff and waitresses, but we hope it can be worn more in everyday life," said a Cheongsam fan.

The cheongsams worn here are specifically known as the Shanghai style. In 2009, the craft of making them was made an intangible cultural heritage. The municipal government promoted cheongsams during the World Expo in 2010, along with other major cultural events, and it seems that the efforts are paying off.

"We men like the Cheongsams too, you know. We really appreciate its beauty when worn by the ladies," said another fan.

The Cheongsam highlights the waistline, which motivates some women to watch their figures.

"I feel obligated to wear makeup and ornaments when wearing the cheongsam, I've also lost more than 20 pounds since I started wearing them," said a fan.

The Cheongsams will make their way into famous universities in the coming week, allowing the younger generation to appreciate the beauty of these uniquely Chinese dresses.