General Information » Culture & Lifestyle » National Dress

While China has no official national dress, the cheongsam (for men) and qipao (for women) are often associated with the country. Introduced by the Manchu Qing Dynasty, which ordered all Han Chinese to adopt the styles, they replaced the traditional hanfu gown that had been popular from the days of Confucius. Cheongsams were the formal dress for men in pre-Communist China and consisted of a formal jacket (traditionally black for funerals) over a long tunic. Although the female version is often called the cheongsam, the correct name is the qipao. Tight-fitting, and usually with a slit up one thigh, the elegant dress became synonymous with decadent, early 20th century Shanghai.

The familiar blue Mao suit was brought in by Communist Party leader Mao Zedong in the early days of the People’s Republic of China. It was based on the suit said to have been introduced by the father of modern China, Dr Sun Yatsen, after the imperial age ended in 1911.

The Mao suit was ubiquitous for three decades until China’s more open policies heralded more liberal attitudes towards dress. While you occasionally see rural workers and old people still sporting the Mao suit, it is the qipao which has made a comeback. It is popular as evening wear for parties or formal events and is used as the basis for uniforms by many businesses, including airlines.

China’s 55 ethnic minority groups all have their own dress. They often have everyday wear, which sometimes includes hats with wide brims, and formal wear for special occasions, festivals and tourist shows. They frequently include intricate headdresses with fine, hand-worked silver designs. Among the most lavish costumes are those worn by women of the Miao, Yao, Zhuang and Yi minorities of south-west China.

With Beijing’s extreme seasons you will need a large wardrobe. Dress for humid summers and chilling winters – and always carry an umbrella. Smart attire, especially for business, is expected, as the Chinese can’t see the logic in scruffy clothes unless you are poor. Women can be fashionable, though perhaps not too skimpily dressed. You might want to carry a handkerchief, scarf or cotton face mask to keep the pollution out too.