Across the Strait, 27 August

cctv.com 08-24-2005 16:42

When the Manchu began to rule China, they brought along their social structures. Among the strata were the Banners (qi), mostly Manchu, who as a group were called Banner People (qi-ren). A Manchu woman typically wore a one-piece dress that came to be known as the qi-pao or Banner dress.

The qipao fits loosely and hung straight down the body. The garment proved popular and survived the political turmoil of the 1911 Revolution that toppled the Qing Dynasty. It has become, with few changes, the archetypal dress for Chinese women.

Its modern version was first developed in Shanghai around 1900 and became to be identified with the city for almost half a century. Slender and form fitting with a high cut, it contrasted sharply with the traditional qipao which was designed to conceal the figure and be worn regardless of age.

Across the Strait, 27 August, CCTV-4, at 17:15 Beijing Time.

Editor:Wang Ping  Source:CCTV.com