The Chinese Qipao dress is a staple of modern Chinese fashion. However, the origin and history of the Qipao are shrouded in mystery and many myths.
Qipao or Cheongsam?
The Chinese Qipao is sometimes called Cheongsam, but the former is more often used in English. Cheongsam is an English word: a romanization of the Cantonese word 衫, Chèuhngsam. This word is commonly used to describe this fitted Chinese dress, particularly popular in Shanghai.