Intangible Cultural Heritage Office
Hong Kong Cheongsam Making Technique
Inscribed onto the Fifth National List of ICH (2001)
The cheongsam is a Chinese costume, which was a formal dresswear for attending solemn occasions in the past. The origin of the cheongsam dates back to decades ago.
In the 1960s, the women’s cheongsam, also known as the ‘Qipao’, became a local fashion highlight and gained the attention of the Western fashion industry. Although the tailoring techniques of the women’s cheongsam have evolved over time, the oriental style has remained as a way of highlighting the elegance of the female figure.
The men's cheongsam holds social significance, symbolising seniority among clansmen in the New Territories. The traditional form of the men’s cheongsam and its making technique have been preserved over the years.
A beautiful cheongsam reflects the sophisticated technique of the cheongsam master. Only by using exquisite skills in pattern making, cutting, ironing and sewing can one create a close-fitting and well-tailored cheongsam. Nowadays, many cheongsam masters incorporate traditional and modern, Eastern and Western elements, ensuring the technique of making the cheongsam to continue to flourish and evolve.
Man's Cheongsam tailored by Master Ting Chao-wen.
Woman’s Cheongsam tailored by Master Fung Yau-choi.