Hello. My name is Han, Ji-hye. I am first grade of Hyejeon college and my major is Tourism Chinese. Since I went to college, I have felt a great interest in China as I have studied Chinese. In the class lectures, I have listened China's history, society, culture and many other things from our professors. Also, at last summer vacation I went Beijing for a month. So, now I have a passion for China and I want to know more and more things about China.

Last month(October 4th, 5th) our school festival opened. Our department held a event, the theme was "China cultural festival". That day our classmates wore the Chinese traditional clothes. My friends and I put on the "Qipao" that is worn by Chinese women a long time ago. That time I admired at Qipao's beautiful style. From now on, I'll tell about Qipao.

Qipao, the classic dress for Chinese women, combines the elaborate elegance of Chinese tradition with unique elements of style. The high-necked, closed-collar Qipao, with a loose chest, fitting waist is one of the most versatile costumes in the world. Besides the dress is buttoned on the right side and the attractive slits unite to set off the beauty of the female shape.

It can be long or short, some with full, medium, short or even no sleeves at all - to suit different occasions, weather and individual tastes. The Qipao can display all women's modesty, softness and beauty. Like Chinese women's temperament, the Qipao is elegant and gentle, its long-standing elegance and serenity makes wearers fascinating. Mature women in Qipao can display their graceful refined manner. A Qipao almost varies with a woman's figure.

What serves as a worthy testament to the beauty of the Qipao is, however, it does not require the wearer to pep up the look with accessories like belts, scarves, sashes or frills. Designed to show off the natural softness of the female form, it also creates the illusion of slender legs. So, the overall picture of Qipao is 'practical', yet 'sexy'.

Because of its particular charm Qipao is like a wonderful flower in the Chinese colorful fashion scene. Another beauty of the Qipao is that it is made of different materials and can be worn either on casual or formal occasions. In either case, Qipao creates an impression of simple and quiet charm, refinement and attraction.

In the past decades, by the way, Chinese women’s fashion has become so much westernized that western-style clothing has become main-stream for their work and daily life, and Qipaos are rarely seen on the streets. In recent years, however, Chinese women especially younger ones are more and more attracted to Qipaos. There seems to be a come-back of this traditional Chinese dress. The Qipao market is thriving in China with the nostalgic trend.

With distinctive Chinese features Qipao enjoys a growing popularity in the international world of high fashion. No wonder it is so much liked by women not only of China but of foreign countries as well.