Exhibition of Shanghai style cheongsams kicks off in Paris

An exhibition titled "The Centennial Exhibition of Shanghai Style Cheongsams" kicked off at the China Culture Center in Paris on Feb. 8. 

Co-hosted by the China Culture Center in Paris and the Shanghai Intangible Cultural Heritages Protection Association, the exhibition is a part of the "Happy Chinese New Year" series of cultural activities to welcome the upcoming Year of the Dog.  

The exhibition comprises 20 cheongsams of different styles and from different time periods, showcasing the long-standing Chinese cheongsam culture and the aesthetics of Shanghai people in the past.

Cheongsam originates from the Manchu clothing of women in the Qing dynasty. Influenced by the Shanghai culture and Western clothing, cheongsam integrates traditional culture and modern elements, forming the Shanghai style cheongsam. 

Yan Zhenquan, director of the China Culture Center in Paris, said that cheongsam is the most featured Chinese clothing in the eyes of foreigners and representative of the Chinese clothing culture. 

He said he hopes that the exhibition can boost the cultural exchanges between China and France, and the French audience can have a better understanding about the Chinese culture.

The exhibition runs until Feb. 28. Special lectures about cheongsams will be held during the exhibition.