Shenyang Imperial Palace Museum highlights traditional Chinese dresses

Models showcase qipao dresses in Shenyang, Liaoning province. [Photo by An Chenghao/for chinadaily.com.cn]

A fashion show highlighting qipao – a traditional Chinese, body-hugging, one-piece dress, also known as cheongsam – was staged Tuesday at the Imperial Palace Museum of Shenyang, capital of Northeast China's Liaoning province.

Shenyang is the cradle of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) and qipao is considered the original dress for Manchu women.

Fourteen models from home and abroad showcased a style of qipao designed by Yang Xiaotong, an inheritor of an intangible cultural heritage.

"Manchu embroidery is a trademark of Shenyang and I would like to devote myself to this career," said Yang.