The progress of modernization is effacing the ethnic characters of the urban dress style. However in the vast rural areas, especially in areas with a high concentration of ethnic minority people, a wide array of beautiful garments and ornaments are still part of the local lifestyle, offering a unique folk scene together with the local landscape……

  In the Chinese way of describing the necessities of life, clothing ranks at the top of "garments, food, shelter and means of travel". In this country with a long history of garments and ornaments, there is a wealth of archeological findings showing the development of garments, as well as their portrayals in ancient mythology, history books, poems and songs,novels and drama. The distinction not only existed among dynasties, but also quite pronounced even in different periods within the same dynasty. The overall characteristics of the Chinese garments can be summarized as bright colors, refined artisanship, and ornate details. Looking in retrospect at Chinese garments of the 20'h century, we see an array of styles of Qipao, Cheongsam, the sun yat sen's uniform, student uniform, western suits, hat,silk stockings, high heels, workers' uniform,Lenin jacket, the Russian dress, army style,jacket, bell-bottoms, miniskirts, bikinis, professional attire, punk style and T-shirt, all witnessing the days gone by...

Preface

Shenyi and Broad Sleeves

Royal Ceremonial Wear

Introduction of Ethnic Minority Styles

The Elegant Wei and Jin Period

The Thousand Faces of the Tang Costume

Silk, the Silk Road and the Art of Embroidery

Beizi: a Song Style Garment

Ming Garments as Seen in Classical Portraits

The Official Uniform

Ancient Armor Suits

Qi Costumes - a Combination of Manchu and Han Nationality's Clothes

Civilized New Clothes and Improved Cheong-sam

Farmer & Worker Uniforms and Service-dresses

Professional Image and Professional Dresses

Adornments and Fairy Tales

Hats with Meanings

Shawls and the Back Wrapping Cloth

A Silhouette of Tibetan Costumes

Countless Ornamental Objects

Keeping Pace with the World Fashion