Hong Kong Palace Museum

Qipao has been a beloved attire among women since the 20th century. Its origins and appearance in the Qing court remain a fascinating topic for exploration. This talk will explore how the qipao evolved from Manchu court dress in Beijing into civilian populace following the end of the Qing dynasty. And with the rise of celebrity influence, it became Shanghai’s most fashionable and iconic style for women during the early 20th century.

Drawing on the research on historic garments and archival records from the Qing court, the speaker will trace how the qipao made its journey from court attire into everyday life, as well as the history of how it spread from Beijing to Shanghai.

The talk is part of the Hong Kong Palace Museum GS Visiting Fellowship Programme, sponsored by the GS Charity Foundation. It is an in-residence programme aiming at fostering professional exchange and collaboration among scholars and specialists around the world.

Organised by:

HKPM

Solely sponsored by:

Details

Date	27 April 2026 (Monday)
Time	10:30 am–11:30 am
Venue	Magnus Hall, Palace Academy
Tickets	Free admission. Online registration recommended.
Language	Putonghua

Speaker

Qiu Taige

Fellow, Hong Kong Palace Museum GS Visiting Fellowship Programme
Associate Research Fellow, Department of Palace Life and Imperial Ritual, The Palace Museum

Remarks

Ticketing arrangements: Registration for this event does not include entry to the Museum’s exhibitions. To visit the exhibitions, please click here to purchase an admission ticket.

Enquiries

Programme Enquiries:
[email protected]

Access Service

Hong Kong Sign Language (HKSL) interpretation can be arranged for events by emailing [email protected] 14 days in advance of the event. If you have specific accessibility needs, please get in touch with us.

Adverse Weather Arrangement

Amber or Red Rainstorm Warning / Typhoon Signal No. 1 or 3

If the signal is in force within three hours prior to the start of the event, the event will take place as scheduled.
If the signal is hoisted during the event, the event will continue. If it cannot proceed as planned, rescheduling or refund arrangements will be announced in due course.

Black Rainstorm Warning Signal

If the signal is in force within three hours prior to the start of the event, the event will be cancelled. Rescheduling or refund arrangements will be announced in due course.
If the signal is hoisted during the event, the event will continue.

Typhoon Signal No. 8 or above

If the signal is in force within three hours prior to the start of the event, the event will be cancelled. Rescheduling or refund arrangements will be announced in due course.
If the signal is hoisted during the event, the event will be suspended. Rescheduling or refund arrangements will be announced in due course.

The Hong Kong Palace Museum reserves the right to reschedule or cancel events with or without refunding participants.

Hong Kong Palace Museum | HKPM Talk Series | From Court Attire to Fashion: Exploring the Origins and Shanghai's Adoption of Qipao through Artefacts from The Palace Museum

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HKPM Talk Series | From Court Attire to Fashion: Exploring the Origins and Shanghai's Adoption of Qipao through Artefacts from The Palace Museum

Details

Speaker

Qiu Taige

Qiu Taige

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