The qipao was introduced in China by the Manchu-ruled Qing dynasty in the 17th century, eventually replacing the traditional Hanfu clothing worn in China before that.
The modern (stylish, tight-fitting) style of qipao dress was developed in Shanghai in the early 1920's, and has since become fashionable worldwide.
Despite its Manchu roots, the qipao (and the male equivalent, changshan) is today arguably the most well known style of Chinese clothing outside of China.
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