For the first time in its history, Huangling Village hosted a Chinese qipao fashion show in the 300-meter Tianjie Street to introduce the traditional embroidery used in these dresses.
Qipaos or cheongsams showcase ancient silk embroidery known as song jin or Song embroidery. This style of embroidery was introduced in the Song Dynasty (960-1279) and showcased bright colors, detailed patterns and elegant texture. Song embroidery is recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage in the country.
According to author and inheritor of the Song embroidery tradition Qian Xiaoping:
"The historic dwellings and houses in Huangling Village and Suzhou Song embroidery are both a valuable wealth of wisdom from ancient China that represents the peak of Chinese craftsmanship. This qipao fashionshow on Tianjie Street in Huangling demonstrated the history and traditional eastern aesthetics through the presentation of classic qipao dresses and Huizhou style architecutre."
The fashion show features 30 modern qipao dresses and done in collaboration with the Suzhouwan Qipao Culture Center. The show also allowed tourists in Huangling Village to see how traditional Chinese costumes merge with the ancient culture prominent in the village.
Huangling Village is a preserved village that features Huizhou style wood carving techniques for most of the houses. It was also the living version of the painting "Along the River During the Qingming Festival" painted by Zhang Zeduan in the Song Dynasty.
