Qipao (Chinese cheong-sam, mandarin gown) is a body-hugging one-piece Chinese silk dress for women. The modern cheongsam is a modernized version of the qipao of the Manchurians who conquered China in the 17th century (Qing Dynasty). Nowadays, Chinese Cheong-sam enjoys a growing popularity in the international world of high fashion.

The first qipao when introduced to the larger Han population was wide and rather loose, covering most of the woman's body, revealing only the head, hands and the tips of the toes. However, with time the qipao were tailored to become more form fitting and revealing.

The modern version was first developed in Shanghai around 1900. Slender and form fitting with a high cut, it contrasts sharply with the traditional qipao. They are sometimes worn by politicians and film artists in Taiwan and Hong Kong. Some receptionists in Chinese restaurants over the world and competitors in beauty contests wear cheongsam uniforms. The modern version was highly popular as a dress for high society. The Shanghainese style functions now mostly as a stylish party dress.