Beijing Hotels: Nearby Feel Shanghai Clothing Shop

Feel Shanghai, not far from some of Beijing's best hotels, is a self-made studio focusing on designing and making traditional Chinese attires like Qipao (traditional one-piece dress) and Mian'ao (Chinese-style padded jacket). All clothes are made in Shanghai, the origin of Qipao. For foreign travelers who are in China shopping for unique and high-classic Chinese costumes, Feel Shanghai is a place they should visit.

Ms. Li, the owner of the shop, showed me around the shop. She proudly showed me one particular piece of Qipao. "We used Dazi embroidery skill to embroider the peony flower, which gives it a three-dimensional feel. This stitching skill is rarely seen in China now." The Qipao's price, RMB 6900, certainly reflected its rarity.

The entire process may take one to three weeks. You first get measured by a tailor, and pay a deposit. Then either use an existing pattern in the shop, or add your own touch to it. After you have agreed on the design, the apparel will be made in Shanghai. A simple Qipao takes seven days to complete, while a Qipao with complex embroidery may take more than 20 days.

Prices are flexible, so feel free to bargain.