Historical Evolution and Localised Preservation of the Hong Kong Cheongsam

The Hong Kong Cheongsam is a traditional garment that includes various styles for both men and women. As a Chinese National Intangible Cultural Heritage, its century-long evolution reveals the dynamic mechanisms of cultural migration and localised integration. This paper, through historical and contemporary analysis, explores how the Hong Kong Cheongsam has continuously reconstructed its cultural significance during technological innovations and globalisation.
The study finds that from the adoption of Western fabrics and dyes in Shanghai’s fashion industry during the Republican era to the blending of diverse cultural elements by tailors migrating to Hong Kong between the late 1940s and mid-1950s, the Cheongsam achieved localised transformation by integrating external cultural influences. Current preservation efforts, through archiving, documentation, and research, have transformed traditional craftsmanship into a social practice that combines cultural identity with modern value. This process offers theoretical and practical insights for modernising traditional craftsmanship in a globalised world.