Question for regular or semi-regular visitors to China

[dave81]

This is aimed more towards regular visitors/residents of mainland China, but can also apply to Chinese territories, ie Taiwan, Hong Kong, etc.

Do people there still wear the traditional Chinese silk clothes? I was watching a movie earlier tonight about a wealthy family that took place in modern-day China, and in most of the scenes they were wearing traditional Chinese clothes. The movie, about Chinese immigrants, was made in the Philippines (Mano Po) and starred Filipino actors. During their everyday lives, unless they were out in the market or something, the Chinese characters were dressed in the usual silk clothes with ornate patterns. Considering that the movie was made in the Philippines by Filipino movie makers, the reliability of their knowledge of everyday Chinese fashion is dubious. (Whenever they portray a Filipino raised in or living in America, it's always some ridiculous Jerry Springer stereotype of a disrespectful, foul-mouthed, abusive, alcoholic, sex-addicted jerk.) I've been to PRC, ROC, and Hong Kong, but the only places I saw the silk clothes were the ones on sale in the shops catering to tourists. Of course, I was only at those places for a few days to a week at the most, so maybe I missed it. I know that in Korea and Japan the people still wear the traditional outfits, but usually only for formal or semi-formal occasions.
Does anyone know for a fact if the Chinese still wear the outfits for formal, semi-formal, or everyday wear?
Thanks for any info.


"Hello, ladies."

[Rakki]

Two words: Hell no.

It'd be like walking around in a top hat and tuxedo.

[Calanen]

This is aimed more towards regular visitors/residents of mainland China, but can also apply to Chinese territories, ie Taiwan, Hong Kong, etc.

Do people there still wear the traditional Chinese silk clothes? I was watching a movie earlier tonight about a wealthy family that took place in modern-day China, and in most of the scenes they were wearing traditional Chinese clothes.

No. I have never seen anyone wear them. Even at official functions, when there are communist party heavies, they wear the Mao type suits and military uniforms, or regular western suits. The only person I ever saw wear the silks, was a hot blonde chick at a gentleman's type club (no not a brothel you perves, the sort where you go and sit in big chairs and smoke cigars and drink brandy, cant remember the name now...) who was like the Maitre D.

[FIA_cn]

http://www.flickr.com/groups/china_middle_country/pool/

[offspring_18_87]

no but im from HK so its very westernized. as for the mainland clothing styles are geared towards the american style but with a "engrish" flair to it. to tell you the truth the only person i've meet in china to wear a traditional silk out fit was a canadian.