Qipao color meanings and symbolism explained

Are you planning to wear a Chinese dress, and you are asking yourself what the color of the qipao means? What would it symbolize to choose a specific shade for a cheongsam, and how would others perceive it?

Then you are at the right place, continue reading to learn more about the significance of different colors for qipao in Chinese culture, and to which occasions specific shades can be worn.

Our boutique specializes in selling colorful qipao or cheongsam dresses to women all around the world. We know the precise significance of each shade and the qipao color meanings. Our team is happy to share this information and insights with you.

In this article, we are going to see in detail:

• The list of all the colors that you can wear
• Their meaning in China and in Western countries
• Which atmosphere would wearing a particular shade create
• Suggestions of qipao dresses that you can wear for each color

Finding the perfect qipao color will no longer be a mystery to you. You will be sure that your Chinese dress sends the right message at the event or occasion. Let’s get started.

Cheongsam colors meaning: summary

If you would like to save time, we have prepared a quick summary of all the different meanings that colors have.

Color	Meaning in Chinese culture	Meaning in Western culture
Red	Happiness, prosperity, good luck, protection from evil spirits	Love, romance, passion, danger, warning
Yellow and gold	Wealth, abundance, good luck, nobility, authority	Luxury, happiness, joy, optimism
Black	Wisdom, knowledge, immortality, power	Sophistication, mystery, luxury
Blue	Growth, harmony, healing, renewal, vitality	Trust, safety, loyalty, melancholy, sadness
White	Loss, afterlife, reflection, clarity	Purity, honesty, peace, hope
Green	New beginnings, health, hope, harmony, pureness	Good luck, environment, safety, growth
Purple	Nobility, wealth, divinity, love, romance	Luxury, spirituality, royalty, wisdom, magic
Pink	Good fortune, happiness, joy, love, romance, femininity	Femininity, romance, warmth, empathy, tenderness

Red qipao meaning: happiness and prosperity

Have you ever wondered why the color red is so popular in China and what it represents? Are you interested in learning what the meaning of wearing a red qipao is and why this vibrant color is used for Chinese weddings and important celebrations? Then keep on reading to find out the answers, as well as understand how the symbolism of the energetic burgundy color is different in Western countries compared to China.

What does red qipao represent in China?

To begin, red is the captivating color that we associate the most with China, and it holds a central role in its culture. Without a doubt, the rich crimson shade is believed to be the most auspicious shade in Chinese society. The joyful red color is associated with happiness, prosperity, and good luck.

Historically, the red qipao dress is worn by the bride for a Chinese wedding and tea ceremony. Their sophisticated and luxurious claret shade is believed to bring bliss, success, good fortune, and abundance to the marriage. Moreover, red is believed to protect against misfortune and symbolize the vitality of the couple. Nowadays, Chinese brides often choose qipao dresses in different shades of red depending on their style, like burgundy, red-wine, berry red, cranberry, ruby, or coral.

If you are attending a Chinese wedding, make sure to choose a different color for your qipao dress or clothing that you are planning to wear. The elegant red color is reserved specifically for the bride, and wedding guests should avoid it to show their politeness and respect for Chinese traditions.

It is impossible to imagine a Chinese celebration without the vibrant scarlet shade. Elegant qipao dresses, tang suits, and other festival clothing in an auspicious red color are commonly worn for major occasions like Chinese New Year, Lantern Festival, National Day, and others. The vivid ruby shade is considered to bring happiness, blessings, joy, and a bright future to the person wearing it at such cheerful events.

On top of that, thanks to its extremely positive meaning, the red color is used for many festive decorations like lanterns, door couplets, and auspicious paintings. The lively scarlet shade is believed to protect you from evil spirits and ward off bad luck. During big celebrations, red envelopes with money are often offered as a gift to express best wishes and send blessings.

In ancient China, the Five Elements theory was one of the most prominent philosophical systems that explained the world through interactions between natural forces. According to it, the red color was connected to the fire element and represented the summer season. Its bright energy symbolizes warmth, vitality, and renewal.

What does red cheongsam mean in Western countries?

On the contrary, in Western cultures color red holds a different meaning compared to China. It mainly considered the shade of love, romance, and passion. In the West, red color is considered attractive and powerful to wear. This eye-catching hue can also have a negative meaning as it can be linked to anger, danger, and warning. This contrast shows that red is mainly associated with strong emotions in the West, while in China, it has a deep, auspicious symbolism.

To conclude, wearing a red qipao dress is a wonderful choice as it is associated with joy, celebration, and happiness. The bright and festive color holds a positive meaning and is believed to bring good luck. A burgundy cheongsam creates a warm and inviting atmosphere, which is great for big events like Lunar New Year, Chinese weddings, and social gatherings. Explore gorgeous crimson qipao dresses tailored with high-quality fabrics in our curated red cheongsam collection.

Yellow and gold qipao meaning: good luck and abundance

Continue exploring the article to find out more about what wearing a yellow and gold qipao means and symbolizes. Learn more about what wearing these radiant shades represents across different cultures and how yellow and gold are related to each other. Discover which style and atmosphere wearing a gold qipao creates.

What does yellow qipao represent in China?

Yellow has been closely linked to traditional Chinese culture since ancient times. In the past, this was a royal color as it was exclusively reserved for the imperial monarchs. It represented nobility, authority, and prosperity, and only the Emperor was permitted to wear and use the yellow and golden shades.

We can see it through the use of yellow color for imperial gowns during the Tang, Ming, and Qing Dynasties. There were even laws created prohibiting commoners from wearing this bright hue. This amber shade was also featured in palatial architecture, ceremonial objects, flags, and official imperial seals. It signified the supreme authority of the Emperor and their divine right to rule. This is why in ancient China, many of the imperial palaces, like the Forbidden City in Beijing, were decorated with yellow-glazed tiles, paths, and items.

Warm shade is also firmly connected to the land and harvest. According to the Chinese Five Elements Theory, the yellow hue represents earth and is associated with the late summer season. As a result, it embodies such qualities as nurturing, groundedness, and abundance.

What does wearing a gold qipao signify in China?

As for the gold color, it has a prestigious and luxurious meaning in Chinese culture. Gold symbolizes wealth, abundance, and good luck. This sparkling shade is often worn for Chinese New Year, wedding ceremonies, and celebrations to bring prosperity and success to the future.

What does a yellow and gold cheongsam mean in Western countries?

Similarly to China, yellow and golden shades are considered a fortunate color in Western countries. This vibrant amber color commonly represents happiness, optimism, joy, and sunshine. This bright hue is known to draw the attention of others, exude confidence, and inspire creativity.

Therefore, wearing a yellow qipao dress has a powerful and majestic meaning as this color holds a great historical importance in China. Selecting an elegant cheongsam in this radiant golden shade can signify bringing more prosperity and abundance into your life. On top of that, being dressed in yellow can brighten up the spirits, energize, and set a lively ambience. Discover stunning gold cheongsam dresses, which are perfect for celebrations in our boutique.

Black qipao meaning: wisdom and authority

The mystery surrounding the color black has always sparked some curiosity. Keep on reading to learn more about the various meanings that wearing a black qipao brings in China and other countries. Explore more in depth all the layers that this striking onyx shade evokes.

What does black qipao represent in China?

The black color’s meaning in China has a duality that combines both positive and negative symbolism. On one hand, this inky hue is associated with immortality, power, and authority. For example, during the rule of Qin Shi Huang, black became the official imperial color. It was used for official uniforms, imperial banners, and other important items to represent the heavenly authority of the emperor.

In the Five Elements theory, the black shade is represented by the water element. Therefore, its depth and reflection symbolize wisdom, introspection, and knowledge. The flow and fluidity of the water give the raven color another meaning of flexibility and adaptability to changes.

On the other hand, sometimes black color can be considered unlucky in China as it can bring misfortune and darkness. This is why generally it is not recommended to wear to Chinese weddings and traditional celebrations. The negative meaning can be easily avoided by combining black shade with other more auspicious colors like red or gold.

What does black cheongsam mean in Western countries?

In modern China, the meaning of wearing black is very similar to its significance in the West. This dark color is associated with sophistication, luxury, and mystery. Wearing a black qipao can be perceived as something extremely elegant, stylish, and exquisite. If you are looking for a modern black qipao dress, we invite you to explore our dedicated collection with exclusive designs.

Blue cheongsam meaning: growth and harmony

Have you ever wanted to discover what is the meaning behind a blue qipao and what this elegant and timeless color represents across various cultures? Then keep on reading to learn more about the importance and understanding of this azure shade from various perspectives.

What does blue qipao represent in China?

The sophisticated blue color has an overall positive and poetic meaning in Chinese culture that is quite different compared to Western cultures. It symbolizes such virtues as growth, immortality, harmony, and healing. Although cobalt shade is not as auspicious as red or gold colors that are worn for major Chinese celebrations, this indigo hue can create a refined and enigmatic atmosphere.

According to the theory of the Five Elements in China, blue is linked to wood and the season of spring. This is why this turquoise shade is considered the symbol of renewal, fresh beginnings, and vitality. Wearing a blue qipao can channel harmony, serenity, and calm confidence, which are great qualities to represent.

What does blue cheongsam mean in Western countries?

As for the Western countries, the navy color represents trust, safety, and loyalty. Similarly to China, it signifies peacefulness and tranquillity. However, in the West, in some particular contexts, blue can be associated with melancholy, sadness, and coldness. Being dressed in blue evokes elegance, sophistication, and poise. Explore our selection of captivating blue qipao dresses and add an azure Chinese dress to your wardrobe.

White cheongsam meaning: loss and reflection

Find out more about the meaning of wearing a white cheongsam and how this clean color can evoke different associations across countries. To begin, the significance of white color has changed a lot in China over the centuries, which we are going to explore in more detail.

What does white qipao represent in China?

In ancient Chinese culture, white had an unlucky and somber meaning, as it was associated with death, loss, and passage to the afterlife. This clear color was traditionally worn for funeral ceremonies and mourning. Similarly, to how the black shade was used in Western countries. This is why some people can see wearing white to traditional cultural celebrations connected with Chinese customs as inappropriate. In the situation where you are unsure whether wearing a qipao in this color is fitting for the occasion, it is best to contact the person organizing the event and ask them about the dress code.

Nowadays, compared to the past, the meaning of the snowy shade has evolved significantly in modern China. Following the global influence, it is now connected with elegance, simplicity, and freshness. This clean shade is more commonly used in everyday life, business dress code, and special occasions. Many modern Chinese brides opt for a white wedding dress for a sophisticated and refreshing look.

According to the Chinese Five Elements theory, this pure color is linked to the element of metal and is associated with late summer and fall seasons. It signifies clear thinking, a period of reflection, and preparation for winter.

What does white cheongsam mean in Western countries?

White color has a positive and auspicious meaning in Western countries. It is commonly connected to such qualities as purity, honesty, peace, and hope. In modern Western fashion, outfits in this porcelain color are used to convey sophistication, minimalism, and elegance. This versatile shade is the most common choice for wedding dresses, professional, and casual ensembles. Wearing a white qipao dress can create a pleasant, refreshing, and modern look. Choosing an ivory gown makes an impression that soothes the senses, provides safety, and clarity. Shop graceful white cheongsam dresses made for modern women in our online store.

Green qipao meaning: renewal and hope

Have you ever wondered about the meaning of green qipao and what this refreshing color represents in different cultures? In this article, we are going to explore in detail what wearing a luxurious cheongsam in this emerald shade could signify in China and other countries.

What does green qipao represent in China?

In traditional Chinese culture, green is believed to be an auspicious color with a deep meaning. This captivating jade shade is associated with renewal, health, and hope. Based on the Chinese Five Elements theory, green embodies the season of spring and corresponds to the wood element. This peaceful shade is also considered a symbol of harmony, nature, and pureness.

What does green cheongsam mean in Western countries?

When it comes to Western countries, green also has an overall positive meaning, with this olive shade representing good luck, environment, growth, and safety. This refreshing hue is also the most relaxing color for the human eye, which creates a sense of serenity and reduces anxiety.

Being dressed in a green qipao can exude the calming presence of a confident person who appreciates inner peace. The cheongsam gowns in this traditional shade are often worn for memorable occasions like attending a Chinese wedding or celebrating the Lunar New Year. A woman’s qipao in this lush color is also suitable for everyday life, with a variety of shades available from emerald and jade to mint and olive hues. Explore mesmerising emerald green qipao dresses with feminine silhouettes at this link.

Purple qipao meaning: nobility and wealth

If you are interested in learning more about the purple qipao meaning, then you are in the right place. In China, this captivating and rich shade of cheongsam dress is considered one of the traditional colors that holds historical importance.

What does purple qipao represent in China?

Purple is associated with nobility, high social status, and wealth in Chinese culture, and violet attires were worn exclusively by the imperial family and court. The purple pigment was scarce, challenging, and costly to manufacture, making the prestigious lilac clothing reserved for the wealthiest elite. This lavender shade is also linked to immortality and divinity in ancient times.

In modern days, purple signifies love and romance for the younger generations in China. This offers a refreshing and sophisticated alternative to more traditional colors like red when expressing affection and love.

What does purple cheongsam mean in Western countries?

Plum shade has a similar meaning in Western countries, with this charming color representing luxury, spirituality, and royalty. On top of that, in the United States and Europe, the magenta hue is linked to creativity, mystery, and magic, as this color sparks imagination and inspires.

Wearing an exquisite purple qipao creates a lavish and sophisticated atmosphere. For this reason, lavender cheongsams are a popular choice for attending a traditional Chinese wedding ceremony and a wedding banquet. A lilac Chinese dress in this rich and enigmatic color will add a touch of mystique, romance, and allure to your presence. Luxurious purple gowns can also be worn to galas, formal events, and traditional celebrations to create an unforgettable outfit.

Pink qipao meaning: good fortune and romance

Keep reading to discover more about the significance of the pink qipao in Chinese culture and across the globe. This hopeful and luminous color has a positive meaning, which makes it a promising choice for cheongsam dresses.

What does pink qipao represent in China?

The lovely pink shade is closely connected to red, which is considered one of the most important colors in China. Similarly, this gentle hue represents good fortune, happiness, and joy. The blush color is also associated with love, romance, and femininity, and is frequently used at Chinese wedding celebrations.

In ancient China, paintings and gravures often featured peonies, orchids, and plum blossoms in a delicate pink shade. This historical fact shows the appreciation of the artists for this charming blush color.

What does pink cheongsam mean in Western countries?

Choosing a charming qipao in a pink shade can manifest similar values in Western cultures. The meaning of this bright color symbolizes femininity, romance, playfulness, and innocence. Wearing a refreshing pink cheongsam can evoke joy, warmth, and hope while bringing a calming and soothing presence. If you are interested in adding a feminine pink qipao dress to your wardrobe, feel free to explore our curated collection with modern and chic designs.

Find an elegant qipao in a meaningful color in our store

We hope that in this article you have learnt more about the symbolism of various colors in China and in Western countries. You have now become an expert on the meaning of different shades for a qipao dress. We believe that now you feel confident about selecting the Chinese dress in a particular color, no matter the occasion.

If you are searching for an elegant and vibrant qipao dress for a specific event, you can explore our modern and feminine designs in our boutique.

We invite you to discover our exclusive collections right now in the colors that you prefer. Just click on the link below to discover the vibrant cheongsam gowns.

We are sure that you are going to love our colorful qipaos!