In traditional Chinese dress, a changshan (长衫chángshān) is the male equivalent of the women's cheongsam (qipao). Today we will introduce some basic character about long shirt for ancient Chinese women. It is also known as a changpao (chángpáo 长袍) or dagua (大褂 dàguà).

History
Changshan, along with qipao, were introduced to China during the Qing Dynasty. The Manchus in 1636 ordered that all Han Chinese should adopt the changshan style of dress or face harsh punishment. However, after the 1644 fall of the Ming Dynasty, the Manchu stopped this order, and only required the court and government officials to wear Manchu clothes. Commoners were actually still allowed to wear the hanfu. However, over time, given the fact that the commoners still had to adopt Manchurian hairstyles or face execution, the commoners adopted the changshan and qipao as their own dress.[1] Thus, the traditional Chinese Hanfu style of clothing was gradually replaced. Over time, the Manchu style gained popularity.

The male changshan went well with the western overcoat, fedora, and scarf, and portrayed a unique East Asian modernity.

Use of changshan
Changshan are traditionally worn in pictures, weddings, and other more formal historically Chinese events. A black changshan, along with a rounded black hat, was, and sometimes still is, the burial attire for Chinese men.

Changshan are not often worn today in mainland China, except during traditional Chinese celebrations but, with the revival of some traditional clothing in urban mainland China, the Shanghainese style functions as a stylish party dress.

Changshan was formal dress for Chinese men before Western-style suits became common in China.