ZAGREB, July 23 (Xinhua) -- A Qipao (cheongsam) exhibition from Shanghai, China, opened on Wednesday at the Zagreb Archaeological Museum, attracting over 100 attendees.

Qi Qianjin, Chinese ambassador to Croatia, highlighted the Qipao's rich legacy of over a century in China, describing it as a symbol of the beauty, elegance, independence, and confidence of Chinese women.

He praised the exhibition as "an excellent platform" for enhancing mutual understanding and cultural appreciation between China and Croatia.

Qi also noted the long-standing cultural exchanges between the two countries, tracing back to the ancient Silk Road. He emphasized that bilateral ties have deepened in recent years through various initiatives such as cultural years, art festivals, exhibitions of cultural relics, and film weeks.

"These dialogues between civilizations across time and space vividly reflect the spiritual connection between our peoples, and offer valuable opportunities to experience and understand different cultures."

Ivan Radman, director of the Zagreb Archaeological Museum, emphasized that the exhibition marks the first major collaborative project following the signing of a bilateral cooperation agreement last year. He expressed confidence that the display would help more Croatians better understand Shanghai and Chinese culture.

Lv Chengshuo, deputy director of the Shanghai History Museum, underscored the Qipao as a key emblem of Shanghai's urban identity and a distillation of Chinese aesthetics. "This exhibition not only traces the evolution of traditional Chinese attire, but also showcases the ingenuity of the people of Shanghai," he said.

Jointly organized by the Shanghai History Museum and the Zagreb Archaeological Museum, the exhibition celebrates the 45th anniversary of the sister city relationship between Shanghai and Zagreb.

Featuring 84 sets of Qipao, the exhibition chronicles the transformation of the Shanghai-style cheongsam and will run until Sept. 2.

The Qipao, also known as the cheongsam, is a form-fitting dress traditionally made of silk or satin, characterized by its high mandarin collar and side slits, reflecting a unique blend of classical elegance and modern flair. ■