Seen as a symbol of Chinese women's mystique, vagueness and sexiness, the "bellyband," a typical form of ancient Chinese female underwear, displays its charms not only by exposing the skin but also by its elaborate Chinese beauty.

Yang Guifei , one of the famous four beauties of ancient China and said inventor of the bellyband, has won the hearts of women since the first day she wore it.

When "bellyband" is mentioned, a typical pattern usually jumps into one's head: red silk with a pair of mandarin ducks on it. Usually, a bellyband is made into a diamond shape. Lace is placed near the neck and the waist to be fastened and to accentuate curves. The lower part of a bellyband is triangular to cover the bellybutton.

Apart from silk, cotton and lace, gold chains are often used by women from affluent families, while silver and copper chains are used by the middle-class ladies. Exquisite embroideries of various patterns are usually found on bellybands.

Nowadays, ancient underwear is not just seen as a historic relic, but also as a historic reference. For example, a bellyband made during the Republic of China (1912-1949) period has four big characters on the front: Hao Niao Zhi Tou (lovely birds at the end of a branch). On the back, the English words "Good Night" are embroidered upside-down. This indicates that people were very interested in Western culture of the time. The contrast of pink and blackish green hues, gradual changes in color from light to dark,  uneven distance between fasteners and tassels of varied densities -- all represent the height of fashion of a particular year.

As a kind of ancient female underwear, the bellyband is still very popular among young ladies. The design has once again made a comeback, becoming a focus for international fashion designers.