Another beauty of the cheongsam is that, made of different materials and to varying lengths, they can be worn either on casual or formal occasions. In either case, it creates an impression of simple and quiet charm, elegance and neatness. No wonder it is so much liked by women not only of China but of foreign countries as well, and enjoys a growing popularity in the international world of high fashion.

When talking about the Manchu's food culture, the Man Han Quan Xi should not be ignored. The Complete Set of Dinner in the Man Nationality and the Han Nationality Styles (Man Han Quanxi), originated in Qing Dynasty, is the largest Chinese banquet combining the essence of dishes from Man and Han nationalities. Yangzhou Shu Fang Lu, wrote by Li Dou in Qianlong times, records the earliest menu of Man Han Quanxi.

The Complete Set of Dinner consists of 134 courses of hot dishes, 48 courses of cold dishes, and sweets and fruits, which are used in 6 separate banquets. It requests food materials that are rare and best of all, including, for instance, the 8 Mountainous Treasures, the 8 Land Treasures, and the 8 Sea Treasures. The 8 Mountainous Treasures consist of bear paws, hedgehog hydnum, Handakan, flying dragons, tiger spleens, elks, ginseng, and Juecai.

The 8 Land Treasures consist of Hashimuo, camel humps, Koumo mushrooms, Fengzhaomo mushrooms, Yumizhen corn, Shafengji chickens, and ptarmigans. The 8 Sea Treasures consist of shake fin, cishen, fresh oysters, purple abalone, snake-headed fish eggs, balloons of slated cod croakers, and fish skin. The raw materials involve a wide range of valuable sources. Undoubtedly, the Complete Set of Dinner in Manchu Nationality and Han Nationality Styles is a high peak in the development of Chinese gastronomy. Furthermore, the integration of such an abundant historical background and national culture in one food perhaps is a unique phenomenon in the world. Where can this banquet be found? Go to Beijing Fangshan Restaurant in Beihai Park. The restaurant is located in a group of ancient buildings in the park. The restaurant was established in 1925, its predecessor was the imperial kitchen of the Qing Dynasty.

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