Though the era of qipao-clad women might be all but confined to the history books, the Guangdong city of Zhanjiang set up its first qipao association on April 12, in a bid to revive women's culture.

The association was set up under the principle of "spreading social values and traditional Chinese culture to a wider audience" and aims to improve the self-esteem of its members.

Qipao, more commonly known as a traditional slim-fitting Chinese dress for women, rose to prominence in the 1920s. The dress has since become a symbol and icon of Chinese fashion and typically features a stand collar, right side opening and a slip bottom, revealing the beauty of the female shape.

The opening of the association attracted women from diverse backgrounds in Zhanjiang, including businesswomen, government officials and those working in fields of education and law.

The dress was listed among the third group of Chinese intangible cultural heritages in 2011 and has long been favored as the formal attire by many first ladies in Chinese history.

Zhanjiang's newly established qipao association holds its first meeting on April 12. [Photo/yinsha.com]

Wang Chaoxia (L) is elected president of the association on the day, while Lin Li is appointed as secretary general. [Photo/yinsha.com]

Members of the qipao association in Zhanjiang show their elegance as they pose for a group picture on April 12. [Photo/yinsha.com]