Ruifuxiang Silk

Ruifuxiang has clothed China's elite since 1862 - the Dowager Empress's robes came from here, and so do many a modern bride's qipao. The flagship on Dashilan is a palace of textiles: walls of silk, satin, and brocade, traditional dress made to measure in days, and embroidered accessories that make instant gifts.

Staff will happily show you the heritage weaves and explain the difference between Suzhou and Sichuan silk. A custom qipao takes about a week and several hundred to several thousand yuan, and the fitting room has seen more than one wedding proposal.