Reformation of transmission practice for the preservation of Hong Kong cheongsam making technique

Abstract

This research is a participatory practice-led investigation on the transmission practice of Hong Kong Cheongsam Making Technique, which is a national representative intangible cultural heritage (ICH) of Hong Kong and China, conducted between September 2023 and November 2025. This research was derived to 1) investigate the traditional master-apprentice transmission practice through interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA), 2) investigate the current practice-focused short course through participatory research and IPA, 3) discuss and propose a modernised and pragmatic transmission framework for the ICH. With reference to the cheongsam research programs curated by the Hong Kong Museum of History (HKMoH), Intangible Cultural Heritage Office (ICHO), tertiary Institutes, and specialist researchers in 2011, 2014, 2018, 2019, and 2021 and part of the research findings from the team’s previous studies, the team conducted an in-depth practice-led qualitative study through participating in real-life training under the guidance of registered ICH bearers of the Hong Kong Cheongsam Association (designated protection organisation of the ICH). The researchers generated first-hand learning experience of the current teaching and learning practice. Comprehensive observation and practice notes, interview records, photo recordings, video recordings, specimens, and research prototypes were generated. The deficiencies and challenges of the traditional and current transmission practice were evaluated for the proposition of a modernised framework based on pragmaticality in transmission of the ICH in modern society.