‍Tradition and fashion do not always go hand in hand. But they do in the case of ao dai, a traditional long gown of Vietnam.  

With it's form-fitting and long-sleeved top flowing over loose trousers that reach the sole of feet, the ao dai is a combination of grace, modesty and beauty. 

It almost covers the entire body, but at the same time, draws the natural curve of a woman's body. The slit on both sides of the gown makes it comfortable and suitable for movement. 

The design of the dress has changed over time and its origin is controversial. Some believe it all started in 1744 when the Nguyen Dynasty required both men and women to wear pants and gown. 

But it was not until 1930 that the wear started to take its modern shape. A Vietnamese artist called Cat Tuong is said to have integrated western dress style into the traditional ao dai. 

Nowadays, the ao dai as an embodiment of Vietnamese culture remains popular among Vietnamese in the country and abroad. While women are seen more often wearing ao dais, sometimes men also wear them to important occasions such as weddings and religious holidays. 

What are the cultural elements that best represent Asia? Follow up the "Know Asia Better" series. It will offer you a glimpse of 47 Asian countries, through architecture, art or cultural figures to show you a diverse Asia that you may never have noticed before. Themed on the exchanges and mutual learning among Asian civilizations and building a community with a shared future for mankind, the Conference on Dialogue of Asian Civilizations will be held in Beijing in May.

(Cover designed by Fan Chenxiao)