A CHINESE garment manufacturer hopes to turn the Zhongshanzhuang, the suit often worn by China's revolutionary forerunner Sun Yat-sen, into an item on the State cultural heritage list.

According to the Guangzhou-based Southern Metropolis Daily, the clothing manufacturer hails from Zhongshan City in Guangdong Province, the hometown of Sun, who led the 1911 Revolution to overthrow the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) and found the Republic of China.

The company said it will solicit support and apply to have the uniform registered on the State cultural heritage list.

The newspaper did not give the company's name, but quoted Jiang Hengjie, deputy director of the China Garment Association, as saying that the company has over 70 years of experience in making the Zhongshanzhuang.

The Zhongshanzhuang or Zhongshan suit is a uniform-like tunic with four pockets and a turned-down collar, buttoned down the middle with five buttons.

Sun set a personal example by wearing the suit on various occasions. It is still popular with Chinese leaders and the public.

Sun Yanghai, great grandnephew of Sun Yat-sen, said he will support the company's move.

(Xinhua)