Shoes displayed at the ongoing exhibition.[Photo provided to China Daily]

The exhibition also looks at why human beings endure the pain of wearing footwear that is not practical or comfortable.

"It's also about manners."

This exhibition is divided into five sections: Transformation, Seduction, Status, Creation and Obsession.

The first section reveals how footwear can change one's destiny and life, using folklore and fairy tales.

Cinderella being an example.

In the story, she leaves behind a glass slipper on the red carpet, and it later becomes the only clue that helps the prince to find her.

The pair of magic shoes is made of Swarovski crystal.