A tradition worth dyeing for

 The essence and luster of nature are transformed into stylish, practical garments that are deeply symbolic to the Dong ethnic group of Guizhou province, Lin Qi reports.

Ethnic costumes in China combine rich colors and patterns with style, and their distinctive beauty and grace dazzle people entering a village inhabited by the Dong ethnic group. If they do, they may be fortunate enough to see women making monochromatic dark blue fabric with a metallic sheen that they themselves wear.

It is known as liangbu (bright cloth), a special textile that takes a dozen steps to make, and which is a glittering example of handmade Dong cloth.