A piece of Miao embroidery

Miao women embroidering

People in the southeast Guizhou Miao-Dong autonomous prefecture are honest and hospitable. Their minority cultures are varied and graceful.

In recent years, Miao and Dong ethnic costumes, songs and dances have appeared frequently on major TV stations, periodicals, magazines and websites.

In China, the four most famous kinds of embroidery include Shu embroidery in Sichuan province, Su embroidery in Jiangsu province, Xiang embroidery in Hunan province and Yue embroidery in Guangdong province.

Miao embroidery, however, is also a cultural pearl in China and a colorful specialty of Guizhou.

Miao embroidery has a long history and occupies an important position in China’s embroidery industry. It is unique to the Miao ethnic group inhabiting the Guizhou Miao-Dong autonomous prefecture.

Miao embroidery has its own charm. It is a traditional ethnic handicraft that has been handed down from generation to generation, but has only recently gained popularity outside Guizhou.

Miao embroidery inherits long-standing artistic skills and is a unique part of China’s art history.

Leishan county and Rongjiang county in southeast Guizhou are the regions best known for their extraordinary Miao embroidery.

According to historical record, the origin of the Miao ethnic group began 5,000-6,000 years ago, in the Qin (221-206 BC) and Han dynasties (206 BC-AD 24, AD 25-220).

As an emerging city in west China, Kaili, in Guizhou province, is developing rapidly.

The 2012 China Kaili Silver Ornament & Embroidery Exposition was held in the Guizhou Miao-Dong autonomous prefecture on Nov 18.