Two females of the Miao ethnic group showcase a Bainiaoyi, or “Hundred Bird Costume.” [Photo/xinhuanet.com]

As its name suggests, the clothes are embroidered with colorful patterns of birds and other symbols of vitality, such as flowers, fish and butterflies.

It take years to finish a single item of Bainiaoyi clothing, as it is made up of many different sections, including the back, shoulder, sleeve and chest. Each part of the clothing is unique and is decorated with embroideries of different styles.

Bird, butterfly and ox horn patterns are commonly seen on the dresses and silver ornaments of the Miao people. The dresses are seen as a representation of the Miao people’s history, as they did not have their own written history until the 1950’s, when the central government dispatched linguists to minority regions.