One hundred women showcase their embroidery skills at a competition held in Congjiang county on Nov 29. [Photo/xinhuanet.com]

One hundred talented embroiderers demonstrated their skills on Nov 19 at an embroidery competition in Congjiang county, Guizhou province.

The participants represented a diverse Guizhou and included individuals from ethnic groups including Miao, Dong, Yao and Sui.

Congjiang, in the Qiandongnan Miao and Dong autonomous prefecture, is one of the most diversely populated counties in Guizhou and is home to as many as 19 ethnic groups.

Embroidery is an important traditional craft in the county and most women are taught at an early age. The county’s authorities and local businesses have been eager to turn the cultural gems of the county to their advantage by developing the embroidery industry to increase the earning potential of residents there.