A skilled embroider cuts a paper frame in Xingyi on Jan 1. [Photo/zgqxn.com]

Three hundred female embroiders got together in Xingyi on Jan 1 to showcase their embroidery skills and celebrate the New Year.

The city, located in the Qianxinan Bouyei and Miao autonomous prefecture, is home to Bouyei and Miao ethnic groups that are renowned for the embroidery skills. Over the past few years, authorities in the city have developed embroidery into a major industry to raise the income level among its residents and alleviate poverty.

On the day, a range of embroidery works were exhibited to demonstrate embroidery skills and showcase the exotic culture of ethnic people to visitors. Participants also go the chance to try their hand at embroidery.

Activities also put on were a stage show of embroidery works and performances of ethnic songs and dances.