A photo of Miao woman on the swing, taken by Wan Xianglin in 1981. [Photo/ China Photographers Association]

The Miao ethnic group, inhabiting Guizhou, Yunnan, Sichuan and Guangdong, are skilled at handicrafts, such as embroidery, weaving, paper-cutting, batik, and jewelry casting. The Miao embroidery and silver jewelry are delicate and beautiful. From hats, collars, and cuffs to skirts and baby carriers, the patterns on their clothes are extremely colorful, complicated but with clean lines. Girls of around seven will learn embroidery from mothers and sisters, and when they become teenagers, they are quite deft.

Their staple food is rice. Other dishes are meat and acidic soups. Pickled vegetables, hot seasonings and home-made wine are common at the table.