​CHINA
Guizhou ​
I visited Guizhou in the spring of 2017.

Embroidery is central to minority costume and is a tradition passed down from mother to daughter.*​

The Miao, or Hmong as they prefer to be called, are thought to have migrated 2000 years ago from an area north of the Yellow River.*

Miao women are famous for their embroidery and silver jewellery, with each subgroup employing unique styles.*
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Designs include many important symbols and references to myths and history.*​
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The Miao have a reputation as independent-minded and rebellious highlanders.*
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At festive time, Miao women wear stunning silvery jewellery, often piling on five or six neck rings, as well as chains, coins, chest locks and multiple headdresses.*

Birds, fish and a variety of dragon motifs are popular.*​

A significant number of Miao were converted to Christianity by 19th-century missionaries, who created the first Miao script.*

Long hair is particularly sought after, and old or fake hair is sometimes woven into a large headdress.*
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This village (Fanpai) consists of several hundred traditional wooden dwellings, which cloak the steep valley like green moss.*

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*These captions are from China's Southwest -- Lonely Planet's travel guide.

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