Costume processing factory preserves intangible cultural heritage

Embroiderers work at the Zhengfeng ethnic costume processing factory in Qingzhen. [Photo/gzqz.gov.cn]

The Zhengfeng ethnic costume processing factory, located in Qingzhen, Guiyang, Southwest China's Guizhou province, was founded by Wang Zhengfeng, a Miao woman who had been working outside her hometown for many years.

She decided to return to Qingzhen to start her ethnic costume processing business in 2014 in a bid to better preserve the Miao people's intangible cultural heritage.

With the assistance of the local government, she gained 100,000 yuan ($13,930) in start-up funds and 80,000 yuan in interest-free loans. So far, her factory has provided over 40 jobs to nearby villagers, and the costumes processed are mainly sold in Guiyang and Bijie.

The factory also receives orders from online platforms such as Douyin and Taobao and releases short promotional videos and pictures showcasing unique Miao embroidery craftsmanship.

About 200 costumes are sold monthly through both online and brick-and-mortar sales platforms, and the factory earns 400,000 yuan annually.