Liu Min's quest to preserve Miao embroidery

Liu Min has made it her mission to pass on the art of Miao embroidery, an intangible cultural heritage item of Qingshan Miao ethnic township, Xifeng county, Guiyang, capital of Southwest China's Guizhou province.

Miao embroidery is recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage item. [Photo/WeChat account of Xifeng county]

As a practitioner of intangible cultural heritage in Qingshan Miao ethnic township, Liu has dedicated over 40 years to preserving Miao embroidery, a craft she first learned from her mother at the age of 14.

Her embroidery works have won numerous awards and earned acclaim at home and abroad. Due to her exceptional skills, Liu has been recognized as a Miao embroidery artisan in the township and a representative practitioner of intangible cultural heritage in Guiyang.

In recent years, as more young people have left the village to find work, Miao embroidery faces the risk of being lost forever. Driven by a deep sense of responsibility, Liu has proactively gathered young women from the village, teaching them embroidery in her spare time.

Liu Min demonstrates Miao embroidery techniques. [Photo/WeChat account of Xifeng county]

Qingshan Miao ethnic township established a Miao culture training center in 2022, aimed at actively promoting Miao embroidery through various training programs. Liu was invited to offer guidance and instruction at the center.

This year, the township has expanded its efforts to include youth training courses at the center, with Liu teaching tie-dyeing, batik, and the Miao language on a weekly basis.

Locals learn Miao embroidery at the Miao culture training center. [Photo/WeChat account of Xifeng county]

Liu hopes that through her efforts, she can pass this ancient craft on to the next generation, ensuring that the vibrant beauty of Miao embroidery continues to thrive for years to come.