Xifeng's Miao embroidery master: Stitching path to prosperity

Since beginning to learn Miao embroidery at the age of 14, Liu Min, now in her sixties and a deputy to the ninth People's Congress of Qingshan Miao Township in Xifeng county, has dedicated her life to perfecting her craft, stitch by stitch.

Growing up in a poor household, Liu practiced embroidery night after night, eventually mastering intricate designs on her own as a teenager. With solid foundational skills, she later pursued training at technical schools, further refining her artistry.

Her works, including Festive Lanterns and Miao Costume, won first prizes in Guizhou's provincial intangible cultural heritage competitions. She also showcased her creations internationally at Malta's St. James Cavalier Center for Creativity during the "Malta – Colorful Guizhou Culture and Arts Festival", becoming a cultural ambassador for Miao embroidery.

Liu has taken on the mission of passing down the craft, offering regular training sessions at the township's Miao culture heritage center. She also hosts "night embroidery classes" at her home, where she teaches young women how to read patterns, select colors, and master stitching techniques, cultivating a growing number of skilled embroiderers.

To transform Miao embroidery from cultural heritage into an economic driver, Liu has helped strengthen the township's training facilities and led embroiderers in producing items such as sachets, embroidered pouches, and linen garments. These products are now sold to tourists, expanding income channels for local families.

"I hope more children will learn and carry on this craft," Liu said, "so that Miao embroidery can be passed down through generations."