Putting folk art skills to work

The women of Guizhou have turned their traditional batik dyeing and embroidery techniques into a source of income. Li Jun and Zhao Kai report from Guiyang.

Adecade ago, it seemed the best option for young people like Cai Qun from the mountainous areas of Guizhou province was to head to the cities in search of work. However, these days Cai would advise girls to stay in their villages, where there are more employment opportunities than before.

In 2009, Cai set up a small company making goods using the traditional batik and embroidery techniques of the Miao ethnic group. Employing dozens of local women, the company produces handmade goods with intricate designs that sell well overseas, particularly in Singapore and the United States.