[Photo from ynci.cn]

Lunan cross-stitch is a time-honored traditional craft of the Sani people, inhabitants of the Lunan Yi autonomous county.

Cross-stitch work, a type of embroidery with exaggerated colors, is used to decorate bags, clothes and headscarves, and reflects the folklore characteristics of the Bai ethnic group in Dali and the Sani people in Lunan. Backpacks, tablecloths, curtains and costumes are major cross-stitch craft products in Lunan.

There are a variety of skills, such as single-side cross-stitch, double-side cross-stitch, plain-color cross-stitch and new color silk yarn cross-stitch. Either delicate or bold, the finished products are vivid embodiments of the wisdom and artistic creativity of the Sani people.