(Embroidered wristwears)

You will get excited when several groups of ethnic minority appear in front of you, and yet you will get excited when a piece of delicate embroidery work is put in front of you. Yunnan is such a place that can always bring you excitement in the time of either sightseeing or shopping. 

Yunnan ethnic embroideries go beyond the imagination of many people-who are impressed with the number of ethnic minorities-and their branches. 

Travelling in most places of Yunnan province, you will find many ethnic members, especially ladies, wear embroidered costumes. Indeed, the self-sufficient farming tradition on this fertile land has nurtured the versatility of the people (farmers/ethnic members). The Yi, Miao, Bai, Dai, Zhuang, Yao, Hani, and Naxi etc are all adept at needling.

(An embroidered wallet)

As indigenous souvenirs carrying cultural connotations, many ethnic embroidery works can be used artistically as tapestries, wall hangings, and inlaid in frameworks to give special feelings. Cute or stately, ethnic embroidery souvenirs can range from mini-purses to huge tapestries, and from satchels to coats. 

Among the numerous ethnic groups in Yunnan or the neighbouring provinces, Miao is the best-known for their needling skills. You can anticipate a lot from the authentic embroideries made by the Miao ethnic members. Some say, on the pleated skirt of a Miao lady, the history of the Miao people is partly “written” because many designs symbolise the rivers the Miao ethnic ancestors once crossed over when moving southwards for settlement. 

 (A Miao ethnic girl is making embroideries)

In Shilin County of Kunming, many villages around the Stone Forest have been engaged in embroidery-making for years. And as the tourism sector here is getting more and more prosperous, embroidery-making has become a cottage industry.

(Sani people, a branch of the Yi in Shilin County of Kunming, are making embroideries)

There are many other ethnic minorities who are also famous for embroideries, such as the Bai, Naxi, Hani, and Zhuang etc.

Where to buy?
There are many places for souvenirs to fit all wallets: boutiques, curator's shops in museums (private or public), and marketplace like Jingxing Market of Kunming. Besides markets in big cities (like Kunming), you can also find embroidery works or costumes on many markets like Xinjie Market of Yuanyang County.

(A stall for selling ethnic costumes at Shengcun Market,
 Yuanyang County of Honghe Prefecture)

Tips:
(1)-You can resort to travel services for organise tour to museums or markets. If a market like Xinjie of Yuanyang, you have to know when the market day is; 
(2)-Information listed in this article is only for reference.