Cultural legacy

Li women are taught textile techniques from a young age by their mothers — spinning, dyeing, weaving and embroidery. Despite the lack of books or illustrated records, generations of Li women have designed traditional elements using their imaginations to create stunning, colorful patterns in more than 160 varieties.

In 2006, the textile techniques of the Li people were among the first to be named a national intangible cultural heritage.

Yet, the ancient art form had been on the brink of extinction.

When it was listed by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding in 2009, the number of people proficient in Li brocade in Hainan had dwindled to less than 1,000, most of whom were over 70 years old, according to local authorities.