Tooth dyeing is an ancient custom of Huayao Dai people. Huayao Dai people are part of the Dai ethnic group, who mostly dwell in Gasa township of Xinping Yi and Dai Autonomous County, southwest China's Yunnan Province. The closed geographic environment of Xinping has made it possible for Huayao Dai people to keep their traditional customs such as worshiping gods, tattooing and tooth dyeing. 

For the older generation of Huayao Dai women, the black teeth are a symbol of beauty and dental health. They use special plants, such as the fruits of Paederia foetida, to dye their teeth. 

See more about Xinping County:

Shimen Gorge: A quiet and secluded place on Ailao Mountain

How China's Huayao Dai people make clay pots

About the "Go! Yunnan" series:

Yunnan Province in southwest China boasts spectacular natural landscapes, biodiversity and diverse ethnic groups. Among China's 56 recognized ethnic groups, 25 are in Yunnan. This livestream series will take you on tour to six cities or autonomous prefectures in Yunnan to see the little-known food, scenery and folk customs. Stay tuned for our upcoming livestreams! 

(Video filmed by Liu Yang and Liu Ming, edited by Liu Guihu.)

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