Women of the Miao ethnic group presented their traditional costumes in celebration of a folk festival in Danzhai county of Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Guizhou Province on Saturday. /CNS Photo

With hundreds of styles in a range of brilliant colors, Miao clothing is one of the gems of Chinese fashion. Danzhai costumes were formally listed as part of China’s intangible cultural heritage in 2009. /CNS Photo

Miao ladies dress in gorgeous, lavish colors with strong contrasts and intense hues. Red, black, white, yellow, and blue are their favorites. Embroidered designs matched with dazzling head ornaments, bracelets and silver accessories complete the Miao dress. /Xinhua Photo

Even with the textile technology now available, the women prefer to make their finest clothes by hand. The complicated process usually takes three to five years, which makes the clothing an artistic treasure costing from 1,000 to 10,000 yuan (approximately 150 to 1,500 US dollars) per set. /Xinhua Photo