Yi embroidery is a vibrant, culturally rich art form that has gained international attention. Known for its bold colors and intricate designs, Yi embroidery represents the cultural identity of the Yi people and is considered one of China's most significant traditional folk crafts. Li Changzheng, general manager of Shugu Yi Yi Embroidery Co., Ltd. in Dayao County, shared her deep passion for the craft. She emphasized that while there is growing global interest in Yi embroidery, challenges such as limited funding and a lack of skilled management personnel have hindered its development.
"Although we see strong market demand both domestically and internationally, our ability to scale up is constrained by financial and human resource limitations," she explained. "If we can secure more investment and talent, we believe we can overcome these obstacles and bring Yi embroidery to a broader audience."
Compared to the Four Famous Embroideries of China—Suzhou, Hunan, and Sichuan—Yi embroidery stands out with its use of red, yellow, and black, symbolizing the Yi people’s spiritual beliefs and traditions. The style is characterized by bold patterns and strong visual impact, reflecting the rugged lifestyle and cultural heritage of the Yi people. Historically, Yi embroidery was mostly used for personal or family purposes, but in recent years, it has started to gain commercial significance.
In 2008, Li founded the "Long March Embroidery Workshop" in an ancient Yi town, which later evolved into the Shugu Yi Embroidery Plant in Dayu County. The company now operates as an integrated enterprise, combining art preservation, cultural exhibitions, and marketing efforts. Currently, the factory employs over 1,000 women, with per capita income reaching more than 1,700 yuan annually. For many local women, embroidery has become a key source of income and empowerment.
However, Li acknowledges that the industry still faces challenges. "Most of the Yi embroidery workshops are small-scale and managed informally. We lack experienced managers, and the education level among the local population is relatively low, which makes business operations difficult," she said. Despite these hurdles, she remains optimistic about the future. Her company, though still in its early stages, achieved annual sales of 50 million yuan last year.
Li is currently participating in the "Financing Kunming – Second SME Financing Project Matchmaking Symposium" at the end of the month, hoping to attract investors and build stronger partnerships. She also recalled a memorable moment in 2007 when she was invited to showcase Yi embroidery at a folk handicraft exhibition in Yunnan Province, and subsequently participated in the Smithsonian Festival of Folk Culture in the United States. "That experience was very encouraging. It showed us that Yi embroidery can capture the attention of people from different cultures and backgrounds."
As reporters visited the "Long March Embroidery Square" in the Yi town, they found a wide variety of products on display—clothing, shoes, pendants, and more. The footwear alone had 17 different styles. A large "epoch-making" symbol stood on a pole, telling the story of the Yi people's origins, growth, and cultural heritage. The long version of "Yi-style" depicts scenes of young men and women singing love songs, dancing, and enjoying life, creating a vivid representation of Yi culture.
"We say that if you walk, you dance; if you speak, you sing; and if you know something, you embroider," Li said. "I hope to continue promoting and integrating Yi embroidery resources, helping more people escape poverty and bring this beautiful craft beyond Yunnan."
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