Batik of the Miao ethnic group dates back to 221 BC

Batik is one of three ancient Chinese printing techniques. The batik technique of the Miao ethnic group has a long history that can be traced back to the Qin and Han Dynasties (221 BC- 220 AD).

Batik was very popular in the Wuxi area of the Song Dynasty (960-1279). In the Ming and Qing Dynasties (1368-1912), Miao people in central Guizhou province were known for their batik clothing.

From 1912-1949, the batik technique was well-received by most of the Miao people in Xiangxi, Guizhou, Yunnan, and south Sichuan province, among which people in Guizhou's Danzhai, Anshun, Langdai, Puding, and Huishui had the highest skills.

The batik technique is used for making clothing in most areas, while in the Xiangxi area, it is used for making bed sheets and pillow covers.

Anshun, Danzhai county, and Zhijin county are multi-ethnic settlement areas with the Miao ethnic group as its main population, in which residents have been living a self-sufficient and self-contained lifestyle as a result the ancient batik technique that has been passed down for generations to present times.

According to Miao custom, all women have a duty to pass down the technique to future generations, which requires that every mother should teach her daughter to make batik clothing. Through this, areas with a Miao population have formed a culture with batik art as its core.

Guizhou batik art has experienced rapid development in the last 20 years, having great influence at both home and abroad.