In China, there are two million Yao people in total, who are mainly distributed in Guangxi, Hunan, Yunnan, Guangdong, Guizhou and Jiangxi. Their inhabiting areas are mostly in the subtropical zone, with altitudes of 1000m to 2000m. Around their villages, the sceneries are made up of green bamboo and trees piled one upon another, which is very beautiful. The Yao language belongs to the Yao branch of Miaoyao Austronesian of Sino-Tibetan. As a result of a long period of close contact with the Han, Zhuang and Miao nationalities, the Yao people of various areas generally know Chinese. Some also understand Zhuang and Miao languages. For restrictions of their inhabiting areas, most Yao people still maintain hunting, fishing and farm cultivation culture, as well as the splendid Yao brocades, Yao costumes, ancient legends, moving Yao songs, graceful dances, unique marriage customs and religious beliefs. 
Yao costumes are diversified in styles. The upper outer garment for man has two kinds, one kind with button down the fronts, the other with button down the left. Both kinds are with waistbands. Their trousers differ in length, with colors mainly blue and black. Some women wear collarless short jacket with waistbands, and their skirts differ in length. Some women wear jacket with button down the fronts as long as to the knees, with waistbands and wear long trousers or pants. Some embroider all kinds of colorful patterns on the sleeves, collars and trousers bottoms. Yao people are good at weaving, dying and embroidery. Its “Yaoban Cloth” enjoys great reputation, and embroidered brocades and colorful ribbons are also renowned. Beautiful costume is also one of the greatest characteristics of Yao culture. There have long been many historical records for their weaving and dying. In the Song Dynasty, “Yaoban Cloth” is well-known, and the cross-stitch work and embroidery of Yao people have been well-known since ancient times. The colorful clothes and dresses with patterns are mostly embroidered by cross-stitch work or embroidery. In history, there have been the records of “beautiful and gorgeous clothes” of Yao people. Now in festivals or happy occasions, they will put on their most beautiful clothes to take part in various kinds of activities. 