HAIKOU /China/, March 14. /TASS/. The unique art of art of weaving Li Brocade on Hainan Island is catching the eye of an increasing number of foreigners, the Hainan Daily newspaper reported.
The paper cites an American expat named Nicky, who has been living on Hainan for 19 years and owns a small store of brocade accessories and souvenirs. The counter is covered with hairpins, necklaces, bags and other items created from this fabric. Nicky made most of the items herself.
"I loved Li's ethnic brocade as soon as I saw it," Nicky confessed.
Her shop displays products dedicated to the brocade theme from other countries, including Russia. For example, handmade notebooks and scrapbooks. Nicky is constantly adding to her range of products and strives to make brocade known around the world.
"I love not only the brocade, but Hainan itself," she said. The American noted that the island is warmer than her hometown of Chicago. Nicky is engaged in spreading Hainan culture and hopes that her work will contribute to the successful development of China's southernmost province.
The Li People are considered to be the oldest ethnic group in Hainan. This ethnic minority has preserved many customs and traditions dating back to the Neolithic Age. They speak a language belonging to the Tai-Kadai family, which includes Thai and Laotian. Most of them live in the central part of the province where there are dense tropical forests.