Meanwhile, Ke continues to visit Yugur elders to collect and preserve clothing patterns and document craftsmanship processes, believing that even ancient items are part of Yugur culture.

The Yugur often spend considerable amounts on a set of clothing, with prices ranging from 6,000 yuan ($840) to more than 100,000 yuan.

Today, Ke has trained over 100 apprentices, and her family is actively involved in preserving Yugur cultural heritage. Her company's sales of cultural and creative products have increased by over 30 percent compared to last year.

In 2014, Ke opened a Yugur folk museum, attracting visitors and scholars from around the world.

The local government is also supporting efforts to preserve traditional Yugur clothing and embroidery through exhibitions, performances and workshops.

Over 200 exhibitions and performances and traditional craft training sessions have been organized, according to Zhang Anting, director of the county's intangible cultural heritage protection and inheritance center, adding that there are 14 national and provincial inheritors of Yugur crafts.

For 46-year-old Pan Xiaohong, who lost the use of four fingers on her left hand due to an accident during childhood, the craftsmanship of Yugur clothing opened new possibilities.

Through years of diligent study and strenuous training, Pan not only earns a living through Yugur clothing craftsmanship but also helps many people with disabilities support themselves through this skill.

Nowadays, Pan's embroidery company employs 43 workers, including 22 with disabilities.

Four years ago, her company focused solely on producing Yugur ethnic clothing. Today, the embroiderers have developed more than 100 cultural and creative products inspired by traditional patterns, with 15 of these products applying for design patents.

"Creating ethnic clothing is a calming process that brings a sense of accomplishment and confidence with each completed piece. Just as it has brought me more possibilities, I hope that through innovation while preserving tradition, I can create more jobs for others," says Pan.

Xinhua