Zhang Qiongfen communicates with her colleagues on embroidery, Aug 17, 2016. [Photo/Xinhua]

Born into a Yi ethnic family in a poor rural village in Yunnan province, Zhang Qiongfen did not even finish primary school. Yet she later became a skilled embroiderer at the age of thirteen through hard work.

She and her colleagues created colorful Yi embroidery and developed new embroidery products that have become very popular both at home and abroad.

Under her leadership, more Yi women are engaged in the embroidery industry and have the opportunity for a better life.