The Miao is an ethnic group recognized by the government of China as one of the 55 official minority groups.  The Miao live primarily in southern China's mountains, in the provinces of Guizhou, Hunan, Yunnan, Sichuan, Guangxi, Hainan, Guangdong and Hubei.  Some members of the Miao sub-groups, most notably the Hmong people, have migrated out of China into Southeast Asia.  Historically, the term "Miao" had been applied inconsistently to a variety of non-Han people.  They had constantly been at war with Han people. They live in mountainous regions and are distinguished from Han people by their traditional costumes, religious practices, festivals and customs.  The Miao people are made up of over 100 various sub-groups.  Among them, they also have varying costumes and customs.

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This is a work in progress series for a collection of portraits of Maio tribes in China.