Robes, metallic hats enliven China's parliament

Enlarge Photo Delegates from China's minority groups pose for photographs before the opening of China's parliament, the...

Wed, Mar 5 12:45 PM

Fur hats, jingling metal headdresses, sweeping silk blouses and careful embroidery added much needed colour to the opening of China's annual session of parliament on Wednesday, as minority groups dressed to impress.

All of China's 55 minority groups are represented at the meeting of the largely rubber-stamp body, from Tibetans and Mongolians to the Muslim Hui and shamanistic Ewenki, and almost all come dressed in traditional clothing.

That usually generates a frenzy of interest from photographers and cameramen who can literally fall over themselves to capture the delegates filing into and out of the cavernous Great Hall of the People, where the meeting is held.

Most say they don't mind the attention, as it gives them a change to "promote" their minority to the rest of China, which is more than 90 percent dominated by the Han Chinese.

"It's really pretty, right? I wear this in daily life, though a much simpler version," said Yang Jinsong, a Naxi from the southwestern province of Yunnan, dressed in an exquisite deep turquoise dress.

"It's very comfortable. I designed it myself," she added. "I love getting dressed up in this."

Xian Shunnu, an ethnic Korean from the northeastern province of Jilin, came in a sky blue Hanbok, a traditional dress with a high waist and flared sleeves.

"Normally, I wear a shorter skirt when I'm working, not such a long one as this. I only wear this at festivals, or important events like this," she told Reuters on the steps of the Great Hall, after listening to Premier Wen Jiabao's work report.

"There's no rule saying I have to wear it, but as a member of a minority of course I have to do a bit of publicity work for us," Xian added.

An Guofeng, a Yughur from the dusty northwestern province of Gansu, agreed. He was dressed in a flowing gold robe and fur lined cap.

"I don't wear this kind of clothing normally. It's not very convenient," he said. "I'm a representative of my people, so this is what I should wear here."

Still, complex outfits can trigger slightly embarrassing wardrobe malfunctions.

Li Youmei, a Miao from the central province of Hunan, apologised profusely after her shimmering silver headdress fell apart when talking to reporters.

"I'm so sorry!" she giggled, as journalists tried to reattach it.

"Don't bother yourself!" Li added, before scurrying away with a member of her delegation.

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