When does individual struggle become most powerful and meaningful? For Li Li, a deputy to the 14th National People’s Congress, the answer is when it is closely tied to the development of one’s hometown. 

Through her brand Buyiyao, Li has transformed the ancestral heritage of Buyi ethnic costumes into a model for modern development, with the goal of passing traditional craftsmanship from generation to generation. With the establishment of embroidery workshops and intangible cultural heritage bases, women in her village can now work from home while preserving their cultural traditions. 

As an NPC deputy, Li also serves as a bridge between her community and the national legislature. She brought the concerns of local embroiderers to Beijing and was encouraged to see their voices heard. At this year’s Two Sessions, her proposals focus on revitalising ethnic culture through brands such as Guizhou Village Dance, turning tourism appeal into tangible economic benefits for residents, and supporting young people through targeted policies.