Premier Li Keqiang praised folk art embroidery — and he also told women who do such embroidery that they play an important role in preserving the country’s cultural legacy.

Li made the comments during a visit to an ethnic handicraft workshop in Zhaoxing, Guizhou province, on Feb 14.

He aimed to learn more about local traditional arts — and about progress in reducing poverty boosted by jobs involved in handicrafts.

Li told the women doing embroidery that they are achieving happiness “stitch by stitch”.

Their works convey the beauty of Dong people’s homes — and of the ethnic group — and are also a beautiful expression of their work ethic, Li said.

“You are making money for your families by staying indoors. You are also heroes of your families and heroes for handing down the heritage of Dong culture to the next generation.”