Lines tattooed on the face suggest a "blessed spirit", on the upper lip "good luck", and on the lower lip "peace and safety". Li people believe tattoos on the back bring happiness, and that circle designs on the fingers brought good fortune. However, Li women had to endure great pains when receiving tattoos as young as 12 or 13 years old. The operation was considered a sacred ceremony, which could only be carried out on auspicious days in autumn. Usually an elderly woman would execute the tattoo operationand announce the name of the person to be tattooed, while burning incense in front of ancestral memorial tablets to pray for safety. The operation took place in "longgui", the dwelling houses of young girls.

Since the 1990s, this ancient tradition of facial-and-body tattoos has gradually lost its charm under the clash of modern civilization. Currently, facial-and-body tattoos can only be found in older women. Young girls have become reluctant to tattoos, leading the long-cherished custom to the brink of disappearance.

 Li costumes

Black and blue are the major colors for women's tops, which have no collars or buttons. Their skirts are tube-shaped and close fitting, showing off their beautiful figures. Li costumes are usually tailored in a simple way, with a unique style, exquisite brocade, and mysterious decorations. Li women love to wear ornaments when they are fully dressed. There are a large variety of hairpins, earrings, necklaces, bracelets and anklets, most of which are made of silver. As experts in spinning, weaving, dying and sewing, Li people often make their clothes entirely by themselves.

  The weaving technique

Li brocades are mainly woven with cotton yarn and silk thread in different colors and patterns. The dyeing materials come from wild plants on the island, making the colors rich, durable and vivid. Li weaving techniques once made great contributions to China's textile industry. In the 5th century, Li textile technology reached a considerably high level. In the early Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368), Huang Daopo, an expert in ancient textiles, learned advanced textile skills from the Li people. She returned to her native home in Wunijing (today's Shanghai ) to teach textile technology, thereby pushing forward the development of China's traditional textile industry.

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