"The younger generation is moving to the cities, and the art of making these garments is fading with the older generation."

This shift presents a challenge to cultural preservation, as there's a tension between the desire for modernity and the need to protect the national heritage. So, it requires a collective societal effort to protect these treasures, according to Gao.

But Gao remains optimistic about the enduring appeal of the garments.

"The appreciation of beauty is innate. The ethnic costumes in our museum, most painstakingly handmade by women, are imbued with their love for family and life. Even domestic items like covers and sheets are made with care, reflecting a deep-seated love for life, and a commitment to beauty in every aspect," she says, underscoring the emotional and aesthetic investment woven into each piece.