The Miao ethnic group are found throughout the southwestern provinces of China, as well as in Vietnam, Thailand, and Laos, where they are known as Hmong.

The Hainan Miao were originally soldiers sent from Guangxi during the Ming Dynasty(1368-1644).

Their current population stands at about 60,000.

Separation from their mainland counterparts has brought about differences in language, culture, and dress.

The Miao primarily live in the mountainous region around Baoting and Wuzhishan.

The have their own festivals, customs, and traditional clothing, characterized by the lavish use of silver ornaments in their headwear and clothing.