2026 Orchid China at Kew Gardens

Date: 7th of Feb to 8th of March 2026

“Yi Crafts was delighted to take part in Orchids: China, a seasonal exhibition hosted at the iconic Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. The exhibition celebrated the beauty of orchids alongside the richness of Chinese culture, bringing together botanical displays, artistic installations, and cultural programming.

The 2026 festival takes inspiration from China’s remarkable biodiversity, heritage and design traditions, filling our Princess of Wales glasshouse with a dazzling array of orchids and large-scale floral installations.Wander among dragons, lanterns and intricate plant sculptures that bring to life the beauty and wildlife of one of the world’s most biodiverse countries and experience a burst of colour and warmth in the winter months.Orchids will also provide an opportunity to celebrate the reach of Kew’s science and highlight the importance of plant conservation and global collaboration.”

Garden Installation

As part of the exhibition at Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Yi Crafts contributed to the garden environment through a collaborative installation celebrating traditional Chinese craft and cultural heritage.
The installation featured「Photographic works documenting ethnic minority communities from Yunnan, China」, highlighting the vibrant textiles, clothing, and everyday cultural practices that continue to shape regional craft traditions.

Alongside the photography display, we collaborated with the Kew Gardens team to create traditional Chinese handmade paper lanterns. These lanterns were crafted using traditional techniques and materials, adding warm light and cultural symbolism to the exhibition space.
As part of the process, we invited members of the Kew staff to join the making process. Together, we decorated the lanterns with Chinese calligraphy written using traditional brushes, transforming the lanterns into shared cultural artefacts that reflected both craftsmanship and collaboration.
This installation not only enriched the visual atmosphere of the garden exhibition but also created a meaningful moment of exchange between cultural traditions and the people who helped bring the space to life.

Orchids: China After Hours

Yi Crafts also participated in the special evening programme Orchids: China After Hours,
where visitors experienced the exhibition in a more immersive nighttime setting.
During the event, we hosted interactive activities that invited visitors to engage directly with traditional craft practices.

Woodblock Printing

One of the highlights of the evening was our woodblock printing activity, where participants explored a historic printmaking technique widely used in East Asian visual culture. Visitors selected designs inspired by Chinese decorative motifs and created their own prints, learning about the tactile process of transferring ink from carved blocks onto paper.
The activity encouraged participants to slow down, experiment, and appreciate the craftsmanship behind traditional printing methods.

Culture Catwalk

Another memorable moment of the evening was the Culture Catwalk, a lively cultural showcase that brought together fashion, craft, and performance. Participants presented garments and visual elements inspired by Chinese cultural aesthetics, turning the garden space into a celebratory platform for cultural expression.

Catwalk Yunnan Minority Culture Outfit Review

Yunnan Xun Dian Yi 寻甸彝族

The traditional dress of the Yi people in Xundian, Yunnan, reflects a deep connection between identity, environment, and cultural memory. Characterised by bold silhouettes and intricate hand wool embroidery, these garments are often made from handwoven cotton and decorated with vivid geometric motifs. The use of strong contrasting colours—such as blue, red, and bright accents—creates a striking visual language that is both expressive and symbolic.

The use of strong contrasting colours—such as black, red, and bright accents—creates a striking visual language that is both expressive and symbolic.

Liangshan Yi Female凉山彝族女装

The traditional dress of Yi women from Liangshan, southwestern China, is defined by its bold structure, dark-toned fabrics, and striking use of colour and ornament. Typically made from black or deep indigo cloth, the outfit is accented with bright trims and embroidered details that highlight movement and form.

A distinctive feature is the layered silver necklace, often worn across the chest. These ornaments are not only decorative but also carry cultural meaning, symbolising protection, status, and beauty. The weight and presence of silver reflect both craftsmanship and social identity.

Together, the garment and jewellery express strength, elegance, and a deep connection to Yi heritage and tradition.

Liangshan Yi Male 彝族

The traditional dress of Yi men from Liangshan, southwestern China, is both functional and symbolic, shaped by a mountainous environment and a strong warrior heritage. Typically made from dark wool or indigo-dyed fabric, the outfit is designed for warmth, movement, and durability.

A defining element is the indigo wool cape, worn draped over the shoulders, offering protection against the cold while creating a powerful silhouette. Paired with this is the hero sash that signifies strength, identity, and cultural pride.