It's been an important custom for people of the Miao ethnic minority in Xiangxi Tujia and Miao autonomous prefecture to decorate themselves head to toe with silver on special occasions such as weddings. While being a silversmith was once a respected job, in recent years, the tradition is slowly dying as some of the younger generations believe cash is a better choice as betrothal gift. [Photo by Lyuxingjiyi/for chinadaily.com.cn]