Eight Chinese ethnic women costumes of the Han, Manchu, Mongolian, Uygur, Tibetan, Miao, Yao, and Chaoxian people capture their rich and colorful traditions. Although the exhibit only represents a small portion of the more than fifty ethnic groups found in China, it still demonstrates the sheer geographical vastness of the country and the rich diversity found within it. Each ethnic group has its own unique culture, cuisine, ritual, religion, and of course - costume.

The people of China have always been a diverse group. Beginning in 221 B.C.E. the ethnic groups of China were first unified under the Qin Dynasty. This short-lived dynasty was followed by one of the longest, the Han Dynasty (206 B.C.E.- 220 C.E.) Today the majority of the Chinese population (92%) is called Han or "sons of Han" after this dynasty. Within the Han majority are many ethnic groups that speak 7 mutually unintelligible dialects such as Cantonese and Fujianese and maintain their own customs and traditions. Despite their differences these ethnic groups have been absorbed into the Han majority. A common written language and a strong central government, both created by the Qin and refined by the Han and later dynasties, are the ties that hold the Han majority together. Fifty-six ethnic groups, including the majority Han people, live in China. An ethnic group is recognized by the Chinese government as "a group of people of common origin living in a common area, using a common language, and having a sense of group identity in economic and social organization and behavior". Non-Han ethnic groups are referred to as ethnic minorities but are considered Chinese citizens. Since 1949 ethnic minorities have been politically equal to the Han majority and are guaranteed special representation in the National People's Congress. The constitution prohibits discrimination against and oppression of any ethnicity. Historically this has not always been the case nor have the Han always dominated China's political and economic arenas. Twice, China was ruled by non-Han nationalities: The Yuan Dynasty (1206-1368) established by the Mongolians, and China's last dynasty, the Qing, ruled by the Manchus. The First Republic of China (1911) recognized the Han, Manchu, Mongolian, Hui (Muslim) and Tibetan people through its five colored flag. But persecution and forced assimilation into the majority way of life under the Guomindang (National People's Party 1928-1937) and during the Cultural Revolution (1966-1976) created tension between the Han and the ethnic minorities, some which still exist today. Through financial aid, material resources and exemptions to national policies like the "one-child" policy for ethnic minority in urban areas, the government is working towards its goal of a "unified, multi-ethnic state" as declared in the constitution.