The techniques of textile printing and the making of batik have been popular among the Chinese people for centuries. The technique of textile printing is prevalent in the Central Plains (comprising the areas on the middle and lower reaches of the Yellow River), while that of batik is mainly found in the areas of ethnic groups in southwest China's Yunnan Province.

In the old days, almost all Chinese women started to learn needlework while still small. They produced many excellent works of decorated woven cloth, embroidery and cross-stitching, and each village along the Yellow River had women skilled in needlework.