"When he discovered our museum, he was relieved, because he believed our professionalism would preserve the garments and research them to their fullest," Tian says.

"The reason I find this story so touching is that the clothes contain not just memories of his mother and his family, but the recollections of an entire generation.

"Costumes are imbued with emotion and sentiment. Behind each piece of clothing is a precious story and a cherished memory, so, when we talk about the culture of clothing, it is both an art and an emotion," he adds.

Despite the museum's efforts, the adoption of modern clothing by ethnic groups is an undeniable trend.

"While we wish to see traditional costumes in ethnic regions, people often prefer the convenience of modern life," Gao says.