Dorothy Lacy, third from left, and some of the craftswomen who create embroidered items for the Shenaini website pose in Miao traditional costume in 2006. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The Lacys have lived in Fenghuang for more than 13 years since Paul sold his property in the States in 2006 and purchased a residence on the bank of the Tuojiang River.

Before they settled in Fenghuang, the couple's footsteps were left in vast swaths of China. For example, they traveled to cities, such as Beijing and Xi'an, and provinces like South China's Guizhou and Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region.

"Among all those places we had been to, we liked Fenghuang best for its idyllic setting and the rich customs of the Miao people. In addition, Dorothy found the Xiangxi Miao ethnic clothing uniquely appealing, as she used to major in art and design. But above all, it is the kindness and friendliness of the locals here that attracted us the most," Paul said.