There are 56 ethnicities in China—and 55 are getting squashed

CHINA’S PARLIAMENT is not known for its debates. Meeting for roughly ten days every March, it exists to approve, not to question. But what it lacks in disagreement, it makes up for in colourful dress. The Great Hall of the People, where it convenes, becomes a parade of elaborate costumes. On March 5th, its opening day, Chaguan first spotted a man in a black cape with fiery swirls across his shoulder. Next, a woman in a jangly silver crown twice as large as any worn by King Charles. Then more and more: flowing garments, dense embroidery, splashes of dark red, bright pink, deep blue.