[4] Historically, the Qabiao have inhabited either side of the China-Vietnam border, although nowhere were they existing in large numbers.

One survey conducted in 1990 showed that there were 307 Qabiao living in southern China, whereas 382 dwelt in northern Vietnam.

[citation needed] In China, the Qabiao are concentrated near the Vietnam border, namely in the Tiechang, Matong, Punong, Pucha, and Pufeng villages of Malipo County in the Wenshan Zhuang-Miao Prefecture of Yunnan province.

The Qabiao live in seven communes of Đồng Văn District in Hà Giang Province in Vietnam.

[citation needed] The Qabiao women's traditional attire consisted of an ankle length skirt.

Bands of colored cloth are sewn around the hems, neck and sleeves of the dress, which resemble the embellishments found in the costumes of the Giay.