Famed as the silk capital of China, it is no surprise that the country’s foremost authority on the fabulous fabric is located in the captivating cultural hotspot of Suzhou. Tucked away within the picturesque environs of Jiangsu Province the ancient city of Suzhou is intrinsically linked with China’s silk producing history as this idyllic hamlet has been producing the luxurious fabric for centuries. Having begun silk manufacturing during the Tang Dynasty (618-907) and the Song Dynasty (960-1279) the venue was the country’s premier silk producing town and the centre of activity in China’s signature trade of the popular material. During the Ming and Qing dynasties the locale’s reputation grew further as it became the exclusive silk weaver for the royal family.