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.
Affectionately dubbed ‘Paradise on Earth’ the ancient city contains the first silk museum established in China in the heart of the town. Housed within an elegant edifice that combines ancient splendour with modern convenience the Suzhou Silk Museum explores the city’s stunning legacy as one of the country’s finest and most prolific silk producing quarters. Divided in to the Ancient Exhibit Hall, The Introductory Hall, the Silk Weaving Workshop, the Silkworm-Rearing Room, the Modern Exhibit Hall and the Neoteric Exhibit Hall visitors will gain a complete understanding of the complicated processes involved in creating the lustrous appearance and feel of export quality silk. A wall running from south to the north of the premises denotes the Silk Road while three marble statues depicting a girl plucking mulberry leaves, washing silk fabric and weaving silk thread into fabric are also found near the entrance.
Showcasing stone frescoes and other prominent figures in ancient silk cultivation in statue form the Introductory Hall focuses on the development of the trade while the Ancient Exhibit Hall displays relics, photographs and models related to silk production during the Ming and Qing dynasties. The Silkworm-Rearing Room houses thousands of silk worms that can be seen feeding on their preferred food source, mulberry leaves and the Silk-Weaving Workshop houses ancient looms and other machinery used in centuries past. Green silk, velvet and cloud brocades are also visible here. The Neoteric and Modern Exhibit Halls concentrate on the periods between 1840 – 1919 and 1919 – 1949 with exhibits of silk products, clothing and pioneering figures in the silk field.
The museum also houses several retail outlets to purchase Suzhou silk products as souvenirs or gifts.
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