China National Silk Museum Hangzhou

Sericulture is a complex process which requires skill and dedication and you will be surprised to know that the ancient Chinese knew all about the complex procedure of manufacturing silks. The secret of high quality silk depend on several factors, but the two most important factors are preventing the moth from hatching out and feeding them on a perfect diet. The wise ancient Chinese men devised ways for them both. There is a very interesting legend connected with silk in China. According to Confucius, in 2640 BC, the Chinese princess Xi Ling Shi first reeled a cocoon of silk which according to the legend dropped in to her cup of tea. The life cycles of silkworms were discovered and China began her journey to maintain her monopoly of silk. Sounds interesting? You can have more of such interesting and enriching information on Chinese silks in China National Silk Museum, Hangzhou.

China National Silk Museum, Hangzhou, is situated at the foot of Yuhang Hill, which is also known as Jade Emperor Hill, south of West Lake and is extremely huge. The museum occupies a total construction area of around two acres and has various exhibition halls each showcasing the evolution of silks and silks in China. Explore Prelude Hall, Relics Hall, Folk Custom Hall, Silkworm Hall, Silk Manufacturing Hall, Weaving Hall, Dyeing Hall and Achievement Hall to understand Chinese silk heritage. In fact, chances are that when you will come out of this museum, you will be an authority on silks. The museum has silk production artifacts from Neolithic Age to Han, Tang, Song, Yuan, Ming and Qing Dynasties. The Modern Achievement Hall showcases the contemporary silk products, you will have a clear idea of how the products have evolved over time.

China National Silk Museum, Hangzhou was opened to the general public in 1992 and silk routes are also recorded. The time honored silk routes through which silk trade was conducted were by desert, land and sea and you can see the annals of it all here.