Hangzhou Silk Museum

Hangzhou Silk Museum

Hangzhou Silk Museum

The China National Silk Museum is located at the foot of Yuhuang Mountain on the southern shore of West Lake in Hangzhou. It opened on February 26, 1992, as a national-level specialized museum and is the largest silk museum in the world. Covering an area of five hectares, it has a built-up area of 8,000 square meters and an exhibition area of 3,000 square meters.

The museum’s permanent exhibitions are divided into five sections. The introductory hall provides an overview of the history of silk and the Silk Road, showing how silk originated in China and spread to the world through the ages. The Historical Relics Hall displays a large collection of silk artifacts and images from various dynasties, showcasing China's 5,000-year-old rich silk culture and exquisite production techniques. The Sericulture Hall allows visitors to learn about the secrets of mulberry cultivation, silkworm rearing, and silk reeling. During the silkworm rearing season, you can hear the rustling sound of silkworms munching on mulberry leaves and closely observe the process of them spinning cocoons. The Dyeing and Weaving Hall showcases the dyeing and weaving craftsmanship of different ethnic groups across various historical periods, all set within buildings featuring distinct regional and ethnic architectural styles. If you’re interested, you can try your hand at operating an ancient loom by sitting down and using a shuttle, experiencing firsthand the hard work of hand-weaving silk. You can also engage in making handicrafts such as tie-dyeing and hand-painting using needles, thread, and brushes. The Modern Achievements Hall offers a glimpse into the development of China’s silk industry in the new era, highlighting the remarkable accomplishments made in silk production, research, and trade over the past 50 years since the founding of the People’s Republic of China. The museum also features a flexible exhibition hall that hosts various temporary exhibitions.

The surroundings of the China National Silk Museum are elegant, with a gentle and graceful architectural style. The museum grounds include a mulberry garden, dye plantings, small bridges, and flowing water, offering visitors a chance to fully enjoy the beauty of nature. There are also additional facilities such as a silk shop, convenience store, and teahouse, making it a great spot for leisure and entertainment.