China National Silk Museum, Large textile museum in Xihu, China
The China National Silk Museum is a large textile museum in Hangzhou dedicated to silk and historic fabrics. The galleries display looms, finished silk fabrics, and garments spanning from ancient to modern times.
The museum opened in 1992 to gather knowledge about silk production and protect it for the future. It has since become a major center for studying textiles and traditional Chinese craftsmanship techniques.
Silk represents wealth and skill in Chinese culture, and the collections here show how people used fine textiles to express status and artistry. The garments and fabrics on display reveal the importance of weaving in daily life and special occasions.
The museum has extensive galleries, so allow plenty of time to see everything. English signage is available, and information panels accompany the main displays.
The museum has a textile conservation section where you can watch specialists repair and restore old and damaged fabrics. This hands-on work reveals how challenging it is to keep historic textiles alive.
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