China National Silk Museum

silk cocoon
Silk cocoon
 Pictures
Situated at the southern bank of the West Lake, in Hangzhou City of Zhejiang Province, China National Silk Museum is the first state-level professional silk museum in the country as well as the biggest of its kind throughout the world. It opened to the public in 1992 and since 2004 people can visit it for free.

The museum includes Silk Road Gallery, Fashion Gallery, Weaving Gallery, Conservation Gallery, Collection Hall, Brocade Hall.
 

Silk Road Gallery

The Silk Road Gallery of China National Silk Museum shows the history and culture of Chinese silk and Silk Road. China is the earliest country that engaged in sericulture, filature and making clothes with silk. Here you can enjoy many gorgeous silk relics discovered along the ancient Silk Road. Having gone through 5,000 years, those silk products can still leave you a strong impression.
 

Fashion Gallery

This part of China National Silk Museum is really enjoyable, presenting plenty of both traditional and western silk costumes. Besides folk clothes in ancient China, the imperial robe is also on show. Those modern-style silk dresses show the results of our learning from western culture.
 

Weaving & Conservation Galleries

Weaving Gallery tells people how to dye and weave silk and the scientific theory of it. There are also weavers showing the whole process. Tourists are welcome to participate in the activity and do it themselves.

Stepping further into the China National Silk Museum, you will see Conservation Gallery. It presents the amazing skills to restore the silk relics.
 

Other Halls in China National Silk Museum

The Brocade Hall is a leisure place inside the museum, providing food, drinks, films, and some books. 
In the Collection Hall of China National Silk Museum, you can find some precious silk products.
The antique textile machinery exhibited in the Silk Museum
Old textile machine
the emperor
Silk imperial robe
National Silk Museum
Clay figurines in silk clothing
China National Silk Museum is a museum equipped with modern facilities and is dedicated to providing convenience for tourists. It offers free guide, free audio guide, free pamphlets on silk information, and even free wheelchairs for the disabled. People can also choose their favorite silk goods in the museum shop and relax in the teahouse.
 

How to get to China National Silk Museum

Take bus no. 12, 31, 42, 87 or 133, and get off at Silk Museum Station.
Hangzhou Bus / Metro Search
Entrancen Fee Free
Opening Hours Tuesday to Sunday: 09:00-17:00;
Monday: 12:00 - 17:00;
Note:
1. Visitors are not allowed to enter after 16:45.
2. On Monday during a holiday, the museum is open from 09:00 to 17:00.

Further Reading: Silk

- Last updated on Apr. 12, 2021 -
Questions & Answers on China National Silk Museum
Asked by bubble from MALAYSIA | May. 27, 2014 03:25Reply
Can we see the silk process making in this museum in Hangzhou?
What time?
Answers (3)
Answered by Shelly from ITALY | May. 27, 2014 22:50
26Reply


There is no actual making process show, but many pictures and models are presented to show vistors the whole making process. I believe you will get some insight there!
Answered by Flo from SINGAPORE | Jun. 19, 2019 02:31
00Reply


Is there any local Silk shops, local price? Not those shops the tourist attractions.
Answered by Marie from CANADA | Jun. 19, 2019 23:35
00Reply


You can have a try in the silk market on Fengqi Road and there are a lot of shops there. However, remember to bargain with shop owners.
Asked by Susaninpowaycox.net from USA | Oct. 18, 2011 08:19Reply
What are the silk weaved pictures I have by Woo, from the Tu Chin Sheng Silk Weaving Factory worth?
There are 4, 5 X 7's. Scene is of a lake or?, trees and mountains. I estimate them to be at least 60 years old, probably 70 years old? Is Woo still alive? cox.net|Susaninpoway
Answers (1)
Answered by Mr.HANGZHOUTAXI from CHINA | Oct. 18, 2011 09:03
211Reply


He is not here now.
Asked by Ms.Chinthika from SRI LANKA | May. 28, 2010 07:14Reply
Hi

Would like to know till what time it would be open

Thanks
Answers (1)
Answered by Mr.Kevin | May. 29, 2010 03:40
36Reply


8:30— 16:30
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