Suzhou and Hangzhou, two famous historical cities, carry the ancient silk culture and interpret the gorgeous silk legend.
Suzhou, a city known for its fine craftsmanship, birthed its first textile techniques as early as 6,000 years ago in the ruins of Cao Shoes Mountain. The 4,700-year-old silk weaving objects unearthed at the Qanshanyang site in Wuxing bear witness to the love and dedication of Suzhou's forefathers to silk. During the Spring and Autumn Period, Duke Jiza of the State of Wu gave onyx ribbons produced in Wu to ZiYan, the prime minister of Zheng, and the beginning of the Silk Road was thus unfolded.
History of Suzhou Silk：
Ancient Origins: The history of Suzhou as the silk capital can be traced back to ancient times. As early as the Qin and Han Dynasties, Suzhou was one of the important centers of silk manufacturing.
Embroidery tradition: Suzhou embroidery, as one of the traditional Chinese handicrafts, originated in the Song Dynasty. The exquisite skills and delicate embroidery made Suzhou unique in the art of silk.
Prosperity during the Ming and Qing Dynasties: During the Ming and Qing Dynasties, Suzhou's silk industry entered a period of prosperity. Elegant Suzhou silks became fashionable for the court and scholarly society.
Preservation of traditional crafts: Even in modern times, Suzhou silk industry still insists on traditional handicrafts, such as Suzhou embroidery, and retains its unique craft characteristics.
Hangzhou, the city of poetry and tenderness, also carries the splendor of silk.
As early as in the period of the North and South Dynasties, Japanese emissaries had requested to obtain the return of Wu weaving and sewing women workers. During the Southern Song Dynasty, Hangzhou became part of the capital Lin'an, and the silk industry was thus further developed. Hangzhou silk was famous for its freshness, nature and elegance, and became sought after by royalty and nobility.
History of Hangzhou Silk：
Rise of the Song Dynasty:Hangzhou became one of the centers of China's silk industry during the Song Dynasty. At that time, Hangzhou was famous for its silk manufacturing industry and grand silk market.
Prosperity during the Yuan and Ming Dynasties: During the Yuan and Ming Dynasties, Hangzhou's silk industry further prospered and became a major trading town on the Silk Road.
Fashion and Creativity: Hangzhou silk industry focuses on fashion and creativity, launching products with modern design and infusing traditional silk with modern aesthetics.
Suzhou and Hangzhou, as important starting points of China's Silk Road, have played an important role in the development of the silk industry.
Their silk products are highly acclaimed for their exquisite craftsmanship, high quality materials and unique styles, and have become world-famous commodities. The silk industries of Suzhou and Hangzhou not only represent the essence of traditional Chinese culture, but also demonstrate the perfect combination of modern technology and ancient craftsmanship.
The application of modern technical means in Suzhou makes silk production more refined and diversified. Silk products are of better quality, newer styles and more affordable. At the same time, the combination of traditional craftsmanship and modern elements, launched a series of unique silk products.
Hangzhou's silk industry focuses on green and sustainable development. Many enterprises use environmentally friendly materials and production processes to ensure that silk products are environmentally friendly. In addition, through design and technological innovation, silk is combined with other materials and elements to create more diverse and creative silk products.
The silk industry in Suzhou and Hangzhou is also integrated with cultural tourism, attracting large numbers of tourists to visit and purchase.
Silk museums, workshops and sales centers in these cities offer tourists the opportunity to learn more about silk culture and to purchase silk products.
The silk industries of Suzhou and Hangzhou are renowned for their long history, exquisite craftsmanship, innovative technology and extensive international influence. The silk industry in these two cities not only inherits traditional Chinese culture, but also demonstrates the perfect combination of modern technology and ancient craftsmanship, bringing high-quality and diversified silk products to global consumers.
Qing Dynasty Qianlong period - woof Qianlong imperial poem flower album (one) - Collection of the Palace Museum
Zhang satin loom--Suzhou Silk Museum Collection
