China National Silk Museum, Hangzhou (must see)

The China National Silk Museum explains how silk developed and why it has been important in Chinese life for thousands of years. The museum opened in 1992 and later expanded, becoming one of the largest museums in the world focused on silk. It introduces silk not only as a luxury material, but also as something used in daily life, rituals, and trade. Visitors learn how silk production shaped local communities and supported long-distance connections across Asia and beyond.

Inside, the exhibitions are arranged in a clear timeline, moving from early history to the modern period. The galleries display ancient silk fabrics, clothing, and textile fragments, some dating back more than 4,000 years. There are also tools used for raising silkworms, spinning thread, weaving cloth, and dyeing fabric. Short texts, diagrams, and models explain each step of the process in simple terms, making the subject easy to follow even for visitors with no background in textiles or history.

Another section focuses on the Silk Road and shows how silk was traded to Central Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. Maps and objects explain how patterns, colors, and weaving methods spread between cultures. The museum also presents textiles made by different ethnic groups, highlighting regional styles and techniques. Temporary exhibitions are held during the year, often linked to textile conservation or modern silk design. The museum layout is spacious and calm, allowing visitors to move at an easy pace. Most people can explore the main galleries comfortably within a few hours.