China National Silk Museum - the largest silk museum in the world in Hangzhou
Last Update: 9th October 2020
Located near the West Lake, China National Silk Museum was opened to the public in 2004. Exhibits there tell the history of 5,000 years and culture of silk in China, including the old traditional silk products, traditional tools and modern silk products.
China National Silk Museum Fast Facts
- Chinese Name: Zhongguo Sichou Bowuguan (中国丝绸博物馆)
- Area:42,286 square meters
- Things to do there: Photography, Silk Products
- Who visits: Photographers, Silk Products Lovers
- Time required:1 – 2 x hours
Interested in visiting the China National Silk Museum on a Tour?
Wendy Wei Tours offers a variety of different packaged tours as well as custom tours including the China National Silk Museum, among other attractions and destinations. To find out more, please visit our Tours page or Contact Us directly to find out more.
China National Silk Museum features the historical relics related to silk from the Neolithic period to the Qing Dynasty (1644 – 1912). You can find the fabrics in the Han (202 BC – 8 AD and 25 AD and 220 AD) and Tang (618 – 907) Dynasties unearthed along the Silk Road, the silk products in the Liao (916 – 1125) and Jin (1115 – 1234) Dynasties in the northern grasslands of North China, the costumes of the Song Dynasty (960 – 1279) in the south of the lower reaches of the Yangtze River, the official machines in the Ming (1368 – 1644) and Qing Dynasties, and modern cheongsam and woven photograph.
In the Prelude Hall, a model of jacquard with the Song style is located in the middle. Pictures on the wall demonstrate the route of the Old Silk Road and the chronological table of the development of silk.
The Hall of the Historical Cultural Relics presents the highlights of the silk. Constant temperature and humidity in the room provide a prime environment for the silk products. You’ll get a little acquainted withe the history of the development of silk from the Neolithic period to the Yuan Dynasty (1271 – 1368) in Room 1 while Room 2 showcases the very precious silk products of the royal family in the Ming and Qing Dynasties.
The Hall of Silkworm and Silk introduces the procedure of breeding silkworms and how the silk is made. Models of related weaving tools in the Hall of Dyeing and Weaving offer a chance to know the process of the dyeing and weaving in ancient China. If interested, you can experience how to make silk handicrafts. With the guidance of the professionals, you can design the preferred pattern.
In addition, China National Silk Museum has modern silk products to appreciate as well. The temporary exhibitions also present the highlights of the silk products from the Western countries.
The best time to visit is in the morning.
The best months to visit are from April to October.
A few buses pass by the museum. Thus, there are a few options.
- Rent a vehicle to the museum. This is the quickest and most direct option.
- Take Bus 12, 42, 87,Y9 or Bus 271 to the Stop of Sichou Bowuguan (丝绸博物馆站). Then walk to the museum.
- Opening hours: 12:00 – 17:00 on Mondays; 09:00 – 17:00 (Tuesday – Sunday)
- Tourists can visit the museum for free.
- Please present your passport when entering the museum
- Please don’t use flashlight when you take photos in the museum.
- The museum offers charged English interpretation services.
- As at 9th October 2020, for the interpretation of Halls of the Old Silk Road, Intangible Cultural Heritage and Fashion, one group of 8 – 20 persons is charged 140 CNY per time and the service duration is 60 minutes; one group of 21 – 40 persons is charged 200 CNY per time and the service duration is 60 minutes.
- For the interpretation of Halls of the Old Silk Road, Intangible Cultural Heritage and Fashion and one special exhibition, one group of 8 – 20 persons is charged 160 CNY per time and the service duration is 90 minutes; one group of 21 – 40 persons is charged 220 CNY per time and the service duration is 90 minutes.
- For the latest pricing, please contact us via email (info@wendyweitours.com)
- Please keep quiet in the museum.
Interested in visiting the China National Silk Museum on a Tour?
Wendy Wei Tours offers a variety of different packaged tours as well as custom tours including the China National Silk Museum among other attractions and destinations. To find out more, please visit our Tours page or Contact Us directly to find out more.