Huzhou silk weaves rich tapestry of tradition, innovation

Some of Huzhou silk, with superior quality, go on display. [Photo/WeChat account: huzhoufabu]

For over 4,000 years, Huzhou's delicate silk threads have woven a rich tapestry of cultural heritage, seamlessly blending time-honored tradition with modern innovation.

The silk legacy of Huzhou in East China's Zhejiang province dates back to ancient times, with the 2015 discovery of the world's earliest silk fragments at the Qianshanyang site, dating back 4,200 to 4,400 years.

Historically, Huzhou was known for its thriving sericulture, with its silk products serving as imperial tributes during the Tang (618-907) and Song (960–1279) dynasties. During the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644), Huzhou silk was renowned nationwide for its superior quality.

Jili silk, from Jili village in Huzhou, is famed for its fine, soft, and resilient qualities. Historically, it was prized by emperors and gained international acclaim, winning golds at the Great Exhibition of 1851 in London and the 1915 Panama-Pacific Exposition.

In 2011, the techniques for making Jili silk were listed as a national intangible cultural heritage item.

Today, Huzhou silk enterprises embrace modern trends, collaborating with academic institutions to innovate composite materials and the structure of fabrics, as well as exporting silk products to countries like the United States, Italy, France, and Japan.

Huzhou has been promoting silk heritage through the Qianshanyang Cultural Exchange Center, displaying the rich history and traditional craft of making Huzhou silk.

The city also has partnered with 31 universities to carry out a study tour program, welcoming over 20,000 students annually to experience silk's legacy firsthand.