Suzhou Silk Museum

The basics

At the 102,000 square feet (9,476 square meters) space, you can see everything from a giant art installation, silkworms feeding on mulberry leaves, and demonstrations on silk weaving and dyeing. There’s also exhibits on the history of silk through different dynasties, traditional silk weaving looms, and a diverse collection of ancient and modern garments.

The museum’s central location in Suzhou makes it easy to combine with other nearby attractions such as the Suzhou Museum and several classical gardens, and is often included as part of city sightseeing tours and day trips from Shanghai.

Things to know before you go

• Fashion, textile, culture, and history fans will appreciate the museum.

• Tourists can gain free admission with their passport.

• There’s good English signage throughout the museum.

• An on-site shop sells a variety of high-quality silk goods.

How to get there

The Suzhou Silk Museum is located in the Gusu District of, in central Suzhou, near the Bao’en Temple. Take metro line 4 to Beisita Station. Several buses stop nearby. It’s then a short walk to the museum. Taxis are also convenient. Many tours also include a stop at the museum.

When to get there

The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday, from mid-morning until late afternoon, with the last entry an hour before closing. Expect to spend an hour or two at the museum, depending on your level of interest in silk. It’s best to visit early in the morning before the crowds arrive. Temporary exhibitions are held from time to time.

Nearby attractions

A short distance from the Suzhou Silk Museum are several popular and interesting attractions. The Suzhou Arts and Crafts Museum is home to a thousand-piece collection, while the Suzhou Museum is one of only two I.M. Pei-designed museums in China, and houses an excellent collection of ceramics, jade, and textile. The Humble Administrator’s Garden is the largest classical garden in the city (and often packed with crowds).