Related News
Home
» City specials
» Hangzhou
Smooth as silk and still so special
By Victoria Fei |
May 5, 2009, Tuesday
|
Print Edition
Print Edition
HANGZHOU'S silk street between Fengqi Road in the south and Tiyuchang Road in the north is a popular destination where visitors have been finding fine silk products at reasonable prices ever since its establishment in 1987. Victoria Fei unwraps the mysteries.
Silk in China is one of the best materials ever - it has a luxurious look and feel that no other fabric can match. In ancient China, only the rich could wear garments of silk. The beautiful cheongsams that the classic Chinese beauties wore have impressed the entire world which has viewed them in television, films and grand costume dramas.
Thousands of years have passed since silkworms were first discovered. Nowadays, silk, in some sense, is still a luxury but it is a lot more affordable.
A trip to Hangzhou, one of the silk capitals of China, can lead the visitor into the glorious and rich history of silk. The city is famous for producing silk. Throughout its long history, Hangzhou silks and satins have been known throughout the world.
The silk street between Fengqi Road in the south and Tiyuchang Road in the north is a popular destination where visitors have been finding fine silk products at reasonable prices ever since its establishment in 1987.
Stretching more than 800 meters and covering about 25,000 square meters, it is one of the biggest wholesale silk markets in China. Around 600 silk companies conduct business here.
The shops there not only do business in China, but also export silk to Europe, America and Australia. The market is distinguished by standardized management practices, reliable quality and reasonable prices.
It is actually a pedestrian mall with stores selling various silk fabrics, silk garments, handcrafts, scarfs, ties and some other textiles.
Each side of the complex showcases classic and elegant ancient styles. Full of beautiful and colorful pieces, you quickly grow familiar with the natural grace and the beauty of silk after browsing through a few shops.
Wandering around the street, you can find fabrics, clothes, artworks, tourist souvenirs, neckties, scarves and even the various raw materials. The products are popular at home and abroad.
Here too the sales assistants are always patient and ready to introduce you to their silk pajamas, handicrafts and other items. Be it traditional or stylish, the beautiful designs and colors are always worth bargaining for.
In fact the street not only introduces traditional Oriental culture to the world, but develops silk culture by providing high-quality products in stylish designs.
It helps wholesale businessmen learn the trends of the silk market and provides tourists with inexpensive and fine-quality silk clothing with a Chinese flavor. Like a museum, the place offers people a close look at the history and current situation of silk in China.
To enhance the experience even more you should find a local needle-and-thread expert at the stores and have the garment of your choice made. Tailors are available across Hangzhou ready to make dresses, shirts and other items from silk and satin in a few days.
If you are an expat, you are better off being accompanied by local friends - they will be able to give you more information about what to buy and how to bargain.
With its strong Chinese flavors and sense of practicality, the street never fails to help newcomers understand the splendid history and culture of silk in Hangzhou.
And then just revel in this light,beautiful smooth experience in thispicturesque capital of silk.
If you go
You can take a bullet train from Shanghai South Railway Station to Hangzhou - it only takes 78 minutes. Or drive yourself via the A8 Expressway which takes about two hours. After arriving at Hangzhou, you can take transit buses 21/K21, 32/K32, 35/K35, or 8/K8 to get to the silk street.
Silk in China is one of the best materials ever - it has a luxurious look and feel that no other fabric can match. In ancient China, only the rich could wear garments of silk. The beautiful cheongsams that the classic Chinese beauties wore have impressed the entire world which has viewed them in television, films and grand costume dramas.
Thousands of years have passed since silkworms were first discovered. Nowadays, silk, in some sense, is still a luxury but it is a lot more affordable.
A trip to Hangzhou, one of the silk capitals of China, can lead the visitor into the glorious and rich history of silk. The city is famous for producing silk. Throughout its long history, Hangzhou silks and satins have been known throughout the world.
The silk street between Fengqi Road in the south and Tiyuchang Road in the north is a popular destination where visitors have been finding fine silk products at reasonable prices ever since its establishment in 1987.
Stretching more than 800 meters and covering about 25,000 square meters, it is one of the biggest wholesale silk markets in China. Around 600 silk companies conduct business here.
The shops there not only do business in China, but also export silk to Europe, America and Australia. The market is distinguished by standardized management practices, reliable quality and reasonable prices.
It is actually a pedestrian mall with stores selling various silk fabrics, silk garments, handcrafts, scarfs, ties and some other textiles.
Each side of the complex showcases classic and elegant ancient styles. Full of beautiful and colorful pieces, you quickly grow familiar with the natural grace and the beauty of silk after browsing through a few shops.
Wandering around the street, you can find fabrics, clothes, artworks, tourist souvenirs, neckties, scarves and even the various raw materials. The products are popular at home and abroad.
Here too the sales assistants are always patient and ready to introduce you to their silk pajamas, handicrafts and other items. Be it traditional or stylish, the beautiful designs and colors are always worth bargaining for.
In fact the street not only introduces traditional Oriental culture to the world, but develops silk culture by providing high-quality products in stylish designs.
It helps wholesale businessmen learn the trends of the silk market and provides tourists with inexpensive and fine-quality silk clothing with a Chinese flavor. Like a museum, the place offers people a close look at the history and current situation of silk in China.
To enhance the experience even more you should find a local needle-and-thread expert at the stores and have the garment of your choice made. Tailors are available across Hangzhou ready to make dresses, shirts and other items from silk and satin in a few days.
If you are an expat, you are better off being accompanied by local friends - they will be able to give you more information about what to buy and how to bargain.
With its strong Chinese flavors and sense of practicality, the street never fails to help newcomers understand the splendid history and culture of silk in Hangzhou.
And then just revel in this light,beautiful smooth experience in thispicturesque capital of silk.
If you go
You can take a bullet train from Shanghai South Railway Station to Hangzhou - it only takes 78 minutes. Or drive yourself via the A8 Expressway which takes about two hours. After arriving at Hangzhou, you can take transit buses 21/K21, 32/K32, 35/K35, or 8/K8 to get to the silk street.
- About Us
- |
- Terms of Use
- |
-
RSS - |
- Privacy Policy
- |
- Contact Us
- |
- Shanghai Call Center: 962288
- |
- Tip-off hotline: 52920043
- 沪ICP证：沪ICP备05050403号-1
- |
- 互联网新闻信息服务许可证：31120180004
- |
- 网络视听许可证：0909346
- |
- 广播电视节目制作许可证：沪字第354号
- |
- 增值电信业务经营许可证：沪B2-20120012
Copyright © 1999- Shanghai Daily. All rights reserved.Preferably viewed with Internet Explorer 8 or newer browsers.
