Chinese silk, one of the traditional Chinese handicrafts, can be purchased in Guilin as your tourist souvenir. The elaborate silk products such as cloth, handkerchiefs, purposes, etc. are popular with our clients. Carrying your silk products back to your home and send them as gifts for your friends as relatives, you will never regret to choose this souvenir all the time.
♦ History of Chinese Silk
Silk is one of the China's contributions to the world. China is the first country to manufacture and use silk. According to the legend, Lai Zu, wife of the Yellow Emperor, taught the ancient Chinese people the technique of sericulture.
Since the ancient times, silk has been one of China's exports. Chinese fine silks were exported during the Western Han Dynasty in the second century B.C.. A portion of the exports was shipped to Korean and Japan, but the majority was carried in camels' back along the famous caravan route known as the ‘Silk Road' to the Middle East, and eventually reaching Western Europe.
♦ Product Places of Chinese Silk
So far as texture and workmanship are concerned, there are four kinds of Chinese silk which can be ranged as the finest and most popular. They are made respectively in Jingsu, Hunan, Sichuan and Guangdong Provinces.
♦ Characters of Chinese Silk
After thousands of years of development and influenced by geographical conditions, local customs, art and culture, each of these silks has evolved a style of its own and some characteristics. Some favour fine composition, bright color and great varieties, and some lay stress on naturalness and follow the principle that the silk thread should go with the growth or development of the things or animals to be embroidered.
With its unique texture, exquisite skills, and strong national style, Chinese silk has become more and more popular throughout the world.
