Suzhou No.1 Silk Factory

A historic silk factory offering a very different perspective on Suzhou's famous silk industry from the nearby Silk Museum. Founded in 1926, Suzhou No.1 Silk Factory was once a working silk-reeling factory and has been preserved as an important piece of the city's industrial heritage.

The site reopened in May 2026 following a major redevelopment, with five historic factory buildings and original silk-production machinery retained. Its exhibitions cover the history of the factory, Suzhou's silk industry, historic fabrics and silk patterns, alongside displays of industrial equipment and the silk-making process.

The redeveloped complex combines industrial heritage with exhibitions, cultural activities, arts spaces and other visitor facilities. It's particularly interesting for anyone wanting to see the connection between Suzhou's traditional silk culture and the large-scale industry that developed around it in the 20th century.