USD $850 / guest ｜ Small group only (5–12 guests) ｜ One group per week ｜ Multi-language support available
Rediscover Culture Through Craft
Step away from the typical tour. Step into something real — a living tradition shaped by beauty, patience, and meaning. This is not sightseeing. This is participation in a world-class cultural heritage.
Welcome to Hangzhou — birthplace of silk, haven of poets, and once the southern terminus of the Silk Road. In this one-day immersive experience, you will not only learn about silk, but feel its story in your hands — through ancient looms, the softness of raw thread, and a silk scarf of your own creation.
Curated One-Day Itinerary
Morning | A Private Walk Through Silk History
At the China National Silk Museum, you’ll begin with a private guided tour through the rich tapestry of Chinese silk culture:
- View ancient imperial garments, looms, and original silk artifacts
- Learn the symbolism of Chinese patterns like phoenixes, clouds, and lotus flowers
- Try your hand at weaving on a traditional wooden loom
- Led by an English-speaking cultural guide or your selected language interpreter
“Every thread reveals a philosophy: elegance, harmony, and human touch.”
Midday | Tea & Taste: Silk-Inspired Dining
Enjoy a seasonal Chinese lunch in a serene garden setting, where the textures and flavors mirror the elegance of silk. Paired with local Hangzhou teas, the meal is a cultural experience in itself.
Afternoon | From Nature to Thread: The Art of Sericulture
Journey to a local mulberry farm and step into a world few have seen:
- Observe the silkworm life cycle
- Learn how a single cocoon becomes over 1,000 meters of thread
- Try traditional cocoon-reeling by hand
- Engage with artisans who’ve inherited their craft through generations
“Here, you don’t just learn about silk — you slow down and live the rhythm of its making.”
Late Afternoon | Botanical Dye Workshop — Your Own Silk Creation
Enter a peaceful studio where you’ll design and dye your own 100% silk scarf using natural plant-based pigments like indigo, gardenia, and madder root.
- Choose from classic Chinese motifs or design freely
- Work under the guidance of a silk artist
- Receive your finished scarf in an elegant box
What’s Included
- Full-day private program (approx. 8 hours)
- VIP access to all venues
- Private vehicle transportation
- Cultural host + professional interpretation (English by default; French, Spanish, Japanese, etc. available upon request)
- Premium seasonal lunch + tea
- All workshop materials
- One custom-dyed silk scarf (boxed to take home)
- Follow-up photo memories (optional)
Key Details
| Item | Description |
| 📍 Location | Hangzhou, China |
| 🕓 Duration | 1 full day (approx. 8 hours) |
| 👥 Group Size | 5–12 guests only |
| 📅 Schedule | One private group per week |
| 💵 Price | USD $850 / guest |
| 🌐 Language | English standard; multi-language available with booking |
| 📩 Booking | helen@ellesilk.com |
| @ellesilkbeddings/ |
Who This Is For
- Curious, cultured travelers seeking more than sightseeing
- Lovers of textiles, fashion, fine craft, or design
- Diplomats, educators, artists, and collectors
- Embassies, boutique tour agencies, or study abroad groups
Exclusivity & Availability
This is a limited-capacity cultural experience, accepting only one private group per week to ensure focus, authenticity, and a true connection with place and people.
Advance booking required.
Let Silk Tell Your Story
This is not just a workshop — it’s a bridge between the past and your own presence. A day to return to the roots of beauty, slowness, and making.
Let the thread of Chinese silk connect your journey to something timeless.