Worth finding
Hangzhou Silk (杭州丝绸)
Silk scarves, ties, and fabrics from the 'silk capital' — the Dujinsheng heritage brand is the safe classic.
Should you buy it?
Good for
- Gift buyers — a silk scarf is the classic China gift
- Fashion lovers — Hangzhou patterns are distinctive
- Light packers — silk weighs almost nothing
Not for
- Travelers who can't tell silk from polyester — stick to the Dujinsheng brand counters
- Rushed shoppers — the silk market rewards browsing
Why it is worth considering
Hangzhou has been China's silk capital for a thousand years, and silk remains its most practical souvenir: light, flat, and unmistakably Chinese. The heritage brand Dujinsheng (都锦生, est. 1922) is the safe classic — silk scarves and ties in traditional patterns, sold at fixed prices with proper labeling. China Silk City, the country's largest silk market, offers far more choice (and bargaining) across hundreds of stalls.
Check the label: genuine mulberry silk is marked 100% silk (真丝). Rub the fabric — real silk warms in your hand and has an uneven, soft sheen; polyester fakes feel slippery.
Price
Price varies — check in store
We have not verified a current price for this item.
Before you buy, check
- Check the content label: 100% silk (真丝) or a silk mark for genuine mulberry silk
- Rub test: real silk warms quickly and has uneven sheen; polyester feels slippery
- In China Silk City, bargaining is expected — start well below the asking price
- Brand counters (Dujinsheng) have fixed prices — no bargaining, but guaranteed authenticity
- For garments, check the stitching and lining, not just the outer fabric
Good to know
- Silk wrinkles — roll rather than fold, and pack in a zip bag against moisture
Sources
Recommendation checked 2026-10-10.