Nanjing / Jiangning Textile Museum

The Jiangning Imperial Textile Museum is also a type of heritage museum. Jiangnan Textile Bureau was one of the three major textile bureaus of the Qing Dynasty.

Upon entering the exhibition hall, one immediately sees the four characters "Jiangning Textile Bureau," an inscription personally written by Emperor Kangxi. The Jiangning Textile Bureau holds immense significance for *Dream of the Red Chamber*, as four members of Cao Xueqin's family across three generations served as its textile commissioner. Details in *Dream of the Red Chamber* reveal that Cao Xueqin was well-versed in techniques such as silk twisting and tapestry weaving, indicating he was exposed to these skills from a young age.

During the Qianlong and Jiaqing periods, the emperor converted the Jiangning Textile Bureau into a temporary palace. The scene in *Dream of the Red Chamber* where the Imperial Concubine visits her family is said to be based on the reception of the emperor at the Jiangning Textile Bureau.

Many dyes have been unearthed at the Jiangning Textile Bureau site, demonstrating the advanced weaving and dyeing techniques of the time. Another unique feature of the Jiangning Imperial Textile Museum is its "Dream of the Red Chamber" exhibition hall. This hall records many details from the novel and includes interactive installations, such as the "Twelve Beauties of Jinling" interactive game. The exhibition concludes with a desolate snow scene, echoing Jia Baoyu's decision to become a monk in the novel, foreshadowing Cao Xueqin's family's decline and his later years.

📍Admission Fee: 15 (Suzhou half-price ticket)

📍Opening Hours: 09:00-17:00

Post by Lee Lee Sam | Nov 2, 2025