Discover Exquisite Chinese Embroidery When Shopping In Beijing
Invention Development Advice - Business Identity and Artwork
With a history of over 2,000 years, Chinese embroidery is considered one of China's greatest cultural heritages. According to archaeological findings, this art form started as early as the Zhou dynasty, and continued throughout China' ancient history, reaching its height in the Ming dynasty. Ancient merchants from Europe and the west used the Silk Route to transport high-quality embroidery work produced in China to other parts of the globe. While shopping in Beijing, don't forget to visit the beautiful embroidery shops in the city.
by AndyLao


With a history of over 2,000 years, Chinese embroidery is considered one of China's greatest cultural heritages. According to archaeological findings, this art form started as early as the Zhou dynasty, and continued throughout China' ancient history, reaching its height in the Ming dynasty. Ancient merchants from Europe and the west used the Silk Route to transport high-quality embroidery work produced in China to other parts of the globe. While shopping in Beijing, don't forget to visit the beautiful embroidery shops in the city.

Admiring a piece of embroidery work, one can often imagine an ancient Chinese lady gracefully adding the finishing touches to her elegant design. No surprise needlework in China is referred to as "Nu Hong," or "Lady's Red." In fact, traditional Chinese embroidery is said to bring out the essence of feminine beauty: grace, elegance, and the richness and depth of a beautiful, mysterious inner world.

Of all the local embroidery styles in China, the "Four Major Embroideries" are the most famous. They are Su embroidery, Xiang embroidery, Yue embroidery, and Shu embroidery.

Su embroidery originated in the area around Suzhou, Jiangsu province. If you are looking for the most exquisite style of Chinese embroidery, this is it. People around the world seek Su embroidery for its exquisite patterns and unparalleled craftsmanship. Vivid colors, lifelike figures, and refined techniques are all the things that make it so famous. It is said that even real animals sometimes look dull when compared to the animals depicted on a Su embroidery work.

Xiang embroidery is produced in areas around Changsha, Hunan province. Some people regard this style as equal to Chinese ink and wash paintings. The inner beauty of things, not just their outside appearances, is vividly captured on the work. This is achieved by an excellent use of light and shadow which creates a three-dimensional effect. The use of space and solid imagery is also a classic feature of Chinese paintings. As a famous saying goes, a Xiang embroidery work can make "flowers give off fragrance, birds sing songs, tigers run, and figures come alive."

Yue embroidery is made in areas around Chaozhou, Guangdong province. While Su embroidery plays on subtlety, and Xiang embroidery focuses on inner beauty, Yue embroidery is direct and focuses on depicting outer beauty. The works show vivid patterns, vibrant colors, and closely arranged details.

Shu embroidery is the local style of Sichuan province. It became famous as a kind of artwork as early as the Eastern Han dynasty. For hundreds of years it remained the most popular embroidery style in China. A lot of people like it for its delicate colors and very regular stitching. Many everyday items in China's markets, like quilts, pillows, and clothes are decorated with Shu embroidery.

Other Chinese embroidery styles include Gu embroidery, Long embroidery, Xinzhou embroidery, Jinnan embroidery, and many ethnic embroideries.

Generally speaking, there are no "fake" embroidery items on the market, since any style can be used by anyone to create a piece of work. But the quality can still be judged based on the material, the design, and the workmanship.

Keep the embroidery work you buy in a dry place with sufficient air and no direct sunlight, and it can keep its like-new condition for a very long time. For more information on selecting high quality works and how to preserve them well, ask the artist himself or find a personal shopper when shopping in Beijing.

More information:

A. Lao has written about Chinese culture and history for years. He assists a Personal Shopper in Beijing who brings visitors to great Chinese shops. From time to time, he personally tailors shopping trips in Beijing.

< Prev   Next >