Abundant mulberry trees (the food source of silkworms) and the development of intricate silk weaving and embroidery techniques positioned Suzhou as China's leading silk-producing city during the Yuan and Ming dynasties, a status it maintains today. The Suzhou Silk Museum (苏州丝绸博物馆, Sūzhōu Sīchóu Bówùguǎn, closed Mondays) houses grand exhibitions that detail the history of Suzhou's ancient silk industry. Exhibits include a section on silk-weaving techniques and silk fashion through the dynasties, and you can see functioning looms and artisans at work. There are opportunities to purchase silk garments – and plenty of sales staff for that purpose. It's a couple of minutes north from Beisita metro station. Bring your passport.