Why is Zhejiang important to China's silk industry?

Zhejiang is a significant contributor to China's silk industry, ranking as the second-largest producer of raw silk in the country, surpassed only by Sichuan. The province has a long, historical tradition of sericulture, with primary silkworm-rearing areas located on the Lake Tai plain, alongside secondary districts in the northeast and northwest. These regions are noted for consistently yielding high-quality silk from their cocoons.1

Beyond raw material production, Zhejiang has maintained a role as a significant textile producer since the 1890s. The province is also recognized for its specialized handicraft industry, which includes the production of famous silk tapestries and silk umbrellas, particularly in Hangzhou. While the industry faced serious disruptions during the Sino-Japanese War and the subsequent civil war, it underwent significant restoration efforts to regain its prominence in the national economy.21