Hechi silk industry tops China for 19 yrs

In Hechi, Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, the silk industry has thrived for centuries, thanks to the region's abundant sunshine and ample rainfall. 

The city has been leading the nation in fresh cocoon output for 19 consecutive years, representing 60 percent of China's total production.

Since the mid-Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), Hechi has cultivated a rich tradition of sericulture. The city has accelerated the development of the silk industry, positioning itself as a vital link between eastern and western cultures.

As of 2023, Hechi boasts 957,500 mu (63,833 hectares) of mulberry orchards, representing 35.25 percent of Guangxi's total, and a fresh cocoon output of 206,200 metric tons, accounting for 40.31 percent of the region's production. 

The city's silk industry has undergone rapid development, from cultivating mulberry trees to raising silkworms, and further processing silk into various products. With innovative technologies such as automated cocoon collection and advanced breeding methods, Hechi has positioned itself as a pioneer in the silk industry nationwide.

Hechi is actively promoting its own silk brands and enhancing product quality to increase value. Furthermore, Hechi is integrating silk culture with local traditions to create a unique tourism experience. The city is not only boosting the visibility of its silk products but also blending silk culture with local heritage, injecting new vitality into its cultural tourism industry.