Chinese Blue Fabric Factory Tour
Blue calico printing & dyeing have been practiced for centuries in South China. Decorative patterns on the blue cloth depict animals, plants, long-lost legends, conveying good wishes for the future.
Blue calico printing and dying have been practiced for centuries in Southern China. The decorative patterns on the blue cloth depict animals, plants, and long-lost legends, conveying good wishes for the future.
Janny Chyn from Shanghai Pathways will take us to one of the oldest factories in Tongxiang, Zhejiang, which has been producing blue calico printed fabric for over hundreds of years. It still uses traditional Chinese fabric printing and dyeing methods and is the last of its kind remaining in the province. From 200 workers in 1900, only 20 workers remain in 2018 keeping the last of this natural dyeing process in existence. Inside the factory...all of the work is done by hand, and the beautiful blue dye is created by fermenting banlangen plant, a type of bluegrass. Each batch of color is completely natural and can be used for years. It is believed to have the therapeutic properties in traditional Chinese medicine. This type of fabric was most popular in China in the 18th and 19th centuries.
At the factory, we will:
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Observe the intricate printing processes.
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Print our own piece of fabric to take home.
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Have the opportunity to buy blue calico dyed fabric goods such as bags, tablecloths, and fabric.
Price: RMB4600 for up to 2 people
RMB580 per additional person
(Including guide fee, entrance fee, and transport)
For a group of more than 10 people, please contact us for larger group offer
The program is 12hrs. The guide will meet you at your hotel. Kindly note, food cost is not included in this price (these costs are usually minimal), it makes the tour more flexible and you can get the chance to try different kinds of genuine Chinese food. Our guides are always happy to recommend. Note that the guide will join you for meals and we ask that you pay for the guide.
To book the program, we do request 50% deposit of the total fee. The total of program bill shall be settled at the beginning of your program in cash, or transfer to Shanghai Pathways bank account before the program starts.