Splendor of Jiangsu Showcases Chinese Fashion and Art at Chinese Embassy in Washington

　　The Chinese Embassy in the United States welcomed guests from across the nation’s cultural, business, media, and academic communities on Friday, Sep. 5 for the “Embroidered Elegance: The Artistic Rhythm of Jiangsu" event, offering a vibrant window into China’s rich traditions, featuring Suzhou embroidery, gold foil, velvet flowers, Chinese painting, and the elegance of the Nanjing-style qipao.

　　China's Ambassador to the U.S. Xie Feng and his wife Madam Wang Dan joined friends of the embassy, along with foreign diplomats and their spouses, in celebrating the enduring vitality of Chinese cultural heritage. Attendees not only admired traditional art forms but also experienced firsthand how Chinese craftsmanship continues to evolve with modern design and innovation.

　　A Journey Through Craftsmanship 

　　In her keynote address, Madam Wang Dan welcomed guests to “embark on a journey of beauty” through Jiangsu’s artistry. She traced the origins of China’s intangible cultural heritage back more than 5,000 years, explaining how crafts such as sericulture, silk reeling, and embroidery grew from the delicate work of silkworms to the intricate skills of artisans.

　　From Su embroidery, where a single thread can be split into 128 strands, to the painstaking hammering required to produce ultra-thin gold foil, Wang highlighted the extraordinary patience and devotion passed down through generations. “It is amazing how a strand of silk, finer than a human hair, could weave the rich tapestry of Chinese civilization,” she said.

　　Tradition Meets Innovation 

　　While deeply rooted in history, Wang emphasized that Chinese cultural heritage is far from static. New technologies, such as eco-friendly fabrics, AI-powered textile inspection, 3D pattern making, and automated cutting, are reshaping the industry. Intangible heritage inheritors and young designers alike are breathing new life into tradition, from embroidery featuring starry skies to modern adaptations of kesi silk weaving in jewelry, tableware, and even car interiors.

　　“In China, neo-Chinese-style design has become the new fad,” Wang observed, noting the global popularity of “China Chic” and the rise of international influencers sharing their experiences in traditional attire.

　　An Invitation to Explore 

　　Underscoring the embassy’s commitment to cultural exchange, Wang pointed to new policies making China more accessible to American travelers. With visa-free transit extended to U.S. visitors and a new mobile app for easier visa applications, she encouraged guests to experience Chinese culture firsthand.

　　“Today’s experience session offers only a taste of our culture,” she said. “I’d like to encourage you to visit China, and discover much more about our culture, fashion, and art.”

　　The program showcased not only Jiangsu’s splendor but also the embassy’s broader role in building bridges of understanding through the universal language of art.