The Chengdu Shu Brocade and Embroidery Institute, northwest of the city centre, preserves the ancient craft traditions of Sichuan silk work. The institute functions as both a production facility and a museum: you can watch weavers at the traditional multi-harness looms, see demonstrations of Shu embroidery (a distinct silk embroidery tradition from the brocade), and purchase examples of both.
The museum section covers the 2,000-year history of Shu brocade with good displays of historical textiles. The retail section sells everything from small embroidery samples to large framed pieces and brocade by the metre. Quality is high and prices are commensurate. A worthwhile half-day for anyone interested in textile history or Chinese decorative arts.