Jili Silk known also as Huzhou Silk was used to fashion the clothing of the imperial court in Beijing and the emperor himself. Now, only a single decaying factory still processes silk, and the villagers raise silkworms only twice a year.

In 1851, when the first World Expo, then called the Great Exhibition, was held in London, Jili silk was displayed by a Chinese businessman, winning gold and silver prizes handed out by Queen Victoria.