Location & How to Get There

Guxu Embroidery Exhibition Hall sits inside the tranquil Zuibai Pool Park in Songjiang District, Shanghai. The address is No. 64 Renmin South Road, Songjiang, and it’s easy to reach by metro or bus. Take Metro Line 9 to Songjiang University Town Station, then transfer to a local bus or taxi. If you’re driving, there’s free parking near the park entrance. The hall is a hidden gem within the park, so follow the signs that say “Guxu Embroidery” once you’re inside.

Natural Beauty: A Peaceful Retreat

The hall is tucked away in Zuibai Pool Park, a classic Chinese garden with winding paths, ancient trees, and serene ponds. You’ll see lotus flowers in summer, bridges arching over calm waters, and stone tablets carved with poems. It’s the perfect spot to escape the city’s hustle and snap photos of traditional pavilions reflected in the pools. The Guxu Embroidery Exhibition Hall itself blends into this scenery, making it feel like a step back in time.

Cultural Legacy: The Story of Guxu Embroidery

Guxu Embroidery (also called “Lu Xiang Yuan Gu Embroidery”) is one of China’s most delicate crafts. It started in the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644) with the Gu family in old Shanghai. A wealthy scholar named Gu Mingshi built a garden named “Lu Xiang Yuan” (Fragrant Dew Garden), where the embroidery tradition began. The Gu family’s embroidery became famous for copying famous paintings with incredibly fine stitches. Today, the Guxu Embroidery Exhibition Hall shows off these masterpieces, from silk dresses to artworks that look exactly like paintings.

Must-See at the Hall

Inside the hall, you’ll find:

  • Ancient Embroidery Tools: Old sewing needles, threads, and frames used centuries ago.
  • Lifelike Artworks: Dresses, fans, and hangings that match the detail of Chinese paintings.
  • Interactive Displays: Try threading a needle or watching a video of embroiderers at work.
  • Ming Dynasty Rooms: Recreated spaces showing how the Gu family lived while they crafted.

The hall also hosts occasional workshops where you can try embroidering—great for travelers who want a hands-on cultural experience!

Facilities for Visitors

  • Tickets: Cheap (around 10-20 RMB) and often included in park entry. Check online for discounts.
  • Guides: English-speaking staff can explain the history if you ask. Audio guides are also available.
  • Rest Areas: Tea houses nearby serve snacks and Shanghai’s famous jasmine tea.
  • Souvenirs: Buy mini embroidered handkerchiefs or postcards with designs from the exhibits.
  • Accessibility: Ramps and flat paths make it easy for strollers or wheelchairs.

Why Visit Guxu Embroidery Exhibition Hall?

This isn’t just a museum—it’s a window into Shanghai’s artistic soul. Unlike busy attractions, it’s quiet and lets you slow down. You’ll leave knowing why Gu embroidery was once a luxury gift for emperors. Pro tip: Come early or late to avoid crowds and catch the golden hour light on the pond. Combine it with a walk around Zuibai Pool Park for a full day of culture and nature.

Whether you love art, history, or just pretty things, the Guxu Embroidery Exhibition Hall is a must-see. It’s small but packed with details that make Shanghai’s craft heritage feel alive.