Embroidery is a renowned traditional Chinese handicraft with a history of more than 3,000 years. On a piece of silk or cloth, people embroider all kinds of beautiful pictures and patterns with threads of silk, wool or cotton. Among various kinds of embroidery, the best products come from four province: Jiangsu - notably Suzhou, Hunan, Guangdong and Szechuan.

Suzhou Embroidery, Su Xiu, has a history of 2,000 years. Suzhou artists are able to use more than 40 ways of needling and 1,000 different types of threads to make flowers, birds, animals and even gardens on a piece of cloth. Suzhou Embroidery is refined and exquisite. The best well-known work is an embroidered cat with bright eyes and fluffy hair, looking vivid and lifelike.

Hunan Embroidery, or Xiang Xiu, has a history of at least 2,000 years as well. Since artists of traditional Chinese painting are involved in designing pictures and patterns, the embroidery in Hunan has an hint of traditional Chinese painting. Typical embroidery shows images of lions and tigers that are so vivid that one can feel their ferocity.

Guangdong Embroidery, or Yue Xiu, dates back to at least 1,000 years. It is usually colorful and bright with neat patterns, with a dragon and phoenix predominating among the image. Prominent works are "Hundred Birds Pay Homage to the Phoenix" and "Screen of Nine Dragons".

Szechuan Embroidery, or Shu Xiu, became known as early as 1,000 years ago. With over a thousand ways of needlework, artists are able to create flowers, birds, fishes and insects, as well as landscapes and human figurines. Its exemplary works are "Hibiscus and Carps" and "Roosters and Coxcombs".

Apart from the above four types, fine embroidery is also made in Beijing, Wenzhou, Shanghai and ty the Miao ethnic communities.

Embroidery can be used in many ways. It is often adopted in clothing, quilt covers, pillowcases and bed sheets. it can also be displayed as a work of art or used for decorative purpose.