This will be my first trip to China in Nov.. I know absolutely nothing about silk, except where it comes from, but would like to buy some silk gifts on my trip. Any guidance that you could provide would be appreciated, or aim me at a good website. Thanks in advance. Rick.

I read a trick to buying silk in something published by Nancy Chandler - the shopping map maven of Bangkok. Grab the material and clench it in your first. Real silk will be cool to the touch for the first 30 seconds. Chinese silk is very different from Thai silk, but I imagine the rule applies to all silk. I've trusted it and have always been satisfied with what I got. Good luck!

Great!!! Thank you. But what happens if it is not real silk? I would assume that it warms up more quickly. Sorry, single male and not much of a shopper I'm afraid. Thanx, Rick

You won't feel the coolness at all if it isn't silk. You might want to stop in a fabric store here before your trip and asked someone there to show you some silk and some polyester/faux silk. If you still aren't comfortable, stay away from vendors in markets and only buy from places like The Friendship Store - prices will be higher, but you'll know it's real silk if that's what it says.

OK, great! Thanks alot. Rick.