Fodor's Expert Review Brocade Research Institute

On the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list, brocades are lavishly embroidered textiles unique to Nanjing and once used to make robes worn by emperors. The Brocade Research Institute is part retail outlet part workshop, where traditional brocades are still being made using huge, old-fashioned looms operated by two people at a time. The gift shop sells beautiful examples of the fabric. A fantastic museum has fashion shows and high-tech exhibits, including holographic displays and 360-degree film screenings.