Hoi An is an old trading port center dating from the 15th - 19th centuries. The influence of numerous cultures is evident ( Japanese, Chinese, Indian, and some European) and well-preserved. The story of Hoi An parallels that of Bruegge, Belgium. Both cities were important trading centers and ports until the river silted up. The ports moved to different cities which allowed Hoi An and Bruegge to retain their older-style architecture and atmosphere, untouched by the change/modernization that took place in other cities.
Now Hoi An is a center of tourism and silk making. Today we toured a 200-year old Chinese house and a silk-making factory. In the factory they raise the silk worms, spin the thread, and weave the cloth. Women were using the thread to embroider table coths and wall hangings. The woman in the one photo is preparing mulberry leaves which the silk worms feed on. If you look closely, you can see the yellow silk worms in two of the photos.
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