With two thousands history, Suzhou embroidery was originated in Wuxian, Suzhou and later on spread to the neighbouring areas such as Nantong, Wuxi, Changzhou, Yangzhou, Suqian and Dongtai in Jiangsu province. These areas, located in the lower reach of Yangtze River, have been famous for their high quality silk productions for centuries.

The Suzhou Embroidery Research Institute, or SERI, was built in 1954 and has done an excellent job of studying, recording and promoting the traditional technique. SERI embroiderers have expanded their unparalleled skills to explore new artistic directions, creating works that transcend conventional perceptions of embroidery to reveal a dynamic, exquisite art form. Some of the resulting embroideries incorporate as many as 40 different types of stitches and 300 hues of silk threads.