Star attraction: The magnificent replica of the dragon-and-phoenix hairpin crown once worn by Empress Liu E. [Photo/tidenews.com.cn]

Visitors are flocking to the China National Silk Museum by West Lake in Hangzhou — capital of East China's Zhejiang province — to view a newly unveiled item collected by the museum, local media reported.

The star is a replica of the cherished dragon-and-phoenix hairpin crown once worn by Empress Liu E, wife of Emperor Zhenzong of the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127).

The crown, an intricate reconstruction based on historical portraits and records, was recreated over more than a year by a team led by Ji Xiaofen, curator of the museum and Cui Rongrong, director of the School of Fashion Design and Engineering at Zhejiang Sci-Tech University.

With dragon motifs symbolizing power, floral ornaments for vitality, celestial figures, auspicious clouds and pearls once prized in Song Dynasty aesthetics, it embodies both imperial majesty and exquisite artistry.

The crown is now on display in the museum's Silk Road Gallery. To bring its elegance into everyday life, the museum has also launched a detailed 3D metal fridge magnet modeled after the crown, which has quickly become a popular souvenir with visitors.

The crown and a detailed 3D metal fridge magnet modeled after it. [Photo/tidenews.com.cn]