Exclusive Textile Tour - Immersing You in China’s Living Traditions

Our itinerary includes visits to artisan workshops, UNESCO World Heritage sites, private textile demonstrations, high-quality accommodation, and transport between locations in China. Expert local guides accompany every step to provide cultural insights.

Download the tour brochure for more details.

Groups are intentionally small (a maximum of 12) to limit the number of guests, which ensures personalised experiences and intimate access to artisans and cultural sites.

Workshops offer hands-on opportunities to observe and participate in traditional textile techniques guided by master artisans in authentic settings. The workshops are designed to allow sufficient time for projects to be completed.

The tour includes carefully selected boutique hotels and all transportation within China, including domestic flights, high-speed trains, and vehicle transport. 

We ensure comfort and convenience throughout your journey.

The 2027 tour cost will be announced when details have been finalised. 

Once tour costs are published, we are also planning an early-bird offer for those who have expressed interest in a tour.

Here's a quick guide: the 2026 tour costs AUD$6,600 per person (inc GST, twin share, excluding international return flights to Shanghai, personal spending, and meals not included in the trip details). There is an additional cost (AUD$970) for single-room accommodation.

Firstly, reach out to Sally via the Booking Enquiry page so your name is added to this list of potential tour guests.

Once you've registered your expression of interest in a tour, we will keep you updated. Also, once the tour costs have been finalised, we will contact you with details.

For the April 2027 tour, bookings are confirmed upon payment of a refundable AUD$1,000 deposit by 1 October 2026. Once the balance is paid by 1 November 2026, we won't be able to issue refunds (as we must pay for all land-based travel in China).

For the October 2027 tour, bookings are confirmed upon payment of a refundable AUD$1,000 deposit by 1 May 2027. Once the balance is paid by 1 June 2027, we won't be able to issue refunds (as we must pay for all land-based travel in China).

• 10-26 April 2027
• 10-26 October 2027

For clarity, you will need to arrive in or be in Shanghai on the 10th, which is Day 1 of the tour.

Many ladies have asked me about bringing their husbands along (which is absolutely fine), but some are worried their husbands will get bored.

In response, we are considering a Companion Program for the October 2027 tour. 

While the textile enthusiasts explore embroidery villages, textile museums, and artisan workshops, we'll be creating a parallel experience focused on culture, history, food, drink, photography, gardens, architecture, and some of China's most fascinating destinations.

The idea is simple.

Everyone gets to enjoy the experience they're passionate about, and then we all reconnect each evening to share stories from the day.

If you submit an expression of interest, we will keep you informed as plans are finalised.

Sally Rowley

Patchwork Nabiac

82 Clarkson Street

Nabiac NSW 2312. Australia.

w: www.patchworknabiac.com.au

m: +61 403 484 686

Alternative contact:

Anthony Rowley

+61 418 623 998

Until 31 December 2026, Australian citizens with ordinary passports can enter China visa-free for up to 30 days for tourism.

For residents of other countries or those travelling on passports issued by other countries, you will need to check with a Chinese embassy or Chinese Visa Application Service Centre.

For the 2027 tours, visa advice will be provided when the Chinese government updates its guidelines.

Yes, you book your own return international flights. However, if you need assistance with this, please get in touch with Sally. Our team can book flights for you.

For the 2026 tour, Sally coordinated international flights for many of the guests. We found China Eastern offered the best value for money.

Of course, you can arrive earlier or depart later, but please make sure you stay within any visa restrictions.

Sally will book all domestic travel arrangements (including flights, trains, and bus trips) within China that are part of the tour itinerary.

China is not card-based like Australia; it is app-based. Many places do NOT accept Visa or Mastercard. Cash is technically accepted, but often inconvenient. Two mobile phone apps dominate payments in China: Alipay and WeChat. 

You can use Alipay and WeChat to process QR code payments; they're widely used.

Of the two, Alipay is generally easier for tourists and offers more English support.

Before departing for China, download Alipay and set it up.

You can link an Australian Visa or Mastercard to Alipay. You will need to upload your passport details for identity verification.

Before departing for China, you will need to enable international roaming on your phone to use Alipay.

Just remember, major hotels and some high-end stores may accept Visa and Mastercard. But in many everyday situations — taxis, restaurants, local shops — cards are not used. Bring a credit card, but don’t rely on it.

And remember...

Sally will be able to assist with any payment difficulties and will be able to convert Australian currency (if needed).

Amap

The best navigation app for China. Known locally as Gaode Maps, Amap is far more accurate than Google Maps within China. It provides directions for walking, driving, public transport, and high-speed rail, along with real-time traffic information and business listings.

DiDi

This is China's equivalent of Uber. DiDi is the most popular ride-hailing service in China. The app offers English-language support and allows visitors to book taxis and private vehicles quickly and safely. Payments can be linked through Alipay.

WeChat

WeChat is China's dominant messaging app and is widely used by hotels, tour operators, shops and local contacts. It also includes mobile payments, social networking, mini-programs, and customer service functions.

But remember...

On the tour, Sally and her English-speaking guides will support you to ensure your travel experience is stress-free.

No, the tour will not be exhausting. The tour is designed for travellers with a reasonable level of mobility. Some days include walking through historic towns, gardens, villages and cultural sites. However, this is not a strenuous hiking tour, and the pace has been designed to be relaxed, comfortable and enjoyable.

No, this tour will not be rushed. Unlike many tours, we spend several nights in each region, minimising hotel changes and avoiding constant packing and unpacking. This allows you to settle in and fully enjoy each destination.

China is considered a safe destination for international travellers. Throughout the tour, participants will be accompanied by experienced hosts and local guides who will provide support and assistance throughout the journey.

Remember...

Sally will be there to support and assist you.

Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, and we have provided information in this FAQ on recommended mobile phone apps.

If you require Global Roaming on your mobile, this should be arranged before you depart. Please ensure you understand the costs of using your mobile phone in China before you depart.

This tour is ideal for quilters, embroiderers, textile enthusiasts, creatives, photographers, gardeners, cultural travellers, and anyone with an interest in traditional arts, history and authentic cultural experiences.

Hosted by Sally Rowley, Patchwork Nabiac, who was born in China and has lived in Australia for more than 30 years, the tour combines Chinese heritage, textile industry experience and personal connections to create a unique cultural journey that goes beyond ordinary tourism.