Join us: 10 - 26 October 2026


An Exclusive Small-Group Journey into China’s Living Craft Traditions

China Textile & Cultural Heritage Tour 2026

Step beyond tourism and into the living ateliers, village courtyards and imperial landmarks of China. This carefully curated 17-day journey is designed for those who value authenticity, artistry and cultural depth.



With private workshops, boutique accommodation, high-speed rail travel, and expert local guides throughout, this tour offers rare access to master artisans and UNESCO-recognised heritage sites — all within the comfort of a refined, professionally managed itinerary.

The Experience

This premium small-group tour blends private textile masterclasses, immersive village experiences, seamless internal flights and bullet train travel, carefully curated experiences, and personalised support throughout.

2026 Tour Cost

The 2026 tour cost is 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 extra cost for single room accommodation.



Private Textile Masterclasses

Engage with master artisans in exclusive workshops designed for small groups.

Immersive Village Experiences

Visit authentic villages to observe traditional craft practices beyond typical tourist paths.

Seamless Travel

Travel comfortably via internal flights and high-speed bullet trains across China.

Carefully Curated Experiences

Each activity highlights China’s rich textile heritage and cultural depth.

Personalised Support

Benefit from expert guidance and assistance throughout the journey.

Tour Dates:

  • 10-26 October 2026

Tour detail:

  • Day 1 - Arrive in Shanghai. Transfer directly to the hotel.
  • Day 2 – Shanghai landmarks (Yu Garden, the Bund and Nanjing Road).
  • Day 3 – Tongli Water Town and Suzhou Lanliyuan Embroidery Research Institution.
  • Day 4 – Fly from Shanghai to Dali, Yunnan Province. Transfer directly to the hotel.
  • Day 5 – Tie-Dye Workshop in Zhoucheng Village.
  • Day 6 – Jiama woodblock printing and Milk Fan making in Xizhou Village.
  • Day 7 – Dali to Kaili by Bullet Train. Transfer directly to the hotel.
  • Day 8 – Matang Gejia Batik.
  • Day 9 – Ancient Papermaking in Danzhai Wanda Village.
  • Day 10 – Fly from Kaili to Xian. Transfer directly to the hotel.
  • Day 11 – The Terracotta Army.
  • Day 12 – "Chang'an Twelve Hours" theme street.
  • Day 13 – Xian to Beijing by Bullet Train.
  • Day 14 – Forbidden City, Dashila Street.
  • Day 15 – Great Wall & Summer Palace.
  • Day 16 – Beijing to Shanghai by Bullet Train. Fly from Shanghai to Sydney.
  • Day 17 – Arrive in your home port (e.g. Sydney).
An exclusive small-group journey exploring China’s textile heritage through authentic workshops, cultural landmarks, and expert-guided visits.

The 2026 China Textile Tour Itinerary

Shanghai – Elegance & Energy

3 Nights | Jin Jiang Tower

Discover the layered beauty of Shanghai:

  • Wander through the classical serenity of Yu Garden
  • Stroll cosmopolitan Nanjing Road
  • Admire the skyline from The Bund.

Enjoy a private excursion to Tongli Water Town, followed by an exclusive Suzhou silk embroidery workshop led by a master artisan — complete with traditional afternoon tea. The workshop is not a demonstration — it is participation.

Dali, Yunnan – Bai Textile Traditions

3 Nights | Spirited Silky Inn, Dali Ancient Town

In the mountain-ringed landscapes of Yunnan, experience living the Bai minority culture:

  • Indigo tie-dye workshop in Zhoucheng Village
  • Visit to the romantic Butterfly Spring Butterfly Spring
  • Bai Three-Course Tea Ceremony
  • Jiama woodblock printing inside traditional Bai homes
  • Milk Fan (Rushan) making demonstration
  • Artisan exploration in lakeside Shuanglang

These encounters are intimate, respectful and culturally grounded.

Kaili, Guizhou – Rare Heritage Access

3 Nights | Banshan Hotel, Kaili

Travel by high-speed rail into one of China’s most culturally rich yet lesser-visited provinces. Highlights include:

  • Private batik immersion in Matang Gejia Village
  • Beeswax resist and indigo dyeing with local artisans
  • Traditional Gejia ceremonial dress and silverwork
  • Ancient papermaking workshop in Danzhai
  • Miao embroidery exploration at Xiulitao Market

Xi’an – Imperial Power & Silk Road Legacy

3 Nights | Ibis Styles Hotel

Stand before the extraordinary Terracotta Army Terracotta Army, created for Emperor Qin Shi Huang over 2,000 years ago.

Walk the ancient city wall and immerse yourself in Tang Dynasty culture at the “Chang’an Twelve Hours” experience.

This is where textile history, empire and trade converge.

Beijing – Icons of Civilisation

3 Nights | Beijing Guo Ji Yi Yuan Hotel

Conclude your journey in China’s capital:

  • Explore the magnificent Forbidden City
  • Walk along the legendary Great Wall of China.
  • Visit the UNESCO-listed Summer Palace
  • Enjoy a traditional Peking Duck banquet

These final days offer a grand and unforgettable finale.

Shanghai – Elegance & Energy

3 Nights | Jin Jiang Tower
A black outline of a circle on a white background.

Admire the skyline from The Bund.

Black circle on a white background.

Stroll cosmopolitan Nanjing Road

Black outline of a circle on a white background.

Wander through the classical serenity of Yu Garden

Enjoy a private excursion to Tongli Water Town, followed by an exclusive Suzhou silk embroidery workshop led by a master artisan — complete with traditional afternoon tea. The workshop is not a demonstration — it is participation.

Black outline of a circle on a white background.

Exclusive Suzhou Silk Embroidery Workshop

Embroidery hoop with purple flower, green leaves, and buds on translucent fabric. Held against a green background.
Black outline of a circle on a white background.

Private Excursion to Tongli Water Town

Black outline of a circle on a white background.

Traditional Afternoon Tea Experience

Wooden trays with sweets, persimmons, a teapot, and decorative items on a table.

Dali, Yunnan – Bai Textile Traditions

3 Nights | Spirited Silky Inn, Dali Ancient Town
Two women working on textiles with blue and white patterns.
People tie-dyeing fabric with indigo dye in a workshop. Dark blue patterns on cloth, wooden tables, and dye pots.
Tranquil garden scene with pond, lily pads, fountain, traditional architecture, lush greenery, and dappled sunlight.

Jiama woodblock printing inside traditional Bai homes

Man carving wood with a tool in a workshop; wooden furniture and tiger artwork visible.
Pale yellow tubes, likely food, tightly packed in a container.
Woman weaving textile by a lake. Reds, blues, and patterned fabric. Wooden table, rural setting.

Kaili, Guizhou – Rare Heritage Access

3 Nights | Banshan Hotel, Kaili Travel by high-speed rail into one of China’s most culturally rich yet lesser-visited provinces.
Black circle on a white background.

Traditional Gejia ceremonial dress and silverwork

A black outlined circle on a white background.

Beeswax resist and indigo dyeing with local artisans

A black circle on a white background.

Private batik immersion in Matang Gejia Village

Woman holding up blue patterned fabric in a wooden building.

Ancient papermaking workshop in Danzhai

These are experiences not typically accessible on standard tours.
Black circle on a white background.

Miao embroidery exploration at Xiulitao Market

Black circle on white background.

Preserving techniques that date back over 1,000 years

Black outline of a circle on a white background.

A "living museum" of traditional paper-making

People walking atop a large stone wall with a multi-tiered gatehouse under a blue sky.
Terracotta Army soldiers in formation, excavated in trenches. Beige and gray colors, ancient China.

Stand before the extraordinary Terracotta Army

Immerse yourself in Tang Dynasty culture at the “Chang’an Twelve Hours” experience

Walk the ancient city wall

Beijing – Icons of Civilisation

These final days offer a grand and unforgettable finale


3 Nights | Beijing Guo Ji Yi Yuan Hotel

View of the Forbidden City in Beijing, China, framed by red pillars and rooftops at sunset.
Boats on lake in front of Chinese temple buildings on a green hillside with a pagoda.
The Great Wall of China, a stone structure ascending a green, hilly landscape under a blue sky.

Premium Inclusions

Elegant bedroom with red and gold bedding, antique furniture, and traditional artwork.

Spend 15 nights in carefully chosen accommodations located in vibrant city centers and culturally rich neighborhoods. Each place offers a unique atmosphere that reflects the local heritage.

Family eating a meal together at a wooden table with various dishes and tea; steam rising from the food.

Start each morning with a freshly prepared breakfast featuring regional flavors and seasonal produce. This daily meal sets the tone for your day of exploration.

Enjoy two afternoon tea sessions thoughtfully selected to highlight authentic Chinese teas paired with delicate pastries. These breaks provide a calm moment to appreciate local tastes.

Tea set with teapot, cups, and pastries on a wooden table.

Participate in three hosted lunches showcasing regional specialties crafted by skilled local chefs. These meals offer insight into the culinary traditions of each area.

People seated at a dining table inside a Chinese garden building, with a water feature visible through the open doors.
Peking duck served on a white plate with cucumber, scallions, sauce, and thin pancakes.

Savor two signature dinners, including a classic Peking Duck banquet served in an upscale environment. These dinners highlight the artistry and depth of Chinese cuisine.

China Eastern Airlines Boeing 777 airplane soaring through a blue sky with clouds.

All domestic flights within China are included to ensure smooth and comfortable transfers between destinations. This allows you to focus on the journey without travel concerns.

High-speed white and blue bullet train speeds past green fields and a village with mountains in the background.

Travel swiftly and comfortably between destinations on China’s advanced rail network. Enjoy seamless connections that maximize your time exploring textile heritage sites.

A golden and blue bus parked indoors; driver visible; open doors.

Private vehicles and professional drivers provide smooth, personalized transfers throughout your journey. Relax knowing every detail of your transport is expertly managed.

English-speaking specialist local guides

Four people examining textiles in a workshop. A woman displays a colorful woven piece. Spools of yarn on table.

Our knowledgeable guides offer deep insights into China’s textile traditions. Their fluency in English and local expertise enrich every visit and interaction.

Man weaving fabric on a wooden loom in a well-lit workshop.
Yarn balls in red, beige, and blue with a weaving shuttle, scissors, and a spool on a wooden table.

All workshop materials and tuition

Fashion class: students at sewing machines, instructor assisting. Classroom setting with mannequins.

Every workshop includes all necessary materials and expert tuition. Engage directly with master artisans to develop your skills and appreciation.

Exclusions

International return flights between your home port (e.g. Sydney) and Shanghai are not included.

Personal purchases during the tour are not covered and should be budgeted separately. Please plan accordingly to avoid unexpected expenses.

Travel insurance (comprehensive cover is recommended)

Designed for

Person weaving colorful fabric on a wooden loom indoors.

Textile artists and serious makers will gain direct access to master artisans and authentic craft techniques. This journey moves beyond typical tourism to explore China’s living textile traditions.

Colorful, patterned textiles rolled up on a table. Detailed stitching and geometric designs.

Quilt and fabric enthusiasts can examine unique patterns and materials sourced from local ateliers. Each visit reveals the stories behind the fabrics and the artisans who create them.

Small private groups enjoy exclusivity and personalized attention throughout the journey. The limited guest list ensures intimate access to workshops and heritage sites.

Woman drawing colorful patterns on paper outdoors at a wooden table.
Bedroom with red bedding, wood furniture, traditional decor, and a large window with a view.

Creatives seeking inspiration at its source will find endless motivation in the artistry and cultural richness encountered. The tour connects imagination with authentic craft heritage.