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.

Groups are intentionally small (a maximum of 10 on the 2026 tour) 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 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.

10-26 October 2026. For clarity, you will need to arrive, or be in, Shanghai on 10 October 2026 which is Day 1 of the tour.

In 2027, two tours are being developed. At this stage, one will be in the first half of the year, and the second will probably be in the September/October period.

Sally Rowley

Patchwork Nabiac

82 Clarkson Street

Nabiac NSW 2312. Australia.

w: www.patchworknabiac.com.au

m: +61 403 484 686

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.

For the 2026 tour, you should arrange your flights so you are in (or arrive) Shanghai on 10 October. You can book your return flight from Shanghai, departing on 26 October.

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 and train 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 use Alipay and WeChat to process QR code payment, which are standard everywhere.

Before departing for China, download Alipay and WeChat. Of the two, Alipay is generally easier for tourists and offers more English support.

Both allow foreign passport holders to register. You can link an Australian Visa or Mastercard to the Apps. 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.

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.

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