Artisanry
Art
Our route takes you through the Southern Yangtze Delta and connects authentic artisan life with the contrast between tradition and modernity. You'll make fans, paper umbrellas and your own chopsticks, and accompany tea farmers in the highlands. In the mornings, boats glide through the canals, fishermen cast their nets, and the aroma of fresh noodle soup entices. You'll help with woodworking, craft lanterns and find peace in gardens and hot springs. Music, dance and local stories engage the senses. Insights into Chinese medicine and traditions of the once-independent Wu and Shanyin cultures make this trip an unforgettable experience.
⚲ SOUTHERN YANGTZE DELTA
Craftman's Journey
Boating
Artisanry
Pilot your own motorized Yuloh boat through the winding waterways of the Taihu River Basin, accompanied by an experienced fisherman and later independently with a powerful motor through lotus-covered waterways, full speed ahead. Learn the art of Chinese gondola rowing, and help build traditional Yuloh boats. Spend the night in rustic style camping on deserted islands or staying with local fishing families. Early in the morning, sell your fresh catch at the market and become part of the local fishing community for a few days, where you’ll be welcomed with open arms. Here, you’ll experience the simple life of the fishing folk (Yú mín) and may even push your comfort zone, though your safety is always ensured. No boating license is required to operate the boats.
⚲ TAIHU RIVERBED
A Fisherman's
River
Culinary
Artisanry
Wander the alleyways of water towns in the Southern Yangtze Delta and indulge in steaming street food kitchens, houseboats with cast-iron pots, and fragrant open-air markets. Through cooking classes and workshops, you’ll learn the traditional craft of making tofu, xiǎo lóng bāo (soup dumplings), soy sauce, and much more. Lend a hand in the seasonal tea and rice harvests or, if you prefer something less mainstream, try your skills at harvesting bamboo or lotus roots and crafting (and tasting) Huáng Jiǔ, an essential wine in Chinese cuisine, or Bài Jiǔ for those who prefer something bolder. The best part? Your creations will be shipped straight to your home afterward. For tea lovers, we offer specialized experiences tailored to connoisseurs, immersing you in the region’s local tea secrets and dedicating themselves entirely to the art of tea. Things get even more fascinating as we explore the distinct quirks, myths, and traditions of the once-independent Wu and Shanyin cultures.
⚲ SOUTHERN YANGTZE DELTA
Flavours of Southern Delta
Retreat
Embark on a peaceful retreat in China, where silence becomes your teacher and the rhythm of monastic life guides you. For a more dynamic experience, choose a Tai Chi retreat, a journey of mindfulness and movement in perfect harmony. In China, Tai Chi is often understood differently than in the West as part of a holistic practice that unites physical fitness, mental clarity, and spiritual growth. You decide how far to push your limits: from slow, flowing movements to physically demanding training that challenges your endurance and focus. Set amid the breathtaking landscapes of the Tianmu Mountains or on a secluded monastery island in the Taihu River basin, this unique experience offers serenity and inner clarity as you detach from the noise of the world and reconnect deeply with yourself. It can also be complemented with explorations into traditional Chinese monastic medicine.
⚲ TIANMU ⚲ TAIHU
Monk's Peace
of Mind
Drive your own off-road vehicle through the wild trails and remote landscapes between Jiangsu and Zhejiang, guided by experienced local experts who know every hidden path. Conquer steep slopes, rocky riverbeds, and muddy tracks as you learn to overcome obstacles with precision, courage, and teamwork. Along the way, pass through ancient villages where time seems to stand still and meet local farmers and artisans who open their workshops and share their stories with you. As evening falls, set up camp under the open sky on quiet hills or in forgotten valleys or stay with local families who welcome you with homemade meals. The next morning, it’s time to fire up the engine, kick up the dust, and face new challenges once again. This experience is more than just driving. It’s a journey to your limits, deep into the raw, untamed nature of eastern China, far from the bustle of the big cities.
coming soon
⚲ SOUTHERN YANGTZE DELTA
Wild Terrain
Offroad
Birdwatching
From March to May, this area offers exceptional opportunities to observe rare migratory birds along the critical East Asian-Australasian Flyway (EAAF), including species like the Spoon-billed Sandpiper – now estimated at fewer than 500 individuals worldwide. This experience is specially designed for our passionate birdwatching community and is expertly guided by our research partner, the Shanghai Chongming Dongtan National Nature Reserve & Research Center.
coming soon
⚲ SOUTHERN YANGTZE DELTA
Feathered
Sky Wanderers
STILL NOT DECIDED?
Leave the planning up to us with our Untold Experiences
We select authentic locations and activities. You bring plenty of curiosity and appetite.
Why book with China Untold?
CUSTOMIZED TRAVEL EXPERIENCES
Every itinerary is meticulously crafted around your interests, granting exclusive access to places and experiences far from the beaten path: from ancient water towns to remote mountain temples reached in extraordinary ways.
CONNOISSEURS AS GUIDES & CULTURAL EXPERTISE
Travel with experienced experts and passionate local hosts who will immerse you in the layered stories of China’s rich heritage, living traditions, and hidden corners.
AUTHENTIC CULTURAL ENCOUNTERS
Through long-standing partnerships with local communities, you’ll become part of authentic daily life in China whether working alongside artisan families in their workshops, cooking in a masterclass of regional cuisine, or independently navigating a traditional wooden boat (with a powerful motor) through lotus-covered waterways.
REFINED LUXURY WITH A TOUCH OF COMFORT
We partner with China's finest boutique hotels, luxury lodges, and historic residences to offer you accommodations that blend modern comforts with authentic Chinese hospitality.
NEED HELP REGISTERING YOUR DRONE IN CHINESE?
We help you!
Even for drones under 250g, registration with China's Civil Aviation Authority is needed. (Currently available in Chinese only)
Can also be requested regardless of whether you book with us.
ABOUT US
With diverse backgrounds and over 20 years of experience in the travel industry from hospitality, airlines, to railroad, my wife and I have had the privilege of discovering the world from multiple perspectives. We've been crafting journeys for family, relatives, longtime friends, and now new acquaintances with the hope that you'll soon join this circle. These multifaceted views of life have ignited in us a profound passion for travel that we're eager to share with you.
Our mission goes beyond simply showing you destinations. We, together with our excited guides, want to give you the opportunity to truly immerse yourself in local cultures, traditions, and ways of life. My wife's Chinese heritage inspired us early on to create authentic travel experiences that would otherwise only be possible through local connections, friends, or family. I firmly believe that travel isn't about checking off landmarks, but about forging connections like visiting friends or relatives who reveal a place's hidden treasures and stories.
We're passionate about bringing travel experiences to life, authentically, vividly, and unforgettably. Together, we'll craft a journey that makes you feel not like a visitor, but as part of the experience, part of the story. Let's discover the world in a way that transforms your perspective and leaves a lasting imprint on your travel spirit!
Your fellow adventurers and guides,
Xiaoqian and Pascal
Connect with us
TESTIMONIALS
What our guests say
"Our journey through China was more than just a vacation. It was a true immersion into the fascinating culture of the local fishing communities. Thanks especially to Xiaoqian, Pascal and Zong Ming, who not only showed us hidden places far from mass tourism, but also guided us in our own boats through the labyrinthine river landscape that remains unknown to most travelers. Their stories and humor made the trip something truly special."
Saskia & Thomas
"Our guide Xiaoqian showed us her homeland with so much passion and knowledge, filled with small, unexpected encounters that enriched every single day. Whether it was visiting a market in a small village, talking with a calligrapher, or the many unplanned moments in between. All these authentic experiences made the trip so special, without any extra bookings. I feel like I’ve truly come to understand China a little better."
Ernst
"Our guides were far more than just tour leaders. They became genuine friends, even beyond our trip. They introduced us to local dishes and created heartfelt encounters with families in the communities we visited. The carefully curated boutique hotels exceeded our expectations, and each evening we relaxed in hot springs surrounded by elegant ambiance. A journey that will stay with us and our children for years to come."
James, Linda, Jayden & Emma
