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CONTENTS
冒險的召喚
當宇宙在吶喊：樂悠遊的創業傳奇
海上的避風港
探索未知：印度帶來的創意覺醒之旅
絲路的詠嘆調
品味現代中國：生活、旅行與美酒
書與遠方
從容的風格冒險
PUBLISHER 出版
Charlotte Harris 夏詩諾 EDITOR IN CHIEF 主編
Ingrid Chen, Creatus 陳穎慈 CONTRIBUTORS 撰稿
Jackie Harris 吳月華
Roger Harris
Arsalan Mohammad
Louen Tang 鄧偉俊 ASSISTANT 助理
Olivia Lo 勞嘉敏 COVER 封面
Sandrine Torredemer
ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES
廣告查詢
Rachel Bourke 白禮智 marketing@charlottetravel.com
CHARLOTTE TRAVEL
HONG KONG
2603-04, HK Commercial Centre, 188 Connaught Road West, Sai Wan
Charlotte Magazine is owned and published by Charlotte Travel, and produced by Creatus.
由樂悠遊擁有及出版，Creatus編輯發行
All rights reserved: Copyright and distribution rights are reserved exclusively by Charlotte Travel, its partners, associates and affiliates. All materials published remain the property of Charlotte Travel. No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior written permission. All information contained in this publication is from a reliable source. Charlotte Travel does not make any guarantees as to the accuracy of the information contained.
By: Jackie Harris, Founder of Charlotte Travel 樂悠遊創辦人吳月華
Every trip is an adventure. It takes you to explore the world. It takes you out of your comfort zone. It opens up a window to a different culture.
But what transforms a simple journey into a true adventure isn’t just the distance traveled or the exotic destinations reached – it’s the willingness to embrace the unexpected, to say yes to moments that challenge and change us.
I think about the countless adventures my family has shared over the years, and I realize they rarely unfolded as planned. The most memorable weren’t the meticulously scheduled tours or the perfectly executed itineraries. They were the spontaneous detours, the missed connections that led to hidden discoveries, the language barriers that dissolved into laughter and shared meals with strangers who became friends.
Adventure, I’ve learned, isn’t about seeking out extreme activities or conquering distant peaks –though it can certainly include those things. Real adventure is about approaching travel with an open heart and curious mind. It’s about allowing yourself to be transformed by the places you visit and the people you meet along the way.
As a family business built on generations of wanderlust, we understand that adventure means something different to everyone. For some, it’s the thrill of white-water rafting through untamed landscapes. For others, it’s the quiet courage of ordering a dish they can’t pronounce in a local restaurant, or striking up a conversation with a market vendor despite the language barrier. Adventure scales to fit the adventurer.
What remains constant is adventure’s power to strengthen bonds. When families step outside their familiar routines together, something magical happens. Shared challenges become shared victories. Moments of uncertainty transform into stories of resilience. Children who might be glued to screens at home suddenly become explorers, asking questions and making observations that surprise even their parents.
This year marks a particularly special adventure for Charlotte Travel – our 25th anniversary and the opening of our first overseas expansion in Singapore. It feels fitting that as we celebrate a quarter-century of crafting adventures for families, we’re embarking on our own journey into new territory. Just as we encourage our clients to step beyond their comfort zones, we’re taking our own leap into the unknown, bringing our passion for meaningful travel to new shores.
In this issue dedicated to Adventure, we explore how to cultivate that spirit of discovery in every journey, regardless of its scope or destination. We delve into the art of building adventures that challenge without overwhelming, that push boundaries while respecting comfort levels, that create space for both planned experiences and serendipitous discoveries.
For the cover, we selected French artist Sandrine Torredemer’s embroidery work because it captures the true essence of adventure—the art of discovery and transformation. Her practice of rescuing forgotten fabrics and giving them new purpose through patient, detailed stitching reflects the same spirit we bring to travel: finding beauty in unexpected places and creating meaningful experiences that endure long after the journey ends.
True adventure isn’t about conquering the world: it’s about allowing the world to conquer you, to change your perspective, to expand your understanding of what’s possible. It’s about returning home not just with souvenirs and photographs, but with a broader sense of who you are and what you’re capable of.
The greatest adventures often begin with the smallest steps: saying yes to an unfamiliar invitation, choosing the path less travelled, or simply approaching each day of travel with genuine curiosity about what lies ahead. May this year be a new chapter for Charlotte Travel, and may it be a new chapter for you too.
What happens when you dare to say your deepest dream out loud at the right moment? For Jackie and Roger Harris, asking that question in January 2001 set in motion a series of events so perfectly aligned that even skeptics might believe in destiny. Their journey from a rain-soaked visit to a real estate office to the world’s most exclusive cruise ships is a story of listening—and trusting—your instinct.
Sometimes the most profound business decisions begin with the simplest questions. For Jackie, that moment in January 2001, as she sat in Hong Kong contemplating a secure job offer while spending precious time with her father.
Her husband Roger asked a question that would change everything:
“What do you truly want to do with your life?”
For the first time, Jackie voiced a dream she’d barely dared acknowledge: starting her own travel business. It seemed an impossible aspiration during such a bittersweet time, but Roger’s words had unlocked something within her.
Five months later, fate intervened in the most extraordinary way.
While searching for their first office space, Jackie was caught in a sudden Hong Kong downpour. Ducking into a nearby real estate agency for shelter, she casually asked about available rentals.
“We have one with a full sea view.” the agent replied.
When Jackie saw the address, her heart stopped. It was Room 1506, Star House—the exact same unit where she had worked years earlier, before leaving Hong Kong. The very place where her travel industry career had begun.
“The universe isn’t just whispering. It’s shouting.”
Despite this cosmic endorsement, friends and industry veterans warned them away. “The travel agent industry is dead,” they insisted, pointing to the rise of internet bookings and digital disruption. Traditional agencies were closing everywhere.
But Jackie and Roger held a different vision. They believed there would always be travellers who valued genuine service, expert guidance, and the irreplaceable human touch that no algorithm could provide.
Their faith was immediately validated. Even before officially opening, word spread that Jackie was returning to the industry. Old clients and new began reaching out. Friends donated computers and equipment to help them launch. They started with just three people, but their original motto proved prophetic.
For travellers who still value service
The company’s Chinese name, 樂悠遊—chosen collectively by Jackie’s siblings and meaning “joyful, leisurely travel”—became increasingly apt as they grew through pure referral and trust.
Just months after opening, 9/11 shook the global travel industry. As airports closed and flights were cancelled worldwide, online platforms offered no comfort and airline phone lines went unanswered. Charlotte Travel’s clients knew they had advocates working tirelessly on their behalf.
Charlotte Travel weathered two pandemics that brought the industry to its knees. When SARS devastated Hong Kong and COVID-19 slammed borders shut globally, competitors struggled or closed entirely. In each crisis, Charlotte Travel became a lifeline, providing calm reassurance when uncertainty reigned supreme.
Each crisis reinforced what they’d known from the beginning: there would always be travelers who needed more than just a booking.
In 2014, something wonderful happened that neither founder had expected: their daughter Charlotte, the company’s namesake, joined the business. Her unique vision and impressive connections propelled them into the rarefied world of luxury travel, inspiring a bold new ethos:
“The Luxury You Define”
Today, Charlotte Travel’s passion has become their entire lifestyle. Jackie is now ranked among the global top 1% of cruise experts, while Roger serves as an enrichment lecturer aboard luxury ships. Together, they literally sail the seven seas, visiting friends in every port.
As for the company, the recognition came in waves, each milestone marking our evolution from a local Hong Kong agency to a global luxury travel authority.
Being invited as the first Virtuoso agency in Asia placed us among the top 1% of luxury travel advisors worldwide.
Soon followed invitations to become preferred partners with the world’s most prestigious hotel groups: Rosewood, Mandarin Oriental, The Peninsula, Hyatt, and luxury Marriott brands. Board positions with these iconic names weren’t just honours—they were platforms that put Charlotte Travel on the global map, enabling us to serve discerning clients across continents. The awards followed:
Set along Uluwatu’s oceanfront, Jumeirah Bali is an all villa retreat shaped by Majapahit heritage and the island’s natural beauty. With direct access to the beach, private pool villas and sweeping Indian Ocean views, each stay unfolds with quiet elegance, cultural connection and a deep sense of place.
JBAreservations@jumeirah.com jumeirah.com
2025
In September 2025, Charlotte Travel became the first Hong Kong homegrown travel agency to receive Forbes Travel Guide endorsement—a fitting recognition for a company that began with a simple question and a cosmic sign in a sea-view office.
From Star House to the seven seas, it has been the journey of a lifetime, proving that sometimes the universe doesn’t just whisper your destiny—it shouts it.
Why Adventure Island Cruising is the Ultimate Luxury
海上的避風港
探險島嶼郵輪，我心中的極致奢華
By: Roger Harris
In the world of luxury travel, there exists a profound contradiction. We seek adventure—the raw, untamed corners of the planet—yet we refuse to sacrifice the sanctity of comfort. For decades, this felt like an impossible equation. To reach the isolated, the wild, and the remote, one had to assume hardship was part of the bargain.
But there is a secret the seasoned traveler knows: the ship is not merely transport; it is the sanctuary that makes the adventure possible.
奢華旅行的世界裡其實經常隱藏矛盾：我們嚮往地球上 原始、狂野、人跡罕至的角落，卻又捨不得放棄舒適。
長久以來，這似乎是魚與熊掌的選擇。想抵達真正遙遠 的秘境，吃苦彷彿是理所當然的代價。
但老練的旅人心裡明白一件事：船，從來不只是交通工 具，它是海上的庇護所，讓冒險成為可能。
The Sanctuary of the Seas
The Art of Unpacking Once
The philosophy is simple, yet revolutionary. When you embark on a cruise to the world’s most isolated islands, you only have to unpack once. Your hotel moves with you.
In the luxury segment, this is the ultimate currency: time. By day, you are not a tourist navigating foreign train schedules or airport security lines; you are an explorer. You leave the vessel in a Zodiac or a tender, your only task to witness the wonder before you. By night, you return not to a cramped motel, but to a floating five-star refuge. You trade muddy boots for velvet slippers, swapping the salt spray for a tasting menu curated by a Michelin-trained chef. This rhythm—adventure by day, luxury by night—maximizes your time for exploration while ensuring you wake restored.
Moreover, this style of travel dissolves the stress that is an inevitable part of conventional trips. You visit multiple countries—sometimes five or six in a fortnight—without ever dealing with the logistics. The complexities of visas, baggage handling, and inter-island flights are left to someone else. Your only responsibility is to look out the window. You go to sleep in the middle of the ocean, and you wake up in a new destination each day.
The Social Archipelago
There is also an unexpected benefit to this floating sanctuary: connection. Cruise ships, particularly the smaller, expedition-style vessels favored by luxury travelers, are inherently social spaces—if you want them to be. There is a camaraderie that forms when a group of like-minded souls share the thrill of sailing into Tahiti or spotting a polar bear on the pack ice.
Often, the most enduring aspect of a cruise is the friendships formed over champagne in the observation lounge, bonding with fellow travelers over the day’s discoveries. It is a curated society of equals, brought together by a shared curiosity for the world.
Crucially, these journeys are not merely passive sightseeing. True immersion requires context. The luxury cruise model thrives on intellectual enrichment. Onboard lectures by marine biologists, historians, and glaciologists prepare you for the days ahead. Shore excursions are led with expert commentary, providing deeper access and insight that the independent traveler would almost certainly miss.
Why islands? Why do these specks of land in vast oceans hold such a powerful grip on the luxury traveler’s imagination?
Islands present natural barriers to the flow of flora, fauna, people, cultures, and ideas. Visiting these isolated outposts often entails complex logistics, precisely the sort of hassle we avoid by cruising. This inaccessibility is double-edged: it keeps them less-visited, which in turn fosters the conservation of their pristine environments.
Their isolation also explains the evolutionary processes that lead to unique and endemic species. It is the reason you cannot see a lemur anywhere else on Earth but Madagascar, or a Komodo dragon outside of its namesake isle. This isolation births cultural specificity, preserving indigenous traditions untouched by the cultural homogenization of the mainland.
Finally, islands seem to generate peculiar histories that would be hard to fabricate. They serve as the settings for humanity’s most bizarre and dramatic narratives. Consider the mutiny on the Bounty and Pitcairn Island, the extraordinary statues on Rapa Nui (Easter Island), or the astonishing adventures witnessed by the islands of the polar regions. We’ll encounter more strangeness as we proceed across the oceans.
To understand the range of this experience, one must look at the specific archipelagos that define the luxury expedition market. Here is a glimpse of the islands that await.
The Indian Ocean: Spice and Evolution
The Indian Ocean offers a blend of cultural richness and biological wonder.
Zanzibar: The Spice Island. Here, the luxury lies in the fusion of Arab, Persian, and African cultures. Stone Town offers a labyrinthine history that feels a world away from the mainland.
Madagascar: A continent in miniature. Cruising allows you to access isolated nature reserves for close encounters with endemic wildlife and unusual limestone topography.
Mayotte: A French department with a lagoon that functions as a massive, protected aquarium. Its isolation has preserved its coral reefs as some of the healthiest in the region.
Andamans: Indian territory closer to Myanmar than to Mumbai, these islands are a haven for indigenous tribes and offer some of the most pristine diving in the world.
Komodo: The homeland of the legendary dragon. Cruising allows access to the ranger-patrolled island of Komodo, often with private viewings before the day-trippers arrive.
The Pacific is the ultimate test of the “unpack once” philosophy. Hopping these islands by plane is a logistical nightmare; by ship, it is a seamless journey through time.
New Guinea: The island’s interior is inaccessible by road. Cruises offer access to the Sepik River and the Asmat region, where centuries-old artistic traditions thrive.
The Solomons and Vanuatu: Sites of World War II history and active volcanoes. Luxury vessels navigate to the edge of erupting craters like Mount Yasur, offering a spectacle accessible only by water.
Fiji: The “soft coral capital” of the world. Beyond the major resorts, cruising allows access to the remote northern islands where traditional village life continues unchanged.
French Polynesia: The quintessential luxury playground. While Bora Bora is famous, expedition ships venture to the Marquesas, where towering basalt spires and Polynesian culture remain fierce and authentic.
Pitcairn and Easter Island (Rapa Nui): The most remote inhabited islands on Earth. Reaching Pitcairn (home to the Bounty descendants) or the haunting moai of Easter Island is nearly impossible without a dedicated cruise vessel. The luxury lies in the exclusivity of the visit.
Here, luxury is defined by the ability to observe wildlife in a pristine, frozen environment without sacrificing warmth or safety.
Baffin Island and Ellesmere Island: Canadian Arctic giants. Here, you seek narwhals and polar bears against the backdrop of towering fjords.
Beechey Island: The site of the lost Franklin Expedition. The eerie, preserved graves and expedition artifacts scattered along a beach are a pilgrimage for history enthusiasts.
Greenland: The world’s largest island. Cruising allows access to remote Inuit communities like Ittoqqortoormiit and the colossal icebergs of the Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Svalbard: The “Kingdom of the Polar Bear.” Located halfway between mainland Norway and the North Pole, strict environmental regulations make access by cruise the only viable way to explore its rugged coastline.
The Antarctic operates under strict protocol: no hotels exist on land. A luxury ship is not just a convenience—it is a necessity.
Elephant Island: The desolate spit of land where Shackleton’s men survived. Cruising here is an emotional, life-affirming experience.
South Shetlands and Deception Island: A volcanic caldera where you can sail into the flooded crater. It is a haven for penguin rookeries and a testament to the region’s volatile geology.
South Georgia: Often called the “Serengeti of the Southern Ocean.” Home to millions of king penguins and the grave of Sir Ernest Shackleton. The logistical complexity of reaching South Georgia makes it the ultimate prize for expedition cruisers.
The Falklands: A British outpost with a unique blend of South American and European culture, plus vast colonies of black-browed albatross.
To traverse these waters—from the ice of the poles to the heat of the equator—requires a specific class of vessel. The cruise lines that dominate this sector focus on small ships, typically carrying between 100 and 600 guests, allowing them to slip into narrow channels and remote bays where large megaships cannot follow.
Lindblad Expeditions–National Geographic: The pioneers of expedition cruising. They offer the deepest educational component, with staff that includes National Geographic photographers, undersea specialists, and video chroniclers. They are a top choice for the Arctic, Antarctica, the South Pacific, and Papua New Guinea.
Silversea Expeditions: The leader in all-inclusive ultra-luxury. Their vessels offer butler service, gourmet dining by S.A.L.T. (Sea and Land Taste), and spacious suites. They maintain a strong presence in the Arctic, Antarctica, and the remote archipelagos of the South Pacific, including the Pitcairns and Easter Island.
Ponant: The French line specializing in a refined, chic aesthetic. They are the masters of the Indian Ocean (particularly Madagascar and Mayotte) and French Polynesia. Their small sisterships often feature luxurious spas and gastronomic dining that rivals Parisian standards.
Hurtigruten Expeditions: A Norwegian line with a focus on sustainability and science. They are exceptionally strong in the polar regions (Svalbard, Greenland, Antarctica) and offer a more relaxed “hygge” luxury focused on exploration rather than formality.
Quark Expeditions: The polar purists. With over three decades of experience operating exclusively in the Arctic and Antarctica, Quark is synonymous with high-adrenaline, deeply immersive polar travel. Their itineraries push further, whether through helicopter-supported adventures, ice landings, or extended zodiac exploration, making them a top choice for travellers seeking raw, unfiltered encounters with the extremes of the planet.
Seabourn Cruise Line: Known for their ultra-luxury fleet, they have entered the expedition market with purpose-built ships. They offer the highest space-to-guest ratio, providing a hotel-like luxury experience even when crossing the Drake Passage or navigating Komodo National Park.
And while expedition vessels dominate the narrative of remote exploration, traditional luxury cruising still plays a role in connecting these journeys. Crystal Cruises, regarded as a paragon of ultra-luxury ocean travel, offers refinement defined by impeccable service, celebrated culinary partnerships, and enriching onboard experiences. Roger and Jackie recently experienced this firsthand, sailing a segment from Kenya to Singapore via Madagascar - an adventure in its own right, and a reminder that the journey between destinations can be just as memorable as the extremes themselves.
In the end, the allure of adventure island cruising is the reconciliation of opposites. It is the ability to chase the wild, to touch the untouchable corners of the world, while always having a home—a sanctuary—waiting for you just beyond the shore.
A Jewellery Designer's Creative Awakening in India
探索未知：印度帶來的創意覺醒之旅
By: Ingrid Chen 陳穎慈
Eleanor Yeh, 2024 recipient of the prestigious Gianmaria Buccellati Foundation Award for Excellence in Jewellery Design and founder of her own jewellery brand, Etra Fine Jewellery, shares how her recent India adventure opened new creative horizons and challenged her preconceptions of this vibrant destination.
珠寶品牌Etra Fine Jewellery創辦人Eleanor Yeh是 2024年吉安馬利亞‧布切拉蒂基金會珠寶設計卓越獎得 主，在此與我們分享她的印度朝聖之旅。印度那繽紛絢 爛的色彩與繁複華美的花紋為她開啟嶄新的創作視野， 徹底顛覆了她對這個古老國度的既有印象。
“I expected to see lots of colours, but the combination and complexity of how colours were used far exceeded my expectations.”
The Creative Call to India
For Eleanor, India wasn’t just a destination—it was a pilgrimage into the unknown. “As a jewellery designer, I was drawn to India because of the colours and the incredible jewellery heritage, especially in Rajasthan,” she explains. “The Maharajas were legendary jewellery lovers, amongst the first to use Golconda diamonds from India. Jaipur is a major stone-cutting centre, so there were so many inspirational elements I wanted to experience firsthand.”
The trip also marked a personal milestone—her 20th wedding anniversary—making it doubly meaningful. “We planned it well in advance and chose January for the best weather. It felt like the perfect way to celebrate whilst pursuing my professional passion.”
A Sensory Awakening
Nothing could have prepared Eleanor for the reality of India’s visual feast. “I expected to see lots of colours, but the combination and complexity of how colours were used far exceeded my expectations,” she recalls with evident excitement. “I was actually very pleasantly surprised. And sometimes slightly overwhelmed, because of the bursts of different colours and design elements and just the general busyness because of the very large population. But it was a very pleasant surprise.”
Beyond the visual spectacle, India engaged all her senses. The aromatic complexity of North Indian cuisine, the distinctive fermented milk lassi from a famous shop in Jaipur, and the intricate textures of traditional craftsmanship all contributed to what she describes as “sensory overwhelm in the best possible way.”
One of the trip’s highlights was visiting stonecutting factories through connections she’d made in Jaipur. “Seeing the entire process from rough stone to finished, faceted gem was extremely fascinating. Some cutting is machine-assisted, whilst other processes are entirely done by hand. Understanding how different procedures produce different results was invaluable for my work.”
This behind-the-scenes access revealed India’s dual jewellery markets. “They create traditional pieces for the local wedding market—very specific techniques and styles appreciated locally—and also produce jewellery for export to the US and European markets, which incorporates local techniques but in more universal designs.”
The trip wasn’t solely jewellery-focused. Eleanor and her husband explored five destinations over 12-13 days, from Delhi to the lake city of Udaipur, including a tiger safari at Ranthambore. “About 60% was jewellery-related, but the other destinations were pure tourism and visiting friends.”
The city palaces particularly captivated her.
“Because Rajasthan was made of many small kingdoms, each Maharaja built palaces reflecting their personal taste—greatly decorated with colours and mirrors. The mirror rooms with reflective tiles were amazing. You could see how their love of reflective elements connected to their jewellery traditions.”
The Cherry on Top
Planning such a complex, multi-destination journey to an unfamiliar country seemed daunting initially. “We didn’t even try to plan it ourselves because we weren’t sure what to do. Of course, it’s easy to book tickets and hotels, but moving between locations requires help.”
Charlotte Travel’s approach proved invaluable. “They connected us with a local tour operator for a uniquely designed experience. We had the same driver 80% of the time, plus local office representatives and knowledgeable tour guides at each destination. They could suggest itineraries that we could modify as we wished each day.”
This seamless coordination was particularly crucial for Eleanor’s specialised interests. “Charlotte Travel understood that as a jewellery designer, I needed access to workshops and factories, not just tourist sites. They made those connections possible whilst ensuring we also experienced India’s broader cultural richness.”
Creative Fruits of Adventure
The trip has already begun influencing Eleanor’s work in profound ways. “I particularly liked seeing the use of polki diamonds, which is basically a diamond slice with a foil backing,” she reflects. “I also love rose cuts... I want to make something with rose cuts. And then secondly, they use a lot of drops—emerald drops, kind of tear drop shaped. I am very inspired and in fact, I’m going to make a pair of emerald drop earrings.”
She’s also intrigued by cultural differences in jewellery wearing. “Indian men aren’t afraid of wearing jewellery—often multiple rings suggested by astrologers for different purposes, protective strings, bracelets. It’s fascinating compared to Hong Kong, where men wear much less jewellery.”
Redefining India as a Destination
Eleanor is passionate about dispelling misconceptions about India travel. “A lot of people have preconceptions about India. They either think it’s not safe or not clean or just not a great holiday destination. But with good hotels, excellent service, and amazing shopping—especially in Jaipur—it’s definitely worth visiting. Being only 4-5 hours from Hong Kong, it’s perfect for a long weekend.”
Her recommendation is enthusiastic: “For a girls’ weekend or couples’ getaway, India is definitely on my top five list. Just ensure you have good local drivers and guides—something that’s very doable with proper planning.”
Already planning her return, Eleanor’s eyes light up when discussing future possibilities. “I’d love to go back to Jaipur or explore Kerala in the south.”
For her, India proved that the greatest adventures aren’t just about reaching new destinations. Sometimes the most transformative journeys happen when we follow our professional passions to unexpected places.
Charlotte Travel specialises in creating bespoke cultural journeys that combine clients’ professional interests with authentic travel experiences. Their India programmes offer access to traditional crafts, local artisans, and cultural immersion opportunities tailored to individual passions.
Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi, Georgia 第比利斯聖三一主教堂，格魯吉亞
There is a particular quality of light in Central Asia that seems to belong to another century. It falls on the geometric perfection of Samarkand’s tilework, the turquoise domes and the snow-dusted peaks of the Caucasus, on mountain passes where the wind carries the memory of merchants and pilgrims, on faces weathered by seasons. To travel here is to step outside the familiar rhythms of modern life and into something older and slower, where the landscape demands your full attention. These are not places that yield their secrets easily. They ask something of you—patience, openness, a willingness to be changed. You arrive as a stranger and leave feeling that some part of you has always belonged to these ancient crossroads.
China is entering a new culinary era where food and wine are no longer secondary to the travel experience, but central to how people explore, connect, and understand the country. From cosmopolitan metropolises to breathtaking highland vineyards, China invites travellers to immerse themselves in a gastronomic landscape that is both deeply rooted and refreshingly innovative.
Across the nation, a new generation of diners and explorers is emerging: urban, curious, globally attuned, and increasingly wine savvy. They are redefining taste not just as something consumed, but as something experienced.
In major hubs such as Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Chengdu, dining has evolved into a cultural pursuit. Travellers now choose destinations based on culinary potential, seeking experiences that reflect authenticity, creativity, and local identity.
What today’s gourmet travellers seek goes far beyond a typical restaurant reservation. They crave intimate chef counters and kitchen table dining, where stories unfold one dish at a time. They seek hyper-local ingredients: produce sourced from nearby farms, forests, rivers, and fishing villages. Going Up the Mountain to Drink Tea represents this movement perfectly, offering a tea-centric concept that incorporates regional flavours such as Yunnan olives and pickled plums with immersive cultural experiences.
Modern travellers also appreciate reimagined regional cuisines where traditional flavours are elevated with modern techniques and global inspiration. The Michelin-starred institution Xin Rong Ji highlights high-quality Taizhou and Zhejiang seafood, representing refined modern regional cuisine at its finest.
To this new wave of explorers, cuisine is a gateway to understanding China’s evolving culture: its landscapes, its heritage, and its people.
China’s emerging wine regions are rapidly joining this lifestyle movement, transforming into destinations celebrated not only for their bottles, but for the journeys they inspire. Boutique wineries are crafting experiences that combine hospitality, terroir, and culture, bringing China closer to the world’s top wine travel destinations.
Ningxia stands as the star of China’s wine revival. Framed by desert mountains, Ningxia offers vineyard lodges, luxurious tasting rooms, early morning vineyard walks, and horseback adventures across sweeping landscapes.
Yunnan presents a dreamlike high-altitude terroir, where vineyards float above cloud lines and ancient trade routes weave through dramatic valleys. For travellers seeking beauty, spirituality, and wine in a single breath, Yunnan delivers.
Gansu and Xinjiang remain vast, rugged, and steeped in Silk Road history. These regions are blossoming with new estates, carving out a sense of place that blends culture, adventure, and pioneering winemaking energy.
Together, these destinations showcase China’s diversity. Each region offers its own microclimate, culture, and scenic identity, yet all are unified by a growing commitment to quality winemaking.
Culinary Moments That Define Modern Travel in China
Across China, travel is increasingly defined through food and wine moments: little vignettes that shape the memory of a journey. Picture a picnic in a teacovered valley with a crisp Chinese white wine, or a chef preparing freshly caught seafood just steps from the kitchen counter. Imagine a bustling night market feast followed by a glass of sparkling wine back at a boutique hotel, or a golden hour cycling trip through Ningxia’s vineyards.
These moments illustrate how seamlessly gastronomy integrates with China’s modern lifestyle and travel identity.
China’s Future as Asia’s Lifestyle & Wine Travel Capital
With its rapidly evolving gourmet scene, flourishing wine regions, and centuries of culinary tradition, China is poised to become one of Asia’s most compelling destinations for lifestyle-driven travel.
Travellers today want journeys shaped by flavour: dishes that tell stories, wines that reveal landscapes, and experiences that feel both grounded and inspiring. China offers all of these in abundance, both ancient and contemporary, refined and rustic, adventurous yet comforting.
So when you next travel across China with us, look beyond the familiar landmarks. Taste the culture. Savour the landscapes. Let the flavours lead the way.
Whether en route to adventure on a plane, or journeying serene scenery by train, lounging on a cruise ship or soothing the soul in a spa, a good book to set the mood is an essential part of your travel kit. Charlotte magazine has you covered with a selection of classics and new favourites to inspire awe, contemplation, and a deep sense of wonder. They’re perfect for enjoying in a snowbound hotel, an Alpine lodge, a luxury cruise, or even a night spent under the Northern lights. Each of our selections has been picked to inspire your imagination with natural marvels, magical storytelling, and profound introspection - each resonating with the unknowable mystique of winter.
A profound journey through the Himalayas in search of the elusive Snow Leopard elegantly unfurls into this meditation on loss, solitude, and the mysteries of nature. Matthiessen’s limpid writing is luxurious and lyrical, echoing the stillness and majesty of a scenic winter landscape.
Best for: Lazy, long evenings aboard a luxury cruise, or meditative mornings in a mountain chalet.
Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times
by Katherine May
This elegant meditation explores how nature and stillness can restore us. The intrepid author takes us on cold-sea swims, Nordic sojourns, and hygglig candlelit evenings to weave a personal narrative, rich in cultural insights and profound reflections on the healing power of nature.
Best for: A quiet read in a luxurious Scandinavian spa hotel, surrounded by steam and snow.
Award-winning poet and novelist Ocean Vuong’s debut collection is fragranced with themes of memory, migration, war, and identity, rendered in the haunting lyricism that defines his fluid style. Read this under the stars of a Polar night.
Best for: Stargazing from Scandinavian cabins, or during long-haul flights chasing the Aurora Borealis.
Travel begins where familiarity loosens its grip — and perhaps style should begin there too.
To leave your comfort zone is not to surrender comfort, but to renegotiate it. It is a quiet courage: choosing the unexpected while remaining unmistakably yourself.
A dress that transforms with a single gesture — from sunlit wandering to evening poise — becomes more than practical. It becomes a companion in motion.
When you are at ease within your own silhouette, the world opens. Exploration becomes not only geographical, but aesthetic — a widening of perception, a soft expansion of self.
