Luxury Train Travel: Ancient China

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22 Days
Availability : Sep 22nd - Oct 2nd, 2026 (Beijing to Urumqi), Mar 28th - Apr 9th, 2027 (Urumqi to Beijing)
Beijing
Urumqi
About this Journey

Embark on a remarkable journey through ancient China aboard the Golden Eagle Silk Road Express, where history, culture, and natural beauty converge along an extraordinary route. This exclusive voyage transports travelers through imperial capitals, desert oases, and ancient cities, with highlights including the legendary Terracotta Warriors, the Great Wall, and the majestic Mogao Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its stunning Buddhist art. Onboard, guests enjoy unparalleled luxury with spacious en-suite cabins, gourmet dining, and attentive service, while the observation car offers breathtaking views of diverse landscapes, from lush valleys to the ethereal Gobi Desert. This meticulously curated journey offers a luxurious and immersive exploration of China’s timeless heritage.

What we love
  • Savoring an authentic Tang Dynasty dinner, enriched by a captivating performance of traditional music and dance, bringing Xi'an's grandeur to life
  • Immersing into the age-old tradition of hand-weaving at the Atlas Silk and Carpet Workshop, where skilled artisans meticulously craft exquisite silk and intricate carpets
  • Exploring the Buddhist paintings spanning over 1,000 years at the Mogao Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Map
ancient china train tour map
Itinerary

Day 1Arrive in Beijing

You will be met at the airport upon arrival and taken to your hotel for check-in • Enjoy a welcome dinner in the evening, meeting fellow travelers for the journey ahead.

Day 2-3Beijing

Walk along the Badaling restored section of the Great Wall, taking in the surrounding views • Savor an authentic Peking Duck dinner in the evening • Tour Beijing’s most prominent, historical sites, getting a glimpse into the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and the Summer Palace • Alternatively, discover Beijing’s more modern, architectural side, visiting the Olympic Village, CCTV Tower, and National Museum • In the evening, step aboard the Golden Eagle Silk Road Express, enjoying a welcome dinner as the journey on rails begins.

Day 4Xi'an

Explore the roots of China’s history, as you visit Xi’an ancient city walls and the Ming Dynasty’s Ancient Mosque • Be amazed by the grandeur of the 6,000 unearthed Terracotta Warriors, standing guard to the tomb of China’s first emperor • End the day in Tang Dynasty festivities, including local cuisine, music, and dancing.

Day 5On board the Golden Eagle Silk Road Express

Unwind in the opulent environment of the Silk Road Express, enjoying panoramic views from the Observation Car, resting in your en-suite cabin, or sipping on a cocktail in the lounge.

 

Day 6Dunhuang

Arrive in the oasis amongst the surrounding desert, Dunhuang • Visit the UNESCO Mogao Caves, a collection of 500 caves carved within the cliffs, holding the largest depository of Buddhist art • Stand watch to a local performance of music and dance by local folk artists • After lunch, embark on a camel trek along the Silk Road to the Crescent Lake, a natural wonder that endures amidst the harsh sand dunes of the desert.

Day 7Golmud

In the morning, listen in to a special lecture on the Silk Road’s rich history • In the afternoon, choose from visiting the Chaerhan Salt Lake, or exploring the modern and ancient traditions of the city on a guided tour.

Day 8Hotan

Enjoy a relaxing morning aboard the train, before arriving into Hotan • Visit an Atlas Silk and Carpet workshop, witnessing artisans handcrafting textiles using natural dyes and traditional techniques • Explore Yotkan in the evening, where illuminated ruins reveal the history of this former Buddhist kingdom • Return to the train for a farewell dinner, and enjoy the last night aboard the Silk Road Express.

Day 9Kashgar

Arrive in Kashgar, and visit the Apak Khoja Tomb and stroll through the old town, where the essence of history lingers • Explore the unique Gaotai folk houses and experience the rich cultural heritage of the region • After enjoying a local lunch, set off to the next destination.

 

 

Day 10Turpan

Explore Gaocheng, an ancient city in Turpan that once served as a vital trading hub on the Silk Road • After lunch, visit the Karez irrigation system, and learn how it has provided water to the region for centuries • In the afternoon, visit Jiaohe Ruins, an ancient city carved of rock • In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner, as we bid goodbye to the Golden Eagle Silk Road Express.

Day 11-12Urumqi

Spend the morning relaxing aboard the train • Join a lecture, learning more about the Silk Road legacies • After enjoying lunch onboard, disembark in Urumqi, where we will stay overnight • After breakfast, private transfer will take you to the airport to conclude this train journey within ancient China.

 
The Golden Eagle Silk Road Express

The Golden Eagle Silk Road Express is a luxurious private train that offers an unparalleled journey across the ancient Silk Road. With 35 years of experience operating extraordinary rail journeys, every detail of this train has been carefully selected to provide guests with the utmost in comfort and elegance. The train features elegantly designed en-suite cabins in two accommodation classes – the Superior Cabin and the Han Dynasty Suite. The Superior Cabins transform seamlessly from a daytime lounge with two sofas to a cozy bedroom at night, providing guests with a flexible and comfortable living space during the journey. The expansive Han Dynasty Suite boasts a separate living room, dressing table, and private in-cabin dining. All cabins blends traditional Chinese decor with modern amenities to create a refined home away from home.

Onboard, enjoy attentive English-speaking service and a wealth of luxurious amenities. The train’s two distinct restaurant cars offer an array of both Western and Chinese cuisine, prepared by skilled chefs and served on fine china. The Bar Lounge Car features an extensive selection of premium spirits, wines and cocktails crafted by experienced mixologists. A highlight is the train’s remarkable Observation Car, which boasts the largest panoramic windows in all of China, offering 270-degree views to admire the ever-changing landscapes. With meticulous attention to detail, the Golden Eagle Silk Road Express elevates rail travel to new heights of comfort and sophistication.

Details

Dates for this Journey

September 21st – October 2nd, 2026 (Beijing to Urumqi) | March 28th – April 9th, 2027 (Urumqi to Beijing)

What’s Included

  • Services of English-speaking personnel onboard and travel guides
  • Accommodation based on double occupancy, both on board the train and hotels
  • Private chauffeur service to and from airport at start and end of your trip
  • All admission fees and activity expenses, as noted in the itinerary
  • All alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages from Standard Bar list
  • 11 Breakfasts, 11 Lunches, 11 Dinners

What’s Excluded

  • International and domestic flights, domestic trains, plus relevant taxes
  • Chinese tourist visa, which is required for most foreign passport holders
  • Travel and medical insurance
  • Meals and alcohol, apart from those included in the itinerary
  • Expenses of a personal nature
  • Excursions and activities not included in the itinerary
  • Discretionary gratuities for guides and drivers
Next Steps

How do I book this tour?

Please use the inquiry form on the right-hand side of this page or email info@wildchina.com to get started. One of our travel designers will be in touch accordingly to start the process of planning your custom China trip!  

What is the payment schedule?

1.Deposit:

Once you are ready to book, a $500 USD per person planning fee is required to begin reserving your arrangements. This will go towards your total trip costs and will be taken off your final balance amount.

2.Full payment:

Full trip payment will be requested 60 days prior to departure. If you’re booking within 60 days of your departure, you may be asked to make the full payment straight away.

Payments can be made via credit card, bank transfer, WeChat or Alipay. 

What is your cancellation policy? 

See our full booking conditions here.

Why WildChina

We’re on the ground with you

During the planning phase, our team of specialist travel advisors based in China will design every detail of your trip with you. When you’re on the ground, they will then orchestrate your entire journey, maintaining close contact with each of your guides throughout your trip to ensure you’re having the best journey possible. With offices in Beijing, Shanghai and Chengdu, and an expansive network of operational partners across the country, we are committed to ensuring that your journey is safe, reliable and comfortable from beginning to end. 

Your trip, your way

Flexibility is our highest-ranking complement. With over two decades of experience, we’ve run just about every type of journey you can imagine. No request is too strange, too extreme, or too exclusive. Our team regularly pulls off unprecedented logistical feats; nearly any time frame or budget is within our realm. No matter how you wish to experience China, we are here to bring that dream to life. 

We embody passion

WildChina’s guides are carefully handpicked for their knowledge and charisma, then meticulously trained to maintain our exceptional service standards. They are expert storytellers and passionate natives of the regions where they guide, having the perfect combination of local insights and service know-how to bring you seamless once-in-a- lifetime moments all across China. 

The little things, the big picture

We firmly believe that supporting local people and economies allows you to experience the soul of a destination, while also protecting and cultivating China’s cultures. From watching artisans’ handmake shoes in Yunnan, to picking organic vegetables for dinner on a local farm in Fujian, our tours are designed to showcase and protect China’s heritage, both natural and human.