Name: Luxury Train Travel: Imperial China
Brand: WildChina
SKU: 1

About this Journey

Embark on a journey through the enchanting landscapes and rich heritage of China aboard the Golden Eagle Silk Road Express, where ancient routes meet the epitome of modern luxury. This journey seamlessly blends the awe-inspiring scale of Xi’an’s Terracotta Army and the grandeour of the Great Wall with the futuristic heights of the Shanghai Tower. From the timeless artistry of Jingdezhen’s porcelain workshops to the serene, mist-covered peaks of Guilin, every destination reveals a rich tapestry of history and contemporary elegance. Whether savoring world-class cuisine in a sophisticated restaurant car or witnessing the ancient tradition of cormorant fishing at sunset, this voyage offers a remarkable exploration of China’s most enduring treasures in unparalleled comfort.

What we love

Ascending the Shanghai Tower to the 120th floor for afternoon tea overlooking the city's glittering skyline.
Immersing in the art of porcelain in the renowned ceramic city of Jingdezhen, creating a ceramic masterpiece alongside skilled artisans.
Witnessing the ancient tradition of sunset cormorant fishing from an exclusive boat on the tranquil waters of Yangshuo.

Map

Itinerary

Day 1Arrive in Xi'an

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

Day 2Xi'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 3Luoyang

Step into the 4,000-year history of Luoyang as you arrive in China’s ancient cradle, greeted by the fragrance of blooming peonies • Admire the extensive collection of Buddhist artistry at the Longmen Grottoes, featuring thousands of statues sculpted into the limestone riverbanks • Experience the living traditions of the Shaolin Temple, where you can observe monks practicing gongfu martial arts, before enjoying local culinary specialties in the historic old town.

Day 4Beijing

Walk along the Badaling restored section of the Great Wall, taking in the surrounding views • Savor an authentic Peking Duck lunch • 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, enjoy dinner onboard before arriving at the next destination.

Day 5Shanghai

Marvel at the architectural splendor of the Shanghai Tower, China’s tallest skyscraper, while enjoying a celestial afternoon tea on the 120th floor • Take in the commanding panorama of the city’s skyline before stepping aboard a luxurious private yacht for an enchanting night cruise along the Huangpu River • Conclude your evening with a bespoke dinner blending Shanghainese flair with fine wines, as the illuminated colonial Bund and futuristic Pudong shimmer on the water.

Day 6Jingdezhen

Start your day in the ceramic capital, Jingdezhen, with a visit to the Chinese Ceramic Museum, exploring over 2,000 years of ceramic artistry, including Song dynasty celadons and Ming vases • Continue to the Ancient Kilns & Folk Customs Expo Area to witness traditional dragon kilns and participate in a hands-on porcelain experience, working alongside master potters to create your own ceramic piece • As the afternoon concludes, rejoin the Golden Eagle Silk Road Express for your onward journey.

Day 7Yichang

Begin the day in Yichang with an exclusive chartered boat trip through the striking Natural Grand Canyon, stretching between the Three Gorges Dam and Gezhouba • Glide through this dramatic stretch of the Yangtze aboard a luxurious private vessel, admiring the engineering prowess of the world’s largest hydroelectric power station and the intricate Gezhouba Dam • Enjoy a leisurely onboard lunch of freshly-caught Yangtze fish and Sichuan-inspired delicacies, while appreciating the river’s grandeur from the comfort of the deck.

Day 8Chengdu

Experience the heartwarming charm of the world-renowned Giant Pandas at the Chengdu Research Base, observing these endearing animals amidst lush bamboo groves in one of China’s greatest conservation success stories • Immerse yourself in the vibrant spirit of Sichuan’s heritage at the Sichuan Opera Theatre, exclusively reserved for your group for an intimate cultural performance • Be captivated by the spellbound artistry of bian lian, where radiant performers showcase lightning-fast face-changing techniques and fiery displays in an atmospheric setting.

Day 9On 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 10Guilin

Wake up in your private cabin aboard the Golden Eagle Silk Road Express and enjoy a delightful breakfast in the elegant restaurant cars while taking in the stunning landscapes of Guilin • Embark on a privately chartered cruise along the Lijiang River from Guilin to Yangshuo, enjoying picturesque scenery of misty valleys, jagged peaks, and tranquil waters • In the evening, board a fishing boat for a serene sunset voyage to witness the traditional practice of cormorant fishing, concluding your day in natural beauty.

Day 11-12Hong Kong

Arrive in vibrant Hong Kong to experience a city where ancient tradition and cutting-edge innovation coexist in luminous harmony, with an afternoon at leisure to explore the heritage streets of Central or the iconic Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront • Gather for an elegant Farewell Dinner at the hotel, providing a heartfelt finale to your journey through the heart of China • Conclude your adventure the following morning with a private transfer for your onward journey.

The Golden Eagle Silk Road Express

silk road express observation car train china

Gallery

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.

Photos

Details

Dates for this Journey

April 16th – 27th, 2027

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
Breakfast, lunch and dinner onboard and meals noted in the itinerary
All alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages from Standard Bar list

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 25% deposit 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’ hand–make 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.

Luxury Train Travel: Imperial China

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