Golden Eagle Luxury Trains
Undiscovered Horizons of China
Thirteen-day China rail journey ending on the Qinghai-Tibet Railway to Lhasa
13 daysfrom $19,900
69% rail
Planet Rail · Escorted luxury train tour
Imperial China - Xi’an to Hong Kong
Step aboard for an unforgettable 12-day exploration of China’s cultural wonders and modern icons, an immersive luxury tour that blends imperial legacy with contemporary elegance.
Day by day
- Day 1overnight: Xi’an (The Ritz-Carlton)
Xi’an
Upon arrival in Xi’an, you will be met and transferred to the five-star Ritz-Carlton hotel for a one-night stay. Take some time to unwind before joining your fellow travellers for a Welcome Reception and Tang Dynasty themed dinner.
- Day 2railovernight: Onboard Golden Eagle Silk Road Express
Xi’an
Explore Xi’an’s ancient city walls and the Great Mosque in the Muslim Quarter, with lunch at a local restaurant. The highlight of the day is a visit to the world-renowned Terracotta Warriors, the vast subterranean army of over 6,000 life-sized soldiers, horses and chariots created to protect China’s first emperor Qin Shi Huang. Return to the Golden Eagle Silk Road Express for a grand Welcome Dinner onboard.
- Day 3railovernight: Onboard Golden Eagle Silk Road Express
Luoyang
Arrive into Luoyang, once the capital of 13 dynasties. Visit the awe-inspiring Longmen Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, then continue to the legendary Shaolin Temple at the foot of Mount Song, the spiritual birthplace of Zen Buddhism and Kung Fu, with a martial arts performance. Sample local specialities such as water banquet dumplings in the old town before rejoining the train for dinner onboard.
- Day 4overnight: Onboard Golden Eagle Silk Road Express
Beijing
Visit the Great Wall at Badaling, followed by a traditional Peking Duck feast for lunch at one of Beijing’s most celebrated restaurants. In the afternoon explore imperial Beijing (Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City and the Summer Palace) or alternatively modern Beijing (Olympic Village, CCTV Tower, National Museum). Dinner onboard.
- Day 5overnight: Onboard Golden Eagle Silk Road Express
Shanghai
After a leisurely morning and lunch aboard, visit the Shanghai Tower, China’s tallest skyscraper, for afternoon tea on the 120th floor at the J Hotel’s celestial lounge. In the evening board a luxurious private yacht for a night cruise along the Huangpu River past the Bund and Pudong, with a bespoke dinner paired with fine wines.
- Day 6overnight: Onboard Golden Eagle Silk Road Express
Jingdezhen
In China’s legendary porcelain capital, visit the Jingdezhen Chinese Ceramic Museum, then continue to the Ancient Kilns & Folk Customs Expo Area for an immersive hands-on porcelain experience alongside master potters, shaping, carving and painting your own ceramic creation.
- Day 7overnight: Onboard Golden Eagle Silk Road Express
Yichang
From Yichang, gateway to the Yangtze, take an exclusive chartered boat trip through the Natural Grand Canyon stretching from the Three Gorges Dam to Gezhouba, with a leisurely lunch onboard featuring freshly-caught Yangtze fish and Sichuan-inspired delicacies.
- Day 8overnight: Onboard Golden Eagle Silk Road Express
Chengdu
After breakfast onboard, visit the world-renowned Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, then enjoy a performance of traditional Sichuan opera, including the bian lian face-changing technique, at the Sichuan Opera Theatre exclusively reserved for the group.
- Day 9railovernight: Onboard Golden Eagle Silk Road Express
Onboard the Golden Eagle Silk Road Express
A day to relax and enjoy the luxurious amenities of the Golden Eagle Silk Road Express: panoramic views from the Observation Car with the largest train window in China, or the lounge with fine wines, cocktails and the resident pianist.
- Day 10railovernight: Onboard Golden Eagle Silk Road Express
Guilin
A privately chartered cruise along the Lijiang River from Guilin to the riverside town of Yangshuo. As evening falls, board an exclusive fishing boat for a sunset voyage to witness the age-old tradition of cormorant fishing. Rejoin the train for the farewell dinner on board as it departs for Hong Kong.
- Day 11overnight: Hong Kong
Hong Kong
Arrive in Shenzhen and cross the border into Hong Kong. The afternoon is free to explore Central, the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront or relax at your hotel, before a memorable Farewell Dinner at the hotel.
- Day 12
Hong Kong
Enjoy a leisurely morning before your private transfer to the airport for your onward journey.
