This is China at its most captivating, a grand sweep from the buried armies of the first emperor to the neon crescendo of Hong Kong, all from the comfort of a private touring train. Over twelve days you trace the imperial heart of the country, where ancient wonders and modern icons stand side by side.
Aboard the Golden Eagle Silk Road Express, you travel from Xi'an, the ancient capital and eastern terminus of the Silk Road, across the length and breadth of China to the great cities of the coast and south. Along the way lie the Terracotta Army, the carved Buddhas of Luoyang, the Great Wall at Beijing, the glittering skyline of Shanghai, the porcelain kilns of Jingdezhen, the Yangtze gorges, the giant pandas of Chengdu and the painterly river landscapes of Guilin, before the journey ends in electrifying Hong Kong.
Everything is arranged and included, from the excursions and entrance fees to the meals, the drinks and the gratuities. One hotel night in Xi'an and one in Hong Kong frame nine nights aboard the private train, with expert local guides at every stop and a tour management team and doctor travelling with you throughout.
Fine dining aboard the Golden Eagle Silk Road Express
Journey Highlights
The Terracotta Army
Stand before the thousands of life-size warriors of Xi'an, modelled to guard the first emperor and buried for over two thousand years, often called the Eighth Wonder of the World.
The Longmen Grottoes
A UNESCO World Heritage Site at Luoyang, where more than 100,000 Buddhist statues are carved into the limestone cliffs, followed by the Shaolin Temple, birthplace of Zen and Kung Fu.
The Great Wall
Walk a restored stretch of the Great Wall at Badaling, its watchtowers marching over the ridges of the mountains north of Beijing, one of mankind's greatest triumphs.
Giant Pandas of Chengdu
Meet the beloved residents of the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, then a private performance of Sichuan Opera and its lightning-fast art of face-changing, bian lian.
The Li River at Guilin
A private cruise along the Li River to Yangshuo, past the dreamlike karst peaks that have inspired Chinese painters for centuries, ending with the age-old spectacle of cormorant fishing at sunset.
The Porcelain of Jingdezhen
In China's legendary porcelain capital, work alongside master potters at the ancient dragon kilns, shaping and painting your own ceramic creation using time-honoured techniques.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Timings are indicative; confirmed details are supplied with your travel documents.
Arrival in Xi'an
Arrive in Xi'an, the ancient capital of China and the eastern terminus of the Silk Road. You are met and transferred to the five-star Ritz-Carlton for a one-night stay, with time to unwind before joining your fellow travellers this evening for a Welcome Reception and a Tang Dynasty themed dinner.
Under the Tang dynasty, some thirteen centuries ago, Xi'an, then called Chang'an, may have been the largest and most cosmopolitan city on earth, home to a million people and to merchants, musicians and monks from across Asia. It is a fitting place to begin a journey into the imperial heart of China.
Welcome Reception and Tang Dynasty dinner. One hotel night at the Ritz-Carlton Xi'an.
The Terracotta Army
Step into history as you explore Xi'an's ancient city walls, among the oldest, largest and best-preserved defensive structures in the world, and the Great Mosque, tucked within the winding alleys of the Muslim Quarter, a serene blend of Chinese and Islamic design.
After lunch at a local restaurant, the highlight of the day unfolds with the world-renowned Terracotta Warriors. Discovered by farmers in 1974, this vast subterranean army of more than 6,000 life-size soldiers, horses and chariots was created to protect China's first emperor in the afterlife. Wander the excavation pits and marvel at the individuality of each warrior, from the folds of the armour to the expressions on their faces. This evening you board the Golden Eagle Silk Road Express for a grand Welcome Dinner on board.
Xi'an city walls; Great Mosque; the Terracotta Army; Welcome Dinner on board. First night on the train.
The Terracotta Army, guarding the tomb of the first emperor at Xi'an
The Longmen Grottoes and Shaolin Temple
You wake in Luoyang, a city with more than 4,000 years of history and once the capital of thirteen dynasties. Your day begins at the awe-inspiring Longmen Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where more than 100,000 Buddhist statues and 60 stupas are masterfully carved into the limestone cliffs along the Yi River.
Later you continue to the legendary Shaolin Temple, nestled at the foot of Mount Song, the spiritual birthplace of both Zen Buddhism and Kung Fu. Wander through historic courtyards where monks still train, their graceful martial arts breathing life into centuries of tradition, before sampling Luoyang's famous water banquet dumplings and rejoining the train for dinner.
Longmen Grottoes (UNESCO World Heritage Site); Shaolin Temple; local water banquet lunch.
The Great Wall and Imperial Beijing
Today you step into history with a visit to the legendary Great Wall at Badaling, one of mankind's greatest architectural triumphs. Wander along this beautifully restored section, taking in the breathtaking vistas of rugged hills and countryside that stretch to the horizon, before a traditional Peking Duck feast at one of Beijing's most celebrated restaurants.
This afternoon, immerse yourself in the splendour of imperial Beijing with a full exploration of its most iconic landmarks: the vast expanse of Tiananmen Square, the timeless majesty of the Forbidden City, and the tranquil beauty of the Summer Palace, with its ornate pavilions and lakeside gardens. Those who prefer can instead discover the dynamic energy of modern Beijing, from the Olympic Village to the National Museum.
Great Wall at Badaling; Peking Duck lunch; Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square and Summer Palace, or a modern Beijing tour.
The Great Wall at Badaling, north of Beijing
The Shanghai Skyline
After a leisurely morning and lunch aboard the train, your Shanghai adventure begins with a visit to the iconic Shanghai Tower, China's tallest skyscraper. Rising to 632 metres, it is home to a celestial lounge on the 120th floor, where you enjoy an unforgettable afternoon tea, sipping rare teas and sampling pastries infused with local flavours such as lychee and osmanthus, high above the glittering city.
As evening falls, step aboard a private yacht for an enchanting night cruise along the Huangpu River. Drift past the illuminated skyline, where the colonial facades of the Bund meet the futuristic towers of Pudong, and enjoy a bespoke dinner blending Shanghainese flair with international cuisine, an unforgettable finale to your time in this cosmopolitan metropolis.
Shanghai Tower and afternoon tea on the 120th floor; private yacht dinner cruise on the Huangpu River.
The Shanghai skyline by night, from the Bund to Pudong
The Porcelain Capital
Begin your day in Jingdezhen, China's legendary porcelain capital, with a visit to the Jingdezhen Chinese Ceramic Museum, a world-class showcase of more than 2,000 years of ceramic artistry. Explore galleries filled with Song dynasty celadons and Ming vases as expert guides share the stories of the emperors and artisans who shaped this global legacy.
Continue to the Ancient Kilns and Folk Customs area, where centuries-old dragon kilns still burn. Amid restored workshops and wood-fired furnaces, you enjoy a rare opportunity to work alongside master potters, shaping, carving and painting your own ceramic creation using time-honoured techniques, and leave with both a unique keepsake and a deeper connection to Jingdezhen's enduring craftsmanship.
Jingdezhen Chinese Ceramic Museum; Ancient Kilns; hands-on porcelain workshop with master potters.
The Yangtze and the Three Gorges
Begin your day in Yichang, the gateway to the majestic Yangtze River, with an exclusive chartered boat trip through the striking Natural Grand Canyon, stretching from the awe-inspiring Three Gorges Dam to Gezhouba. Gliding through this dramatic stretch of the Yangtze, you admire the scale and ambition of the Three Gorges Dam, the world's largest hydroelectric power station, and the intricate Gezhouba Dam, both symbols of China's modern engineering prowess.
As the river unfolds before you, enjoy a leisurely lunch on board featuring freshly caught Yangtze fish and Sichuan-inspired delicacies, served with panoramic river views. Whether reclining on deck or taking in the scenery from the air-conditioned lounge, this tranquil cruise offers an unforgettable window into the grandeur of the Yangtze.
Private chartered cruise through the Natural Grand Canyon; Three Gorges Dam; lunch on board.
Giant Pandas and Sichuan Opera
As the Silk Road Express glides into Chengdu, the vibrant energy of Sichuan's capital embraces you. After breakfast on board, the day begins at the world-renowned Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. Here, amid lush bamboo groves, the sight of these endearing animals sparks instant delight and offers a heartwarming glimpse into one of China's greatest conservation successes.
Later you gather at the Sichuan Opera Theatre, reserved exclusively for your group, where the magical world of traditional opera unfolds. In an intimate setting, performers in radiant silk costumes captivate with the ancient art of bian lian, the dramatic, lightning-fast face-changing technique that leaves audiences spellbound. Amid fiery displays, haunting melodies and graceful choreography, the spirit of Sichuan's artistic heritage is brought vividly to life.
Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding; private performance of Sichuan Opera.
A giant panda at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
A Day Aboard the Silk Road Express
Today is yours to relax and enjoy the luxurious amenities of the Golden Eagle Silk Road Express. Take in panoramic views from the elegant Observation Car, boasting the largest train window in China, or unwind in the lounge with a fine selection of wines, cocktails and the gentle melodies of the resident pianist.
With every detail meticulously considered, this is the perfect opportunity to revel in the art of slow, sophisticated travel, watching the landscapes of southern China drift past as the train makes its way towards Guilin.
A full day at leisure on board, with all meals served in the dining cars.
The Li River and Yangshuo
Guilin, nestled in southern China's Guangxi region, is a serene retreat where natural beauty and cultural heritage meet. Today you embark on a privately chartered cruise along the Li River, travelling from Guilin to the riverside town of Yangshuo. Along the way, peaceful villages, lush countryside and the striking karst peaks that have inspired Chinese painters for centuries drift past, offering a tranquil window into rural life.
As evening descends upon Yangshuo, board an exclusive fishing boat for a serene sunset voyage, witnessing the age-old tradition of cormorant fishing, an atmospheric finale to a day immersed in natural wonder. After rejoining the Silk Road Express, you enjoy a farewell dinner on board as the train departs for Hong Kong.
Private Li River cruise to Yangshuo; cormorant fishing at sunset; farewell dinner on board.
Cormorant fishing at sunset on the Li River, near Yangshuo
Arrival in Hong Kong
After a peaceful journey aboard the Silk Road Express, you arrive in Shenzhen and make your way to Hong Kong, a city where tradition and innovation sit side by side in dazzling harmony. The afternoon is yours to explore at leisure. You might browse the designer boutiques and heritage streets of Central, admire the iconic skyline from the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront, or simply unwind in the comfort of your hotel.
This evening you come together for a memorable Farewell Dinner at your hotel, an elegant finale to a once-in-a-lifetime adventure through the heart of China.
Transfer to Hong Kong; afternoon at leisure; Farewell Dinner. One hotel night in Hong Kong.
Onward Journey
On your final day, enjoy a leisurely morning before your private transfer to the airport for your onward journey. As you depart from Hong Kong, take with you lasting memories of ancient wonders, timeless landscapes and the elegance of travel aboard the Golden Eagle Silk Road Express. Should you wish to see more, an extended stay can be arranged.
Breakfast and private airport transfer. Optional extension.
What's Included
Accommodation
One night five-star at the Ritz-Carlton Xi'an, nine nights aboard the Silk Road Express and one night at a five-star hotel in Hong Kong.
All Dining
Every meal from the welcome dinner in Xi'an to the farewell dinner in Hong Kong, freshly prepared on board and at selected venues, with inclusive drinks.
Excursions & Entrance Fees
Every guided excursion in the itinerary, all entrance fees, and the services of expert local guides at each stop along the way.
Service & Care
Cabin attendant with evening turndown, an experienced Tour Management team and a UK-registered doctor with medical facilities on board.
Transfers & Gratuities
Arrival and departure transfers, luggage porterage throughout, and all gratuities on and off the train.
The Silk Road Express
Nine nights aboard the private train, with its restaurant cars, opulent bar lounge and the largest observation window in China.
Fares & Departures
| Cabin Class | Twin | Single |
|---|---|---|
| Superior Cabin | £20,400 | £34,000 |
| Han Dynasty Suite | Request | Request |
Departure Dates 2027
| Departure | Return | Route |
|---|---|---|
| 16 April 2027 | 27 April 2027 | Xi'an to Hong Kong |
Prices are per person and include the full programme detailed above, all excursions and entrance fees. A deposit of 25% of the tour cost secures your booking. Please call us on 0333 405 0192 for confirmed fares.
Frequently Asked Questions
Twelve days and eleven nights, travelling one way from Xi'an to Hong Kong, through Luoyang, Beijing, Shanghai, Jingdezhen, Yichang, Chengdu and Guilin. One hotel night in Xi'an and one in Hong Kong frame nine nights aboard the Silk Road Express.
The Terracotta Army at Xi'an, the Longmen Grottoes at Luoyang, the Great Wall at Badaling, the Shanghai skyline, a hands-on porcelain workshop in Jingdezhen, a Yangtze cruise from Yichang, the giant pandas and Sichuan Opera of Chengdu, and a Li River cruise at Guilin, among many others.
The journey is aboard the Golden Eagle Silk Road Express, a fully en-suite private touring train. You can read more on our Silk Road Express train page. There are two cabin categories, the Superior Cabin and the more spacious Han Dynasty Suite.
There is a 2027 departure from Xi'an on 16 April, arriving in Hong Kong on 27 April. Please contact us for the confirmed departure and current fares.
All accommodation, every meal from the welcome dinner in Xi'an to the farewell dinner in Hong Kong, inclusive drinks, every guided excursion and entrance fee, all transfers, gratuities and luggage porterage, plus a tour management team, local guides and a UK-registered doctor. International flights are not included.
Most visitors need a visa to enter mainland China, and separate arrangements may apply for Hong Kong. Requirements vary by nationality and can change, so please check the latest guidance for your passport well in advance. Our specialists can advise on what is needed for this journey.