CHINA

We’ve showcased train journeys before, but we’re excited to highlight them again, as they remain one of the most memorable and scenic ways to travel. In China, the train ride is often as memorable as the destination. The country’s vast network of high-speed lines allows travelers to move smoothly and quietly at up to 350 km/h, while watching the landscapes change from mountains to deserts, from ancient towns to modern skylines. It is a chance to see the country unfold at ground level – without long airport waits or crowded terminals.

Heart of Sichuan: Culture, Cuisine & Cliffs

This route links some of southwest China’s greatest contrasts: mornings with giant pandas in Chengdu, leisurely cycling through bamboo-shaded lanes, encounters with the intricate Dazu rock carvings and evenings tasting Chongqing’s famous hotpot as the riverfront glitters with lights.

Silk Road Discovery

Tracing the legendary trade route, this rail journey crosses striking natural and cultural landmarks. Pass the rainbow-hued mountains near Zhangye, stand on Jiayuguan’s fortress walls at the edge of the Great Wall, explore the Buddhist art of Dunhuang’s Mogao Caves and climb the echoing dunes of the desert beyond.

Yunnan Culture & Nature Week

Further south, trains carry travelers through landscapes of rice terraces and snow-capped peaks. Days might begin with sunrise over Erhai Lake, continue with visits to Bai villages and local crafts and lead to hikes through Tiger Leaping Gorge before arriving in Shangri-La, where tea houses sit beneath colorful prayer flags.

High-speed rail in China is not only fast – it is energy-efficient, spacious and a way to enjoy the journey itself. For travelers, it means fewer queues and more moments to take in the scenery, all while leaving a lighter footprint on the planet.