The Silk Road once carried silk, spices, ideas and religions between East and West. Today, one of the most comfortable ways to follow parts of it is by private luxury train. The Silk Road Express China journeys are run by Train of Glamour, the railway tourism brand of Fosun Infrastructure Group. This guide covers where the train goes, what the main routes include, what the suites are like, and how to plan a trip.
Table of Contents
What Is the Silk Road Express?
The Silk Road Express is a luxury tourist train that began running in July 2024 with a voyage from Xining to Dunhuang. It carries a maximum of 80 guests in 38 ensuite suites. It has two dining cars, a lounge car, an observation car with day and night modes, a panoramic car with large windows, and a tea room.
Each trip combines two kinds of days. On some days the train itself is the main event, with long stretches of desert, mountains or farmland passing outside the window. On others, guests leave the train for guided visits, private transfers and special access to well-known sights.
One small note on names: another operator also uses a similar name for a different train. When comparing options, check that the operator is Train of Glamour so that you are reading the right itinerary, suites and prices.
The Classic Silk Road Routes in Northwest China
Bustling Beginning: Xining to Dunhuang (5 days)
This is the route the train was born for, and it is a good first choice. The Xining to Dunhuang luxury train itinerary runs in both directions. A typical flow looks like this:
- Day 1: arrive in Xining, where the train team gives guests a welcome and a private car takes them to the hotel for a welcome banquet.
- Day 2: visit Kumbum Monastery, the birthplace of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism, with a dedicated guide. In the afternoon, board the train.
- Day 3: walk on the white salt flats of Chaka Salt Lake at about 3,000 metres, then spend the afternoon on board enjoying the scenery and the food.
- Day 4: see the golden dunes of Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Moon Spring in the morning, then visit the Mogao Grottoes with a VIP coach, a dedicated guide and access to two special caves.
- Day 5: a slow morning in Dunhuang and a private transfer to the airport.
Departures for 2027 are listed from late April to early October, with reverse departures (Dunhuang to Xining) two days later in each pair.
Golden Autumn: Xining to Kashgar (7 days, 6 nights)
This longer route follows the southern Silk Road into Xinjiang and is timed for autumn colour. Highlights include:
- Kumbum Monastery near Xining before boarding.
- An evening drive into the Dahaidao, where the wind-carved ridges change colour as the sun drops.
- The Karez wells near Turpan, the underground channels that have carried meltwater to the oasis for centuries, and the earthen ruins of Jiaohe Ancient City.
- A small train ride through the golden Tarim poplar forest, with tea set out among the trees.
- Kashgar’s old town, with time for pottery or block printing with a craftsman and a Muqam banquet in the evening.
The 2027 departure is listed for 20 October, with a reverse departure on 25 October.
Hidden Realms of Xinjiang (17 days, 16 nights)
For travellers with more time, the 2027 Hidden Realms itinerary stretches across Xinjiang at an unhurried pace. It is described as a journey through emerald lakes, golden grasslands and starry desert skies, with Western Regions dishes along the way.
The Southwest Routes: Rainforest, Tea and Mountains
In 2026, the Silk Road Express moved beyond the desert. The southwest routes swap sand dunes for tropical forest and tea mountains, and they suit travellers who want a greener, warmer trip.
- Along the Yunnan–Vietnam Railway (4 days): Kunming, Xishuangbanna and Hekou. Guests trek in rainforest with a naturalist, cross into northern Vietnam, ride the Fansipan cable car and have coffee by the historic railway bridge.
- Tea & Timeless Landscapes: Kunming, Xishuangbanna and Dali, with Bai artisan workshops in Xizhou Ancient Town and quiet tea tastings at a mountain tea house.
- Hidden Wonders of Southwest China: Kunming, Xingyi, Chongzuo and Shenzhen, with village cycling, the Wanfenglin karst peaks and a very large cross-border waterfall.
- Southern Yunnan Impressions: Chengdu, Xishuangbanna, Shiping and Kunming, with a nostalgic ride on a narrow-gauge railway and visits to ancient towns and heritage museums.
A Day on Board: What to Expect
A journey usually starts with a smooth boarding and a welcome from the train team. On the first evening of the Yunnan–Vietnam route, for example, guests sit down to a welcome dinner served with fine wines and other drinks while the countryside passes by the window. Later, a cocktail reception is held in the lounge bar, or guests can move to the observation car for a film screening.
Most days follow a similar rhythm. Breakfast is served on board, followed by a morning excursion such as a rainforest walk, a monastery visit or a stroll in an old town. Lunch is often taken at the sight itself, with local flavours. Guests return to the train for the afternoon or evening, and dinner is served as the train moves on to the next stop. Because the train carries the hotel with it, there is very little packing and unpacking.
Experiences Worth Looking Forward To
- Walking on the white salt flats of Chaka Salt Lake, where the mirror-like surface reflects the clouds and distant mountains.
- Riding a small train through golden poplar trees along the Tarim River, with tea served among the trees.
- Going underground at the Karez wells near Turpan to see how meltwater has reached the oasis for centuries.
- Wearing traditional dress for a portrait in Kashgar’s old town, followed by a Muqam banquet.
- Sitting beside the old Yunnan–Vietnam Railway bridge with a cup of Vietnamese coffee while a vintage train passes.
Choosing the Right Route
| Route | Length | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Bustling Beginning (Xining–Dunhuang) | 5 days | First-time visitors who want the classic desert Silk Road and the Mogao Grottoes |
| Golden Autumn (Xining–Kashgar) | 7 days | Travellers who enjoy autumn colour, oasis towns and old-town culture |
| Hidden Realms of Xinjiang | 17 days | Slow travellers who want a deep journey through Xinjiang |
| Yunnan–Vietnam Railway | 4 days | Those who like rainforest, railway history and a cross-border day |
| Tea & Timeless Landscapes | Short itinerary | Culture, crafts and tea lovers |
As a simple rule, first-time visitors tend to get the most from the classic northwest corridor, while repeat travellers often look to the southwest for something different.
The Suites
All 38 suites have a private bathroom. The Grand Suite is the largest, at 22 square metres, with a king-size bed and a smart TOTO toilet. The other suites are 11 square metres and come as King, Twin or Family layouts. The Family Suite has a double bed and a child’s bed, and on listed itineraries one child travels free with two adults.
Meals are served in two dining cars, one Chinese in style and one Western. Tables use Jingdezhen porcelain and antique British silverware, and menus change regularly to reflect the regions along the route. A concierge team is on call all day and night, and a tourism ambassador travels with guests.
When to Go
- Spring to early autumn: the Bustling Beginning departures run from late April through to early October, which gives plenty of choice.
- Autumn: the Golden Autumn route is built around October colour in the poplar forests along the Tarim River.
- Winter: the Yunnan–Vietnam route lists December departures, when Fansipan can have crisp air and cherry blossom.
Practical Tips Before You Book
- Reserve Mogao early. Tickets for the Mogao Grottoes must be booked about 30 days in advance using ID details. If booking is late, the team will try to secure access, and an alternative may replace it.
- Plan for altitude. Xining is about 2,200 metres above sea level and Chaka about 3,000 metres. Drink water and keep the first day light.
- Treat times as a guide. For several 2027 itineraries the train timetable is not yet confirmed, so tour times are for reference only.
- Carry ID. A valid identity document is needed at boarding, and guests should reach the station at least 40 minutes before departure.
- Check the details. Dates, prices and inclusions are listed on each itinerary page and can change.
Final Thoughts
The Silk Road Express suits travellers who want the history and scenery of China’s western routes, or its green southwest, without constant hotel changes. With only 80 guests, plenty of space and a clear focus on food and service, it offers a calm way to see a very large country. For most first-time guests, the five-day journey between Xining and Dunhuang is the easiest place to start.
