Cave of a Thousand Buddhas
Explore the UNESCO-listed Mogao Caves, a treasure trove of Buddhist art and manuscripts, carved into desert cliffs.
Golden Eagle – Ancient China by Train
| Start date | End date | Days |
Prices from
ex. flights |
Single Supplement | Tour Expert | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21/09/26 | 02/10/26 | 12 days | £14,300 pp | £9,600 | Local Guides | AVAILABLE | Reserve place |
This 12-day rail journey aboard the luxurious Golden Eagle train travels east to west across China, from the imperial grandeur of Beijing to the historically rich oasis town of Turpan.
From the comfort of your moving accommodation, explore ancient capitals, walk along the Great Wall and take in the scale of the famed Terracotta Army. With superb onboard service, expert guides and a glass-walled observation car, this journey offers a seamless way to experience China’s vast arid northwest landscapes and layered history—from emperors and pilgrims to Silk Road traders.
Join as a standalone adventure, or disembark in the desert outpost of Kashgar and fly to Almaty to continue your Silk Road odyssey by train through Central Asia.
Key Highlights of this Itinerary
China Icons
Walk along a section of the Great Wall and gaze upon the life-size army of China’s first emperor in Xian, buried with him as protection in the afterlife.
Silken Legacy
Witness centuries-old crafts techniques in Hotan, where artisans hand-knot fibres once central to trade into silk and carpets.
Steppe Journey
Journey through dramatic landscapes skirting the dunes and plains of the Gobi Desert and Tianshan mountains towering over the arid steppe.
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Day 1
Arrive Beijing
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Day 2
Beijing
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Day 3
Depart Beijing
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Day 4
Xian
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Day 5
Travel Day
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Day 6
Dunhuang
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Day 7
Golmud
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Day 8
Hotan
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Day 9
Kashgar
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Day 10
Turpan
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Day 11
Turpan & Urumqi
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Day 12
Urumqi
Day 1
Arrive Beijing
Arrive in Beijing and transfer to the Four Seasons hotel. This evening join a welcome reception and dinner.
Day 2
Beijing
In the morning visit the Great Wall at Badaling, one of Chinas most iconic sites. Walk along a beautifully restored section, taking in the panoramic views. Spend the afternoon at leisure before a dinner of Peking duck at a celebrated restaurant.
Day 3
Depart Beijing
Visit the historic heart of Beijing including the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square and the Summer Palace. Alternatively explore the modern side of Beijing with visits to contemporary landmarks including the Olympic Village with its iconic “Bird’s Nest” Stadium, the CCTV Tower, and the National Museum. Board the train this evening to begin the journey west through China.
Day 4
Xian
Explore the ancient city walls in Xian, as well as the Great Mosque, one of China’s oldest and largest mosques. Later, travel out of the city to see the UNESCO Terracotta Warriors – a life-sized army of soldiers, chariots, and horses, buried with China’s First Emperor to protect him in the afterlife. This evening dine on an authentic Tang Dynasty dinner, while enjoying a show of traditional music and dance.
Day 5
Travel Day
Relax onboard the train as you journey through China, a perfect opportunity to enjoy the Observation car with its floor to ceiling windows.
Day 6
Dunhuang
Explore the ancient murals and statues of the UNESCO Mogao Caves, famed for their ancient Buddhist art and a spiritual oasis that has inspired pilgrims and artists for centuries. After lunch, travel along the Silk Road to Crescent Lake by camel, an oasis among towering dunes.
Day 7
Golmud
Choose to explore the surreal salt flats of Chaerhan Salt Lake, or join a guided tour through the vibrant streets of Golmud. Attend a talk on the history of the Silk Road, offering insight into its role as a vital link between East and West before re-boarding the train.
Day 8
Hotan
After a leisurely morning aboard the train, visit Hotan’s Atlas Silk and Carpet Workshop to watch master artisans craft carpets and intricate silk fabrics using time-honoured techniques. In the evening, explore Yotkan Ancient City. Once the thriving centre of the Buddhist Kingdom of Khotan, it flourishing during the height of the Silk Road.
Day 9
Kashgar
Explore Kashgar, A fabled trading post at the foot of the Pamir Mountains, Kashgar’s position gave it huge strategic importance during the Silk Road era. Visit the beautifully decorated mausoleum of Apak Khoja and wander through the narrow streets of the Old Town to the Gaotai folk houses, an area steeped in history and tradition. Lunch will be enjoyed in a local restaurant offering a chance to sample the flavours of Uyghur cuisine.
Day 10
Turpan
On arrival in Turpan, explore the ancient Silk Road outpost of Gaochang. After lunch, learn about the Karez irrigation system, and visit the rock carved ruins at Jiaohe. This evening enjoy a farewell dinner onboard the train.
Day 11
Turpan & Urumqi
This morning join a talk exploring the legacies of the Silk Road. After a leisurely lunch on board, disembark in Urumqi, and transfer to your accommodation in the city, the cosmopolitan capital of Xinjiang.
Day 12
Urumqi
Transfer to the airport for your onward journey.
Your Room with a View
The Golden Eagle Silk Road Express
The interiors of the Silk Road Express are inspired by the Han Dynasty, with rich colours and graceful curves featured throughout the train, from the social bar and lounge cars to the superior cabins and suites. The observation car offers the perfect vantage point to enjoy a drink as the landscapes unfold through floor-to-ceiling windows, providing a 270-degree panoramic view. Two restaurant cars—one offering a formal Western-style setting, the other an intimate Chinese-inspired atmosphere—both provide five-star service and cuisine, with menus infused with Silk Road flavours and fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
29 September - 12 October 2025
Grand Silk Road Journey - Beijing to Tashkent
For a true Silk Route odyssey, totalling 22 days, there is the option to continue this rail adventure through Central Asia on the inaugural Grand Silk Road journey—travelling by train over 14 days through five countries, across thousands of miles from Kazakhstan to Uzbekistan. Disembark in the desert outpost of Kashgar and fly to Almaty to join the 29 September 2026 departure to Tashkent.
Includes / Excludes
Important Information
Activity Level
Low Activity
Single Supplement
Travelling on your own? Our group tours are perfect for solo travellers, as travelling as part of an organised group in faraway places provides security and peace of mind. We handle all of the arrangements for you and there will be a local tour guide on hand throughout to provide advice and help if needed, as well as the expertise of a Tour expert.
Flexibility
To allow flexibility, our group tours do not include international flights as standard. We can arrange international flights on your behalf, please get in touch with our travel experts for a quote. All international flights from the UK are ATOL protected.
What is included
- Three nights pre and post tour hotel accommodation in Beijing and Urumqi
- Eight nights private en-suite accommodation on the Golden Eagle train
- Cabin attendant service
- Experienced Tour Management team
- Services of a UK-registered Doctor and medical facilities on board
- Arrival and departure transfers
- All gratuities – on and off the train
- Luggage porterage throughout the journey
- 11 breakfasts, 11 lunches & 11 dinners
- Freshly prepared meals on board the Golden Eagle
- Authentic dining experiences in local restaurants
- Inclusive alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages from Standard Bar list
- Expertly guided off-train excursions as detailed in the itinerary
What is excluded
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Any visas (where applicable)
Other available dates
For further information about any of these tours please call 01285 880 980
| Start date | End date | Days |
Prices from
ex. flights |
Tour Expert | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21/09/26 | 02/10/26 | 12 days | £14,300 pp | Local Guides | AVAILABLE | Reserve place |
Reserve your place on this group tour
Our travel experts have a wealth of first-hand knowledge, so if you have any questions about this expert-led group tour, please get in touch. They would love to help. We hope you can join us on this tour.
01285 880 980Send us an enquiry
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