Luxury Train Travel: Imperial China

You will be met at the airport upon arrival and taken to your hotel for check-in • Enjoy a welcome dinner and Tang Dynasty show in the evening, meeting fellow travelers for the journey ahead.

Explore the roots of China’s history, as you visit Xi’an ancient city walls and the Ming Dynasty’s Ancient Mosque • Be amazed by the grandeur of the 6,000 unearthed Terracotta Warriors, standing guard to the tomb of China’s first emperor • End the day in Tang Dynasty festivities, including local cuisine, music, and dancing.

Step into the 4,000-year history of Luoyang as you arrive in China’s ancient cradle, greeted by the fragrance of blooming peonies • Admire the extensive collection of Buddhist artistry at the Longmen Grottoes, featuring thousands of statues sculpted into the limestone riverbanks • Experience the living traditions of the Shaolin Temple, where you can observe monks practicing gongfu martial arts, before enjoying local culinary specialties in the historic old town.

Walk along the Badaling restored section of the Great Wall, taking in the surrounding views • Savor an authentic Peking Duck lunch • Tour Beijing’s most prominent, historical sites, getting a glimpse into the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and the Summer Palace • Alternatively, discover Beijing’s more modern, architectural side, visiting the Olympic Village, CCTV Tower, and National Museum • In the evening, enjoy dinner onboard before arriving at the next destination.

Marvel at the architectural splendor of the Shanghai Tower, China’s tallest skyscraper, while enjoying a celestial afternoon tea on the 120th floor • Take in the commanding panorama of the city’s skyline before stepping aboard a luxurious private yacht for an enchanting night cruise along the Huangpu River • Conclude your evening with a bespoke dinner blending Shanghainese flair with fine wines, as the illuminated colonial Bund and futuristic Pudong shimmer on the water.

Start your day in the ceramic capital, Jingdezhen, with a visit to the Chinese Ceramic Museum, exploring over 2,000 years of ceramic artistry, including Song dynasty celadons and Ming vases • Continue to the Ancient Kilns & Folk Customs Expo Area to witness traditional dragon kilns and participate in a hands-on porcelain experience, working alongside master potters to create your own ceramic piece • As the afternoon concludes, rejoin the Golden Eagle Silk Road Express for your onward journey.

Begin the day in Yichang with an exclusive chartered boat trip through the striking Natural Grand Canyon, stretching between the Three Gorges Dam and Gezhouba • Glide through this dramatic stretch of the Yangtze aboard a luxurious private vessel, admiring the engineering prowess of the world’s largest hydroelectric power station and the intricate Gezhouba Dam • Enjoy a leisurely onboard lunch of freshly-caught Yangtze fish and Sichuan-inspired delicacies, while appreciating the river’s grandeur from the comfort of the deck.

Experience the heartwarming charm of the world-renowned Giant Pandas at the Chengdu Research Base, observing these endearing animals amidst lush bamboo groves in one of China’s greatest conservation success stories • Immerse yourself in the vibrant spirit of Sichuan’s heritage at the Sichuan Opera Theater, exclusively reserved for your group for an intimate cultural performance • Be captivated by the spellbound artistry of bian lian, where radiant performers showcase lightning-fast face-changing techniques and fiery displays in an atmospheric setting.

Unwind in the opulent environment of the Silk Road Express, enjoying panoramic views from the Observation Car, resting in your en-suite cabin, or sipping on a cocktail in the lounge.

Wake up in your private cabin aboard the Golden Eagle Silk Road Express and enjoy a delightful breakfast in the elegant restaurant cars while taking in the stunning landscapes of Guilin • Embark on a privately chartered cruise along the Lijiang River from Guilin to Yangshuo, enjoying picturesque scenery of misty valleys, jagged peaks, and tranquil waters • In the evening, board a fishing boat for a serene sunset voyage to witness the traditional practice of cormorant fishing, concluding your day in natural beauty.

Arrive in vibrant Hong Kong to experience a city where ancient tradition and cutting-edge innovation coexist in luminous harmony, with an afternoon at leisure to explore the heritage streets of Central or the iconic Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront • Gather for an elegant Farewell Dinner at the hotel, providing a heartfelt finale to your journey through the heart of China • Conclude your adventure the following morning with a private transfer for your onward journey.