Discover China on a 12-day luxury journey through its imperial past and dynamic present. Marvel at Xi’an’s extraordinary Terracotta Army, explore the magnificent Longmen Grottoes in Luoyang and experience Shanghai’s spectacular skyline from above and afloat. Enjoy curated culinary experiences, expert private guides and seamless transfers throughout your adventure. Blending ancient wonders with contemporary sophistication, this immersive tour reveals China’s rich cultural heritage, remarkable architecture and modern elegance, offering an unforgettable exploration of one of the world’s most fascinating destinations in exceptional comfort and style.
Upon arrival in Xi’an, you will be met and transferred to the five-star Ritz-Carlton hotel for a one-night stay. Take some time to unwind before joining your fellow travellers for a Welcome Reception and Tang Dynasty themed dinner.
Explore Xi’an’s ancient city walls, among the oldest, largest and best-preserved defensive structures in the world. Walk along the historic ramparts and enjoy panoramic views of the old town, where traditional heritage meets modern life.
Continue with a morning visit to the remarkable Terracotta Warriors. Discovered in 1974, this vast underground army of more than 6,000 life-sized soldiers, horses and chariots was created to guard China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, in the afterlife. Explore the excavation pits and admire the intricate details and individual features of these extraordinary figures.
After lunch at a local restaurant, visit the Bronze Chariots and Horses Museum to discover exquisitely preserved ceremonial chariots showcasing the engineering skills of ancient China. In the evening, enjoy a specially arranged banquet within the museum, surrounded by fascinating artefacts from China’s imperial past.
Following a day of cultural discovery, transfer to the Golden Eagle Silk Road Express and settle into your private cabin as the train departs for Luoyang.
Awaken in the heart of China’s ancient cradle as the Golden Eagle Silk Road Express arrives into Luoyang, a city with over 4,000 years of history and once the capital of 13 dynasties. Step into a world where time seems to stand still, surrounded by the delicate scent of blooming peonies—Luoyang’s proud emblem—and the distant chime of temple bells. Your journey 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.
After lunch at a local restaurant, continue to the serene White Horse Temple, regarded as the first Buddhist temple in China. Wander through its tranquil courtyards, ornate halls, and peaceful gardens, where centuries of devotion and cultural exchange are reflected in its architecture and atmosphere.
As the day draws to a close, we rejoin the Golden Eagle Silk Road Express as the train departs for Shanghai, carrying you onward through China’s ever-changing landscapes.
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 our resident pianist. With every detail meticulously considered, this is the perfect opportunity to revel in the art of slow, sophisticated travel.
After dinner onboard, disembark and transfer to the Peninsula Hotel for a one night stay.
After a leisurely morning aboard the Golden Eagle Silk Road Express, your Shanghai experience begins with a visit to Guangfulin Relics Park—often referred to as the “root of Shanghai.” Explore this fascinating cultural site where ancient history meets striking modern design, with partially submerged museums, reconstructed heritage buildings, and tranquil waterways offering insight into the region’s early civilisation and traditions.
Following lunch at a local restaurant, step aboard a luxurious private yacht for an enchanting cruise along the Huangpu River. Drift past Shanghai’s illuminated skyline, where the glowing colonial façades of the Bund meet the dazzling skyscrapers of Pudong, including the futuristic Oriental Pearl Tower. As city lights shimmer on the water, enjoy a bespoke dinner blending Shanghainese flair with international cuisine, perfectly paired with fine wines—an unforgettable finale to your time in this cosmopolitan metropolis.
Begin your day in Jingdezhen, China’s legendary porcelain capital, with a visit to the Ancient Kilns & Folk Customs Expo Area, where centuries-old dragon kilns still burn with tradition. Here, amid restored workshops and wood-fired furnaces, enjoy a rare opportunity to work alongside master potters. Under their expert guidance, take part in an immersive hands-on porcelain experience—shaping, carving, and painting your own ceramic creation using time-honoured techniques. This unforgettable encounter offers not just a unique keepsake, but a deeper connection to Jingdezhen’s enduring spirit of craftsmanship.
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 Gorge Dam to Gezhouba. Aboard the luxurious private vessel, you'll glide through this dramatic stretch of the Yangtze with cameras at the ready. Along the way, admire the scale and ambition of the Three Gorges Dam – the world’s largest hydroelectric power station – and the intricate Gezhouba Dam, both impressive symbols of China’s modern engineering prowess.
As the river unfolds before your eyes, enjoy a leisurely lunch onboard featuring freshly-caught Yangtze fish and Sichuan-inspired delicacies, served with impeccable service and panoramic river views. Whether reclining on deck or taking in the scenery from the comfort of the air-conditioned lounge, this tranquil cruise offers an unforgettable window into the grandeur of the Yangtze.
Enjoy a leisurely morning on board, taking time to relax and reflect on the journey so far. Later, visit the Sichuan Opera Theatre—exclusively reserved for the group—where the enchanting world of traditional Chinese opera comes vividly to life. In an intimate and atmospheric setting, performers dressed in radiant silk costumes mesmerise with bian lian, the ancient and astonishing art of face-changing, executed with breathtaking speed and precision. Accompanied by fiery displays, haunting melodies, and elegant choreography, this immersive performance offers a captivating insight into Sichuan’s rich cultural heritage.
Following the performance, enjoy an authentic Chengdu hot pot experience, a celebrated culinary tradition known for its bold flavours and convivial style. After dinner, check in to the Waldorf Astoria Chengdu (or similar) for a restful overnight stay.
After breakfast at the hotel, the day begins at the world-renowned Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. Here, amidst 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.
Board the train for lunch on board, after which the afternoon is free to unwind—perhaps with a cocktail or a good book—as the ever-changing scenery drifts by while the train journeys towards Guilin.
Guilin, nestled in southern China’s Guangxi region, is a serene retreat where natural beauty and cultural heritage meet. Today, explore this remarkable area before embarking on a bamboo raft cruise along the Lijiang River, travelling from Guilin to the riverside town of Yangzhou. Along the way, peaceful villages, lush countryside, and striking scenery drift past, offering a tranquil window into rural life.
After rejoining the Golden Eagle Silk Road Express, enjoy a farewell dinner on board as the train departs for Hong Kong.
After a peaceful journey aboard the luxurious Golden Eagle Silk Road Express, arrive in Shenzhen and make your way across the border into 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 choose to browse the designer boutiques and heritage streets of Central, admire the city’s iconic skyline from the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront, or simply unwind in the comfort of your hotel and reflect on your journey.
This evening, come together for a memorable Farewell Dinner at our hotel—an elegant finale to a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
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—an unforgettable adventure through the heart of China.
LIFE ABOARD THE GOLDEN EAGLE SILK ROAD EXPRESS
Step into a world of opulence aboard the Golden Eagle Silk Road Express, where every detail of your accommodation has been crafted to offer the ultimate in luxury. Choose from two elegantly designed cabin classes: the Superior Cabin, configurable as a twin or large-size bed, or the Han Dynasty Suite, where lavish comfort takes centre stage.
Each cabin blends the ornate design of the Orient with the grandeur of a by-gone era, providing an exquisite home as you embark on a luxury adventure along the ancient Silk Road. Continue below to discover more about the refined elegance awaiting you onboard.
SUPERIOR CABIN
The Superior cabin on the Golden Eagle Silk Road Express offers an elegant retreat, blending comfort and style across 11sqm of thoughtfully designed space. By day, relax in two single sofas, perfect for unwinding as you take in the scenery. By night, the cabin transforms into your choice of twin single beds or a large double bed for restful slumber.
Every detail has been curated for your comfort, with features including a Dyson hairdryer, smart toilet, minibar, full-length wardrobe and a cosy sofa chair. A 2.5 sqm en-suite bathroom completes the experience, offering modern luxury within a setting of timeless design.
The Han Dynasty Suite on the Golden Eagle Silk Road Express is the epitome of luxury travel, offering an expansive 22.2 sqm cabin designed to provide the ultimate in comfort and elegance. Featuring a large double bed and a double sofa, this suite invites you to unwind in your own private sanctuary as you journey through the heart of the ancient Silk Road.
With a separate living room, a dressing table and a dining table for in-cabin dining, every detail has been thoughtfully crafted to ensure a truly indulgent experience. The 5.2 sqm en-suite bathroom features a bathtub, shower, and double sinks, combining modern convenience with timeless opulence. Premium amenities, including a Dyson hairdryer, smart toilet, minibar, and full-length wardrobe, ensure your every need is met as you travel in unparalleled style.
Exemplary service starts with a complimentary bottle of Dom Perignon champagne when you board the train to toast the start of your wonderful adventure.
A note for Han Dynasty Suite guests:
A private guide and chauffeured car service is included in many of the destinations that will be visited on your journey, however, in locations where there are a limited number of experienced and qualified tour guides available, you may be offered a shared car service among Han Dynasty Suite guests. Han Dynasty Suite guests will also benefit from laundry service and room upgrades to the next available category at the hotels which are featured in the itinerary.
Prices are dynamic based on travel dates. Please proceed to Book Now or Contact Us for details.
