Regional guides
Prefer to plan by region? These guides cover the landscapes, the best seasons, and the trains that reach each corner of the country.
The Silk Road
Xi'an
Terracotta Warriors and the ancient capital. Silk Road Express
Dunhuang
The Mogao Grottoes and crescent lake. Silk Road by train
Zhangye
The rainbow Danxia landforms. Silk Road Express
Kashgar
The western crossroads and Pamir gateway. Silk Road Express
Qinghai Lake
China's largest salt lake. Silk Road Express
Xinjiang
Urumqi
Xinjiang's capital and rail gateway. New Oriental Express
Kanas
Alpine lakes and birch forests. Xinjiang by train
Turpan
The ancient Jiaohe ruins and vineyards. Silk Road Express
North-east ice & snow
Harbin
Ice festival and winter gateway. Lindou Express
Mohe
China's northernmost town, Arctic Village. Lindou Express
Changbai Shan
Volcanic lake and ski slopes. Lindou Express
South-west & grasslands
Chengdu
Panda capital and Sichuan gateway. Panda Express Chengdu
Lijiang
Old town and snow mountain. White Cloud Express
Hulunbuir
China's most beautiful grassland. Hulunbuir Express