Ancient China by Private Train - Beijing to Urumqi
Photo credit: Martin Klimenta
From Beijing to Urumqi Aboard the Golden Eagle Silk Road Express
Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of ancient China, where history, culture, and natural beauty converge on an extraordinary route aboard the Golden Eagle Silk Road Express. This exclusive voyage traverses a captivating landscape of imperial capitals, desert oases, and ancient cities, transporting guests through Beijing, Xi’an, Dunhuang, Hotan, Kashgar, and beyond. Along the way, you’ll encounter the awe-inspiring Terracotta Warriors, walk the revered Great Wall, and explore the majestic Mogao Caves—a UNESCO World Heritage Site adorned with exquisite Buddhist art.
Travels to: China
Photos and details: Discover what life is like aboard the Golden Eagle Silk Road Express .

Map

Itinerary
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Days 1-3: Beijing (China) and board the Golden Eagle Silk Road Express
Begin with a two-night stay at a top hotel in Beijing, and connect with fellow travelers at a welcome reception. Head outside the city to take in the the majestic Great Wall at Badaling, and back in the capital stroll through the vast complex of the Forbidden City. Cross Tianamen square and appreciate the beauty of the Summer Palace. Or check out Beijing’s more modern architecture including the Olympic Village and the iconic CCTV Tower. Round out the time in Beijing with a traditional Peking Duck dinner before bioarding the luxurious Golden Eagle Silk Road Express, where a festive welcome dinner marks the beginning of your rail adventure in style.
HIGHLIGHTS
- The Great Wall at Badaling, with stunning views of the countryside
- Central Beijing’s ancient and modern sites, the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and the Summer Palace
- A traditional Peking Duck dinner at a renowned local restaurant
- Settling into the luxurious Golden Eagle Silk Road Express
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Days 4-8: Xi'an, Dunhuang, Golmud, Hotan
Head west into China’s Silk Road history as you explore Xi’an’s ancient city walls and the magnificent Terracotta Warriors. At a special Tang Dynasty show, celebrate Xi’an’s cultural heritage, pairing authentic cuisine with spectacular music and dance. In Dunhuang, the Mogao Caves reveal Buddhist statues and murals spanning centuries, and a camel ride at Crescent Lake offers a taste of the desert experience of Silk Road merchants. Golmud presents a choice between Chaerhan (Qarhan) Salt Lake and an exploration of the city. Arriving in Hotan, learn about traditional silk carpet manufacture, witnessing the craftsmanship firsthand; and explore ancient Yotkan city by night.
HIGHLIGHTS
- The first Qin emperor’s army of Terracotta Warriors
- Stunning Buddhist art at the Mogao Caves
- Learning about rarely-visited Hotan’s carpet making traditions.
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Day 9: Kashgar
Explore the cultural crossroads of Kashgar, a vibrant city at the heart of the Silk Road. Visit sacred sites, stroll through historic streets, and savor the distinct Uyghur cuisine.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Apak Khoja Tomb, a sacred Muslim site.
- Wander through Kashgar’s Old Town and Gaotai folk houses.
- Enjoy a Uyghur cuisine lunch in a local restaurant.
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Days 10-12: Turpan, Urumqi
Visit the ancient city of Gaochang and marvel at the ingenuity of the Karez irrigation system in Turpan. Reflect on the Silk Road’s legacy with an engaging lecture before concluding your journey in Urumqi.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Ancient City of Gaochang and Jiaohe Ruins in Turpan.
- Karez irrigation system, an engineering marvel.
- Farewell dinner aboard the Golden Eagle Silk Road Express.
- Overnight stay in cosmopolitan Urumqi.
Dates & Prices
Minimum group size: Minimums vary – call for confirmation status
Land Tour Price, Per Person.
Call for dates and prices
What's Included
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Tour Includes
- Accommodation aboard the Golden Eagle Silk Road Express private train.
- Hotel accommodation per the itinerary (2 nights Beijing, 1 night Urumqi)
- All meals starting with dinner on Day 1 until breakfast on final tour day, including a generous, though not unlimited, allowance of wine or local beer, soft drinks and water with all lunches and dinners.
- Arrival/departure transfers, provided you arrive and depart on the tour start/end dates and in the tour start/end cities.
- All guided off-train tours per itinerary.
- The services of an experienced Train Tour Manager, with local guides for scheduled off-train touring.
- Complimentary tea, coffee and mineral water round the clock from your car attendant while on board the train.
- All gratuities.
- Baggage handling.
- Complete pre-departure electronic document that includes detailed packing suggestions, reading list links, country-specific information, maps, travel tips and more.
- Customized visa application and instruction kit (please note, visa fees are not included in the tour price).
- Electronic final update bulletin, with any late news, updates and important information.
- Assistance booking your custom flight arrangements, on request. (Please note that international airfare is not included in the land tour cost.)
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Not Included
- International airfare or surface transport to the point of joining/leaving the tour. MIR is able to arrange your air itinerary in economy or business class. If you wish to obtain an air quote, please contact us for details.
- Meals and drinks not specified as included in the itinerary.
- Single supplement (difference between double rate and single occupancy rate) if requested or required.
- Optional pre- or post-tour extensions.
- Expenses incurred as a result of delay, modification, or extension of a tour due to causes beyond MIR’s control.
- Visa fees, excess baggage charges, airport departure taxes, vaccination and other medical costs.
- Travel insurance including cancellation, medical, and evacuation insurance.
- Items of a purely personal nature (laundry, telephone, bar account, photography at museums, etc).
Activity Level
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Level 2: Moderate
Level 2: Moderate
This rail journey by private train features significant touring on foot, throughout which travelers are expected to keep up with other group members. Walking during touring days will be on a variety of surfaces, with many streets and sidewalks being uneven, and elevators generally not available during touring excursions – leading to some stair climbing. Challenges on board the train include long onboard distances with heavy doors, as well as steep steps and gaps to navigate while embarking and disembarking. Only those willing to accept local standards of amenities and services should consider joining this program.
Travelers must be able to walk a mile per day keeping up with other group members. Streets and sidewalks can be uneven or unexpected surfaces, and handrails are not always present. Steps, which may be required due to lack of elevators, may be steep and/or uneven, and may also lack handrails. The distance on board the train between sleeping and dining carriages may be significant, and there are many heavy doors to navigate when moving throughout the train. Getting on and off the train involves navigating steep steps, low platforms, and possible gaps between the train and the platform. Navigating rail stations may also involve traveling up and over steep steps/footbridges to cross tracks, or steep steps and dark tunnels to cross under to/from the train station. Although porterage is provided where possible, you may have to carry your baggage for short distances.
General shortcomings of the tourism infrastructure may include problems with bureaucratic service and availability and quality of public restrooms when not on board the train.