Explore the Best Train Journeys in China with iBestTravel
A nation of vast distances and ever-changing landscapes, China is a destination that’s perfectly suited for train travel. While you’ll encounter classic imagery such as mist-shrouded jagged peaks and pine-clad temples, you may be surprised by the diverse experiences offered along the railways.
From snow-capped Himalayas and Silk Road oasis towns to grassy Inner Mongolian steppes and bamboo forests, China’s expansive rail network brings you into the heart of the scenery. Notably, with speeds exceeding 300km/h, the arrival of the fast-train network has transformed travel across the country. This modern mode of transportation has not only halved travel times, but it’s also far more comfortable and reliable, presenting a greener alternative to flying. Moreover, the introduction of the Maglev bullet trains, which can reach speeds of around 600km/h, signals that rail travel is on the brink of becoming even more advanced.
Top Train Journeys to Experience in China
Beijing to Lhasa (3757km)
Embark on one of China’s most remarkable train journeys. This two-day trip along the highest railway line in the world spans 3757km from the nation’s capital to Tibet. Departing Beijing in the evening, you’ll awake to the serene landscapes of the North China Plain. However, the adventure truly begins in Qinghai (2275m) as you pass through the Tibetan Plateau, advancing toward the Roof of the World. The remaining journey to Lhasa features an incredible 86% of the line above 4000m, with the highest point at Tanggu-la Pass (5072m), where stunning snowy mountains and breathtaking grasslands await travelers.
Trans-Mongolian (7621km)
No discussion on Chinese train travel is complete without mentioning the famed Trans-Mongolian route. This seven-day, six-night journey covers 7621km from Beijing through the mesmerizing Gobi Desert and into the birch forests of Siberia, ultimately reaching Moscow. The journey begins in Beijing, traversing through the dramatic landscapes of Hebei and Shandong provinces, and into Inner Mongolia. Upon nearing the Mongolia border, observe the fascinating process of changing bogies as each carriage adjusts from the Chinese to Russian gauge.
Hefei to Fuzhou (850km)
The Hefei to Fuzhou route presents one of China’s most scenic high-speed railways. This bullet train journey traverses through mountainous terrain, completing its 850km distance in about four hours. Highlights along the way include three UNESCO World Heritage sites and stunning views of mist-cloaked forests, rivers, and picturesque villages.
Xian to Urumuqi (2344km)
Linking China to the West, the ancient Silk Road still evokes a sense of adventure in travelers today. The Lanzhou–Xinjiang High Speed Train remarkably connects you to the historical roots of this trade route. Begin your journey at the historical starting point in Xi’an, traveling across Shaanxi province before transferring to another bullet train towards Xinjiang province. During the trip, you’ll encounter a variety of landscapes that include the vast Gobi Desert and the picturesque snow-capped mountains.
Guiyang to Guangzhou (856km)
The route between Guangzhou and Guiyang demonstrates the significant transformation that China’s fast-train network has made. This journey, which once took 20 hours, now only takes around four hours. Starting in Guiyang, the train moves through the lush green valleys to reach stunning destinations like Guilin and Yangshuo, known for its incredible karst landscape.
