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The Fleet

Five trains. Each a destination in itself.

We don't run every train in China. Only the ones that meet our standard. Every train here was hand-selected for suite comfort, dining quality, onboard service and the character of the journey it makes possible.

Shangri-La Express
Flagship · Qinghai-Tibet Railway

The Shangri-La Express

Purpose-built for the world's highest railway, the Shangri-La Express pairs oxygen-enriched en-suite cabins with a glass-walled observation car and a dining car serving Tibetan and international cuisine. All at altitudes above 4,500 metres.

RouteXining → Lhasa
Suite Types3
Max Altitude5,072 m
Staff Ratio1 : 2

Onboard Amenities

Oxygen-enriched cabinsEn-suite bathroom Observation carFine dining car Bar & loungeMedical officer Wi-Fi (low-altitude)24h concierge
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High-speed train in China

New Oriental Express

China's most storied luxury train, refurbished in the spirit of the great continental expresses. Walnut-panelled Deluxe Suites, a piano bar, and a dining car where the menu shifts with each province the train crosses.

RouteXi'an → Kashgar
Suite Types3
Max Speed160 km/h
Staff Ratio1 : 2.5

Onboard Amenities

Deluxe Suite (double/twin)Presidential Suite Piano barTwo dining cars Observation loungeShower suites Onboard historianLaundry service
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High-speed train in motion

Panda Deluxe

Sichuan Railway's flagship tourist train, themed around the region's beloved icon. Bright, contemporary Panda Suites, a dedicated children's activity car, and a Sichuan-cuisine kitchen renowned as the best food on rails in China.

RouteChengdu loop
Suite Types3
Children's CarYes
Staff Ratio1 : 3

Onboard Amenities

Panda Suite (family)Sichuan dining car Children's activity carMahjong lounge Tea ceremony roomObservation deck En-suite bathroomCooking demonstrations
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Luxury train on curved railway

Starlight Lancang-Mekong

The newest addition to China's luxury rail scene, designed for the dramatic landscapes of Yunnan. Floor-to-ceiling windows, a cultural salon hosting minority musicians and craftspeople, and suites inspired by ethnic textiles.

RouteKunming → Shangri-La
Suite Types2
Launched2024
Staff Ratio1 : 2

Onboard Amenities

Panoramic SuiteCultural salon Floor-to-ceiling glassFarm-to-table dining Outdoor viewing platformLibrary nook En-suite bathroomLocal craft workshops
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Train through snowy landscape

Tianshan Explorer

Built for the vast distances of China's northwest, the Tianshan Explorer balances frontier adventure with refined comfort. Spacious suites, a glass observation dome, and a dining program that celebrates the Silk Road fusion of Uyghur and Central Asian cuisine.

RouteUrumqi loop
Suite Types2
Observation DomeYes
Staff Ratio1 : 2.5

Onboard Amenities

Explorer SuiteGlass observation dome Uyghur-Central Asian diningLounge bar Open-air carriageStargazing deck En-suite bathroomNaturalist guide
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Luxury suite interior with warm lighting
Inside the Suite

Your private cabin, your private world.

Across the fleet, suites are designed as calm, private retreats. King or twin beds dressed in fine linen, a sitting area for morning tea, and an en-suite bathroom with walk-in shower. Large picture windows frame the passing landscape; climate and lighting bend to your preference.

  • King or twin configuration, turndown service nightly
  • En-suite bathroom with walk-in rain shower & premium amenities
  • Individually controlled climate & oxygen (high-altitude routes)
  • Picture windows with day lounge & writing desk
  • Espresso machine, minibar & daily fruit selection

Compare the fleet

TrainBest RouteSuitesDiningObservationFrom
Shangri-La ExpressTibet Sky RoadDeluxe · Golden · Presidential2 restaurantsGlass car$8,980
New Oriental ExpressSilk Road OdysseySuperior · Deluxe · Presidential2 restaurants + barLounge car$11,200
Panda DeluxeSichuan & PandasPanda · Deluxe · FamilySichuan kitchenOpen deck$6,750
Starlight Lancang-MekongYunnan PassagePanoramic · SuiteFarm-to-tableFull glass + platform$7,450
Tianshan ExplorerXinjiang ExplorerExplorer · SuiteUyghur-Central AsianGlass dome$8,300

Which train will carry you?

Speak with a journey designer to find the train and suite that match your travel style. And to check availability for your preferred dates.

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