The luxury train has always epitomized the pinnacle of high-end travel. Imagine a lavish five-star hotel gracefully gliding through breathtaking landscapes, traveling by night and pausing by day. As dawn breaks, travelers disembark to explore enchanting sights, only to return at twilight to indulge in opulent comfort, drifting off to sleep as the train whisks them to their next dreamlike destination.
In China, since the inaugural journey of the New Orient Express traversing from North to South in 1999, the allure of domestic luxury train travel has blossomed. The Hulunbeier in 2022, the Lindu in 2023, and the Silk Road Dream Sharing in 2024 have taken center stage, becoming icons in the realm of opulent journeys. Each route offers a unique tapestry of China’s rich heritage and stunning landscapes, promising travelers an unforgettable sojourn in unparalleled luxury.
The New Orient Express
Launched by the Urumqi Railway Bureau in 1999, the New Orient Express initially served only international tourists but has recently opened its doors to the domestic market. As China’s earliest and most prestigious luxury slow travel train, it epitomizes opulence and sophistication in domestic travel.
As the country’s sole New Orient Express, it is dedicated to delivering international-standard tourism services, offering an unparalleled journey through Xinjiang. The train is meticulously designed to provide the ultimate travel experience, blending luxurious comfort with exceptional service to ensure a memorable and indulgent exploration of the region’s stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage.
The New Orient Express departs from Urumqi, the vibrant capital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, and travels to the breathtaking Sayram Lake in Bortala Mongol Autonomous Prefecture. Spanning approximately 1,200 kilometers, this opulent journey extends over 15 days, crossing the varied landscapes of both South and North Xinjiang.
Crafted by experts with 30 years of experience in inbound tourism, the itinerary is the culmination of ten months of meticulous planning, involving over 50,000 kilometers of on-site inspections and extensive consultations with international guides. This thoughtfully designed route offers travelers a captivating exploration of Northern Xinjiang, bringing the ancient Silk Road dreams to life with unparalleled style and comfort.
After the original carriages were retired and abandoned in 2019, the decision was made to revamp the New Orient Express in response to strong demand from international guests. The extensive renovation, which spanned nearly a year, involved a substantial investment exceeding $50 million RMB.
The upgraded New Orient Express now features enhanced airtightness, stability, and shock absorption, ensuring superior comfort and a restful sleep experience. Expansive glass viewing windows offer breathtaking panoramic views of the passing landscapes. Each accommodation carriage, designed with approximately 10 square meters of space, includes four double en-suite rooms. With a maximum of eight guests per carriage, each room is attended by a dedicated butler, elevating the journey to an unparalleled level of luxury.
Orient Silk Road Express Railway
On July 6, 2024, the world-class luxury tourist train Orient Silk Road embarked on its maiden journey from Xining City, Qinghai Province. This exquisite train, a creation of Shanghai Sun Vision Tourism, a subsidiary of Fosun Infrastructure, was developed in collaboration with China Railway Qinghai-Tibet Group. The Orient Silk Road promises travelers an unparalleled experience, combining opulent comfort with the enchanting beauty of the ancient Silk Road.
Throughout this journey, travelers are treated to a kaleidoscope of stunning landscapes, from the vast, undulating dunes of the desert and the stark beauty of the Gobi to the surreal expanses of salt lakes. They will explore the internationally renowned cultural treasures of Dunhuang, marvel at the historic Xining Tal, and capture unforgettable images at the ethereal, mirror-like salt lake.
The train boasts a total of 15 luxurious carriages. Among them are full-bathroom sleeping cars, a plush living room saloon car, elegant Chinese and Western dining cars, and a versatile multifunctional car designed for scenic viewing, tea tasting, KTV singing, and other recreational activities.
A dedicated team of five vacation ambassadors and professional train butlers provide 24-hour service to ensure every need of the travelers is met. Additionally, two travel photographers accompany the journey, capturing unforgettable moments and preserving the magic of the experience. This meticulous attention to detail ensures that every aspect of the journey on the train is as memorable and enchanting as the landscapes it traverses.
Industry experts view Orient Silk Road Express Railway as the first truly domestic tourism train built to international standards, heralding a new era in the development of the internationalized tourism train industry in China. This innovation is also poised to invigorate the creation of international eco-tourism destinations in Qinghai Province.
Lindu “Forest Capital” Railway
The Lindu Railway, with its capacity limited to just 66 passengers and a dedicated staff of 34, represents a prestigious collaboration between the Yichun Forest Industry and the Harbin Railway Bureau. This exclusive journey weaves through the serene red pine forests and the majestic Xiao Hinggan Mountains, offering a deeply immersive experience of the tranquil and lush northeastern landscapes.
The Lindu Railway’s design features a groundbreaking integration of the locomotive and carriage body, a pioneering achievement in China’s tourist train history. Its exterior presents a striking contrast of pristine white with earthy tones, creating a visually captivating and harmonious look. The train’s sleek, flowing lines are both simple and dynamic, evoking a sense of graceful motion.
The train’s exterior is adorned with intricate patterns of red pines, mountains, deer, and snowflakes, reflecting the unique charm of the Xiao Hinggan region. These designs vividly capture the natural and ecological beauty of Yichun, symbolizing its lush forests, rich wildlife, and hopeful future.
The internal design of the train sets a new standard in international luxury and functionality. Spanning 15 carriages, it includes 5 specially designed functional carriages: a jazz bar, Chinese and Western dining venues, a tea room, a bookstore, and areas dedicated to live goods, children’s entertainment, and health care. The passenger carriages are outfitted with high-end soft sleeper compartments, featuring 30 premium suites.
Enhancing the overall travel experience, the ground itinerary features a vibrant array of activities, such as enchanting music and beer gardens, grand summer parties, forest music festivals, concerts, and lively barbecue and food festivals. These events are carefully designed to highlight the natural beauty and ecological richness of the Xiao Hinggan region.
Ms. Xu from Zhejiang shared her thoughts on the journey: “Traveling on the ‘Lindu’ not only immerses you in the untouched beauty of nature but also offers the comfort of a luxury mobile hotel. It’s an ideal mix of convenience and opulence, making the entire experience both delightful and restful.”
Hulunbuir Railway
From both its hardware and service perspectives, the Hulunbeier train distinguishes itself as one of China’s most elite luxury train experiences. Its journeys are highly sought after, with tickets often in short supply due to their popularity.
The train features a limited capacity of just 44 seats spread across 22 compartments, each equipped with a private bathroom. Unlike conventional trains, the Hulunbeier Railway does not have bunk beds. Instead, each carriage boasts a spacious design with only three or four compartments, ensuring an unparalleled level of comfort and privacy for every passenger.
The train showcases custom-designed porcelain that artfully blends the vibrant emerald green of the grasslands with an air of luxury. Featuring an elegant green base color accented by gold piping, each piece is meticulously crafted to transform porcelain into exquisite works of art. Guests are encouraged to appreciate these beautifully designed pieces, which significantly enhance the overall travel experience.
The summer itinerary of the Hulunbeier train presents a range of exclusive experiences. On this extraordinary journey, travelers are treated to a sequence of breathtaking experiences. At the Hailar Private Ranch, guests can witness the awe-inspiring spectacle of thousands of horses galloping across the plains, feel the rush of the wind, and admire the horseback riders when they skillfully perform with the horse head fiddle. This immersive glimpse into traditional nomadic life offers a refreshing escape from the city’s hustle, allowing travelers to savor the freedom and serenity of the expansive grasslands.
Next, travelers will marvel at the Morigler River, renowned as the world’s first curved water, where they can appreciate nature’s artistry as the river meanders gracefully through the landscape. The journey then leads to Genhe, one of China’s highest latitude and coldest cities, where guests are invited to interact with a local tribe and feed reindeer moss.
In Mohe, the northernmost point of mainland China, guests will experience the remote and stark beauty of the far north. The adventure continues with a visit to Erguna National Wetland Park, Asia’s largest wetland, where travelers can immerse themselves in the majestic landscapes and raw power of nature. This meticulously curated journey promises an exceptional blend of comfort and excitement, offering a truly unique travel experience.
Source: YC Gov, Souhu, Silkroadtravel, Atrails, Global Times, Fosun, Travellinkdaily
