Discover China by Rail

Fly to the cosmopolitan city of Shanghai, also known as the ‘Paris of the East’. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.

Shanghai is China’s great metropolis, where east and west collide on streets lined with futuristic skyscrapers and 10th-century temples. Today’s explorations include the Yu Garden, a silk mill, and the quaint old town before admiring the colonial architecture along the Bund. Then board the super-fast Maglev train, one of only a few in the world, and be whisked along at top speeds of up to 300 km/h. This evening, view the city from the Huangpu River on a panoramic cruise.

Board the bullet train to Huangshan City, then take a cable car to the summit of Mount Huang, commonly known as Yellow Mountain, for an overnight stay at the mountain top. Soak up the magnificent views of the ragged peaks, rock formations, thousand-year-old pine trees and ever-changing mist that have inspired local artists for centuries. Spend the afternoon exploring this spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Site

Wake before dawn to fully appreciate the beauty of Mount Huang’s mesmeric landscapes (and mists!) in the red and orange hues of sunrise. This afternoon, head back down the mountain by cable car and visit the atmospheric town of Tunxi. Wander narrow cobbled streets lined with pretty little shops selling anything from local snacks and tea to paintbrushes, cultural relics and intricate wood carvings.

Travel to Hongcun, a 900-year-old UNESCO-listed village, known for its striking, well-preserved Hui-style architecture. Discover more about its fascinating shape and its water systems before a cooking class in which you’ll learn to make pouch dumplings, a local delicacy.

Board a bullet train to Changsha. A city with a three millennia long history and a thoroughly modern look and feel, Changsha exudes an energetic and friendly vibe. This evening, stroll through the bustling night markets, where the air is thick with the aromas of sizzling street food.

Visit the fascinating Yuelu Academy, a longtime hub of learning at the foot of Mount Yuelu. Later, travel to Zhangjiajie National Park by road and prepare to be awestruck by its otherworldly landscapes.

Today you’ll explore the breathtaking Yuanjiajie, renowned for its towering pillars and misty valleys. Ride the remarkable Bailong glass elevator; embedded into a cliff face, the elevator shoots up a 326-metre mountain side in as little as two minutes! Soak up the amazing views of the ‘First Bridge under the Sun’ and Hallelujah Mountain. Continue your explorations at Emperor Mountain, before descending by cable car.

Soar up to the heights of Tianmen Mountain by scenic cable car where you can marvel at Tianmen Cave, nicknamed ‘Heaven’s Door’, standing atop a 999-step staircase above you. For the brave, take a thrilling walk on a glass skywalk, the ‘Walk of Faith’.

Board a bullet train to Guilin, departing one spectacularly scenic area to arrive in another.

Take a relaxed cruise along the Li River to charming Yangshuo. Around every river bend is a view to take your breath away as jagged karst peaks loom over rural scenes of lush greenery, grazing buffalo and local fishermen. Disembark and wander Yangshuo’s cobbled streets and vibrant markets. Later, relax with a Chinese reflexology massage.

This morning, explore the bucolic landscapes around Yangshuo, where limestone karst cliffs and pinnacles tower over a patchwork of paddy fields. This afternoon is yours to spend as you wish.

Return to Guilin by road and board a bullet train to Zhaoxing. This large and well-preserved Dong village, considered one of the most beautiful villages in China, gives a fascinating glimpse into the life and culture of this ethnic minority people. You’ll be welcomed into the village with a special ceremony before having a free afternoon to explore, then see the town lit up at night.

Travel to the top of a remarkable set of stepped rice terraces close to Zhaoxing. Take a walk through the terraces to different vantage points, admiring their engineering and, depending on the time of year, their vibrant colour or moody reflections of the sky above. This afternoon enjoy a batik workshop, a local living tradition, and create something special to take home.

Board a bullet train to Chengdu. Chengdu is a harmonious blend of modernity and tradition, where teahouses, spicy cuisine, and a relaxed pace of life create an inviting and culturally rich urban landscape.

Visit Chengdu’s famous Panda Conservation Base to see and learn about these celebrated bears up close in surroundings that mirror their natural habitat. Take the bullet train to Xian, the starting point of the fabled Silk Road with a history spanning 3,100 years.

One of the 20th century’s greatest archaeological discoveries, the enigmatic Terracotta Warriors stand ready for battle around the, as yet unexcavated, tomb of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang. Spend the morning viewing their ranks then visit a workshop to see where they are intricately recreated. Stroll the beautifully preserved city walls that encircle Xian’s old town, pausing for a refreshing beer tasting at a local brewery. In the evening, enjoy a dumpling dinner and Tang Dynasty dancing show.

Board a train to Beijing, China’s historic capital city.

Start the day in the vast and emblematic Tiananmen Square, before delving into the imperial treasure trove of the Forbidden City and its 250-acre maze of halls, palaces and gardens, filled with priceless artefacts. Take a step back in time as you stroll through the warren-like hutongs, Beijing’s historic neighbourhoods, and discover what it is like to live in these traditional areas. Later, dine on delicious local delicacy, Peking duck.

Just outside of Beijing, a true bucket-list sight snakes its way across the landscape – the Great Wall of China. Today you’ll get to walk on this iconic structure, climbing to one of its many watchtowers if you’re feeling energetic. Visit a jade factory, then spend the afternoon wandering the gardens of the Summer Palace.

Transfer to the airport for your flight back to Australia, arriving home the same or following day.