China tour by high-speed train is no longer a dream!
Forty years ago, the acclaimed travel writer Paul Theroux spent a year travelling around China by train. He wrote a book about his experience, which became a bestseller.
Titled Riding the Iron Rooster, the book ends with a chapter named “The Train to Tibet”. Theroux predicted in the book that it would be impossible for the Chinese to build a railway to Tibet due to insurmountable climatic and geological challenges including permafrost. Twenty years later the Chinese achieved what he thought to be impossible.
Not only that, the Chinese for the past 20 years have been on a building spree expanding the country’s rail network and upgrading existing railways. The world’s longest high-speed rail line opened in China on December 25, 2012, running 2,298 kilometers (1,428 miles) between Beijing and Guangzhou. By early 2025, the total length of China’s high speed rail network has reached 48,000 km. This is more than the rest of the world’s high-speed rail tracks combined.
Laurus Travel has been at the forefront in developing tour programs to take advantage of China’s ever-expanding high-speed rail network. Over the years, we have invested lots of time and money in maximizing the benefits of the high-speed rail service while minimizing impact of issues other tour companies complain about, such as lack of luggage storage space on the train. Our effort has paid handsomely judging by the overwhelmingly positive feedback from our guests.
If you are interested in exploring China by high-speed train, we highly recommend our 23-day Classic China by Train. The trip starts in Shanghai, concluding in Hong Kong. In between, you’ll visit Suzhou, Qufu, Beijing, Xi’an, Chengdu, Chongqing, Wuhan and Guilin. a 3-day Yangtze River cruise is also included. Packed with world-class historical landmarks and spectacular natural wonders, this leisurely placed grand tour of China is a captivating journey that transcends time, offering an immersive experience that showcases the best of China’s cultural heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and dynamic urban centers.
This tour moves between the cities exclusively by high-speed train, eliminating air travel-related hassles. Travelling by train also allows you to see the countryside and mingle with locals – something you can’t do with travelling by air. Please go to https://laurustravel.com/china-tours/classic-china-by-train/ for full details.
China Tour by High-speed Train – Recommended Itinerary
Classic China by Train (23 days)
Shanghai – Suzhou – Qufu – Beijing – Xi’an – Chengdu – Chongqing – Yangtze Cruise – Yichang – Wuhan – Guilin – Hong Kong
Embark on this luxury tour of China by train through the heart of China, where ancient traditions harmonize with cutting-edge modernity, and each city tells a tale woven into the fabric of a nation steeped in history. This leisurely placed grand tour of China is a captivating journey that transcends time, offering an immersive experience that showcases the best of China’s cultural heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and dynamic urban centers.
On this fully guided Luxury Tour of China by Train, you’ll travel between the cities exclusively by high-speed train, thus eliminating air travel-related hassles. Travelling by train also allows you to see the countryside and mingle with locals.
Important Features
- Small group size – average 15, maximum 20
- Expert guides handpicked by company owners
- Inter-city travel exclusively by high-speed train
- No annoying forced shopping stops
- Quality meals at non-tourist restaurants
- Unlimited supply of bottled water during group activities
- Outside cabin on or above bridge deck for Yangtze cruise
- Exclusive Yangtze cruise amenity package.
- Complimentary Wi-Fi on cruise ship and in all hotels
- Visit to chambers in Forbidden City that most tour operators leave out
- Great Wall visit at Mutianyu including cable car rides
- Day hike at Longji terraced rice fields
Options Available
- Peking Opera show with dinner in Beijing
- Tang Dynasty cultural show with dinner in Xi’an
- Traditional face mask changing performance with dinner in Chengdu
- Half-day immersive tea farm visit in Guilin
ITINERARY
Meal Code: B = breakfast / L = lunch / D = dinner
Day 1/Sat: Departing for Shanghai
Depart from a city of your choice and lose a day upon crossing the International Date Line.
Day 2/Sun: Arrival in Shanghai
Meet the driver on arrival for transfer to the hotel. You’ll have the remainder of the day at leisure. The guide will get in touch with you tonight.
Day 3/Mon: Shanghai (B/L/D)
With a population close to 25 million, Shanghai is China’s largest city and a dynamic hub of global trade and cultural exchange. The city delights visitors from around the world with its futuristic skyline and historical landmarks.
We begin our day with a visit to Jade Buddha Temple located in an old neighbourhood. We then walk the famous Bund – a waterfront promenade with a riveting history.
After lunch, we stroll the historical People’s Park and adjacent People’s Square in the heart of the city. Originally part of the Shanghai Race Club first established in 1850, the park and the square are surrounded by world-class museums and shops, which attract millions of visitors each year.
