10 Best Train Journeys to Travel around China
1. The Ancient Capitals Route
Throughout China's long history, the capital has been relocated numerous times, giving many cities the title of "ancient capital." Take a China train trip to explore these ancient capitals, you’ll marvel at Beijing's royal architectures and the Great Wall, experience Buddhist culture in Datong, and discover Central Plains civilization in Luoyang and Kaifeng.
>> Recommended 13-Day Journey through China’s Ancient Capitals
Recommended Trains and Timetables
Route | Train No. | Departure | Arrival | Duration |
Chengdu → Jiuzhaigou | C16 | 08:36 | 11:11 | 2h 35min |
Jiuzhaigou → Chongqing(Transfer in Chengdu) | C9472+G8619 | 10:42 | 14:03 | 3h 21min |
Chongqing → Zhangjiajie | G2433 | 13:55 | 16:27 | 2h 32min |
Zhangjiajie → Wuhan | G1194 | 10:02 | 15:08 | 5h 6min |
Wuhan → Huangshan | G1445 | 13:30 | 16:35 | 3h 5min |
Huangshan → Shanghai | G7318 | 13:50 | 16:43 | 2h 53min |
>> Check out how to book China train tickets
2. The Silk Road Odyssey
Once, the Silk Road was a trade and cultural route paved by ancestors. Today, high-speed trains in China are racing along a familiar path. As the longest train journey in China, this route allows you to admire the Mogao Caves, witness the stunning sunset in Turpan, and experience the exotic charm of Kashgar. The International Bazaar in Urumqi is also a must-visit during the China Silk Road train tour.
>> Recommended 20-Day China Silk Road Train Tour
Recommended Trains and Timetables
Route | Train No. | Departure | Arrival | Duration |
Beijing → Datong | G2531 | 08:20 | 10:06 | 1h 46min |
Datong → Xi’an | G2455 | 10:05 | 14:53 | 4h 48min |
Xi’an → Dunhuang | D2737 | 10:21 | 21:24 | 11h 3min |
Dunhuang (Liuyuan South) → Turpan | D575 | 16:32 | 19:54 | 3h 22min |
Turpan → Kuqa | K9783 | 22:32 | 06:15 | 7h 43min |
Kuqa → Kashgar | G3154 | T9521 | 06:35 | 7h 46min |
Kashgar → Urumqi | G7259 | Z6518 | 09:00 | 11h 30min |
3. East Coastal Express
When traveling from China’s Beijing to Shanghai by train, if you wish to enjoy scenery and experience Chinese culture simultaneously, take this route. Visit the Tianjin Eye for night views, climb Mount Tai in Shandong, experience Confucian culture in Qufu, and enjoy seascapes in Yantai and Qingdao. Don't miss the romantic gardens in Suzhou before heading to Shanghai on your China train trip.
Recommended Trains and Timetables
Route | Train No. | Departure | Arrival | Duration |
Beijing → Tianjin | C2561 | 08:38 | 09:15 | 37min |
Tianjin → Tai’an (Mt. Tai) | G448 | 10:43 | 12:47 | 2h 4min |
Tai’an → Qufu | G233 | 16:57 | 17:17 | 11h 3min |
Qufu → Yantai | G5590 | 10:40 | 14:14 | 3h 14min |
Yantai → Qingdao | C6522 | 15:51 | 17:20 | 1h 29min |
Qingdao → Nanjing | D3187 | 13:08 | 17:57 | 4h 49min |
Nanjing → Suzhou | G7225 | 08:45 | 09:52 | 1h 7min |
Suzhou → Shanghai | G7103 | 08:52 | 09:25 | 33min |
4. Southeast Coast Discovery
Traveling in China by train to appreciate the scenery along the southeast coast is a unique experience. On this China train trip, you admire Guangzhou's Canton Tower and Chaozhou’s ancient architecture, and enjoy the scenery of islands in Xiamen and Fuzhou. If you love Chinese tea, try Wuyi Mountain's rock tea and Hangzhou's West Lake Longjing tea.
>> Recommended 11-Day Relaxing China Tour
Recommended Trains and Timetables
Route | Train No. | Departure | Arrival | Duration |
Hong Kong → Guangzhou | G6582 | 08:22 | 09:15 | 59min |
Guangzhou → Chaoshan (Chaozhou) | G2931 | 14:35 | 17:11 | 2h 36min |
Chaoshan → Xiamen | G3022 | 13:25 | 14:48 | 1h 23min |
Xiamen → Quanzhou | G5590 | 08:59 | 09:18 | 19min |
Quanzhou → Fuzhou | C6522 | 13:42 | 14:43 | 1h 1min |
Fuzhou → Wuyishan | G242 | 09:02 | 10:19 | 1h 17min |
Wuyishan → Ningbo (Transfer in Hangzhou) | G1636+G7519 | 13:52 | 17:55 | 4h 3min |
Ningbo → Hangzhou | G7506 | 09:04 | 09:51 | 47min |
5. Fairyland Mountains and Mysterious Landscapes
The mountains and water landscapes of China never disappoint tourists, and this China train trip is one of the most scenic routes. Starting your tour from Chengdu, the hometown of giant pandas, you will see the colorful lakes of Jiuzhaigou, the magnificent mountains of Zhangjiajie, and the peculiar pines and rocks of Mount Huang.
Recommended Trains and Timetables
Route | Train No. | Departure | Arrival | Duration |
Hong Kong → Guangzhou | G6582 | 08:22 | 09:15 | 59min |
Guangzhou → Chaoshan (Chaozhou) | G2931 | 14:35 | 17:11 | 2h 36min |
Chaoshan → Xiamen | G3022 | 13:25 | 14:48 | 1h 23min |
Xiamen → Quanzhou | G5590 | 08:59 | 09:18 | 19min |
Quanzhou → Fuzhou | C6522 | 13:42 | 14:43 | 1h 1min |
Fuzhou → Wuyishan | G242 | 09:02 | 10:19 | 1h 17min |
Wuyishan → Ningbo (Transfer in Hangzhou) | G1636+G7519 | 13:52 | 17:55 | 4h 3min |
Ningbo → Hangzhou | G7506 | 09:04 | 09:51 | 47min |
>> Recommended 15-Day Scenic & Historic China Tour
6. Minority Cultures and Landscapes
This China train journey allows you to fully experience the customs and cultures of China’s ethnic minorities. While admiring the karst mountains of Guilin, you can enjoy the Zhuang's songs and dances. Explore the Dong villages in Zhaoxing and ancient Naxi culture in Lijiang. Visit the sacred Songzanlin Monastery in Shangri-La, and your soul will be purified.
Recommended Trains and Timetables
Route | Train No. | Departure | Arrival | Duration |
Guangzhou → Guilin | G3726 | 09:02 | 11:24 | 2h 22min |
Guilin → Zhaoxing (Congjiang) | G2264 | 13:26 | 14:04 | 38min |
Zhaoxing → Guiyang | G3702 | 15:49 | 17:00 | 1h 11min |
Guiyang → Kunming | G2885 | 13:32 | 16:26 | 2h 54min |
Kunming → Dali | D8668 | 08:49 | 11:03 | 2h 14min |
Dali → Lijiang | C373 | 09:13 | 11:31 | 2h 18min |
Lijiang → Shangri-La | C87 | 13:49 | 14:59 | 1h 10min |
>> Recommended 14-Day South and West China Tour
7. Tibetan Spiritual Journey by Train
The Qinghai-Tibet Railway is a paradise for the eyes. Take a China train trip to Lhasa, during which you can visit Lanzhou for its ink-wash Danxia landform, and encounter the fairyland-like Chaka Salt Lake in Xining. Upon arriving in Lhasa, visit the sacred Potala Palace. For a deep dive into Tibetan Buddhism, head to Tashilhunpo Monastery and spin prayer wheels in Xigaze during your China Tibet train tours.
Recommended Trains and Timetables
Route | Train No. | Departure | Arrival | Duration |
Xi’an → Lanzhou | D2685 | 09:00 | 11:47 | 2h 47min |
Lanzhou → Xining | D2657 | 15:49 | 16:48 | 59min |
Xining → Lhasa | Z21 | 15:32 | 11:42 | 20h 10min |
Lhasa → Shigatse | C4391 | 08:55 | 11:35 | 2h 40min |
8. Grasslands & Desert Adventures
China boasts not only picturesque landscapes but also vast grasslands and deserts waiting to be explored. Start your train journey in China from Beijing, and the Huitengxile Grassland in Hohhot is calling you. Go camel riding and sandboarding in the Shapotou Desert of Yinchuan, which is very exciting. If you are fond of grape wines, go on a China wine tasting tour in Yinchuan and Xi’an.
Recommended Trains and Timetables
Route | Train No. | Departure | Arrival | Duration |
Beijing → Hohhot | G2491 | 08:30 | 11:01 | 2h 31min |
Hohhot → Yinchuan | K1517 | 10:20 | 19:42 | 9h 22min |
Yinchuan → Xi’an | D3539 | 13:42 | 17:09 | 3h 27min |
>> Recommended 6-Day China Grassland & Desert Discovery Tour
9. The Snowy Wonderland of the Northeast
If you travel to China from Singapore, Malaysia, or other non-snowy places, you're in luck, as you can take a China train journey to Northeast China in winter to experience its ice and snow kingdom. Feast your eyes on Shenyang's exotic architecture and Changbai Mountain's stunning snowy scenery. Harbin's winter is romantic; dive into the Ice and Snow World or ski in Yabuli for an unforgettable experience.
Recommended Trains and Timetables
Route | Train No. | Departure | Arrival | Duration |
Beijing → Shenyang | G963 | 08:50 | 11:19 | 2h 29min |
Shenyang → Changbaishan | G943 | 12:22 | 15:58 | 3h 36min |
Changbaishan→ Harbin | D535 | 14:22 | 18:18 | 3h 56min |
>> Recommended 11-Day Northeastern China Tour
10. Travel around Taiwan by Rail
Taiwan in China is also a beautiful place worth visiting. Just embark on a China train trip around the island. Along the route, you can appreciate Sun Moon Lake's enchanting scenery, visit the artistic villages in Taichung, soak in the stunning views of harbors in Kaohsiung, and taste delicious food at Jiufen’s street.
Recommended Trains and Timetables
Route | Train No. | Departure | Arrival | Duration |
Taipei → Taichung | Tze-Chiang 115 | 09:00 | 11:21 | 2h 21min |
Taichung → Tainan | Tze-Chiang 125 | 15:23 | 17:16 | 1h 53min |
Tainan → Kaohsiung | Tze-Chiang 103 | 11:00 | 11:36 | 36min |
Kaohsiung → Ruifang | Tze-Chiang 176 | 12:52 | 18:40 | 5h 48min |
Ruifang → Taipei | FLT 4013 | 08:41 | 09:21 | 40min |
>> See more China train tours or customize your own China train travel itinerary.