Silk Road Express Luxury Train
Hidden Wonders of Southwest China
4D3N - Kunming - Shenzen
Karst Peaks to Border Falls: Southwest China by Luxury Train
Hidden Wonders of Southwest China is a 4-day, 3-night luxury train journey on the Silk Road Express, from Kunming to Shenzhen. It departs on 12 December 2026, with every night spent on board. Along the way you visit Bouyei villages in Guizhou, the karst peaks of Wanfenglin and Detian Waterfall on the China–Vietnam border.
This is a softer, greener side of China that many visitors never see. In four days the train crosses Yunnan, Guizhou, Guangxi and Guangdong, through karst country where limestone peaks rise straight out of the rice fields. The sights lie hundreds of kilometres apart, but the train covers that ground while you sleep, and each morning starts close to the next one.
The days are spent outdoors at an easy pace. You cycle between Bouyei stilt houses and old banyan trees, then walk among the peaks of Wanfenglin, the "forest of ten thousand peaks".
The next day you take a bamboo raft towards a waterfall shared with Vietnam. Each evening you return to the same suite, with dinner on board and a drink in the lounge bar to follow. It makes an easy first luxury train journey, or a short break before or after a stay in Hong Kong.
Silk Road Express Itinerary
Kunming to Shenzhen
4D3N
Departure — Kunming Arrival — Shenzen
01 / 04
Silk Road Express
Inclusion
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Admission
First-entry tickets, scenic area shuttle transport, and experiential activities as per itinerary.
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Vehicle
Destination Transfers. For Grand Suite Guests: Exclusive 7-seater MPV. For Family/Twin/King Room Guests: Bus (arrangements are subject to availability)
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Supporting Staffs
Dedicated tourism ambassador & professional photographer throughout the journey
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Meals
3 breakfasts and 5 main meals included.
Silk Road Express
Facilities
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Room
Nightly Bed Turndown Service, Unlimited Mini Bar Access
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Languages
Our onboard team brings together four nationalities and multiple languages, providing personalised multilingual assistance and dedicated 24-hour butler service throughout your journey. English-Speaking guides is also available throughout the sightseeing.
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Onboard Luxury Services
Benefit from around-the-clock Suite butler service, daily housekeeping, evening turndown, welcome amenities, panoramic lounge carriage and elegant social spaces.
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Dedicated & Attentive Crew
A dedicated team of destination ambassadors, onboard attendants and local specialists provides attentive, personalised service throughout your adventure.
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VIP Touring Experiences
Benefit from priority access, VIP reception, exclusive cultural experiences and specially curated activities* designed to make every destination more rewarding. *Available at selected participating attractions.
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Wi-Fi
Complimentary throughout the journey.
Silk Road Express
Train Details
Nights
Distance
Cabins
Carriages
- Routes
- 9
- Season
- April – December
- Cabin size
- 11–22m²
Silk Road Express
Train Map & Sections
deluxe suite, twin · day-time mode
Carriages 2–7 · 20 deluxe suites
Deluxe Suite · Twin
Elegant shared space, ideal for traveling companions. 2 day time single sofas turned into two single beds at night. Private bathroom laid out with toilets, wash bassin and a large shower. Minibar included.
Suite details
- Suites
- 20
- Suite size
- 11 m²
- Bathroom
- Private, 2.5 m²
- Seating
- 2 single armchairs
- Armchair
- 66.5 × 40 cm
Bathroom & amenities
- 2.5 m² private bathroom with separate wet and dry areas
- TOTO smart toilet
- Aesop bath products, Dyson hairdryer and children’s toiletries
- Serta bedding and a DOMETIC drawer refrigerator
silk road kitchen · dining carriage
Carriages 8–9 · Dining carriages
Silk Road Kitchen & Lumen
Silk Road Kitchen is a vibrant expression of Chinese cuisine shaped by the flavours, ingredients and culinary traditions encountered along the Silk Road. Warm, convivial and open-kitchen led, it brings guests closer to the craft and energy behind every dish. Lumen is the train’s cosmopolitan dining room: a quietly glamorous space where international cuisine meets the romance of rail travel. Guided by the shifting light, the experience feels composed, intimate and effortlessly social, with an open kitchen at its centre.
Dining carriages
- Carriages
- 8-9
- Cuisine
- Chinese & international
On the table
- Antique British silverware
- Bespoke Jingdezhen porcelain
- Alain Saint-Joanis cutlery
- Nachtmann crystal glassware
star palace lounge carriage
Carriage 10 · Lounge & guest entrance
Star Palace Lounge Carriage
The Star Palace Lounge offers a relaxed and elegant setting to unwind during the journey. Enjoy handcrafted cocktails, connect with fellow travellers and watch the landscapes unfold beyond the window as the train travels through China. Design inspired by Han Dynasty ceremonial carriages, featuring a distinctive double-door entrance. Expansive social space for like-minded travelers
Good to know
- Guest entrance
- Double doors
- Piano
- Blüthner, Germany
- Evenings
- Cocktails & salons
deluxe suite, king · day-time mode
Carriages 11–12 · 8 deluxe suites
Deluxe Suite · King
A daytime two-seater sofa that your butler turns into a large double bed each evening. Private bathroom laid out with toilets, wash bassin and a large shower. Minibar included.
Suite details
- Suites
- 8
- Suite size
- 11 m²
- Bathroom
- Private, 2.5 m²
- Sofa
- 2-seater
- Sofa size
- 170 × 73 cm
Bathroom & amenities
- 2.5 m² private bathroom with separate wet and dry areas
- TOTO smart toilet
- Aesop bath products, Dyson hairdryer and children’s toiletries
- Serta bedding and a DOMETIC drawer refrigerator
deluxe suite, family · day-time mode
Carriages 15–16 · 8 deluxe suites
Deluxe Suite · Family
A two-seater sofa and space for a child to play by day. Large bed and a dedicated child's bed by night, arranged by your butler in the evening. Private bathroom laid out with toilets, wash bassin and a large shower. Minibar included.
Suite details
- Suites
- 8
- Suite size
- 11 m²
- Bathroom
- Private, 2.5 m²
- Sofa
- 2-seater
- Sofa size
- 170 × 73 cm
Bathroom & amenities
- 2.5 m² private bathroom with separate wet and dry areas
- TOTO smart toilet
- Aesop bath products, Dyson hairdryer and children’s toiletries
- Serta bedding and a DOMETIC drawer refrigerator
grand suite · bedroom
Carriage 17 · 2 grand suites
Grand Suite
A separate bedroom, and an expansive bathroom with a double washing bassin and a bathtub set against the window. Every meal can be taken in the suite whenever you prefer it. Laundry and mini bar are included.
Suite details
- Suites
- 2
- Suite size
- 22 m²
- Bed
- King, 1.8 × 2 m
- Sofa
- 2-seater, 200 × 73 cm
Bathroom & amenities
- Large bathroom with double vanity and window-side bathtub
- THG Paris fixtures
- Aesop bath products, STENDERS bath salts and a Dyson hairdryer
- In-suite dining for breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Hermès tissue boxes, trays and tea caddies
- Complimentary laundry allowance; your butler has the details
the han observation carriage · by day
Carriage 18 · Observation & leisure
The Han Observation Carriage
A panoramic space inspired by the cultural legacy of the Han Dynasty, where guests can observe the changing landscapes of the Silk Road by day and settle into an immersive evening atmosphere after dark.
Good to know
- Windows
- 270° panoramic
- By day
- Observation gallery
- By night
- Cinema
- Leisure
- Karaoke · cigars · mahjong
Private leisure spaces
- The Karaoke & Cigar Room
- The Four Winds mahjong area
- One free hour of karaoke and one at the mahjong tables for every suite
Silk Road Express
Room Types
Grand Suites
- 2 Cabins
- 22 m²
- King Bed
Timeless Grandeur
Separate living area, window-side bathtub, double vanity, with in-suite dining service.
A separate bedroom, and an expansive bathroom with a double washing bassin and a bathtub set against the window. Every meal can be taken in the suite whenever you prefer it. Laundry and mini bar are included.
Deluxe Suite King
- 8 Cabins
- 11 m²
- King Bed
Changle Serenity Cabin
Refined comfort - by day a space for views and conversation, by night a restful retreat.
A daytime two-seater sofa that your butler turns into a large double bed each evening. Private bathroom laid out with toilets, wash bassin and a large shower. Minibar included.
Deluxe Suite Family
- 8 Cabins
- 11 m²
- King Bed + Child Bed
Changle Bliss Cabin
A child’s bed is thoughtfully provided, allowing families to share warm and effortless moments.
A two-seater sofa and space for a child to play by day. Large bed and a dedicated child's bed by night, arranged by your butler in the evening. Private bathroom laid out with toilets, wash bassin and a large shower. Minibar included.
Deluxe Suite Twin
- 20 Cabins
- 11 m²
- 2 Single Beds
Changle Effulgent Cabin
Elegant shared space, ideal for traveling companions.
Two day time single sofas turned into two single beds at night. Private bathroom laid out with toilets, wash bassin and a large shower. Minibar included.
Silk Road Express
Available Departure Dates
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun |
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| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | |
| 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 13 | |
| 14 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | |
| 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 |
| 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 | |||
- Available
- Selected
- Sold out
Why Book With CRUISELECT?
CRUISELECT is a travel agency specialising in luxury cruises and luxury train journeys. Book with us and a dedicated advisor curates your whole journey around your special requests, from the suite you choose to the anniversary you want to celebrate on board.
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Curated Around You
We only recommend ships and trains we have vetted ourselves. Your advisor then matches the route, suite and dates to the way you like to travel.
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Your Special Requests
A birthday on board, a dietary need or an accessible suite? Tell us once. We share each request with the operator before you travel and follow it through.
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Direct Partner Access
We work directly with Belmond, Orient Express, Explora Journeys, Aman and Four Seasons, so your advisor checks suites, dates and requests with the operators themselves.
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Extra Benefits
Booking with us can unlock onboard credit, amenities or a limited-time offer on selected cruises. Your advisor will tell you what applies to your dates. Terms and conditions apply.
How Do I Book a Luxury Cruise?
Booking with CRUISELECT takes four steps. Tell your dedicated advisor your dates, budget and special requests, and we curate a shortlist of cruises and luxury train journeys to suit. Once you choose, we secure your suite, pass each request to the operator and stay on hand until you are home.
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Consult
Contact a CRUISELECT advisor with your dates, budget and who is travelling. Mention every special request, however small.
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Curate
We shortlist the ships, trains and suites that suit you, and shape the itinerary around your requests. You review it and change anything until it feels right.
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Confirm
When you are happy, we reserve your suite and pass your requests to the operator. You receive a clear booking summary, including payment and cancellation terms.
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Cruise
Board with everything arranged. Your advisor stays in touch throughout the journey and is ready to plan the next one when you return.
