【2026 Silk Road Express】Southern Yunnan Impressions

Silk Road Express

Southern Yunnan Impressions

Spanning Chengdu, Xishuangbanna, Shiping and Kunming, this journey unveils southern Yunnan's lush tropical charm and storied railway heritage. Highlights include pristine rainforest treks, a nostalgic narrow-gauge rail ride, ancient town explorations and heritage museum visits, paired with Michelin-caliber dining throughout.

Daily Itinerary

Manual

Chengdu
Xishuangbanna
Kunming
Kunming

Day 1

Chengdu → Xishuangbanna
- - Afternoon
    Arrive at Chengdu West Railway Station at least 40 minutes prior to departure, then board the luxury Silk Road Express with valid identification to commence your bespoke Yunnan journey.
  - Early Evening
    Savor an exquisite welcome dinner crafted to Michelin-level culinary standards, paired with a curated assortment of fine wines and premium beverages, as rolling countryside vistas unfold beyond your window.
  - Evening
    Join our signature cocktail reception in the elegant lounge bar to enjoy handcrafted signature drinks. Alternatively, retreat to the panoramic observation car for a classic film screening, immersed in the timeless romance of luxury overnight rail travel.
- Dinner
Day 2

Xishuangbanna → Shiping
- - Morning
    After a leisurely breakfast on board, take a scenic 1-hour transfer into Xishuangbanna's untouched tropical rainforest. Accompanied by an expert resident naturalist, follow shaded trails beneath ancient tree canopies to discover iconic rainforest flora including giant buttress roots, twisting lianas and primeval tree ferns, accompanied by the natural symphony of native wildlife.
  - Midday
    Indulge in a curated light lunch crafted with fresh local seasonal ingredients, served within the heart of the rainforest.
  - Afternoon
    Continue your immersive nature experience with a gentle stream walk, deepening your connection to one of China's most biodiverse landscapes in a serene, uncrowded setting, before returning to the train bound for Shiping.
  - Evening
    Dine on a refined seasonal menu aboard the train as you glide through southern Yunnan's after-dark landscapes.
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Day 3

Shiping → Kunming
- - Morning
    Following breakfast on board, join an exclusive guided tour of the Shiping Railway Museum. Vintage tickets, archival photography, historic rail artefacts and personal memorabilia chronicle the golden age of Yunnan's narrow-gauge heritage. Stand beside a full-scale Baldwin steam locomotive replica, then explore Shiping Ancient Town to visit the former residence of scholar Yuan Jiagu and the historic Confucian Temple.
  - Lunch
    Experience an exclusive long-table gastronomic event at the heritage Shiping Railway Station, where premium Yunnan seasonal produce is elevated with French culinary artistry in a one-of-a-kind historic setting.
  - Afternoon
    Board the nostalgic Yilong narrow-gauge train for a scenic journey through southern Yunnan's rolling countryside, gliding past the shimmering shores of Yilong Lake and picture-perfect traditional villages.
  - Evening
    Rejoin the Silk Road Express and savor a refined dinner service as the train travels onward to Kunming.
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Day 4

Arrival in Kunming | Journey Concludes
- - Morning
    Enjoy a leisurely, chef-prepared breakfast aboard the train while taking in the evolving landscapes of central Yunnan. Upon arrival in Kunming, disembark the Silk Road Express, bringing your luxury southern Yunnan rail journey to a close. Guests may arrange their own onward travel.
- Breakfast