Golden Eagle Luxury Trains is returning to China with a new series of journeys aboard its Golden Eagle Silk Road Express, according to railwaygazette.com.

The operator, known for high-end tourist rail travel, will run its first Chinese itineraries since 2019. The inaugural trip, named Undiscovered Horizons of China, departs on September 12 and takes guests from Urumqi to Lhasa.

The train offers all en suite accommodation with marble-finished bathrooms, two restaurant cars, a bar car and an observation car. The premium Han Dynasty Suite includes a private bathtub.

Product Development Director James Masterson described the return as one of the most important developments in the company’s recent history. He said the response has been extraordinary, with every 2026 departure sold out and 2027 already nearing capacity.

‘These journeys combine remarkable destinations, immersive cultural experiences and the exceptional hospitality for which Golden Eagle is known’, Masterson added.

The company’s flagship Grand Silk Road itinerary connects China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. It uses both the Golden Eagle Express and Silk Road Express luxury trains in a 22 to 25 day journey through five countries.

The operator noted that with currently no luxury 5-star hotels in Central Asia, Golden Eagle is providing a wave of new high net worth travellers to this developing region.

Golden Eagle Luxury Trains has a history of operating long-distance luxury rail tours across Asia and Europe. Its return to China marks a significant step for the company’s expansion in the region.

The Undiscovered Horizons of China journey is expected to showcase the landscapes and cultural heritage along the route, from the western city of Urumqi to the Tibetan capital Lhasa.

Further details on additional 2027 departures have not yet been released, but the operator indicated that capacity is filling quickly.

Railwaygazette.com reported the news on August 10, 2026.