China · TRAIN EXPERIENCES

15 Rail Journeys in China Worth Booking

69 tours  ·  from $28 a head

The 15 best rail journeys you can book today, with what each costs, how long it runs and who it suits. Number one is top for a reason; start there.

Suzhou Private Day Trip from Shanghai with Bullet Train Option - Starting from your Shanghai hotel
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Suzhou Private Day Trip from Shanghai with Bullet Train Option

1.Suzhou Private Day Trip from Shanghai with Bullet Train Option

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 366 reviews · from $193Our pick

Travel from Shanghai to Suzhou with a private guide such as Annie, Roy, Melinda, or Sammi. Choose a private car, bullet train, or both, then see Humble Administrator’s Garden, Pingjiang Road, Tiger Hill, and Shantang Street. Add lunch, garden admission, and a canal boat for a more complete day.

“We have a great guide, Annie. She is knowledgeable. We learnt a lot from her, especially the meaning behind the beautiful Chinese language and China history.”

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Private Suzhou Day Trip from Shanghai by Bullet Train with All Inclusive Option - Pingjiang Road by rickshaw
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Private Suzhou Day Trip from Shanghai by Bullet Train with All Inclusive Option

2.Private Suzhou Day Trip from Shanghai by Bullet Train with All Inclusive Option

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 283 reviews · from $220

Travel from Shanghai to Suzhou by bullet train with a private guide such as Caroline, Jane, Berlin, or Queena. Visit the Humble Administrator’s Garden, Pingjiang Road, Panmen Gate, Shantang Street, and the Grand Canal. The all-inclusive option adds entry fees, a rickshaw ride, and a canal boat trip.

“Very enjoyable tour. Caroline explained a lot about Suzhou and broader China history. She was very reactive to our questions and went all the way to answer them, be that about the historical site or useful tips for our later days in Shanghai.”

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Beijing to Xi'an See Terracotta Warriors with Bullet Train Round Trip Transfer - The 6:30am Beijing pickup
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Beijing to Xi’an See Terracotta Warriors with Bullet Train Round Trip Transfer

3.Beijing to Xi’an See Terracotta Warriors with Bullet Train Round Trip Transfer

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 238 reviews · from $564

You leave Beijing at 6:30am, ride the G91 bullet train to Xi'an, and meet a private guide such as Serena, Alice, Lily, or Bo. A private car takes you to the Terracotta Warriors for an afternoon tour, local Biang Biang noodles, and a return train to Beijing. Cathy coordinates the day by WhatsApp.

“Amazing tour to experience 2000 years old history. The terracotta warriors is a must visit site. Cathy and Lily are excellent tour guides.”

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Flexible Hangzhou Private Tour from Shanghai by Bullet Train - West Lake by boat and on foot
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Flexible Hangzhou Private Tour from Shanghai by Bullet Train

4.Flexible Hangzhou Private Tour from Shanghai by Bullet Train

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 220 reviews · from $276

Travel from Shanghai to Hangzhou with a private guide such as Caroline, Berlin, Queena, or Lin. The 10 to 11-hour day includes hotel pickup in central Shanghai, bullet train tickets, a private car, local lunch, West Lake, and Longjing tea country. Check the package carefully, since the boat ride and attraction admission may require the all-inclusive upgrade.

“Caroline was a fantastic guide!! Saw so many amazing sits, helped us get the best shots. The day was fantastic, would recommend this trip to everyone.”

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Shanghai: Southern Great Wall Day Trip by Bullet Train - The bullet train is part of the day
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Shanghai: Southern Great Wall Day Trip by Bullet Train

5.Southern Great Wall Day Trip by Bullet Train

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 179 reviews · 13 hours - 1 day · from $399

Travel from Shanghai to Linhai by high-speed train for a private day of wall walking, East Lake views, local food, and old-town streets. Your English-speaking guide, often guides such as Summer, Emma, Jenny, or Jordan, handles the train, transfers, lunch, and translation. Expect a long but well-organized 13-hour day with stairs and plenty of walking.

“Excellent service from hotel pick up to hotel return. Emma had a lot of relevant info to share and is fluent in english.”

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Shanghai: All-Inclusive Suzhou Day Trip by Bullet Train - Leaving Shanghai by bullet train
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Shanghai: All-Inclusive Suzhou Day Trip by Bullet Train

6.All-Inclusive Suzhou Day Trip by Bullet Train

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 137 reviews · 9 hours · from $288

Travel from Shanghai to Suzhou by bullet train with a private English-speaking guide, then visit the Humble Administrator’s Garden, take a canal boat and private rickshaw, eat a local lunch, and explore Panmen Gate and Shantang Street. Guides such as Caroline, Berlin, Lulu, and Nini are praised for clear explanations and flexible pacing.

“The day to Suzhou was fantastic. The weather this time of year was raining and cold; however the day trip was really good. Caroline was a great guide! Caroline explained the history and significance of many things in the Garden and Suzhou. Our lunch was amazing - the best meal I have had in China. I highly recommend this tour, I had a great time!”

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Shanghai: Southern Great Wall Day Trip by Bullet Train - The bullet train is part of the day
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Shanghai: Southern Great Wall Day Trip by Bullet Train

7.Southern Great Wall Day Trip by Bullet Train

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 124 reviews · from $399

Travel from Shanghai to Linhai by bullet train on a private day trip with hotel pickup, lunch, a local guide, and return transfers. Visit East Lake, walk the Jiangnan Great Wall, and explore Ziyang Old Street. Guides including Summer, Emma, Jordan, Jenny, and Li have earned praise for their care and flexibility.

“This is a wonderful way to learn and understand some historical and meaningful information about chinese culture and philosophy of life. Great day with many detail informations and a very well organized tour! Its a must!!! Thank you!!”

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Shanghai: Private Guided Tour to Hangzhou by Bullet Train - West Lake by foot and boat
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Shanghai: Private Guided Tour to Hangzhou by Bullet Train

8.Private Guided Tour to Hangzhou by Bullet Train

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 108 reviews · 9 hours · from $314

Travel from Shanghai to Hangzhou by private car and one-hour bullet train, then explore West Lake by boat, walk through Longjing tea country, enjoy a local lunch and tasting, and visit Lingyin Temple. Guides such as Caroline, Berlin, Queena, and Lin are praised for strong English, careful timing, and flexible planning.

“Great day tour from Shanghai. Our guide Berlin was very nice and knowledgeable, she made the day very enjoyable and we learned a lot. We recommend her to everybody when in Shangai!”

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Hangzhou Private Customized Day Trip from Shanghai by Bullet Train - From your Shanghai hotel to Hangzhou by bullet train
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Hangzhou Private Customized Day Trip from Shanghai by Bullet Train

9.Hangzhou Private Customized Day Trip from Shanghai by Bullet Train

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 95 reviews · from $275

Travel from Shanghai to Hangzhou by 2nd-class bullet train on a private day trip with hotel pickup, a guide, and a private car. Visit Feilai Peak, Lingyin Temple, Longjing tea fields, West Lake, and Hefang Street. Choose the lunch and entrance-fee option if you want the simplest day.

“Everything was great. There wasn't anything to complain about the trip Especially our guide Lily was very knowledgeable and helpful . I immediately recommend to my friends!”

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Arrival Transfer by High-Speed Maglev Train: Shanghai Pudong International Airport to Hotel - The eight-minute ride to Longyang Road
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Arrival Transfer by High-Speed Maglev Train: Shanghai Pudong International Airport to Hotel

10.Arrival Transfer by High-Speed Maglev Train: Shanghai Pudong International Airport to Hotel

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 58 reviews · from $78

Meet your English-speaking representative at Pudong Airport, walk to the Maglev station, and ride 32 kilometers to Longyang Road in about eight minutes. A private vehicle then takes you to your Shanghai hotel. The service is private, flexible, and useful for first-time arrivals, though you must handle luggage through the station.

“A great and fast service to Shanghai ! A must do, at least for once.”

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Private Day Tour: Suzhou Incredible Highlights from Shanghai by Car or Train - Panmen Gate and the old city walls
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Private Day Tour: Suzhou Incredible Highlights from Shanghai by Car or Train

11.Private Day Tour: Suzhou Incredible Highlights from Shanghai by Car or Train

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 47 reviews · from $209

You’ll travel from Shanghai to Suzhou by private car, with an optional high-speed train, a personal guide, and a flexible schedule. See Panmen Gate, Shantang Street, the Suzhou Silk Museum, and the 14th-century Master-of-Nets Garden. Guides may include Apple, Portia, Nora, Patty, or Celine, subject to availability.

“A very beautiful experience! Portia was an amazing guide, very well informed and very nice. We could choose exactly what we wanted to see and learned a lot about Chinese culture and way of living. The lunch was typical Chinese food in picturesque environment. The trip in the car was very comfortable. We enjoyed the tour very very much!!! Thank you!!!”

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Suzhou Private Guided Day Trip from Shanghai by Bullet Train - The morning train from Shanghai to Suzhou
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Suzhou Private Guided Day Trip from Shanghai by Bullet Train

12.Suzhou Private Guided Day Trip from Shanghai by Bullet Train

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 46 reviews · 9 hours · from $218

Travel from downtown Shanghai to Suzhou in about 30 minutes by bullet train, then explore a famous classical garden, canal streets, Tiger Hill, and the Grand Canal by boat. Your private English-speaking guide, such as Melinda, Roy, Shirley, Annie, or Sammi, can adjust the day to suit your interests.

“It was a great tour! The bullet train, the extra history background, the city, Roy as a guide was also very fluent and helpful in understanding the history as well as showing us some extras! I can only recommend this tour and Roy too. A must do if you are around Shanghai.”

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Beijing to Datong See YunGang Cave, Hanging Temple (Bullet Train) - Three Hours Among the Yungang Grottoes
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Beijing to Datong See YunGang Cave, Hanging Temple (Bullet Train)

13.Beijing to Datong See YunGang Cave, Hanging Temple (Bullet Train)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 39 reviews · from $416

Travel from Beijing to Datong by early bullet train with guide Cathy or a local Datong guide such as George or Tracy. Visit the 1,500-year-old Yungang Grottoes, eat a local lunch, then climb to the remarkable Hanging Temple. Round-trip rail tickets, transfers, entrance fees, car service, and lunch are included.

“Cathy was fabulous in helping on all the details the same regarding the guide in Datong. A true experience of how beautiful and diverse China has to offer in terms of tourism. And now with the new high-speed train a very comfortable day trip from Beijing. Highly recommended.”

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Round-trip Transfer by High-Speed Maglev Train: Shanghai Pudong International Airport - Meeting your guide at Pudong Airport
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Round-trip Transfer by High-Speed Maglev Train: Shanghai Pudong International Airport

14.Round-trip Transfer by High-Speed Maglev Train: Shanghai Pudong International Airport

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 36 reviews · from $148

Meet an English-speaking guide at Pudong Airport, ride the Maglev to Longyang Road in about eight minutes, then continue by private vehicle to your Shanghai hotel. The return service works in reverse. Guides such as Tom, Michael, Tracy, and Ruth have helped make arrivals and departures easier, but luggage and the $148.99 price deserve careful thought.

“A great way to get from the airport to the city centre. We had a great guide who spoke very good English and who was very helpful, both in getting us to our hotel and then returning us to the airport.”

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LUXURY Bullet Train: Private Hangzhou Day Trip From Shanghai - Why the Shanghai to Hangzhou train is the right start
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LUXURY Bullet Train: Private Hangzhou Day Trip From Shanghai

15.LUXURY Bullet Train: Private Hangzhou Day Trip From Shanghai

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 34 reviews · from $234

Travel from Shanghai to Hangzhou by first, business, or second class bullet train, then tour West Lake, Lingyin Temple, Amanfayun, Meijiawu tea village, and Southern Song Imperial Street with a private English-speaking guide. Choose lunch at a local restaurant or tea farmer’s home, with optional Shanghai hotel transfers.

“We enjoyed our trip to see and walk around the West Lake. The boat ride was relaxing. The tea room was informative.”

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New in Train Experiences

★ 5.0Private Mutianyu Great Wall Tour with Bullet Train ExperienceFrom $2993 reviews
★ 5.0Private Flexible Nanjing City Day Trip from Shanghai by Bullet TrainFrom $29810 reviews
★ 5.0Private Day Trip to Hangzhou from Shanghai by Bullet TrainFrom $35813 reviews
★ 5.0Private Day Trip to Suzhou from Shanghai by Bullet TrainFrom $2889 reviews
★ 5.0Private Arrival Transfer from Hongqiao Railway Station to Shanghai CityFrom $316 reviews
★ 5.02-Day Private Beijing Highlights from Shanghai by Bullet TrainFrom $5886 reviews
★ 5.0Hangzhou Jiuxi and Hupao Spring Hiking Day Trip from Shanghai by Bullet TrainFrom $2455 reviews
★ 5.02-Day:Beijing Great Wall fromShanghai by Bullet Train&Private CarFrom $3204 reviews
★ 5.0Flexible Private Suzhou Day Trip from Shanghai by Bullet TrainFrom $1989 reviews
★ 5.02-Day Unlimited Private Trip to Suzhou and Hangzhou by Bullet Train from ShanghaiFrom $46810 reviews
★ 5.02-Day Beijing Private Tour Including Great Wall from Shanghai by Bullet TrainFrom $77312 reviews
★ 5.0Flexible Suzhou Private Day Tour from Nanjing by Bullet TrainFrom $2453 reviews
★ 5.0Day Tour to Shenzhen from Hong Kong by High Speed Bullet TrainFrom $1776 reviews
★ 5.0Hong Kong One Day Private Tour from Guangzhou by Bullet TrainFrom $4803 reviews
★ 5.0Private Shenzhen Day Trip from Guangzhou by Roundway Bullet TrainFrom $4006 reviews

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