The Shangri-La Express allows guests to experience the exquisite scenery of China, such as the ancient wonders of the mysterious Orient, the treasures of the Tarim Basin, the Gobi Desert, and the Mogao’s Buddhist cave. It is the most modern hotel train in China, and despite the welcome amenity of air conditioning, it retains the romantic notion associated with the Shangri-La name and is traditionally decorated transporting guests back to an era befitting many of their travels. The accommodation echoes this ethos, ensuring guests every comfort is met. The food prepared by the chefs in the restaurant car is world class, and the Piano bar has a wide selection of high quality wines and beers in addition to other drinks. Not only are personal headsets offered in addition to an experienced guide for each external tour, but laundry service, internet access and an on-board doctor and medical facilities are also available.
Location: The Golden Eagle Shangri-La Express offers guests the opportunity to explore the stunning and diverse locations of Tibet, The Silk Road and Inner Mongolia.
History: Formerly the China Orient Express, the Shangri-La Express began operating in 1985 and allows guests to discover the mysterious Orient in comfort and style.
Service: Guests can be confident of receiving impeccable service whilst being made to feel relaxed and comfortable even when traveling in such a remote part of the world.
The Shangri-La Express offers 80 comfortable, first-class sleeping cabins, providing guests with a relaxing space in which to retreat. Each cabin is tastefully decorated, yet contains all the modern comforts guests require. The abundant shower car is located in the middle of the train - complimentary robes, towels and slippers are provided for guests in their cabins.
The classic twin bed rooms are elegant 38-square-foot cabins stylishly appointed with mahogany furniture and pure wool carpeting. Two bunk-style twin beds transform into loungers during the day, allowing for extra space when it’s needed. Each cabin is modern and air conditioned, complete with a small Pullman table and armchair – ideal for relaxing with a good book whilst keeping an eye on the beautiful scenery passing by.
No detail has been overlooked by the Shangri-La to ensure that guests are fully taken care of on their voyage. In addition to the live music played in the piano bar each evening, guests can relax in the knowledge that a luggage porterage and doctor are on board and have the benefit of personal headsets to enhance any tour.
Although guests are encouraged to relax during the journey, the Golden Eagle Shangri-La Express has full internet access to allow guests to remain connected.
An on-board laundry service is provided for guests’ convenience, available at an additional cost.
A luggage porterage is on-hand to assist guests with all of their bags from the very start of each journey
A qualified doctor is on call 24 hours a day and full medical facilities are also on board.
Each external tour is led by a highly-experienced and knowledgeable tour guide, however personal headsets will also be provided to each guest during any external excursion, allowing guests to wander if something catches their eye without missing any of the fascinating commentary.
Mixing East with West, the Shangri-La Express offers fabulous cuisines prepared by only the top chefs using the best available locally-sourced ingredients. The spacious restaurant cars allow guests to indulge in the tastiest of dishes whilst enjoying the magnificent views passing by.
Mineral water, tea and coffee are served 24 hours a day in cabins as well as a courtesy daily seasonal fruit basket which is replenished daily, allowing guests to sample local fruits.
In the evening, guests can visit the fabulous piano bar car, and sit back to enjoy the music over a drink – the bar offers an extensive selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. The talented resident pianist will continue to play until the last guest decides that it is time to leave.
A western breakfast is served daily with cereal, fresh seasonal fruit, eggs cooked to individual guests’ specification and a selection of fresh bread. Guests will be treated to different styles of Chinese cooking such as Cantonese and Szechuan, to enjoy for lunch and dinner. High-quality wine and beer are included, along with soft drinks.
With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.
An Asia-focused magazine brought to you by Remote Lands - a platform for adventure, luxury, and authenticity from experts and explorers around the continent.
Here is a small selection of the kind words our clients have said about us recently.
Remote Lands planned our fifteen-day, four-city China Singapore trip perfectly! They knew the ins and outs of Asia's first ever night-time F1 street race - no small feat.
