China’s vast railway network is not just about speed and efficiency; it’s also one of the most scenic ways to explore the country. From snow-covered plateaus and turquoise lakes to rice terraces, deserts, and coastal cities, traveling by train in China can feel like watching a living landscape documentary. Whether you’re riding a high-speed bullet train or a slow sleeper train through remote regions, these journeys offer unforgettable views right from your window. In this guide, we explore the top 10 scenic train routes in China, perfect for travelers who want to enjoy the journey as much as the destination.
1. Beijing to Lhasa (Qinghai-Tibet Railway)
The Beijing to Lhasa train journey is widely considered the most scenic and legendary train route in China, taking travelers across the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau, the highest railway in the world, and offering dramatic views of snow-capped mountains, endless grasslands, turquoise lakes, and roaming herds of yaks and antelope. The route passes through Qinghai Province and into Tibet, crossing mountain passes over 5,000 meters high, with highlights including Qinghai Lake, the Kunlun Mountains, and vast stretches of untouched wilderness. Special oxygen systems are built into the train to help passengers adjust to the high altitude, making it both a technological marvel and a visual masterpiece. For many travelers, this route is not just scenic; it is spiritual, peaceful, and deeply memorable.
2. Chengdu to Kunming
The Chengdu to Kunming train route is a journey through southwestern China’s most dramatic natural scenery, cutting through Sichuan and Yunnan provinces where mountains, rivers, valleys, and minority villages dominate the landscape. Along the way, passengers see deep gorges carved by powerful rivers like the Jinsha River, steep cliffs, dense forests, and terraced farmland clinging to mountainsides. Tunnels and bridges alternate with wide-open views, making the scenery constantly change. This route is especially beautiful in spring and summer when greenery covers the hills and clouds drift through the valleys, creating a misty, dreamlike atmosphere that feels like stepping into a traditional Chinese landscape painting.
3. Guangzhou to Guilin
The train journey from Guangzhou to Guilin is famous for its classic southern Chinese scenery, featuring rolling green hills, karst limestone peaks, winding rivers, and rice fields that stretch as far as the eye can see. As the train enters Guangxi Province, passengers begin to see Guilin’s iconic karst mountains rising sharply from the flat land, often wrapped in morning mist. Small villages, bamboo forests, and water buffalo in the fields add to the peaceful rural charm. This route is relatively short compared to others, but every minute offers postcard-worthy views, making it perfect for travelers who want a quick yet scenic train experience.
4. Xi’an to Zhangjiajie
Traveling from Xi’an to Zhangjiajie takes you from ancient history into one of China’s most otherworldly natural landscapes. Leaving Xi’an, the scenery starts with plains and farmland, gradually turning into hills, forests, and rugged terrain as the train moves south. As you approach Hunan Province, dramatic rock formations, dense forests, and winding rivers begin to dominate the view. Zhangjiajie is famous for its towering sandstone pillars that inspired the floating mountains in the movie Avatar, and the train journey prepares you for this magical landscape by slowly transitioning from everyday scenery into something truly extraordinary.
5. Harbin to Mohe
The Harbin to Mohe train route is one of China’s most unique journeys, especially in winter, when the landscape transforms into a frozen wonderland. This route in northeastern China passes through thick forests, snowy plains, frozen rivers, and small towns blanketed in white. In summer, the scenery changes completely, showing green forests, wetlands, and clear skies. Mohe is known as China’s northernmost town and a great place to see the northern lights-like aurora during strong solar activity. This route feels remote, quiet, and untouched, making it perfect for travelers who love nature, winter landscapes, and off-the-beaten-path experiences.
6. Shanghai to Xiamen
The Shanghai to Xiamen train route offers a beautiful mix of urban skylines, countryside charm, rivers, mountains, and coastal scenery. Starting in the modern megacity of Shanghai, the train quickly moves into greener regions with farmland, canals, and traditional villages. As it continues south through Zhejiang and Fujian provinces, passengers can enjoy views of rolling hills, tea plantations, forests, and sometimes even glimpses of the sea. Near Xiamen, coastal scenery becomes more common, with fishing boats, beaches, and island views appearing outside the window. This route perfectly shows the contrast between China’s modern cities and its peaceful rural and coastal life.
7. Lanzhou to Urumqi
The Lanzhou to Urumqi train journey is a classic Silk Road route that takes travelers through northwestern China’s desert and mountain landscapes. This route passes through Gansu and Xinjiang, showing vast dry plains, rocky hills, deserts, oases, and snow-capped mountains in the distance. The scenery is wide, open, and powerful, giving a strong sense of space and freedom. Along the way, you may see camels, wind farms, and small oasis towns surrounded by green farmland in the middle of dry land. It’s a perfect route for travelers who love dramatic, rugged, and less touristy scenery.
8. Kunming to Dali
The Kunming to Dali train route is short but incredibly scenic, passing through Yunnan Province’s highlands, lakes, mountains, and farmland. Outside the window, you’ll see blue skies, green fields, traditional Bai minority villages, and distant mountain ranges. As you approach Dali, the famous Cangshan Mountains rise on one side, while Erhai Lake stretches out on the other, creating a stunning natural frame. This route is especially beautiful in the early morning or late afternoon when sunlight reflects off the lake and mountains, giving everything a golden glow.
9. Chongqing to Guiyang
The Chongqing to Guiyang train route travels through the heart of southwestern China’s mountainous region, filled with deep valleys, rivers, bridges, tunnels, and green hills. Chongqing itself is already famous for its dramatic cityscape built on hills and surrounded by rivers, and once the train leaves the city, the scenery becomes even more impressive. You’ll see terraced fields, waterfalls after heavy rain, forests, and traditional villages hidden in valleys. This route is especially scenic during the rainy season when mist floats between mountains, creating a mysterious and romantic atmosphere.
10. Beijing to Qingdao
The Beijing to Qingdao train route offers a pleasant mix of northern China’s farmland, rivers, small towns, and coastal scenery. Starting in the capital, the train heads east through Hebei and Shandong provinces, where you’ll see wheat fields, cornfields, rivers, and traditional villages. As you get closer to Qingdao, the landscape changes, with hills, vineyards, and finally the blue sea appearing. Qingdao is famous for its beaches, German-style architecture, and fresh seafood, and arriving by train while watching the sea appear outside your window is a beautiful way to begin your visit.
Conclusion
China’s scenic train routes are more than just transportation; they are unforgettable travel experiences. From the world’s highest railway to peaceful rice fields, deserts, snowy forests, and tropical coasts, these top 10 scenic train routes in China show the country’s incredible natural and cultural diversity. Whether you’re a nature lover, photographer, slow traveler, or first-time visitor, adding at least one scenic train journey to your China travel plan will give you memories that last a lifetime.