Best Train Journeys Around the World in Zhangye, China

1. Qinghai-Tibet Railway

Experience the world's highest railway, traversing the Tibetan Plateau with stunning views of snow-capped mountains and grasslands.

High Altitude: Travel over 5000 meters above sea level.
Unique Landscapes: Witness diverse landscapes like deserts, grasslands, and snow-capped mountains.
Cultural Immersion: Get a glimpse of Tibetan culture along the way.

Travel through the breathtaking Danxia Landforms in Zhangye, featuring colorful sandstone landscapes and unique rock formations.

Natural Wonders: Explore the unique geological formations.
Photography Opportunities: Capture stunning images of the colorful landscapes.
Local Culture: Interact with the local Hui and Tibetan communities.

Journey across the vast deserts of Xinjiang, witnessing nomadic culture and experiencing the mysterious beauty of this remote region.

Travel through the Hexi Corridor, a historical trade route connecting China and Central Asia, with views of ancient Buddhist cave art.

Historical Significance: Follow in the footsteps of ancient Silk Road traders.
Cultural Artifacts: Visit the well-preserved Buddhist cave art along the way.
Scenic Beauty: Enjoy the stunning landscapes and mountain vistas.

Cross the vast Qilian Mountains and visit the sacred Labrang Monastery in Xiahe, a center of Tibetan Buddhism.

Travel through the ancient Yumen Pass, a strategic military point on the Silk Road, with views of the stunning Gobi Desert.

Historical Significance: Follow in the footsteps of ancient Silk Road traders.
Desert Landscapes: Witness the ever-changing landscapes of the Gobi Desert.
Archaeological Sites: Visit ancient caravanserais and archaeological sites along the way.

Travel through the stunning Tianshan Grand Canyon, featuring deep gorges, lush forests, and the ancient city of Turpan.

Natural Wonders: Explore the breathtaking Tianshan Grand Canyon.
Cultural Immersion: Experience Uighur culture in the ancient city of Turpan.
Scenic Beauty: Enjoy the stunning landscapes and mountain vistas.

Journey across the vast Taklimakan Desert to Lhasa, experiencing diverse landscapes and Tibetan culture along the way.

Remote Regions: Explore some of China's most secluded areas.
Desert Landscapes: Witness the ever-changing landscapes of the Taklimakan Desert.
Cultural Immersion: Get a glimpse of Tibetan culture along the way.

Travel through the Qaidam Basin, a vast and remote high-altitude plateau teeming with wildlife and geothermal springs.

Wildlife Opportunities: Spot rare wildlife like the Tibetan antelope.
High Altitude: Travel over 5000 meters above sea level.
Natural Landscapes: Witness diverse landscapes like grasslands, wetlands, and geothermal springs.

Traverse the Tanggula Mountains, the world's highest mountain pass open to traffic, on this incredible journey.

Cross the Helan Mountains and visit the Mingsha Shan (Echo-Sand Mountain) and Crescent Lake, natural wonders of Zhangye Danxia Landform.

Natural Wonders: Explore the breathtaking Mingsha Shan and Crescent Lake.
Photography Opportunities: Capture stunning images of the colorful sand dunes and landscapes.
Local Culture: Interact with local Hui and Tibetan communities.

Journey through the Kunlun Mountains, a remote and challenging landscape with unique Tibetan Buddhist culture.

Remote Regions: Explore some of China's most secluded areas.
Mountain Scenery: Witness the majestic Kunlun Mountains.
Cultural Immersion: Get a glimpse of Tibetan Buddhist culture along the way.

Journey through the vast Gobi Desert and Tianshan Mountains, experiencing diverse landscapes and ancient Silk Road cities.