Ultimate Green Train Adventure Through Wild West China: 2-Week Journey Through Sichuan, Yunnan & Gansu

After exploring the serene water towns and ancient villages of East China, our green train adventure continues into the wild and dramatic landscapes of China’s southwest and northwest. This 14-day itinerary takes you through the mountainous terrain of Sichuan, the ethnic diversity of Yunnan, and the desert landscapes of Gansu, all from the window of China’s iconic slow trains.

The western routes offer some of China’s most spectacular rail journeys, passing through deep gorges, high plateaus, and past traditional villages where time seems to have stood still. These green train routes not only save you money but provide access to regions where high-speed rail hasn’t yet reached, offering a more authentic travel experience.

💡 Travel Tip: Western China features dramatic altitude changes. Give yourself time to acclimatize, especially when traveling to high-altitude destinations like Litang or Zhongdian (Shangri-La). Consider bringing altitude sickness medication.

Your 14-Day Western China Green Train Itinerary

Days 1-5: Sichuan Province - Chengdu Basin to Tibetan Plateau

Begin your western journey in Chengdu, the gateway to Western China and home of the famous pandas.

Day 1-2: Chengdu - Pandas and Teahouses

• Arrive in Chengdu (if coming from east China, take K529 train from Wuhan, approx. 16 hours, hard sleeper ¥260-290)
• Visit Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding (¥58)
• Experience traditional Sichuan teahouse culture at People’s Park
• Sample Sichuan hotpot and local street food

Day 3-4: Chengdu to Kangding - Entering Tibetan Regions

• Board green train 5634 from Chengdu to Kangding (approx. 6 hours, hard seat ¥45-55)
• Witness the landscape transform from basin to mountains
• Explore Kangding town, the historical gateway to Tibetan areas
• Visit nearby monasteries and experience Tibetan culture
• Sample yak butter tea and tsampa (roasted barley flour)

Day 5: Kangding to Litang - High Altitude Adventure

• Take local bus to Litang (approx. 5 hours, ¥80)
• Acclimatize to the high altitude (over 4,000 meters)
• Visit Litang Monastery, one of the most important in the Kham region
• Experience Tibetan nomadic culture

Green Train Experience: The 5634 train from Chengdu to Kangding is one of China’s most scenic slow train routes, passing through dramatic gorges and alongside rushing rivers. This route serves local Tibetan communities, offering a glimpse into daily life in these remote regions.

Where to Stay:

• Chengdu: Hostels or budget hotels near North Railway Station (¥80-150/night)
• Kangding: Tibetan-style guesthouses (¥60-120/night)
• Litang: Basic guesthouses (¥50-100/night)

💡 Cultural Tip: When visiting Tibetan areas, always walk clockwise around religious structures like stupas and monasteries. Ask permission before photographing people, especially monks.

Days 6-10: Yunnan Province - From Tibetan Plateau to Tropical Borders

Journey south into Yunnan, China’s most ethnically diverse province, home to 25 of China’s 56 recognized ethnic groups.

Day 6: Litang to Shangri-La (Zhongdian)

• Take bus from Litang to Shangri-La (approx. 8 hours, ¥150)
• Explore the ancient Tibetan town of Dukezong
• Visit Ganden Sumtseling Monastery, known as “Little Potala Palace”

Day 7-8: Lijiang and Ancient Naxi Culture

• Board bus from Shangri-La to Lijiang (approx. 4 hours, ¥60)
• Explore Lijiang’s UNESCO-listed Old Town (¥80 ancient town maintenance fee)
• Learn about Naxi Dongba culture and see ancient pictographic script
• Take cable car up Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (¥180+)

Day 9-10: Dali and Erhai Lake

• Board green train K9622 from Lijiang to Dali (approx. 2 hours, hard seat ¥34)
• Cycle around Erhai Lake or take boat trip
• Explore Dali’s ancient city and Three Pagodas (¥75)
• Visit Xizhou town to see Bai minority architecture
• Take local train to Kunming (approx. 6 hours, hard seat ¥64)

Green Train Experience: The Lijiang to Dali route offers stunning views of the Himalayan foothills and Erhai Lake. This train is popular with both tourists and local minority groups traveling between markets.

Where to Stay:

• Shangri-La: Tibetan guesthouses (¥80-150/night)
• Lijiang: Traditional Naxi courtyard guesthouses (¥100-200/night)
• Dali: Bai-style guesthouses (¥80-150/night)

💡 Photography Tip: The best time to photograph the old towns of Lijiang and Dali is early morning before the crowds arrive, or during golden hour when the setting sun warms the ancient stone buildings.

Days 11-14: Gansu Province - Silk Road and Desert Landscapes

Complete your journey by heading north into Gansu Province, following a section of the ancient Silk Road through desert landscapes and past Buddhist cave art.

Day 11: Kunming to Lanzhou

• Board train K1502 from Kunming to Lanzhou (approx. 20 hours, hard sleeper ¥320-350)
• Experience one of China’s classic long-distance green train journeys
• Watch the landscape change from tropical Yunnan to arid northwest

Day 12-13: Zhangye and Danxia Landforms

• From Lanzhou, take train K360 to Zhangye (approx. 5 hours, hard seat ¥46-54)
• Visit Zhangye Danxia Geological Park (¥75 including shuttle)
• Photograph the rainbow-colored mountains at sunrise or sunset
• Explore Matisi Temple with its cliffside grottoes

Day 14: Jiayuguan - Western End of the Great Wall

• Board train T6601 from Zhangye to Jiayuguan (approx. 2 hours, hard seat ¥18-22)
• Visit Jiayuguan Fort, the impressive western end of the Great Wall (¥120)
• See the First Beacon Tower of the Great Wall
• Depart from Jiayuguan or return to Lanzhou for flights

Green Train Experience: The journey from Kunming to Lanzhou spans much of China’s geographic diversity. The train from Zhangye to Jiayuguan travels through the Hexi Corridor, a historical Silk Road passage between mountains and desert.

Where to Stay:

• Lanzhou: Budget hotels near railway station (¥100-180/night)
• Zhangye: Local guesthouses (¥60-120/night)
• Jiayuguan: Basic hotels (¥80-150/night)

💡 Historical Insight: The Hexi Corridor through Gansu was a vital section of the Silk Road, connecting China proper with Central Asia and beyond. The cities along this route flourished as trading posts where goods, ideas, and religions were exchanged.

Budget Breakdown for 14-Day Western China Journey

Advanced Green Train Travel Tips for Western China

1. Altitude Preparation: Western China reaches high altitudes. Spend your first night in Chengdu (500m) before ascending to Kangding (2,600m) and higher destinations.
2. Seasonal Considerations: Spring and autumn are ideal. Summers bring rain to southwest China, while winters can be extremely cold in the northwest.
3. Food Adventures: Western China offers diverse culinary experiences from Sichuan spice to Tibetan tsampa and Muslim lamb skewers in Gansu.
4. Flexible Schedule: Green trains in western China may experience delays more frequently than in eastern regions. Build buffer time into your itinerary.
5. Language Barrier: English is less common in western China. Have your destinations written in Chinese characters and use translation apps.

Cultural Etiquette in Western China

1. Religious Sites: Dress modestly when visiting monasteries and remove hats. Don’t point your feet at Buddha statues or religious objects.
2. Photography Restrictions: Many monasteries prohibit photography inside prayer halls or of specific artifacts. Always ask for permission.
3. Respect Local Customs: Different ethnic groups have unique customs. Observe and follow local behavior, especially during festivals or religious ceremonies.
4. Bargaining Practices: Moderate bargaining is acceptable at markets, but be respectful, especially with ethnic minority vendors.
5. Environmental Consciousness: Western China features fragile ecosystems. Practice leave-no-trace principles, especially in natural areas.

📝 Essential Packing List for Western China

• Layered Clothing: Temperature variations can be extreme, especially in high-altitude areas
• Sturdy Footwear: For exploring rough terrain and ancient sites
• Sun Protection: High UV levels at altitude require hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen
• Medication: Include altitude sickness pills, stomach remedies, and your regular medications
• Power Bank: For long train journeys where power outlets may be limited
• Cash: Many rural areas still operate primarily on cash transactions
• Toiletries: Including toilet paper and hand sanitizer for basic facilities

This 14-day green train itinerary through Western China offers an unparalleled adventure through some of Asia’s most dramatic landscapes and diverse cultures. By embracing slow travel on these nostalgic railways, you’ll not only save money but experience the profound beauty and cultural richness of China’s western regions in a way that high-speed travel simply cannot match.

Series Conclusion: Combined with our Eastern China itinerary, these two routes offer a comprehensive 4-week green train adventure covering the incredible diversity of China’s landscapes, cultures, and historical sites—all experienced from the unique perspective of China’s classic slow trains.