Crossing Western China By Train (Without Flying) | China Rail Journey 2026

Crossing Western China by train without flying! In this 2026 China rail journey, I travel overland across the vast landscapes of Western China, experiencing one of the most incredible train routes in the world. Essentially we are crossing the Gobi Desert here on trains with a few stops along the way. This journey takes me through China's remote western regions along the historic Silk Road, traveling through Xinjiang, Gansu and Qinghai by train. Along the way, I experience places including Urumqi, Turpan, the Gobi Desert, Jiayuguan, Zhangye, and Xining while watching the scenery transform from enormous deserts and rugged mountains to grasslands and modern Chinese cities. China has built an impressive railway network connecting the far western regions of the country with the rest of China. Instead of flying, I wanted to experience the distance and scale of China from the ground and see what traveling across Western China by train is really like in 2026. If you enjoy overland travel, train journeys, Silk Road adventures and exploring places far beyond the typical tourist route, this is a journey you won't want to miss. Crossing Western China by Train (Timestamps) 00:00 - Starting the journey in Urumqi (Xinjiang) 00:48 - Arriving at Urumqi Train Station 02:15 - Food options at the station (KFC & Wontons) 04:04 - First-class high-speed train experience 05:39 - Scenic route to Turpan & Energy infrastructure 08:24 - Personalized tour of the Flaming Mountains 12:38 - Exploring the Caves of 10,000 Buddhas 14:42 - Visiting an ancient Uyghur mud village 19:25 - Staying at the Mercure Hotel & finding "Nang" bread 20:21 - Missing the train & Chinese railway fairness