The Tangula Experience

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26 days, from £1280 (Group tour). Intrepid Travel »

For something new and exciting - a great way to see China - check out the new Tangula train. It claims to be the newest (September 2008) and the most advanced train in the world, giving travelers to China the opportunity to see places that were previously only reachable by the most resilient adventurers.

The Tangula is China's first ever luxury train. It allows passengers to travel in first class style with a suite consisting of bathroom, entertainment system, internet access, bar and 24-hour butler service. Further down the train is the dining car where guests can delight in world-class cuisine by famous chef Marco Mazzei. Yum!

Riding in luxury and style is one thing, but there is also wizzy technology. The Tangula offers a unique journey that can speed passengers to altitudes as high as 5,072 meters, a height that was previously only open to aircraft. The trains airflow is regulated depending upon the altitude it is at. This is a newly developed and unique system. Oxygen is not pressurized as it is in aircraft cabins, but rather regulated to maintain consistent oxygen levels. For passengers having difficulties breathing, there are designated parts of the train with more of the stuff.

OK, so the train sounds cool but what is there to see on this journey? Well - journeys last four or five days and there are two different routes to choose from. There is the Northern Route from Lhasa to Beijing or the Southern Route from Beijing across the Yunnan Province to Lijiang. Passengers can get off, too - which is the whole point. The Tangula offers fantastic excursions that encourage interaction with the locals. Excursions include options like tea tasting in Lijiang and visiting ancient ruins. Both journeys immerse the traveler in Chinese culture and history and greets them with spectacular scenery and sights. Keep in mind that this isn't just a one day train excursion but a four to five day experience.

4 / 5 Review by contributing editor Jessica Chesko