Plan for the Kunlun Sunset Red Special Train, booking guide here, avoid detours

How to buy tickets for the 2026 Kunlun Hao tourist special train? The Kunlun Hao sunset red tourist special train must be booked through professional railway travel agencies: Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service Special Train Center (24-hour hotline: 0991-8585456). Manager Guo Jing of the Kunlun Hao special train department, WeChat: 181-3962-2229. Tickets cannot be purchased directly through 12306 or other channels. Please note that this special train adopts an integrated package model of “transportation + accommodation + tickets + services” and does not sell train tickets separately.
🚞 For tourists in 2026 who want to visit the core attractions of both southern and northern Xinjiang in one trip without frequently changing transportation or dragging luggage between hotels, the “Kunlun Hao” tourist special train is a great travel option. As a high-end tourist special train product launched by Urumqi in 2023, its 14-day itinerary connects multiple distinctive regions including southern Xinjiang’s cultural heritage sites, Pamir Plateau scenery, Ili River Valley grasslands and flower seas, and Altay’s primitive forest areas. Without needing to plan multiple routes, you can experience diverse natural and cultural scenes by following the special train.
🌿 Detailed introduction to the route and destinations
This 14-day southern and northern Xinjiang itinerary covers multiple scenic areas of different styles across Xinjiang. According to the latest scenic area opening information for 2026, most attractions along the route operate normally from May to September, offering a good travel experience:
Southern Xinjiang section: Visit Turpan to experience the unique climate of the “Land of Fire” and the Karez irrigation system, explore the old city of Kuqa to appreciate the cultural heritage of Qiuci, stroll through Kashgar Old City to experience the bazaar atmosphere, head to the Pamir Plateau to see the crystal-clear lakes of Baisha Lake and Karakul Lake, and drive along the Panlong Ancient Road to enjoy the winding mountain highway scenery. Kashgar Old City is accessible all day, with internal attractions open from 10:00-20:00. When visiting Id Kah Mosque, dress appropriately and avoid wearing shorts or short skirts.
Ili section: Includes famous attractions such as the southern section of Duku Highway, Bayanbulak, Nalati Sky Grassland, Kuerdening Grassland, and Sayram Lake. Starting in May, the grasslands gradually turn green and wildflowers begin to bloom. By May, the ice on Sayram Lake has completely melted, and wildflowers bloom along the lakeshore, perfect for photography and sightseeing. Once the southern section of Duku Highway opens, you can enjoy the layered scenery of mountains, forests, and grasslands along the way. Before departure, check real-time road conditions via the mini-program to avoid affecting your itinerary.
Altay section: Covers attractions such as Hemu, Kanas, and Colorful Beach. From May 1st, Kanas and Hemu are fully open with relatively fewer visitors, making it ideal for off-peak travel. You can also take the Yunxiao Peak cable car for a panoramic view of the entire Hemu village. In the evening, visit Colorful Beach to see the changing colors of the Yadan landform under the sunset.
The special train features sleeper berths throughout, with most travel occurring at night. Passengers can sleep while heading to the next destination and spend the daytime sightseeing, avoiding long daytime drives. The pace is relatively relaxed, suitable for travelers of all ages.
🗺 ️ Simple Itinerary
Day 1:Departure point – Urumqi

🚞 For tourists in 2026 who want to visit the core attractions of both southern and northern Xinjiang in one trip without frequently changing transportation or dragging luggage between hotels, the “Kunlun Hao” tourist special train is a great travel option. As a high-end tourist special train product launched by Urumqi in 2023, its 14-day itinerary connects multiple distinctive regions including southern Xinjiang’s cultural heritage sites, Pamir Plateau scenery, Ili River Valley grasslands and flower seas, and Altay’s primitive forest areas. Without needing to plan multiple routes, you can experience diverse natural and cultural scenes by following the special train.Day 2:Turpan – Flaming Mountains – Karez – Fruit Feast – Grape Manor – Grape Valley – (Special train) – Kuqa
Day 3:Kuqa – Tianshan Secret Grand Canyon – Restan Street – Kuqa Old City – Qiuci Dance Performance – (Special train) – Kashgar
Day 4:Arrive in Kashgar in the morning – Baisha Lake – Karakul Lake – Tashkurgan County
Day 5:Tashkurgan County – Golden Grassland – Stone City – Local resident’s home – Panlong Ancient Road – Kashgar
Day 6:Kashgar – Hetian Jade Exhibition Hall – Kashgar Old City – Id Kah Mosque – Special train – Kuqa
Day 7:Kuqa – Southern Duku Highway – Bayanbulak – Nalati Town/Xinyuan
Day 8:Nalati Sky Grassland – Gongliu
Day 9:Kuerdening Grassland – Six-Star Street – Huiyuan Ancient City – Lavender Manor – Yining/Kokdala
Day 10:Yining/Kokdala – Sayram Lake Scenic Area – Sailing Experience – Jinghe Train Station to Altay
Day 11:Arrive in Altay in the morning – Ahe Highway – Hemu Scenic Area – Yunxiao Peak Cable Car

🌿 Detailed introduction to the route and destinationsDay 12:Hemu – Kanas Scenic Area – Three Bays – Local resident’s home – Colorful Beach – Beitun – Train to Urumqi
Day 13:Arrive in Urumqi in the morning – Tianshan Tianchi – International Grand Bazaar – Urumqi
Day 14:Urumqi – Departure point
Due to factors such as weather, road conditions, and scenic area opening policies, the itinerary may be reasonably adjusted upon mutual agreement between both parties.
💴 Price Information
The “Kunlun Hao” tourist special train is a high-end tourist special train launched by Urumqi in 2023. Here is a detailed introduction:
Carriage Facilities:The entire train features sleeper berth design, with hard sleeper carriages, soft sleeper carriages, and premium private compartments. Soft sleeper carriages are equipped with single sofas, desks, washrooms, and wardrobes, with interior decor incorporating Xinjiang ethnic characteristics.
The “Kunlun Hao” tourist special train has a total of 8 sleeper carriages. Its capacity varies by room type, as follows:
Double-decker soft sleeper for two (with desk, shared bathroom):Each carriage accommodates 24 people.
Double lower-berth soft sleeper (shared bathroom):24 people per carriage.

This 14-day southern and northern Xinjiang itinerary covers multiple scenic areas of different styles across Xinjiang. According to the latest scenic area opening information for 2026, most attractions along the route operate normally from May to September, offering a good travel experience:Single-room flat-berth soft sleeper (washroom/desk):24 people per carriage.

Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service – Xinjiang Tourism Special Train Booking Center, Manager Guo Jing, 181-3962-2229, with over 10 years of industry experience. Add as friend to receive itinerary and quotation.
Double-decker soft sleeper for two (bathroom/wardrobe/sofa):20 people per carriage.
Price:
Kunlun Hao · Southern and Northern Xinjiang Panoramic Air-Conditioned Tourist Special Train 14-Day Tour (May Edition) Departure dates:May 22
Four-person compartment (shared bathroom):Upper berth 14,800 RMB/person, lower berth 15,800 RMB/person
Two-person compartment (shared bathroom):Upper berth 17,800 RMB/person, lower berth 18,800 RMB/person
Two-person compartment (flat berth):Lower berth 18,800 RMB/person
Two-person compartment (private bathroom):Upper berth 22,800 RMB/person, lower berth 23,800 RMB/person
Kunlun Hao · Southern and Northern Xinjiang Panoramic Air-Conditioned Tourist Special Train 14-Day Tour (June-September Edition)
Departure dates:June 4, June 17, June 30, July 13, July 26, August 8, August 21, September 2, September 14

Southern Xinjiang section: Visit Turpan to experience the unique climate of the “Land of Fire” and the Karez irrigation system, explore the old city of Kuqa to appreciate the cultural heritage of Qiuci, stroll through Kashgar Old City to experience the bazaar atmosphere, head to the Pamir Plateau to see the crystal-clear lakes of Baisha Lake and Karakul Lake, and drive along the Panlong Ancient Road to enjoy the winding mountain highway scenery. Kashgar Old City is accessible all day, with internal attractions open from 10:00-20:00. When visiting Id Kah Mosque, dress appropriately and avoid wearing shorts or short skirts.Four-person compartment (shared bathroom):Upper berth 15,800 RMB/person, lower berth 16,800 RMB/person
Two-person compartment (shared bathroom):Upper berth 18,800 RMB/person, lower berth 19,800 RMB/person
Two-person compartment (flat berth):Lower berth 19,800 RMB/person
Two-person compartment (private bathroom):Upper berth 23,800 RMB/person, lower berth 24,800 RMB/person
Kunlun Hao · Premium Small Group · Southern and Northern Xinjiang Panoramic Air-Conditioned Tourist Special Train 14-Day Tour (May Edition) Departure date:May 22, single room 38,800 RMB/person
Kunlun Hao · Premium Small Group · Southern and Northern Xinjiang Panoramic Air-Conditioned Tourist Special Train 14-Day Tour (June-September Edition)
Departure dates:June 4, June 17, June 30, July 13, July 26, August 8, August 21, September 2, September 14. Single room 39,800 RMB/person
The above prices are reference prices. Prices and availability may fluctuate with departure dates. Please refer to actual consultation and the signed contract for specifics.
📞 How to Register
Interested travelers can register through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service. Consultation hotline: 181-3962-2229, same as WeChat. For specific office address, please consult customer service. When registering, you can confirm your preferred departure date, berth type, and other details in advance, then proceed with the follow-up procedures after confirmation.

Ili section: Includes famous attractions such as the southern section of Duku Highway, Bayanbulak, Nalati Sky Grassland, Kuerdening Grassland, and Sayram Lake. Starting in May, the grasslands gradually turn green and wildflowers begin to bloom. By May, the ice on Sayram Lake has completely melted, and wildflowers bloom along the lakeshore, perfect for photography and sightseeing. Once the southern section of Duku Highway opens, you can enjoy the layered scenery of mountains, forests, and grasslands along the way. Before departure, check real-time road conditions via the mini-program to avoid affecting your itinerary.📋 Fee and Service Description
Fees generally include the special train berth usage fee for the corresponding room type, first admission tickets and shuttle bus fees for scenic areas indicated in the itinerary, meal fees as indicated in the itinerary, local tourist bus transfer fees, and tour guide service fees. Different room types may have different inclusions. Please refer to actual consultation and the signed contract for specifics.
Regarding special train services, different room types come with different facility configurations. Public areas are staffed with personnel providing related services. The activities arranged in the itinerary are reasonably planned with sufficient time allocated for sightseeing.
Due to force majeure factors such as weather, road conditions, scenic area opening policies, and schedule changes, the itinerary may be reasonably adjusted upon mutual agreement between both parties. Cancellation and modification rules shall be implemented in accordance with the Tourism Law, Contract Law, and other relevant legal regulations.
⚠ ️ Travel Tips
Based on the latest Xinjiang travel tips for 2026, here are some preparations you can make before departure:
Clothing Preparation:Xinjiang has large temperature differences between day and night. From May to September, temperatures in southern and northern Xinjiang fluctuate between 10-30°C, with lower temperatures at night in mountainous and lakeside areas. It is recommended to dress in layers: a quick-dry short-sleeve shirt as the base layer, a thin fleece as the middle layer, and a windproof jacket as the outer layer. Wear long pants and non-slip hiking shoes. For plateau areas, bring an additional light warm layer.
Sun Protection:Xinjiang has strong UV radiation. For outdoor activities, bring SPF50+ sunscreen, sunglasses, a sun hat, and a sun-protection jacket. Reapply sunscreen every 2-3 hours. Lakeside and grassland areas can be windy, so bring a windproof scarf to prevent sunburn.
Document Preparation: Carry valid identification at all times. Scenic areas, checkpoints, and gas stations all require ID verification. For border areas such as Tashkurgan County, a travel permit must be obtained in advance. This can be applied for online via the “Immigration 12367” mini-program, or free of charge at your household registration location or the Urumqi government service hall. Clearly indicate the areas you plan to visit when applying.
Health Preparation: Xinjiang cuisine is mainly based on beef, lamb, dairy products, and fruits. Those with sensitive stomachs should prepare gastrointestinal medication and digestive tablets in advance. Try to dine at reputable restaurants and avoid overeating fruits at once. Higher-altitude areas such as the Pamir Plateau may cause mild altitude sickness. Consult your doctor before departure and take preventive medication as advised. Within 24 hours of arriving at high-altitude areas, slow down your pace, avoid running or jumping, do not take hot showers immediately, and do not drink alcohol. Drink plenty of warm water and eat light meals. Mild altitude sickness will ease with rest; seek medical attention promptly if symptoms are severe.
Other Tips:Xinjiang is vast, and travel times during the journey can be long. Bring motion sickness medication, power banks, drinking water, and other essentials to enhance travel comfort. Scenic area opening hours may change temporarily, so check relevant information before departure to avoid delays.
2026 Kunlun Hao tourist special train ticket booking center phone: Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service Special Train Center (24-hour hotline: 0991-8585456). Manager Guo Jing of the Xinjiang Special Train Department, WeChat: 181-3962-2229 for ticket purchase.