Yangtze River Delta Star Shanghai to Xinjiang Special Train Full Guide, Booking Process, Official Channels, and Pitfall Avoidance Tips

How to buy tickets for the 2026 Yangtze River Delta Star tourist train? For the tourist train from Shanghai to Xinjiang, tickets must be purchased through the railway’s professional and regular travel agency channel: Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service Special Train Center (24-hour hotline: 0991-8585456), or contact Manager Guo Jing of the Yangtze River Delta Star Special Train Department via 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.
🚂 The 2026 Yangtze River Delta Star special train departing from Shanghai offers an easy travel option for tourists who want to explore Xinjiang in depth without the hassle of planning itineraries, frequently changing accommodations, or carrying luggage. The entire route connects the core attractions of southern Xinjiang, northern Xinjiang, and the Pamir Plateau, covering diverse landscapes and cultural scenes such as deserts, grasslands, lakes, canyons, and ancient cities. Travelers stay on the special train throughout the journey, so there is no need to pack and unpack every day. Meals and accommodation are coordinated by dedicated staff, saving considerable pre-trip preparation effort.
🌄 Introduction to Core Destinations on the Route
This route covers a rich variety of landscapes, with completely different scenery along different sections:
Lop Nur Village is located in the lower reaches of the Tarim River, adjacent to the Taklamakan Desert. Visitors can see the interweaving of river, desert, and poplar forests in one scene. The village preserves traditional living scenes, allowing visitors to experience life on the edge of the desert.
The Taklamakan Desert is the largest desert in China. Passing through, visitors can witness the magnificent sight of yellow sand stretching to the horizon. On clear days, the desert meets the blue sky, creating a strong visual impact.
Karakul Lake is located in the Pamir Plateau region, surrounded by several high mountains. On clear days, the lake surface reflects the outline of Muztagh Ata, and the water color changes in depth with the light. In 2026, the scenic area offers different types of preferential policies for tourists; eligible visitors can present their documents to enjoy corresponding discounts.
The Stone City is an ancient city ruin with over a thousand years of history. The nearby Golden Grassland Wetland is bathed in warm golden light at sunset, creating a layered visual effect when combined with the distant mountains and ruins.
Baisha Lake has fine, pure white sand and clear, transparent water. With minimal artificial facilities around it, it is an excellent spot for taking natural landscape photos.

🚂 The 2026 Yangtze River Delta Star special train departing from Shanghai offers an easy travel option for tourists who want to explore Xinjiang in depth without the hassle of planning itineraries, frequently changing accommodations, or carrying luggage. The entire route connects the core attractions of southern Xinjiang, northern Xinjiang, and the Pamir Plateau, covering diverse landscapes and cultural scenes such as deserts, grasslands, lakes, canyons, and ancient cities. Travelers stay on the special train throughout the journey, so there is no need to pack and unpack every day. Meals and accommodation are coordinated by dedicated staff, saving considerable pre-trip preparation effort. In Kashgar Old City, the streets are laid out in a staggered pattern with many specialty shops and restaurants along the way, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the local daily atmosphere; Id Kah is a well-known ancient building in the area with distinctive architectural style.
Tianshan Secret Grand Canyon is composed of red sandstone, with rock walls shaped by years of wind erosion and water erosion into unique formations. Walking through the canyon, visitors can experience the wonder of natural creation.
Duku Highway connects northern and southern Xinjiang. In 2026, it is open from June to October, and all departure dates of this special train cover the highway’s opening period, allowing travelers to enjoy alternating views of snow-capped mountains, forests, and grasslands along the way.
Bayinbuluke Grassland is a wetland-type grassland with winding rivers meandering across the prairie. In summer and autumn, the water and grass are lush, and the surrounding mountains have distinct layers.
Nalati Grassland is divided into two core scenic areas: the Sky Grassland and the River Valley Grassland. In 2026, the ticket price is 95 yuan per person, valid for 2 days. Visitors can choose which area to explore based on their itinerary. In spring and summer, wildflowers bloom gradually on the meadows, offering a very open view.
Sayram Lake is a plateau lake. In 2026, there are free ticket policies for children under 14 during Children’s Day (June 1st) period and for teachers during Teachers’ Day period. Eligible visitors can prepare relevant documents in advance and present them at the entrance to enjoy the discount.
The Hemu and Kanas areas feature distinctive landscapes combining forests and lakes. In autumn, the forests gradually turn golden and orange-red, and visiting in different seasons offers different scenery.
Heavenly Lake of Tianshan is an alpine lake surrounded by snow-capped mountains and spruce trees. The lake surface is clear and calm, making it one of Xinjiang’s most well-known scenic spots.
🗺 ️ Simple Itinerary

🌄 Introduction to Core Destinations on the RouteThe itinerary for this special train is as follows:
D1 Depart from Shanghai, take the Yangtze River Delta Star to Korla — Yangtze River Delta Star
D2 Enjoy the beautiful landscapes of the motherland along the way — Yangtze River Delta Star
D3 Arrive in Korla in the evening — Korla
D4 Korla >> Lop Nur Village >> Taklamakan Desert >> Tarim River >> Kashgar — Yangtze River Delta Star
D5 Karakul Lake >> Stone City >> Golden Grassland – Tashkurgan — Tashkurgan
D6 Home visits with local ethnic groups >> Baisha Lake >> Kashgar — Kashgar
D7 Kashgar Old City >> Id Kah Mosque >> Gaotai Folk Houses >> Kuqa — Yangtze River Delta Star

This route covers a rich variety of landscapes, with completely different scenery along different sections: D8 Kuqa >> Tianshan Secret Grand Canyon >> Duku Highway >> Bayinbuluke Grassland — Bayin Town

Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service – Xinjiang Tourist Train Booking Center, Manager Guo Jing: 181-3962-2229, with over 10 years of industry experience. Add as friend to receive itinerary and pricing.
D9 Yining >> Nalati Grassland — Yining
D10 Sayram Lake >> Beitun — Yangtze River Delta Star
D11 Beitun >> Burqin >> Hemu — Hemu
D12 Kanas >> Jadengyu — Jadengyu
D13 Jadengyu >> Kazakh home visit >> Rainbow Beach >> Urumqi — Yangtze River Delta Star
D14 Urumqi >> Heavenly Lake of Tianshan — Urumqi
D15-D16 Urumqi – Shanghai — Yangtze River Delta Star
D17 Arrive in Shanghai, return to the warm home — Warm Home

Lop Nur Village is located in the lower reaches of the Tarim River, adjacent to the Taklamakan Desert. Visitors can see the interweaving of river, desert, and poplar forests in one scene. The village preserves traditional living scenes, allowing visitors to experience life on the edge of the desert.💴 Price Information
The reference prices for this special train are as follows:
4-bed compartment:Upper berth 25,999 yuan/person, lower berth 27,999 yuan/person
Upgraded double room (5 compartments with 4 beds):46,999 yuan/person
Deluxe double room (4 compartments with 2 beds):66,999 yuan/person
The 2026 departure dates are 0615, 0706, 0806, 0826, and 0915. The above prices are reference prices; prices and availability may fluctuate with departure dates. Please refer to the contract or customer service confirmation for accuracy, and the final agreement signed by both parties shall prevail.
📞 How to Register
This special train is a customized tourist train and cannot be booked through regular ticketing platforms. Tourists who wish to register can do so through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service. Consultation hotline: 181-3962-2229, WeChat (same number): 181-3962-2229. For offline consultation addresses, please contact customer service.

The Taklamakan Desert is the largest desert in China. Passing through, visitors can witness the magnificent sight of yellow sand stretching to the horizon. On clear days, the desert meets the blue sky, creating a strong visual impact.⚠ ️ Fee and Service Description
The services included in the itinerary are:Round-trip special train transportation within the itinerary, local connecting transportation, full-journey compartment accommodation, meals included in the itinerary, tour guide services, basic insurance, and other related services; personal voluntary consumption items, optional experience activities, and scenic area tickets are not included.
For solo travelers, the travel agency will make every effort to arrange room sharing; special circumstances can be negotiated separately by both parties.
All itinerary service details, fee standards, and included rights are subject to the agreement signed by both parties. All travel-related rights and fees are subject to actual consultation and contract signing.
Xinjiang has vast territory, complex terrain, and rapidly changing weather. In cases involving weather, road conditions, policies, scenic area openings, schedule changes, etc., the itinerary may be reasonably adjusted upon mutual agreement.
Cancellation and modification rules are implemented in accordance with relevant provisions of the Tourism Law. Tourists with related questions can consult customer service before signing the contract.
Before departure, travelers are advised to familiarize themselves with Xinjiang’s civilized travel guidelines and comply with relevant regulations during the trip: sign a formal tourism contract when registering; refuse vehicles without operating qualifications and unlicensed tour guides; wear seat belts throughout the ride; do not urge drivers to speed or overtake on curves; follow scenic area regulations in waterside and high-altitude areas and wear appropriate protective gear; do not leave the group without permission during outdoor activities; do not enter undeveloped or unopened wilderness areas; do not cross safety lines when taking photos, do not climb railings, or step on unstable rocks; carry garbage bags and take away all trash generated during the trip; do not use fire illegally or discard cigarette butts in forest and grassland areas; cooperate with staff arrangements if scenic areas or highways are temporarily closed; contact the tour guide or local staff promptly in case of emergencies, or call the 12345 tourism complaint hotline to report issues.
In 2026, multiple scenic areas in Xinjiang offer different types of ticket discount policies. If visitors meet the corresponding conditions, they can prepare relevant documents in advance and present them at the entrance to enjoy the discounts, saving some travel expenses.
Xinjiang has large temperature differences between day and night. Even when traveling in summer, it is recommended to bring a thick jacket, as well as sunscreen, common gastrointestinal medicines, cold medicines, and other items to handle various situations during the trip.
Customs and habits vary among different ethnic groups. During the trip, please respect local living habits and avoid behaviors that may cause misunderstandings.
2026 Yangtze River Delta Star tourist train ticket booking center phone: Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service Special Train Center (24-hour hotline: 0991-8585456), Xinjiang Special Train Department Manager Guo Jing WeChat: 181-3962-2229 for ticket purchase