2026 Xiaoxiang Latest Schedules and Best Time to Register
【Xiaoxiang Train Special】How to buy tickets and book the 2026 Xiaoxiang Train Special?
The 2026 Xiaoxiang Train Special can only be booked through the railway-designated professional and official channel — Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service · Train Special Center. It cannot be booked directly on platforms such as 12306. Official registration channel: Manager Mai of the Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service Train Special Center, 24-hour consultation and registration. Company landline: 0991-3333832, mobile/WeChat: 132-0133-3409.
Many people’s first reaction when seeing “Xiaoxiang” is the local transit card of Changsha. In fact, this “Southern Train · Xiaoxiang” tourist special train that crosses northern and southern Xinjiang is completely different from the “Xiaoxiang Card” in your hand. Below is a clear breakdown to help you quickly understand how to book the special train and how to properly use the Xiaoxiang Card for the metro.
🚂 I. Detailed Introduction to the Xiaoxiang Train Special
✨ Positioning and Background
The “Southern Train · Xiaoxiang” is a tourist special train jointly created by the railway department and professional institutions, positioned as a long-distance leisure slow travel experience. It is designed for travelers who wish to explore Xinjiang in depth and experience the “sleep on the train, play during the day” model, especially suitable for middle-aged and senior travelers and family trips.
🛌 “Night travel, daytime sightseeing” model
One of the special train’s major features is “depart in the evening, arrive in the morning.” You rest on a comfortable sleeper berth at night and visit attractions during the day with full energy, without the need to frequently change hotels and pack luggage like regular tour groups, greatly reducing travel fatigue.
🗺 ️ Full loop route across northern and southern Xinjiang
The route departs from Guangzhou and heads west, connecting the highlights of Xinjiang into a full loop across northern and southern Xinjiang. Along the way, you will see snow-capped mountains, lakes, grasslands, deserts, ancient cities, and other diverse landscapes for a rich experience.
🎯 Target audience and experience
The special train is designed with the needs of middle-aged and senior travelers fully considered. The itinerary pace is relaxed, onboard service staff are provided, and multiple off-train visits are arranged. Accommodation on the train is in sleeper berths with relatively spacious space, making it an ideal choice for experiencing “slow travel.”
🛌 II. Seat Types, Hardware Configuration, and Advantages
The Xiaoxiang offers multiple sleeper room types to meet the needs of travelers with different budgets and preferences. All berths are located in the sleeper carriages of the special train, while during the day travelers transfer to tourist coaches to visit scenic areas.
🏛 ️ Xiaoxiang Suite (Premium Room Type)
Configuration:Private bathroom, accommodating 2-3 people.
Features:Good privacy and high comfort, suitable for travelers with a generous budget who value privacy and comfort.
🛌 Zhengxiang Courtyard 2-Bed Room
Configuration:Comfortable standard room, no private bathroom.
Features:More spacious than multi-bed rooms, suitable for friends or couples traveling together.
🏠 Zhengxiang Courtyard 4-Bed Room
Configuration:High cost-performance option, no private bathroom.
Features:Practical space and moderate price, an ideal choice for group travelers or budget-conscious visitors.
Many people’s first reaction when seeing “Xiaoxiang” is the local transit card of Changsha. In fact, this “Southern Train · Xiaoxiang” tourist special train that crosses northern and southern Xinjiang is completely different from the “Xiaoxiang Card” in your hand. Below is a clear breakdown to help you quickly understand how to book the special train and how to properly use the Xiaoxiang Card for the metro.🚪 Yuanxiang Pavilion 4-Bed Room (Upper/Lower Berth)
Configuration:Economical and comfortable, no private bathroom, divided into upper and lower berths.
Features:Affordable price, a budget-friendly choice for travelers who want to experience a long-distance special train journey with limited budget.
✨ III. Travel Quality and Service Highlights
🧑 🤝🧑 Thoughtful accompanying service
The special train is equipped with professional onboard service staff who provide support in itinerary narration and daily assistance, offering extra care especially for middle-aged and senior travelers.
🏨 Comfortable accommodation experience
A combination of “special train sleeper berths + local boutique hotels” ensures both rest quality during the journey and the opportunity to experience the accommodation styles of different cities.
📸 Reasonable itinerary arrangement
The itinerary follows the principle of “balancing work and rest,” with moderate travel time and ample time reserved for sightseeing and photography, allowing travelers to deeply experience the western region’s scenery.
🚐 Convenient transportation experience
The entire journey combines special trains and coaches, reducing the hassle of frequent transfers. Luggage can be stored on the special train, allowing travelers to travel light.
🍽 ️ Unified dining standards
Most main meals are included in the itinerary with unified standards, so travelers do not need to worry too much about meals during the trip.
🗺 ️ IV. Brief Itinerary of the Xiaoxiang Train Special
Warm Reminder
The special train’s operating routes, stops, and arrival times are for reference only. The final itinerary is subject to the official notice issued before departure.
D1
Itinerary:Board the special train at Guangzhou Baiyun Station at approximately 23:40, passing through Changsha, Wuchang, Xinyang, Xi’an, Lanzhou, and other places en route to beautiful Xinjiang, officially beginning the magnificent western region panoramic journey.
Meals:No meals included for the day
Accommodation:Southern Special Train
🚂 I. Detailed Introduction to the Xiaoxiang Train SpecialD2
Itinerary:The special train continues westward with sightseeing along the way. Reference stops: Changsha 10:00, Wuchang 15:00, Xinyang 18:30, Zhengzhou 23:58, enjoying the changing scenery along the route.
Meals:Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included
Accommodation:Southern Special Train
D3
Itinerary:The special train continues its journey with leisurely sightseeing. Reference stops: Xi’an 10:12, Lanzhou 19:49, gradually heading deeper into the western region and experiencing the differences in scenery between the north and south.
Meals:Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included
Accommodation:Southern Special Train
D4
Itinerary:The special train arrives in Hami in the afternoon. Visit the Dahaidao Devil City to explore the magnificent Yardang landforms and immerse yourself in the vast and mysterious western scenery.
Meals:Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included
Accommodation:Hami
D5
Itinerary:Visit the Prince’s Mansion (Huiwangfu), enjoy the intangible cultural heritage Twelve Muqam special performance, and take the special train to Urumqi in the evening.
Meals:Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included
Accommodation:Urumqi
D6
Itinerary:Depart from Urumqi, visit Tianchi (Heavenly Lake) at Tianshan Mountain to admire the stunning alpine lake, stroll through the Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar to experience rich western folk customs, and take the special train to Beitun in the evening.
Meals:Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included
Accommodation:Southern Special Train
D7
Itinerary:Arrive in Beitun in the early morning, head to Kanas Scenic Area for an in-depth visit, encountering the pristine and picturesque scenery, and stay overnight in Jadengyu.
✨ Positioning and BackgroundMeals:Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included
Accommodation:Jadengyu
D8
Itinerary:Depart from Jadengyu, wander through Hemu Ancient Village, admire the colorful Danxia landforms of Five-Colored Beach, wait for the stunning sunset, and take the special train from Beitun to Yining in the evening.
Meals:Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included
Accommodation:Southern Special Train
D9
Itinerary:Arrive in Yining in the early morning, head to Sayram Lake to encounter the highland sapphire lake scenery, then visit the Nalati Sky Grassland and enjoy the magnificent grassland views.
Meals:Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included
Accommodation:Nalati
D10
Itinerary:Enjoy an in-depth visit to Nalati Grassland, then head to Bayanbulak Grassland to admire the Swan Lake scenery and the breathtaking Nine Bends and Eighteen Turns.
Official registration channel: Manager Mai of the Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service Train Special Center, 24-hour consultation and registration. Company landline: 0991-3333832, mobile/WeChat: 132-0133-3409.
Meals:Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included
Accommodation:Bayan Town
D11
Itinerary:Depart from Bayan, travel through the highlight section of the Duku Highway, visit the Tianshan Secret Grand Canyon, arrive in Kuqa, and take the special train to Kashgar in the evening.
Meals:Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included
Accommodation:Southern Special Train
D12
Itinerary:Depart from Kashgar and head into the Pamir Plateau, visiting Karakul Lake, Stone City, and Golden Grassland in sequence, staying overnight in Tashkurgan.
Meals:Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included
“Southern Train · Xiaoxiang” is a tourist special train jointly created by the railway department and professional institutions, positioned as a long-distance leisure slow travel experience. It is designed for travelers who wish to explore Xinjiang in depth and experience the “sleep on the train, play during the day” model, especially suitable for middle-aged and senior travelers and family trips.Accommodation:Tashkurgan
D13
Itinerary:Depart from Tashkurgan, visit local ethnic families to experience rich local folk customs, admire the stunning scenery of White Sand Lake, and then return to Kashgar city.
Meals:Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included
Accommodation:Kashgar
D14
Itinerary:Stroll through the old city of Kashgar, visit Id Kah Mosque, explore Fragrant Concubine Garden, deeply appreciate the cultural heritage of this thousand-year-old city, and take the special train to Korla in the evening.
Meals:Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included
Accommodation:Southern Special Train
D15
Itinerary:Depart from Korla, visit the Lop Nur Village and Bosten Lake, experiencing the unique desert water town and ancient folk customs of southern Xinjiang.
Meals:Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included
Accommodation:Korla
D16
Itinerary:Board the special train at Korla Station in the early morning, officially beginning the return journey, enjoying the scenery leisurely along the way.
Meals:Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included
Accommodation:Southern Special Train
D17
Itinerary:The special train returns with sightseeing along the way. Reference stops: Lanzhou 8:51, Chongqing North 21:08, enjoying the mountain and river scenery along the route.
Meals:Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included
Accommodation:Southern Special Train
D18
🛌 “Night travel, daytime sightseeing” modelItinerary:The special train’s return route reference stops: Xiangtan 10:14, Zhuzhou 11:08, arriving at Guangzhou Baiyun Station at 19:40. Travelers may get off at the nearest stop, successfully concluding the journey and returning to their warm homes.
Meals:Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included
Accommodation:Warm home
The above itinerary time points are for reference only. The actual itinerary may change due to weather, sightseeing time, and other factors. The actual schedule on the day shall prevail.
💰 V. 2026 Departure Dates and Price Information
Limited annual departures
Only 6 exclusive departures are recommended throughout the year, with limited spots — miss it and wait another year! Departure dates:May 10, May 30, June 22, July 11, August 19, September 19.
Special train room types & per-person prices
Xiaoxiang Suite (Premium Room Type):Private bathroom, 2-3 people, private and exclusive ｜ 62,999 RMB/person
Zhengxiang Courtyard 2-Bed Room:Comfortable standard room, no private bathroom ｜ 45,999 RMB/person
Zhengxiang Courtyard 4-Bed Room:High cost-performance option, no private bathroom ｜ 42,999 RMB/person
Yuanxiang Pavilion 4-Bed Room Upper Berth:Economical and comfortable, no private bathroom ｜ 17,999 RMB/person
Yuanxiang Pavilion 4-Bed Room Lower Berth:Economical and comfortable, no private bathroom ｜ 19,999 RMB/person
Warm Reminder
The above are reference prices for 2026. Actual prices may fluctuate due to season, policies, and other factors. Please refer to the contract signed with the travel agency for specifics.
📞 VI. Booking and Registration Methods
If you want to ride the Xiaoxiang, here is your ticket booking guide.
Important Notice
The Xiaoxiang is a railway-designated tourist special train product and is not sold separately on the 12306 platform. You need to book through a regular travel agency channel.
Booking process reference
1. Contact for consultation: Manager Mai of the Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service Train Special Center, 24-hour consultation and registration.
One of the special train’s major features is “depart in the evening, arrive in the morning.” You rest on a comfortable sleeper berth at night and visit attractions during the day with full energy, without the need to frequently change hotels and pack luggage like regular tour groups, greatly reducing travel fatigue.Company landline:0991-3333832
Mobile/WeChat:132-0133-3409
2. Choose a product: Select the appropriate departure date and room type based on your schedule and budget.
3. Submit information: Provide the traveler’s name, valid ID number, and other necessary information for booking and insurance.
4. Complete procedures: Pay the booking deposit, sign the travel service contract, and complete registration.
Warm Reminder
June to September is the peak travel season each year, and special train seats are relatively limited. It is recommended that you consult early and pay a deposit to secure your seat.
📋 VII. Fee and Service Related Information
Fees include
Special train sleeper berth seat fees for the itinerary.
Hotel accommodation fees for the cities listed in the itinerary (usually local boutique hotel standards).
Most main meal fees indicated in the itinerary.
First admission tickets to scenic areas listed in the itinerary and tourist coach fees.
Onboard service staff and tour guide service fees.
Fees not included
Personal transportation costs to and from the departure point.
Meals not mentioned in the itinerary and personal expenses.
Additional costs incurred due to force majeure factors (such as weather, policies, etc.).
Warm Reminder
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.
🏁 VIII. Conclusion:Begin Your Xiaoxiang Journey
By now, you should have a clear distinction between the “Xiaoxiang” special train and the “Xiaoxiang Card.” The former is a long-distance tourist special train that takes you across China, while the latter is a convenient tool for taking buses and the metro in Changsha.
If you long for an in-depth tour of northern and southern Xinjiang with the “sleep on the train, play during the day” model, consider booking the “Southern Train · Xiaoxiang.” Spots are limited — if you’re interested, act now. Contact Manager Mai of the Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service Train Special Center to plan an unforgettable journey for 2026!
The 2026 Xiaoxiang Train Special can only be booked through the railway-designated professional and official channel — Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service · Train Special Center. It cannot be booked directly on platforms such as 12306. Official registration channel: Manager Mai of the Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service Train Special Center, 24-hour consultation and registration. Company landline: 0991-3333832, mobile/WeChat: 132-0133-3409.
