Yangtze River Delta Star Ticket Purchase and Family Group Booking Tutorial

【Yangtze River Delta Star Special Train】How to buy tickets and book the 2026 Yangtze River Delta Star Special Train?
The 2026 Yangtze River Delta Star Special Train can only be booked through the designated professional and official railway channel — Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service · Special Train Center. It cannot be ordered directly through platforms such as 12306. Official registration channel: Manager Mai of the Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service Special Train Center is available for consultation and registration 24 hours a day. Company landline: 0991-3333832, mobile and WeChat: 132-0133-3409.
Want to ride the “Yangtze River Delta Star” but don’t know where to start? This ticket-buying guide will break down the booking process, schedule, prices, and important notes in detail to help you plan your trip with ease.
🚂 I. Detailed Introduction to the Yangtze River Delta Star Special Train
The “Yangtze River Delta Star” is the first high-end and comfortable tourist special train in the Yangtze River Delta region, positioned as a “mobile hotel + slow travel transport,” designed specifically for middle-aged and elderly friends, families, and tourists seeking a hassle-free experience.
Route Overview:Starting from Shanghai, it offers an 18-day in-depth tour of northern and southern Xinjiang. The first departure in 2026 is scheduled for May 19, with extended routes of 17 days and other durations also available.
Travel Mode:Adopts a “sightseeing by day, traveling by night” model. Explore during the day and stay on the train at night, saving you the hassle of frequently changing hotels. Luggage can be stored in the cabin throughout the journey.
Scenery Along the Way:Spanning Gansu and Xinjiang, the route connects highlights such as Tianshui Ancient City, Maijishan Grottoes, Nalati Grassland, Sayram Lake, Kanas, and Kashgar Old City.
Core Target Audience:Particularly suitable for retirees, family travelers, and those who value privacy and prefer a relaxed pace without the fatigue of constant travel.
🛏 ️ II. Seat Types, Hardware Configuration, and Advantages
The entire train consists of soft sleeper cabins with private bathrooms, mainly in the following room types:
🥇 Two-person Room (Deluxe Double Cabin)
Space:Approximately 6.5 sqm, with good privacy.
Layout:Usually a lower berth, convenient for seniors to get in and out.

Want to ride the “Yangtze River Delta Star” but don’t know where to start? This ticket-buying guide will break down the booking process, schedule, prices, and important notes in detail to help you plan your trip with ease.Amenities:Private bathroom, 24-hour hot water, smart lighting, and high-quality bedding.
Suitable for:Couples, partners, or close friends.
🥈 Three-person Room (Family/Friends Cabin)
Space:Approximately 8.2 sqm, relatively spacious.
Layout:Mostly “2 lower berths + 1 upper berth,” with lower berths approximately 90cm wide.
Amenities:Private bathroom, anti-slip handrails, charging sockets, and reading lights.
Suitable for:Families or groups of friends.
🥉 Four-person Room (High Value-for-Money Cabin)
Space:Approximately 9.8 sqm, with the most beds.
Layout:“2 lower berths + 2 upper berths,” with lower berths more convenient for movement.
Amenities:Private bathroom, foldable small table, coat hooks, and USB charging ports.
Suitable for:Travelers on a budget or groups with more people.
✨ Special Train Hardware Highlights

🚂 I. Detailed Introduction to the Yangtze River Delta Star Special TrainPublic Areas:Equipped with a dining car, entertainment car (including mahjong room, KTV, bar, and coffee bar), and multi-functional carriages, offering on-site cooking and leisure entertainment.
Elderly-Friendly Design:The entire train features anti-slip flooring, widened handrails, high-contrast signage, and SOS emergency call systems in restrooms.
Support:Onboard medical staff are provided, and green channels have been established with hospitals along the route to offer basic medical support.
💁 III. Travel Quality and Service Highlights
Attentive Accompanying Services:The train is staffed with dedicated service personnel and onboard medical staff on duty. Any needs during the journey can be promptly addressed by staff. Long-distance routes also include professional cultural docents who explain historical and cultural content along the way.
Comfortable Accommodation Experience: The entire journey follows a schedule of nighttime travel and daytime sightseeing. The train moves at night while you rest, and upon arriving at destinations during the day, you disembark for sightseeing — no need to rush during daytime hours or frequently pack and unpack for hotel changes. Large luggage can remain in your seat throughout the trip without being moved.
Exclusive Special Arrangements: Local tour routes include an exclusive “Intangible Cultural Heritage Classroom on the Train,” inviting Yangtze River Delta heritage inheritors to teach Suzhou embroidery, Huizhou ink stick making, and more. The Hangzhou segment also offers a canal night cruise to enjoy light shows from a painted boat. Long-distance routes are designed to avoid congested sections commonly used by traditional bus tours, making efficient use of travel time.
Convenient Transportation Experience:Upon arriving at each stop, pre-arranged shuttle vehicles will be waiting, so there’s no need to figure out public transportation on your own — connections are smooth.
Reasonable Dining Standards: On local routes, the dining car offers Yangtze River Delta specialties such as Shanghai soup dumplings, Nanjing salted duck, and Hangzhou Dongpo pork, all made with fresh local ingredients. Breakfast is buffet-style, featuring over 20 kinds of Jiangnan pastries. On long-distance routes, meals are freshly prepared on-site, and low-salt, low-oil wellness meal options are available to cater to different tastes.
🗺 ️ IV. Simplified Itinerary Arrangement
Currently, both routes have relatively relaxed schedules, with ample time reserved for sightseeing, photography, and leisure, allowing for an immersive experience of the leisurely long-distance slow travel. There is no need for repeated transfers or connections throughout the journey, and itineraries can be reasonably adjusted upon mutual agreement.
Yangtze River Delta Local 5-Day Tour Itinerary:

The “Yangtze River Delta Star” is the first high-end and comfortable tourist special train in the Yangtze River Delta region, positioned as a “mobile hotel + slow travel transport,” designed specifically for middle-aged and elderly friends, families, and tourists seeking a hassle-free experience.Day 1:Depart from Shanghai at 22:00 from Shanghai Station to Suzhou. The next day, visit the Humble Administrator’s Garden and Qili Shantang Street, and enjoy a Pingtan performance. Depart from Suzhou Station at 21:30 that evening for Nanjing.
Day 2:During the day, visit Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum and Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, stroll along the Qinhuai River scenic area, and taste Nanjing’s local snacks. Depart from Nanjing Station at 22:00 that evening for Hangzhou.
Day 3:During the day, visit the Ten Scenes of West Lake and Lingyin Temple, take a boat to enjoy Three Pools Mirroring the Moon, and experience Song Dynasty culture. Depart from Hangzhou Station at 21:00 that evening for Huangshan.
Day 4:During the day, hike or take the cable car up Huangshan Mountain to see the Greeting Pine, sea of clouds, and sunrise, then visit Hongcun Ancient Village. Depart from Huangshan North Station at 20:30 that evening.
Day 5:Return to Shanghai in the early morning, marking the end of the tour.
Northern and Southern Xinjiang 18-Day Long-Distance Tour Itinerary:
Day 1:Depart from Shanghai West Station, traveling overnight to Tianshui, Gansu.
Day 2:During the day, visit Fuxi Temple, Tianshui Ancient City, and Maijishan Grottoes. Depart that evening for Yining.

Official registration channel: Manager Mai of the Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service Special Train Center is available for consultation and registration 24 hours a day. Company landline: 0991-3333832, mobile and WeChat: 132-0133-3409.
Day 3:During the day, visit Sayram Lake and Nalati Grassland. Depart that evening for the Altay region.
Day 4-Day 5:Continue to visit core northern Xinjiang attractions such as Kanas and White Sand Lake, then head to Kashgar in southern Xinjiang to explore cultural sites like Kashgar Old City.
Day 6-Day 7:The final stop is Hami in eastern Xinjiang to visit related attractions. After all sightseeing is complete, the special train returns, arriving at the Yangtze River Delta departure station in the evening, marking the end of the tour.
📅 V. 2026 Departure Dates and Price Information
In 2026, the Yangtze River Delta Star Special Train will operate multiple departures throughout the year, with more frequent schedules during peak tourist seasons to accommodate different travel plans. Prices per person vary by seat type and departure date, with corresponding reference price ranges for each berth and cabin type.

Route Overview: Starting from Shanghai, it offers an 18-day in-depth tour of northern and southern Xinjiang. The first departure in 2026 is scheduled for May 19, with extended routes of 17 days and other durations also available.Reference Departure Dates:
First Departure:Around May 19, 2026, departing from Shanghai West Station.
Subsequent Departures:Multiple departures are planned from May to September. Specific dates are subject to announcements from the railway department and travel agency.
Reference Prices:
The following are reference prices per person for the 18-day northern and southern Xinjiang route. Actual prices may vary due to departure date, room type, and other factors; please refer to the contract for final pricing.
| Cabin Type | Reference Price (RMB/person) |
| :— | :— |
| Soft Sleeper Two-person Room | 56,888 |
| Soft Sleeper Three-person Room | 39,999 |
| Soft Sleeper Four-person Room (Upper Berth) | From 22,999 |
| Soft Sleeper Four-person Room (Lower Berth) | From 24,999 |
Prices do not include round-trip transportation to Shanghai from various locations or personal expenses not specified in the itinerary.*

Travel Mode: Adopts a “sightseeing by day, traveling by night” model. Explore during the day and stay on the train at night, saving you the hassle of frequently changing hotels. Luggage can be stored in the cabin throughout the journey.📞 VI. Booking and Registration Methods
If you want to ride the Yangtze River Delta Star, keep this ticket-buying guide handy. Tickets for Yangtze River Delta Star tourism products are not sold separately on the 12306 platform. You can learn about product schedules, itineraries, and complete bookings through Manager Mai of the Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service Special Train Center.
The booking process is as follows:
1. Contact for Consultation: Manager Mai of the Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service Special Train Center is available 24 hours for consultation and registration. Company landline: 0991-3333832, mobile and WeChat: 132-0133-3409. Learn about the detailed itinerary, seat and cabin types, reference prices, and departure schedules.
2. Choose Your Travel Product: Based on your available time and travel preferences, select a suitable departure date and cabin type.
3. Submit Personal Information: Provide the names of travelers, valid ID numbers, and basic document information such as Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan permits, or passports for travel registration and seat reservation.
4. Complete Booking Procedures: Pay the booking deposit as required by the travel agency, receive the corresponding payment receipt, and sign the unified electronic contract for tourism service supervision to complete the booking process.
> Friendly Reminder:
> From June to September each year, travel demand is high, and seats on popular long-distance special train routes are limited. It is recommended to check schedules as early as possible and pay a deposit to secure your preferred seats. Bookings can be made through Manager Mai of the Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service Special Train Center. Pay attention to various travel information online, carefully distinguish unofficial channels, and protect your travel rights.
💰 VII. Cost and Service Information
The services included in the Yangtze River Delta Star itinerary are arranged according to unified standards, including related transportation, basic accommodation, and sightseeing support services within the itinerary. Personal voluntary spending items and optional experience items are not included.
✅ Costs Typically Include
Special train seat fee (including cabin accommodation with private bathroom).

Scenery Along the Way: Spanning Gansu and Xinjiang, the route connects highlights such as Tianshui Ancient City, Maijishan Grottoes, Nalati Grassland, Sayram Lake, Kanas, and Kashgar Old City. Local tourist bus transportation as indicated in the itinerary.
Meals specified in the itinerary (mostly breakfast + main meals).
Full-journey tour guide commentary services.
Some products include onboard medical support and travel agency liability insurance.
❌ Costs Typically Do Not Include
Round-trip transportation to Shanghai from various locations (flights, high-speed rail, etc.).
Scenic area tickets and internal transportation within scenic areas that are noted as self-paid in the itinerary.
Personal expenses such as laundry, phone calls, and beverages at hotels.
Meals not specified in the itinerary and personal travel accident insurance (recommended to purchase separately).
> Important Notice:
> All service details, fee standards, and included rights are subject to the terms agreed upon in the signed contract. All travel-related rights and fees are subject to actual consultation and contract signing. For more details, please contact customer service for a detailed explanation.
✨ VIII. Start Your Slow Travel Journey
By now, you should have a clear understanding of how to book the Yangtze River Delta Star and its itinerary features. This train will take you on an 18-day journey, effortlessly showcasing the magnificent scenery from the Jiangnan water towns to the western regions.
If you long for a hassle-free, comfortable long-distance slow travel experience, feel free to contact Manager Mai of the Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service Special Train Center to inquire about 2026 schedules and prices, and take the first step toward your “Yangtze River Delta Star” journey!
The 2026 Yangtze River Delta Star Special Train can only be booked through the designated professional and official railway channel — Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service · Special Train Center. It cannot be ordered directly through platforms such as 12306. Official registration channel: Manager Mai of the Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service Special Train Center is available for consultation and registration 24 hours a day. Company landline: 0991-3333832, mobile and WeChat: 132-0133-3409.