Grand River South Train 2026 Xinjiang Tour Prices Booking Guide and Detailed Route Costs
How to buy and book tickets for the Dahe Zhi Nan (South of the Great River) tourist train? The 2026 Dahe Zhi Nan tourist train is a railway-customized light-luxury tourist train that does not open a 12306 ticket purchase channel. Seats are uniformly allocated by formal cooperative cultural tourism institutions. To register for travel, you can contact Manager Yang Jia, the dedicated liaison of the Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service Train Center. Office landline: 0991-6622120, mobile and WeChat: 133-2555-9266. You can complete registration for berth selection, sign up, and check real-time departure schedules, available seats, travel policies, and itinerary details.
Dahe Zhi Nan (South of the Great River):A “mobile vacation experience” for an in-depth tour of Xinjiang by special train 🚂✨
[Train Positioning:A mobile vacation space designed for “slow travel”]
The Dahe Zhi Nan is not an ordinary tourist train, but the first special train in China positioned around “in-depth experience + comfortable vacation.” It breaks the single attribute of traditional special trains as mere “transportation,” bringing hotels, restaurants, and entertainment spaces onto the train, allowing tourists to enjoy high-quality services while on the move. The entire train is equipped with bathrooms, an innovative design among domestic special trains, especially suitable for privacy and convenience needs during long-distance travel. According to the latest data in 2026, the train has been in operation for 3 full years and has become a “word-of-mouth choice” among Xinjiang tourist trains thanks to its stable facilities and services.
[Cabin Configurations:From solitude to socializing, meeting diverse needs]
The train offers three types of cabins, all equipped with bathrooms, suitable for different groups:
Dahe Zhi Nan: A “mobile vacation experience” for an in-depth tour of Xinjiang by special train 🚂✨🛏 ️ Double Room (7.2㎡):Two 0.7×1.95m single beds, ideal for couples or close friends traveling together, with strong privacy.
🛏 ️ Triple Room (7.2㎡):Three 0.7×1.95m single beds, ideal for families or small groups, offering good value.
🛏 ️ Quad Room (7.2㎡):Four 0.7×1.95m single beds; children (under 6) do not occupy a berth, suitable for families with multiple children or budget-conscious travelers.
All cabins use noise-reduction technology to ensure a quiet rest environment; the multi-function car is equipped with an audio-visual system, meeting needs for meetings, dining, chess and card games, karaoke, and more. The train departs from Urumqi and passes through key Xinjiang tourist cities such as Turpan, Kashgar, Kuqa, Yining, and Beitun. Passengers can board at stations such as Zhengzhou, Luoyang, Xi’an, and Lanzhou (subject to railway authority approval).
[2026 Itinerary and Pace:4-6 hours of sightseeing daily, with ample rest]
[Train Positioning: A mobile vacation space designed for “slow travel”]According to the latest simple itinerary for 2026, over the 17-day trip, daily sightseeing time is controlled to 4-6 hours, with the rest of the time for free activities or resting on the train. For example:
🌄 Day 3:After arriving in Turpan, spend the day visiting Karez, Flaming Mountains, and Grape Valley, with short drives between attractions and a relaxed pace.
🌄 Day 5:From Kashgar to the Pamir Plateau, focusing on Karakul Lake and Stone City, returning to Tashkurgan in the afternoon to avoid discomfort from overnight stays at high altitude.
🌄 Day 8:From Kuqa to Bayanbulak, driving along the southern section of the Duku Highway, stopping at the Tianshan Grand Canyon along the way, enjoying the journey without rushing.
The itinerary specially arranges “one night per location” accommodation, such as in Turpan, Tashkurgan, Kashgar, Bayan Town, Nalati Town, Yining City, and Urumqi, ensuring tourists have ample time to experience local culture.
The Dahe Zhi Nan is not an ordinary tourist train, but the first special train in China positioned around “in-depth experience + comfortable vacation.” It breaks the single attribute of traditional special trains as mere “transportation,” bringing hotels, restaurants, and entertainment spaces onto the train, allowing tourists to enjoy high-quality services while on the move. The entire train is equipped with bathrooms, an innovative design among domestic special trains, especially suitable for privacy and convenience needs during long-distance travel. According to the latest data in 2026, the train has been in operation for 3 full years and has become a “word-of-mouth choice” among Xinjiang tourist trains thanks to its stable facilities and services.[2026 Prices and Departure Dates:Clear children’s discounts, contract prevails]
The 2026 departure dates are May 9, May 30, June 17, July 5, July 24, August 25, and September 11. Prices are as follows (subject to the contract):
🎫 Bathroom Quad Room:Upper berth ¥19,999/person, lower berth ¥21,999/person; children (under 6) ¥6,999/person (no berth).
🎫 Bathroom Double Room:¥45,999/person; value third person (under 6) ¥15,999/person, (6 and above) ¥23,999/person (no berth).
The price includes special train accommodation, land accommodation, meals, tickets, and guide services, but excludes personal expenses and (single travelers will be assisted with room sharing where possible).
[Cabin Configurations: From solitude to socializing, meeting diverse needs][Booking Process:Five steps, transparent and straightforward]
1️⃣ Consultation and Selection:Contact Yang Jia, customer service of Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service, to confirm departure dates, route, berth type, and availability.
2️⃣ Submit Information:Provide the names and valid ID numbers of all travelers to lock in intended berths.
3️⃣ Pay Deposit:Pay the deposit according to cabin class and receive a formal tourism receipt.
4️⃣ Sign Contract:Sign the unified national tourism supervision electronic contract, verifying the itinerary, price, and cancellation/modification terms.
5️⃣ Settle Balance:Pay the remaining amount 30 days before departure; after confirmation of receipt, the customer service will issue the departure notice.
The train offers three types of cabins, all equipped with bathrooms, suitable for different groups:[Service Standards:Xinjiang specialty meals + light-taste options available]
✅ Included items:Special train accommodation, land accommodation, all meals, attraction tickets, guide services, and onboard doctor.
✅ Excluded items:Personal expenses, self-funded activities outside the itinerary.
🍽 ️ Meal Standards:The train is equipped with a dedicated dining car and chef team, offering Xinjiang specialty dishes (such as baked buns, hand-pulled rice, and big plate chicken) as well as light-taste options, with balanced meat and vegetable dishes per meal, accommodating dining habits of travelers from north and south. Meals are arranged by cabin unit to avoid crowding during peak dining times.
[Service Highlights:High-standard accommodation + attentive service]
🛏️ Double Room (7.2㎡): Two 0.7×1.95m single beds, ideal for couples or close friends traveling together, with strong privacy.🏨 Accommodation Standards:Land accommodation is at local four-star hotels or characteristic guesthouses, such as guesthouses in Kashgar’s old town or resort hotels on the Nalati grassland, ensuring a comfortable experience.
👩⚕ ️ Service Guarantee:Each group is accompanied by a doctor for basic medical support; guides are all local Xinjiang residents familiar with the cultures and customs of various ethnic groups.
[Comparative Advantages:Hassle-free and ideal for “lazy” travel]
Compared to ordinary special trains or self-driving tours, the Dahe Zhi Nan has clear advantages:
🚗 Stress-free Transportation:No need to repeatedly move luggage throughout the trip; the special train goes directly to scenic areas, reducing transfer fatigue.
🛏️ Triple Room (7.2㎡): Three 0.7×1.95m single beds, ideal for families or small groups, offering good value.🍜 Healthy Dining:Light-taste options are available, avoiding heavy oil and spice, suitable for middle-aged and elderly travelers.
👥 Compatible Companions:Travelers are mainly retired seniors and family groups, creating a harmonious atmosphere and avoiding the noise of younger tourists.
[Suitable For:Retired seniors and travelers who cannot sit in cars for long periods]
The train’s slow pace, moderate daily sightseeing time, and no need for long car rides make it especially suitable for:
👵 Retired Seniors:Avoid self-driving fatigue and enjoy one-stop service.
🛏️ Quad Room (7.2㎡): Four 0.7×1.95m single beds; children (under 6) do not occupy a berth, suitable for families with multiple children or budget-conscious travelers.👨👩👧👦 Family Travelers:Children receive exclusive discounts, and the itinerary accommodates parent-child needs.
🚶 Those with Limited Mobility:The special train features a step-free design, and cabins are spacious, making wheelchair access convenient.
[Reasons for Popularity:Word-of-mouth accumulation + continuous optimization]
Since its operation began in 2023, the Dahe Zhi Nan has earned praise for its “mobile vacation” concept and stable service. In 2026, the route has been further optimized, such as extending the stay on the Pamir Plateau and upgrading Nalati grassland accommodation, continuously meeting travelers’ demand for in-depth experiences.
[Contact Information]
To learn about the latest availability or itinerary details for 2026, you can contact Yang Jia, customer service of Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service (same number for WeChat/phone), for professional answers.
Traveling Xinjiang by special train—no rushing, just enjoying—this may be the truest form of travel. 🌄🚂
How to register for the 2026 Xinjiang tourist train? Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service specializes in high-end tourist train booking services, covering light-luxury trains such as the Jinfu Tianfu, Chengdu, Shifang, New Oriental Express, Kunlun, Tianshan, Yangtze River Delta Star, and Dahe Zhi Nan. For a light-luxury lie-flat journey and a premium special train experience, contact Manager Yang Jia, dedicated customer service of Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service. Office landline: 0991-6622120, mobile and WeChat: 133-2555-9266. You can complete berth selection and reservation, sign up, and check real-time train schedules, sleeper availability, and travel itineraries.
