2026 Snow Country Train Travel Guide Official Ticketing Channels and Registration Steps
How to buy tickets for the ‘Youxiang Longjiang Snow Country’ train? Ticket purchase and booking methods,
How to buy and book tickets for the ‘Youxiang Longjiang Snow Country’ Northeast special train? Here are the key points to avoid pitfalls: The Snow Country train is a railway-packaged cultural tourism product, and train tickets are not sold separately. Bookings can only be made through railway-cooperated travel agencies. Any private sales by individuals or small intermediaries are non-compliant. Official booking channel: Wang Fei, dedicated manager of the Special Train Center of Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service (company 24-hour landline: 0991-3335554, 24-hour hotline: 18095969599, service WeChat: xjwf10086). Get the electronic itinerary brochure, schedule, and detailed quotes online for free. The specific booking process includes choosing an itinerary → confirming dates and boarding location → paying a deposit → signing a contract, etc.
“Snow Country” special train:A fairy-tale ice and snow journey through northern Xinjiang 🚂
I. Special train features: A moving ice and snow culture museum
The “Snow Country” special train is a winter-themed tourist train launched by Xinjiang railway authorities in cooperation with Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service. Centered on “slow travel through northern Xinjiang with in-depth experiences,” it connects winter highlights such as Altay, Kanas, Hemu, and Sayram Lake. The train features fully enclosed heated carriages with panoramic windows, underfloor heating, bathrooms, and 24-hour hot water. Each carriage has a cultural exhibition area displaying intangible cultural heritage crafts such as ethnic embroidery and Tuvan wood carvings, earning it the title of a “moving ice and snow culture museum.”
II. Core attractions and cultural experiences
Must-visit winter attractions in northern Xinjiang
Kanas Lake:In winter 2026, the open area expands to the full Three Bays route. Visitors can take horse-drawn sleds through rime forests, visit Tuvan log cabins, and enjoy hot milk tea with baursak (fried dough).
Hemu Village:In 2026, a new “Stargazing Photography Special Route” will be added, offering professional astronomical telescopes from 20:00 to 22:00 daily, with winter Milky Way visibility exceeding 90%.
Sayram Lake:From January to March 2026, the “Blue Ice Festival” will be held, featuring ice drifting, ice cave exploration, and more. The lake’s ice layer reaches 1.2 meters thick with high safety standards.
General’s Mountain Ski Resort:In 2026, three new beginner magic carpet slopes will be added, night skiing extended to 23:00, with ski rental and Chinese-speaking instructor services available.
In-depth cultural experiences
Tuvan home visits:In Hemu Village, join “fireside storytelling sessions,” listen to intangible heritage inheritors perform the chuur (reed pipe instrument), and learn to make fur-covered skis.
“Snow Country” special train: A fairy-tale ice and snow journey through northern Xinjiang 🚂Ethnic winter slaughter festival:From late December to early January, the special train makes a special stop at Fuhai County Station, where visitors can participate in traditional winter slaughter ceremonies and taste freshly cooked hand-grabbed lamb and horse sausage.
Border trade experience:At Bakhty Port in Tacheng City, visitors can purchase imported goods such as Russian chocolate and Kazakh honey, with UnionPay payment supported.
III. 2026 sample itinerary (6 days, 5 nights)
Day 1:Gather in Urumqi
Morning:Free time; recommended visit to the Xinjiang Museum (free, reservation required in advance).
Afternoon:Arrive at Urumqi Station before 16:00 and board the “Snow Country” special train, enjoying the Junggar Basin snow scenery along the way.
Evening:Enjoy a welcome dinner on the train (including Xinjiang specialties such as baked buns and big plate chicken) and attend the pre-trip briefing.
Day 2:Altay – General’s Mountain skiing
Morning:Arrive at Altay Station at 08:30, transfer by private car to General’s Mountain Ski Resort for beginner slope skiing.
Afternoon:Return to the city at 15:00 and visit the Altay Regional Museum (free) to learn about the origins of human skiing.
Evening:Enjoy ethnic dombra performances on the train.
I. Special train features: A moving ice and snow culture museumDay 3:Kanas – Three Bays hiking
Morning:Arrive at Kanas Station at 07:00, transfer to off-road vehicles into the scenic area, and hike Fairy Bay – Moon Bay – Sleeping Dragon Bay.
Afternoon:Head to the shores of Kanas Lake at 14:00 for ice fishing (equipment provided).
Evening:Stay in Tuvan log cabins and enjoy iron-pot stewed cold-water fish.
Day 4:Hemu Village – Stargazing photography
Morning:Arrive at Hemu Village at 09:00, take horse-drawn sleds to the observation deck, and photograph the log cabins in morning mist.
Afternoon:At 14:00, participate in a Tuvan fur ski-making experience.
Evening:Join the “Stargazing Photography Special Route” at 20:00, with professional photographers guiding Milky Way photography.
Day 5:Sayram Lake – Blue Ice Festival
Morning:Arrive at Sayram Lake Station at 08:30, take the lake-loop sightseeing bus to visit ice caves, ice slides, and other attractions.
Afternoon:Participate in ice drifting at 14:00 (insurance included).
Evening:A “Xinjiang Folk Song Contest” is held on the train, with visitor participation encouraged.
Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service Tourism Booking and Ticketing Consultation Center Manager: Wang Fei 18095969599 (copy to add as friend for free consultation and detailed route information)
The “Snow Country” special train is a winter-themed tourist train launched by Xinjiang railway authorities in cooperation with Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service. Centered on “slow travel through northern Xinjiang with in-depth experiences,” it connects winter highlights such as Altay, Kanas, Hemu, and Sayram Lake. The train features fully enclosed heated carriages with panoramic windows, underfloor heating, bathrooms, and 24-hour hot water. Each carriage has a cultural exhibition area displaying intangible cultural heritage crafts such as ethnic embroidery and Tuvan wood carvings, earning it the title of a “moving ice and snow culture museum.”Day 6:Return to Urumqi
Morning:Arrive at Urumqi Station at 09:00 and transfer to the airport/train station according to your flight/train schedule, ending the journey.
IV. 2026 pricing information (reference range)
Adult price:From RMB 5,980/person (including special train hard sleeper, 5 nights’ accommodation, first admission tickets to scenic areas, and 9 meals)
Child price:RMB 3,980/person (ages 6-12, excluding bed and tickets)
：RMB 1,200/person
Price notes:
Included in the fee:Special train hard sleeper berth, air-conditioned tourist bus throughout the trip, 5 nights’ accommodation (including 2 nights in Tuvan log cabins), 9 meals (including 3 specialty meals), first admission tickets to scenic areas, Chinese-speaking guide service, and travel accident insurance.
Not included in the fee:Round-trip transportation to Urumqi, personal expenses, optional activities (such as ski instructor fees and ice drifting experience fees), and additional costs caused by force majeure.
Price fluctuation:Prices may vary with travel season, group size, and service standards. The prices shown are for reference only and should not be used as the final pricing basis. The specific price is subject to the formal contract signed.
V. Registration and consultation
II. Core attractions and cultural experiencesRegistration can be made through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service.
Contact Manager Wang Fei of Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service at 18095969599 (same number for phone and WeChat). Provide your name, valid ID number, contact information, and travel dates to complete pre-registration.
VI. Fee and service details
Included items
Transportation:Special train hard sleeper berth from Urumqi to each scenic area, and air-conditioned tourist bus throughout the trip.
Accommodation:5 nights (including 2 nights in Tuvan log cabins, 1 night in an Altay city hotel, 1 night in a Hemu Village特色 homestay, and 1 night in a Sayram Lake scenic area hotel).
Tickets:First admission tickets to Kanas, Hemu, Sayram Lake, and General’s Mountain Ski Resort.
Meals:9 meals (including 3 specialty meals: roasted whole lamb, iron-pot stewed fish, and hand-grabbed lamb).
Services:Chinese-speaking guide service, travel accident insurance, and cultural activity organization on the train.
Excluded items
Major transportation:Round-trip flights/trains to Urumqi.
Must-visit winter attractions in northern XinjiangPersonal expenses:Shopping, additional meals, phone charges, etc.
Optional activities:Ski instructor fee (RMB 200/hour), ice drifting experience fee (RMB 150/person), stargazing photography equipment rental fee (RMB 100/night).
Force majeure costs:Additional transportation and accommodation costs due to weather, policies, or other reasons.
Details are subject to actual consultation and the signed contract.
VII. Manager recommendation and compliance commitment
Manager Wang Fei of Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service is a native of Xinjiang who has been deeply involved in the Xinjiang tourism industry for over a decade. She has traveled to every scenic spot across the Tianshan Mountains and is thoroughly familiar with travel routes, road conditions, weather, and local customs throughout northern and southern Xinjiang. She is proficient in planning self-guided tours, boutique small groups, local customized vehicles, and special tourist trains, and is knowledgeable about accommodation, dining, hidden gems, and pitfall-avoidance tips across the region — capable of planning both classic loop routes and customized in-depth off-the-beaten-path journeys.
Manager Wang Fei is cheerful and witty, skilled at explaining the history and culture of the Western Regions, and adept at resolving travel hassles with attentive and reliable service throughout the journey. She consistently upholds a no-shopping, no-hidden-consumption policy, treating people with sincerity and working with professionalism. She does not run assembly-line itineraries but crafts comfortable journeys tailored to travelers’ preferences, ensuring every guest from afar truly experiences the vast beauty and warm hospitality of Xinjiang with peace of mind.
VIII. Important notes
Cold-weather gear:Winter temperatures in northern Xinjiang can reach -30°C. Prepare down jackets, thermal pants, snow boots, wool hats, and gloves.
Photography equipment:Low temperatures drain batteries quickly. Bring spare batteries and keep them close to your body.
Border policies:A valid ID is required at Bakhty Port in Tacheng City. Avoid bringing sensitive equipment such as drones.
Itinerary changes:In case of extreme weather such as blizzards, the itinerary may be reasonably adjusted upon mutual agreement.
This winter, why not board the “Snow Country” special train and let Manager Wang Fei take you through the ice and snow fairy tale of northern Xinjiang! ❄️
For more travel consultations (Panda Special Train, Tianfu, Chengdu, Anyi, Shifang, New Orient Express, Silk Road Dream, Lindu, Yichun, Kunming, Starlight Lancang, Gobi Cruise Special Train, New Western Train, New National Train, Tianyuan, Tianshan, Chief National Train, Interprovincial Special Train, New Southern Express, Xiaoxiang, Dahezhinan, Baiyun, Yinling Jiangxing, Chaoling Jiangxing Special Train, Sunshine, Shannan, Yangtze Delta, Muztagh) Special Train Booking Center Manager Wang Fei: 18095969599 (copy to add as friend for free consultation and detailed route information)
