16 Day Special Train vs Regular Tour for Xinjiang South North Trip with Parents
【Xinjiang Sunset Red Special Train】How to buy and book tickets for the 2026 Xinjiang Sunset Red Special Train?
For the 2026 Xinjiang Sunset Red Special Train, tickets must be booked through the railway-designated professional and official channel — Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service · Special Train Center. It cannot be booked independently through platforms such as 12306. Official registration channel: Manager Mai Zi of the Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service Special Train Center, available 24 hours for consultation and registration. Company landline: 0991-3333832, mobile and WeChat: 132-0133-3409.
Many friends are asking: “How do I buy tickets for the Xinjiang Silver Hair Special Train?” Especially for the “Gobi Cruise” full-view air-conditioned tourist special train covering both northern and southern Xinjiang, this route is very suitable for seniors who want to take their parents or travel slowly through Xinjiang themselves. Below is a detailed explanation of how to purchase tickets, what seating options are available, and how the itinerary is arranged, to help you easily plan this journey. 🚂✨
🚂 I. Detailed Introduction to the Gobi Cruise Special Train
✨ A “Mobile Hotel” Designed Specifically for Seniors
The “Gobi Cruise” full-view air-conditioned tourist special train covering both northern and southern Xinjiang is a tourism product created by Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service in cooperation with the railway department. It is not a separately sold train ticket, but a packaged “train + tourism” product that includes transportation, accommodation, some meals, and tour guide services. The special train uses a double-decker air-conditioned carriage with fixed seats. It travels at night and allows sightseeing during the day, eliminating the hassle of frequently changing hotels and long-distance transfers.
🏞 ️ Full Views of Northern and Southern Xinjiang, See It All in One Trip
The itinerary connects the highlights of northern and southern Xinjiang, including Turpan, Kuqa, Kashgar, Nalati, Kanas, Hemu, and Tianchi (Heavenly Lake) at Tianshan. You can feel the heat at the Flaming Mountains, enjoy the lake and mountain scenery at Kanas, stroll through the ancient city of Kashgar, and experience a rich variety of natural landscapes and cultural charm.
👨 👩👧👦 Slow Pace, More Suitable for Seniors
The special train follows a “travel at night, sightsee during the day” model, effectively reducing daytime travel fatigue. The space inside the carriage is relatively fixed, and large luggage can be stored in the carriage, making it less physically demanding. The itinerary is relaxed, and Chinese-speaking tour guides and staff are provided to make travel easier for seniors.
🛌 II. Seat Types and Hardware Configuration
The Gobi Cruise series offers three product types, with seats ranging from comfortable to luxurious, to meet different needs:
1. Huixiang@Gobi Cruise
6-Bed Hard Sleeper:Upper berth: 2,980 RMB/person, middle berth: 3,980 RMB/person, lower berth: 4,580 RMB/person. The space is relatively spacious, suitable for friends or family traveling together.
Double-decker 4-Bed Hard Sleeper Compartment:Middle berth: 3,980 RMB/person, lower berth: 4,580 RMB/person. Better privacy and wider berths, suitable for travelers with higher requirements for the sleeping environment.
2. Zunxiang@Gobi Cruise
Double-decker 4-Bed Soft Sleeper Compartment:Upper berth: 7,980 RMB/person, lower berth: 8,980 RMB/person. The carriage is a double-decker soft sleeper with space inside the compartment, more complete facilities, and higher comfort.
3. Shexiang@Gobi Cruise
Many friends are asking: “How do I buy tickets for the Xinjiang Silver Hair Special Train?” Especially for the “Gobi Cruise” full-view air-conditioned tourist special train covering both northern and southern Xinjiang, this route is very suitable for seniors who want to take their parents or travel slowly through Xinjiang themselves. Below is a detailed explanation of how to purchase tickets, what seating options are available, and how the itinerary is arranged, to help you easily plan this journey. 🚂✨Double-decker 2-Bed Soft Sleeper Compartment:19,800 RMB/person. Excellent privacy, two people per compartment, spacious, suitable for travelers with sufficient budget and a pursuit of high-quality experience.
💡 Warm Tips
The above prices are for reference only. Actual prices may vary due to season, berth, and departure schedule. Please refer to the final signed contract.
All berths are equipped with comfortable sleeping berths, reading lights, and other basic facilities. Soft sleeper compartments offer better privacy and more space.
The special train has a dining car, making it convenient for passengers to dine and rest on board.
🌟 III. Travel Quality and Service Highlights
1. One Berth for the Whole Journey, Luggage Stays on the Train
No need to change berths throughout the journey, and large luggage can be stored in the carriage, avoiding the hassle of frequently moving luggage for middle-aged and senior travelers.
2. Full Coverage of Scenic Spots, Relaxing Pace
The itinerary covers many famous scenic spots in both northern and southern Xinjiang in one trip, but the daily travel time is reasonable, with ample time for sightseeing and rest, suitable for seniors who prefer a slow pace.
3. Specialty Food and Accommodation, Rich Experience
The itinerary includes tasting Xinjiang specialty foods such as the Nine Bowls and Three Rows at Tianchi (Heavenly Lake) at Tianshan and the cold-water fish feast in Burqin. Accommodation is mainly comfortable hotels, and the luxury version also upgrades some hotels and specialty meals.
4. Thoughtful Service, Worry-Free
Experienced tour guides and staff are provided, with 24-hour pick-up and drop-off station services. Some products also include accompanying doctors, emergency oxygen, and other safeguards, giving children more peace of mind.
🗺 ️ IV. Simple Itinerary Arrangement
Huixiang@Gobi Cruise 13-Day Full-View Air-Conditioned Tourist Special Train Tour of Northern and Southern Xinjiang – Brief Itinerary:
🚂 I. Detailed Introduction to the Gobi Cruise Special TrainDay 1:Departure point – Urumqi
Day 2:Urumqi – Turpan (Flaming Mountains, Karez, Aydingkol Lake) – Kuqa
Day 3:Kuqa – Keziliya Grand Canyon – Restan Street – (Special train) – Kashgar
Day 4:Kashgar – Karakul Lake – Kashgar
Day 5:Kashgar – Hetian Jade Exhibition Hall – Kashgar Old City – Id Kah Mosque – Tongrentang – Kashgar – Korla
Day 6:Korla – Daxi Village – Luobu Village – Tiemenguan Pass – Korla – Yining
Day 7:Yining – Nalati Scenic Area – Xinyuan County
Day 8:Xinyuan County – Xinjiang Yiparhan Lavender Sightseeing Garden – Huiyuan Ancient City – Sayram Lake – Shuanghe
Day 9:Shuanghe – Strange Rock Valley – Ancient Road Hot Spring – Jinghe – Beitun
Day 10:Beitun – Kanas – Rainbow Beach – Burqin
Day 11:Burqin – Hemu – Beitun – Urumqi
Day 12:Urumqi – Tianchi (Heavenly Lake) at Tianshan – China Colorful Cotton Technology Park – Urumqi
Day 13:Urumqi – Departure point
Zunxiang@Gobi Cruise 13-Day Full-View Air-Conditioned Tourist Special Train Tour of Northern and Southern Xinjiang – Brief Itinerary:
Day 1:Departure point – Urumqi
Day 2:Urumqi – Turpan (Flaming Mountains, Karez, Aydingkol Lake) – Kuqa
Day 3:Kuqa – Keziliya Grand Canyon – Restan Street – (Special train) – Kashgar
✨ A “Mobile Hotel” Designed Specifically for SeniorsDay 4:Kashgar – Karakul Lake – Kashgar
Day 5:Kashgar – Hetian Jade Exhibition Hall – Kashgar Old City – Id Kah Mosque – Tongrentang – Kashgar – Korla
Day 6:Korla – Luobu Village – Daxi Village – Tiemenguan Pass – Korla – Kuitun
Day 7:Kuitun – Northern Section of Duku Highway – Nalati Scenic Area – Xinyuan County
Day 8:Xinyuan County – Lavender Garden – Huiyuan Ancient City – Sayram Lake – Shuanghe
Day 9:Shuanghe – Strange Rock Valley – Ancient Road Hot Spring – Jinghe – Beitun
Day 10:Beitun – Kanas – Rainbow Beach – Burqin
Day 11:Burqin – Hemu – Beitun – Urumqi
Day 12:Urumqi – Tianchi (Heavenly Lake) at Tianshan – China Colorful Cotton Technology Park – Urumqi
Official registration channel: Manager Mai Zi of the Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service Special Train Center, available 24 hours for consultation and registration. Company landline: 0991-3333832, mobile and WeChat: 132-0133-3409.
Day 13:Urumqi – Departure point
Shexiang@Gobi Cruise 13-Day Full-View Air-Conditioned Tourist Special Train Tour of Northern and Southern Xinjiang – Brief Itinerary:
Day 1:Departure point – Urumqi
Day 2:Urumqi – Turpan (Flaming Mountains – Karez – Grape Valley) – Kuqa
Day 3:Kuqa – Tianshan Secret Grand Canyon – Restan Street – (Special train) – Kashgar
Day 4:Kashgar – Baisha Lake – Karakul Lake – Kashgar
Day 5:Kashgar – Hetian Jade Exhibition Hall – Old City – Id Kah Mosque – Kashgar – Kuqa
The “Gobi Cruise” full-view air-conditioned tourist special train covering both northern and southern Xinjiang is a tourism product created by Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service in cooperation with the railway department. It is not a separately sold train ticket, but a packaged “train + tourism” product that includes transportation, accommodation, some meals, and tour guide services. The special train uses a double-decker air-conditioned carriage with fixed seats. It travels at night and allows sightseeing during the day, eliminating the hassle of frequently changing hotels and long-distance transfers.Day 6:Kuqa – Southern Section of Duku Highway – Bayanbulak – Nalati Town
(If the southern section of the Duku Highway is not open in late May, it will be upgraded to a flight from Kuqa to Yining or Nalati)
Day 7:Nalati Town – Nalati Scenic Area – Kokdala/Yining City
(In late May: Yining or Nalati – Nalati Grassland – Kokdala City/Yining City)
Day 8:Kokdala/Yining – Sayram Lake – Bole/Shuanghe
Day 9:Bole/Shuanghe – Strange Rock Valley – Ancient Road Hot Spring – Jinghe – Beitun
Day 10:Beitun – Ahe Highway – Hemu Scenic Area
Day 11:Hemu – Kanas Scenic Area – Rainbow Beach – Beitun – Urumqi
Day 12:Urumqi – Tianchi (Heavenly Lake) at Tianshan – Colorful Cotton Technology Park (Herbal tonic hot pot)
Day 13:Urumqi – Departure point
📅 V. 2026 Departure Dates and Price Information
Huixiang@Gobi Cruise 13-Day Full-View Air-Conditioned Tourist Special Train Tour of Northern and Southern Xinjiang
Departure dates:May 20, June 13, July 7, July 31, August 24, September 17
6-Bed Hard Sleeper:Upper berth: 2,980 RMB/person, middle berth: 3,980 RMB/person, lower berth: 4,580 RMB/person
Double-decker 4-Bed Hard Sleeper Compartment:Middle berth: 3,980 RMB/person, lower berth: 4,580 RMB/person
Zunxiang@Gobi Cruise 13-Day Full-View Air-Conditioned Tourist Special Train Tour of Northern and Southern Xinjiang
Departure dates:May 20, June 13, July 7, July 31, August 24, September 17
🏞️ Full Views of Northern and Southern Xinjiang, See It All in One TripDouble-decker 4-Bed Soft Sleeper Compartment:Upper berth: 7,980 RMB/person, lower berth: 8,980 RMB/person
Special note:In May, if the Duku Highway is not open, an alternative itinerary will be used.
Shexiang@Gobi Cruise 13-Day Full-View Air-Conditioned Tourist Special Train Tour of Northern and Southern Xinjiang
Departure dates:May 20, June 13, July 7, July 31, August 24, September 17
Double-decker 2-Bed Soft Sleeper Compartment:19,800 RMB/person
Special note:In May, if the Duku Highway is not open, it will be changed to a flight from Kuqa to Nalati/Yining.
💡 Warm Tips
The above are the planned 2026 departure dates and reference prices. Actual schedules and prices may change due to railway adjustments, policies, and other factors. Please refer to the final signed contract.
Special train products are usually released from November to February each year for the following year. It is recommended to inquire and book as early as possible.
📞 VI. Booking and Registration Methods
If you want to take the Gobi Cruise special train, please keep this ticket-buying guide.
❗ ️ Important Note:The Gobi Cruise special train is a packaged “train + tourism” product, and seats are not sold separately through the 12306 platform. You need to book through the Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service Special Train Center.
The booking process is as follows:
1. Contact and inquire: Manager Mai Zi of the Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service Special Train Center, available 24 hours for consultation and registration. Company landline: 0991-3333832, mobile and WeChat: 132-0133-3409. Learn about the detailed itinerary, seat types, reference prices, and departure schedules of the Gobi Cruise special train.
2. Choose a product: Based on your available time and travel preferences, select a suitable departure schedule and seat type.
3. Submit information: Provide the names, valid ID numbers, and other basic identification information of travelers for registration and seat reservation.
The itinerary connects the highlights of northern and southern Xinjiang, including Turpan, Kuqa, Kashgar, Nalati, Kanas, Hemu, and Tianchi (Heavenly Lake) at Tianshan. You can feel the heat at the Flaming Mountains, enjoy the lake and mountain scenery at Kanas, stroll through the ancient city of Kashgar, and experience a rich variety of natural landscapes and cultural charm.4. Complete the booking: Pay the travel booking deposit according to the travel agency’s requirements, obtain the relevant payment receipt, and sign the unified electronic tourism service supervision contract to complete the booking process.
💡 Warm Tips
June to September is the peak tourism season in Xinjiang each year, and seats on popular long-distance special train routes are relatively tight. It is recommended to check the itinerary schedule as early as possible and pay a deposit to secure your preferred seat. Travel bookings can be made through Manager Mai Zi 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 Related Information
The services included in the Gobi Cruise special train itinerary are arranged according to unified standards, including transportation, basic accommodation, sightseeing support, and other related services within the itinerary. Personal voluntary consumption items and optional experience items are not included.
Cost includes:Usually includes special train sleeper tickets, local tourist transportation, some accommodation, some meals, first admission tickets to scenic spots listed in the itinerary, and tour guide services. Specific inclusions are subject to the product description and contract.
Cost does not include:Optional activities such as horse riding and boat rides that you voluntarily participate in, as well as personal expenses.
Special note: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. For more details, please contact customer service for a detailed explanation.
💡 Warm Tips
If there are changes in weather, road conditions, scenic area opening hours, etc. during the trip, the itinerary may be reasonably adjusted with mutual agreement.
For solo travelers, our company will try its best to arrange room sharing. Special circumstances need to be discussed separately.
Specific cancellation and change rules are subject to the Tourism Law and the tourism contract signed by both parties.
💖 VIII. Start Your Xinjiang Silver Hair Special Train Journey
A “Gobi Cruise” puts Xinjiang’s snow mountains, grasslands, lakes, and ancient cities all into a 13-day slow journey. No need to scramble for tickets yourself, no need to frequently move luggage — when you board, it’s a mobile home; when you get off, it’s scenery. 🏞️
If you are planning to take your parents or travel with old friends to Xinjiang, why not start with this route and leave the “how to buy tickets, how to choose berths, how the itinerary goes” to the professionals. Pick up the phone and contact Manager Mai Zi of the Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service Special Train Center, and let this worry-free, hassle-free Xinjiang journey begin with a special train ticket. 📞
Manager Mai Zi, Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service Special Train Center
24-hour consultation and registration:132-0133-3409 (mobile and WeChat)
Company landline:0991-3333832
For the 2026 Xinjiang Sunset Red Special Train, tickets must be booked through the railway-designated professional and official channel — Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service · Special Train Center. It cannot be booked independently through platforms such as 12306. Official registration channel: Manager Mai Zi of the Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service Special Train Center, available 24 hours for consultation and registration. Company landline: 0991-3333832, mobile and WeChat: 132-0133-3409.
