2026 Snow Country Express Train Ticket Purchase Guide Booking Process & Methods

How to buy tickets for the ‘Youxiang Longjiang Snow Country Express’? Ticket purchase and booking methods,

Here is a guide on how to buy tickets and book the ‘Youxiang Longjiang Snow Country Express’ Northeast special train, along with key tips to avoid pitfalls: The Snow Country Express is a railway-packaged cultural tourism product — train tickets are not sold separately. Bookings can only be made through railway-cooperating 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 at Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service (company 24-hour landline: 0991-3335554, 24-hour hotline: 18095969599, service WeChat: xjwf10086). Free online access to the e-version itinerary brochure, schedule, and detailed pricing. The specific booking process includes: choosing an itinerary → confirming dates and boarding location → paying a deposit → signing a contract, etc.
“Snow Country Express” special train:Unlock the dreamlike journey of northern Xinjiang’s ice and snow wonderland ✨
I. Why choose the “Snow Country Express” special train?
Winter in northern Xinjiang is a fairy-tale world woven from ice and snow — Altay’s powder snow, Kanas’s blue ice, Hemu Village’s morning mist… But winter in northern Xinjiang spans vast terrain with scattered attractions; self-driving risks icy road conditions, and public transport has few departures and takes time. That’s when the “Snow Country Express” special train becomes the “warm-hearted choice” for an in-depth tour of northern Xinjiang!
Starting from Urumqi, this special train connects the core ice-and-snow attractions of northern Xinjiang. It features fully enclosed carriages equipped with constant-temperature underfloor heating, large panoramic windows, charging ports, and restrooms, allowing travelers to enjoy the flowing snowscapes outside from a mobile “warm room.” The train travels at night and stops during the day, saving time while avoiding long outdoor waits in the bitter cold — especially suitable for family trips, senior travelers, and photography enthusiasts.
II. 2026 “Snow Country Express” special train key information (updated in real time)
Train schedule and itinerary duration
The current “Snow Country Express” departs every Wednesday and Saturday, with a full itinerary of 6 days and 5 nights, covering classic stops including Urumqi, Altay, Burqin, Kanas, and Hemu Village. The pace is well balanced: the first 2 days allow acclimatization to the plateau climate, the middle 3 days are for in-depth exploration of the ice-and-snow wonderland, and the final day returns to Urumqi — combining experience with comfort.
Opening period and seasonal advantages
Winter in northern Xinjiang lasts up to 5 months (November to March of the following year), but the optimal experience window for the “Snow Country Express” is December through February. During this time, Kanas Lake freezes into a “blue ice wonderland,” the Tuva wooden houses in Hemu Village are blanketed in thick snow, and Altay’s Jiangjun Mountain Ski Resort opens night skiing with soft, powder-like snow — a paradise for ski enthusiasts.
Park entry policy and reservation tips
Scenic areas such as Kanas and Hemu Village operate a “limited-entry reservation system,” requiring real-name reservations on the platform 3 days in advance. Special train travelers have this handled collectively by the travel agency — no self-service needed — but must provide valid identification, health code (testing requirements were lifted in 2026, but recent policies should be confirmed), and other basic materials.

“Snow Country Express” special train: Unlock the dreamlike journey of northern Xinjiang’s ice and snow wonderland ✨III. 2026 “Snow Country Express” special train itinerary highlights (day-by-day breakdown)
Day 1:Gathering in Urumqi
Morning:Arrive in Urumqi, check into the special train’s partner hotel (airport pickup included). Free time recommendations: visit the Grand International Bazaar and try baked buns stuffed with meat (samsa) and hand-pulled rice with lamb (polo).
Afternoon:Special train staff hold a pre-departure briefing and distribute cold-weather gear (windproof masks, touchscreen gloves, etc.).
Evening:Board the train and depart, enjoying a Xinjiang-style dinner on board (big plate chicken, naan pit-roasted meat), then admire the snowy scenery along the way.
Day 2:First taste of Altay
Morning:Arrive at Altay Station, transfer to off-road vehicles and head to Jiangjun Mountain Ski Resort for beginner-slope skiing (with instructor guidance).
Afternoon:Visit Birch Park to photograph snow-covered white birch forests and rime ice landscapes.
Evening:Check into a hotel in downtown Altay and enjoy a local specialty cold-water fish feast.
Day 3:Kanas “Blue Ice Rendezvous”
Morning:The special train arrives in Burqin, then transfer to snow off-road vehicles to traverse the forested snowfields and reach Kanas Lake.

I. Why choose the “Snow Country Express” special train?Afternoon:Hike the Three Bays (Fairy Bay, Moon Bay, and Sleeping Dragon Bay), capturing the fantastical scenes of blue ice intertwined with snow-covered pines.
Evening:Stay in a Kanas log cabin and experience a traditional Tuva song-and-dance evening.
Day 4:Hemu Village “Fairy-tale Morning Mist”
Early morning:Take a horse-drawn sleigh to the viewing platform to photograph Hemu Village’s morning mist and chimney smoke.
Morning:Join a Tuva home visit, learn to make fur-covered skis, and taste fermented milk wine and boortsog (fried dough).
Afternoon:Free-time recommendations: snowmobile crossings, snow tubing, and more.
Evening:Return to the special train, enjoy a hotpot dinner, and share photography works.
Day 5:Return to Urumqi
Morning:The special train stops at Beitun Station to view the ice wonders of the Irtysh River and experience winter fishing (December–January only).
Afternoon:Return to Urumqi, with a “Snow Country Story Session” held on board to share travel anecdotes.
Evening:Arrive in Urumqi and check into the hotel for rest.

Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service tourism booking and ticket consultation center manager: Wang Fei 18095969599 (copy to add as friend for free consultation and detailed route materials)
Winter in northern Xinjiang is a fairy-tale world woven from ice and snow — Altay’s powder snow, Kanas’s blue ice, Hemu Village’s morning mist… But winter in northern Xinjiang spans vast terrain with scattered attractions; self-driving risks icy road conditions, and public transport has few departures and takes time. That’s when the “Snow Country Express” special train becomes the “warm-hearted choice” for an in-depth tour of northern Xinjiang!Day 6:Free departure
Morning:Airport transfer arranged according to flight time, concluding the journey.
IV. 2026 special train fares and fee description (reference range)
Fare reference
Adult hard sleeper:From ¥5,980/person
Adult soft sleeper:From ¥7,980/person
Children (ages 6–12):Half price (no bed, includes tickets and special train seat)
Note:Prices fluctuate with travel season and group size; during Chinese New Year they may rise 20%–30%. The final price is subject to the signed contract.
Fees include
Transportation:Round-trip special train seat from Urumqi, plus full local off-road vehicle/snow vehicle transfers.
Accommodation:5 nights (2 nights in special train soft sleeper, 1 night in a 4-star Altay hotel, 1 night in a Kanas log cabin, 1 night in a 4-star Urumqi hotel).

This special train starts from Urumqi, connecting the core ice-and-snow attractions of northern Xinjiang. It features fully enclosed carriages equipped with constant-temperature underfloor heating, large panoramic windows, charging ports, and restrooms, allowing travelers to enjoy the flowing snowscapes outside from a mobile “warm room.” The train travels at night and stops during the day, saving time while avoiding long outdoor waits in the bitter cold — especially suitable for family trips, senior travelers, and photography enthusiasts.Tickets:First-admission gate tickets to Kanas, Hemu Village, Jiangjun Mountain Ski Resort, etc.
Meals:5 breakfasts + 8 main meals (including 3 specialty meals: cold-water fish feast, Tuva home banquet, and special train hotpot).
Services:Tour guide accompaniment, ski instructor guidance, photography guide, and cold-weather gear rental.
Fees exclude
Personal expenses:Premium ski equipment rental, snowmobiles, and other self-funded activities.
Force majeure:Additional transportation or accommodation costs caused by weather or policy changes.
：For solo occupancy, a supplement of ¥1,200/person applies (¥1,500/person during Chinese New Year).
Details are subject to actual consultation and the signed contract.
V. Booking materials and registration methods
Booking materials
Photocopies of both sides of a valid ID (household registration booklet for children).

II. 2026 “Snow Country Express” special train key information (updated in real time) Health code screenshot (2026 policy subject to official notice).
Emergency contact information (name, phone number).
Registration methods
Registration is available through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service. Contact Manager Wang Fei at Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service: 18095969599 (same number for phone and WeChat).
VI. Why choose Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service?
Manager Wang Fei of Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service is a native of Xinjiang with over a decade of deep experience in the Xinjiang tourism industry. She has traveled across every scenic spot from the Tianshan Mountains to the north and south, and knows the full routes, road conditions, weather, and local customs of northern and southern Xinjiang inside out. She is proficient in free-trip planning, boutique small groups, local customized vehicles, and tourism special trains, and is familiar with accommodations, cuisine, hidden gems, and pitfall-avoidance tips across the region — capable of planning both classic loop routes and customized off-the-beaten-path deep journeys.
Manager Wang Fei is outgoing and witty, skilled at explaining the humanities and history of the Western Regions, easily resolving travel hassles, and providing attentive and reliable support throughout the trip. She consistently upholds a no-shopping, no-hidden-consumption principle, refusing covert charges and treating people with sincerity and professionalism. She does not run assembly-line itineraries — only crafting comfortable journeys tailored to travelers’ preferences, so every guest from afar can truly experience the vast beauty and warm hospitality of Xinjiang and enjoy a worry-free tour.
VII. Kind reminders
Cold-weather gear:Winter temperatures in northern Xinjiang can drop to -30°C. Prepare down jackets, fleece-lined pants, snow boots, hand warmers, etc.
Photography tips:Bring a waterproof camera cover and spare batteries (low temperatures drain batteries quickly). Arrive early to secure a spot for shooting Hemu Village’s morning mist.
Policy changes:Scenic area openings and transport schedules may change due to weather; the itinerary may be reasonably adjusted upon mutual agreement.
This winter, why not board the “Snow Country Express” and let northern Xinjiang’s ice, snow, and warmth embrace you through the cold season! ❄️
For more travel consultations (Panda Special Train, Tianfu, Chengdu, Anyi, Shifang, New Oriental Express, Silk Road Dream, Lindu, Yichun, Kunming, Xingguang Lanmei, Gobi Cruise Special Train, New Western Train, New National Train, Tianyuan, Tianshan, Chief National Train, Cross-Province Special Train, New Southern Express, Xiaoxiang, Dahezhinan, Baiyun, Yinling Jiangxing, Chaoling Jiangxing Special Train, Sunshine, Shannan, Yangtze Delta, Muztagh Ata) Special Train Booking Center Manager Wang Fei: 18095969599 (copy to add as friend for free consultation and detailed route materials)