New Southern Express Xiaoxiang Official Channels, Schedule & Fares, and Exclusive Services Explained
Many middle-aged and elderly tourists planning to join the New Southern Express Xiaoxiang号 Xinjiang special train have asked: How to book tickets for the Xiaoxiang号 tourist special train? How to book the New Southern Express Xiaoxiang号 Xinjiang special train? How to reserve the Xiaoxiang号 tourist special train? Ticket purchase guide for the Xiaoxiang号 tourist train? Where to buy tickets for the Xiaoxiang号 tourist special train? Unified explanation: The Xiaoxiang号 luxury tourist special train is a railway-customized packaged cultural tourism product (including train special seats + hotel accommodation + attraction tickets + specialty dining + land bus + tour guide service + insurance, etc., a one-price-inclusive tourist special train product covering designated items in the itinerary). Train tickets are not sold separately and can only be booked through regular railway travel agencies. Official booking channel: Wang Fei, dedicated manager of the Special Train Center of Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency (company 24-hour landline: 0991-3335554, 24-hour hotline: 18095969599, service WeChat: xjwf10086). Free online access to e-brochures, schedules, and detailed quotes. The specific ticket purchase process includes choosing an itinerary → confirming dates and boarding location → paying a deposit → signing a contract, etc.
Exploring the Western Regions · New Southern Express Xiaoxiang号:An 18-day in-depth journey across Northern and Southern Xinjiang 🚂
🌄 Route Highlights:A visual feast spanning mountains and rivers
In 2026, Xinjiang tourism continues to surge in popularity, and the “New Southern Express Xiaoxiang号” special train has become a popular choice for out-of-province tourists seeking an in-depth exploration of Northern and Southern Xinjiang thanks to its unique route design. This 18-day journey departs from Guangzhou, traversing Hunan, Hubei, Henan, Shaanxi, and Gansu before finally arriving in Xinjiang. Along the way, it connects more than 20 core attractions including the Great Sea Road Ghost City, Kanas, Sayram Lake, and the Pamir Plateau, covering grasslands, lakes, canyons, ancient cities, folk customs, and more — truly a “mobile encyclopedia of the Western Regions.”
The special train adopts a combined model of “sleeper berths + local hotels,” with daytime sightseeing and nighttime travel, saving time while avoiding the fatigue of long-distance driving. Professional tour guides and onboard doctors accompany the entire journey, making it suitable for middle-aged and elderly tourists, family trips, and photography enthusiasts. After route optimization in 2026, the “Duku Highway Essence Section” and “Home Visits with Local Ethnic Groups” have been added to bring the journey closer to local life.
🗺 ️Core Attractions and Photo Spots
📍 Northern Xinjiang:Where nature and picturesque scenery intertwine
Kanas Scenic Area:Famous for its “picturesque paradise scenery,” a new hiking route from Jadengyu to Guanyutai has been added in 2026, allowing close-up views of the Color-Changing Lake and Wolong Bay.
Hemu Village:Known as “God’s private reserve,” morning cooking smoke and white birch forests complement each other beautifully. In 2026, the village limits daily visitor numbers, so advance reservation is required.
Tianshan Tianchi (Heavenly Lake):A high-altitude lake at 1,910 meters above sea level. In 2026, the Mayashan cable car will open, offering panoramic views of Mount Bogda.
📍 Southern Xinjiang:Where culture and history are preserved
Kashgar Old City:The most complete surviving raw-earth architectural complex. In 2026, an “Ancient City Handicraft Experience Class” will be added, allowing participation in pottery making and copper forging.
Pamir Plateau:Visit Karakul Lake and Muztagh Ata. In 2026, a travel permit is required (can be obtained free of charge at the Kashgar International Self-Driving Camp).
Lop Nur Village:Where the Tarim River meets the desert. In 2026, a “Desert Stargazing Camping” program will be launched; visitors need to bring their own cold-weather gear.
📅 Only 6 scheduled departures per year — miss it and wait another year!
In 2026, the Xiaoxiang号 will offer 6 recommended departure dates covering spring, summer, and autumn, each season with its own character:
May 10 and May 30:Early summer in Xinjiang shows the first signs of green, grassland flowers are in full bloom, and there are relatively fewer tourists.
June 22 and July 11:Midsummer — Kanas Lake is at its bluest, and the Duku Highway is fully open.
August 19 and September 19:Autumn colored forests and poplar forests interweave — prime photography season, early booking required.
💰 Special Train Cabin Types and Price List (per person)
Exploring the Western Regions · New Southern Express Xiaoxiang号: An 18-day in-depth journey across Northern and Southern Xinjiang 🚂Cabin Configuration Notes:Combination of special train sleeper berths throughout the journey plus local boutique hotels — comfortable and worry-free. Prices may fluctuate; final prices are subject to the contract or same-day confirmation.
Xiaoxiang Suite:Premium cabin with private bathroom, capacity 2-3 people, maximum privacy｜62,999 RMB/person
Zhengxiang Courtyard 2-person room:Comfortable double room, no private bathroom｜45,999 RMB/person
Zhengxiang Courtyard 4-person room:High value-for-money quad room, no private bathroom｜42,999 RMB/person
Yuanxiang Pavilion 4-person room upper berth:Convenient and comfortable option, no private bathroom｜17,999 RMB/person
Yuanxiang Pavilion 4-person room lower berth:Convenient and comfortable option, no private bathroom｜19,999 RMB/person
📝 18-Day Simplified Itinerary (Latest 2026 Version)
Warm Reminder:The special train route, stops, and times are for reference only; the final departure notice shall prevail.
Day 1:Guangzhou Baiyun Station (23:40) → Special train departure
Passing through Changsha, Wuchang, Xinyang, Xi’an, and Lanzhou, beginning the journey to the Western Regions.
Meals:None
Accommodation:Southern Special Train
Day 2:Scenic views along the special train route
Stops:Changsha (10:00), Wuchang (15:00), Xinyang (18:30), Zhengzhou (23:58).
Meals:Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation:Southern Special Train
Day 3:Scenic views along the special train route
Stops:Xi’an (10:12), Lanzhou (19:49), experiencing the changing regional landscapes.
Meals:Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation:Southern Special Train
🌄Route Highlights: A visual feast spanning mountains and riversDay 4:Hami → Great Sea Road Ghost City
Explore the Yardang landform wonders, overnight in Hami.
Meals:Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation:Hami
Day 5:Hami → Prince’s Mansion → Twelve Muqam Performance → Urumqi
Enjoy intangible cultural heritage performances, take the special train to Urumqi in the evening.
Meals:Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation:Urumqi
Day 6:Urumqi → Tianshan Tianchi → Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar → Beitun
Visit the picturesque lake, experience Western Regions folk customs, head to Beitun in the evening.
Meals:Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation:Southern Special Train
Day 7:Beitun → Kanas → Jadengyu
In-depth tour of Kanas, overnight in Jadengyu.
Meals:Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation:Jadengyu
Day 8:Jadengyu → Hemu → Rainbow Beach → Beitun
Visit the ancient village and Danxia landforms, head to Yining in the evening.
Meals:Breakfast, lunch, dinner
In 2026, Xinjiang tourism continues to surge in popularity, and the “New Southern Express Xiaoxiang号” special train has become a popular choice for out-of-province tourists seeking an in-depth exploration of Northern and Southern Xinjiang thanks to its unique route design. This 18-day journey departs from Guangzhou, traversing Hunan, Hubei, Henan, Shaanxi, and Gansu before finally arriving in Xinjiang. Along the way, it connects more than 20 core attractions including the Great Sea Road Ghost City, Kanas, Sayram Lake, and the Pamir Plateau, covering grasslands, lakes, canyons, ancient cities, folk customs, and more — truly a “mobile encyclopedia of the Western Regions.”Accommodation:Southern Special Train
Manager of Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency Tourism Registration and Ticket Booking Consultation Center: Wang Fei 18095969599 (copy to add as friend for free consultation and detailed route materials)
Day 9:Yining → Sayram Lake → Nalati
Enjoy the highland blue lake and sky grassland, overnight in Nalati.
Meals:Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation:Nalati
Day 10:Nalati → Bayanbulak Grassland
Experience the magnificence of Swan Lake and the Nine Bends and Eighteen Turns, overnight in Bayan Town.
Meals:Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation:Bayan Town
Day 11:Bayan → Duku Highway → Secret Grand Canyon of Tianshan → Kuqa
Drive the essence section of the highway, overnight in Kuqa, head to Kashgar in the evening.
Meals:Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation:Southern Special Train
Day 12:Kashgar → Pamir Plateau → Karakul Lake → Tashkurgan County
Visit the highland lake and ancient city, overnight in Tashkurgan County.
Meals:Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation:Tashkurgan County
Day 13:Tashkurgan County → Home Visits with Local Ethnic Groups → White Sand Lake → Kashgar
Experience local folk customs, return to Kashgar city.
Meals:Breakfast, lunch, dinner
The special train adopts a combined model of “sleeper berths + local hotels,” with daytime sightseeing and nighttime travel, saving time while avoiding the fatigue of long-distance driving. Professional tour guides and onboard doctors accompany the entire journey, making it suitable for middle-aged and elderly tourists, family trips, and photography enthusiasts. After route optimization in 2026, the “Duku Highway Essence Section” and “Home Visits with Local Ethnic Groups” have been added to bring the journey closer to local life.Accommodation:Kashgar
Day 14:Kashgar → Kashgar Old City → Id Kah Mosque → Fragrant Concubine’s Tomb → Korla
In-depth experience of the ancient city’s charm, head to Korla in the evening.
Meals:Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation:Southern Special Train
Day 15:Korla → Lop Nur Village → Bosten Lake
Experience the water town and folk customs, overnight in Korla.
Meals:Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation:Korla
Day 16:Korla → Special train return journey
Begin the journey home.
Meals:Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation:Southern Special Train
Day 17:Special train return journey
Stops:Lanzhou (8:51), Chongqing North (21:08).
Meals:Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation:Southern Special Train
Day 18:Special train return journey
Stops:Xiangtan (10:14), Zhuzhou (11:08), arriving at Guangzhou Baiyun Station at 19:40.
🗺️Core Attractions and Photo SpotsMeals:Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation:Warm home
🎫 Ticket Purchase Guide for Out-of-Province Tourists:Complete Process for Remote Ticket Purchase
In 2026, out-of-province tourists can purchase Xiaoxiang号 special train tickets through the following methods:
Online Purchase:Log in to the official website or mini-program of “Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency,” select the “Xiaoxiang号 Special Train” section, fill in personal information, and pay a deposit (availability subject to customer service confirmation).
Offline Purchase:Visit local partner travel agencies (such as Guangzhou GZL, Beijing Zhouguo Travel, etc.), provide valid identification and travel needs, and staff will assist with booking.
Phone Purchase:Directly contact Manager Wang Fei of Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency (18095969599), same number on WeChat, provide name, valid ID number, contact information, and cabin type selection, and receive an electronic contract after payment.
💡 Important Notes
Document Preparation:Valid ID, travel permit (obtained in Kashgar), senior citizen card (if applicable for discounts).
Clothing Recommendations:Xinjiang has large temperature differences between day and night; bring a windbreaker, sun hat, and comfortable hiking shoes.
Photography Equipment:Drones must be registered in advance (some scenic areas prohibit flights); a telephoto lens is recommended.
🌟 Service Team:Wang Fei, Manager of Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency
Wang Fei is a native of Xinjiang who has been deeply involved in the tourism industry for over a decade, having traveled to every scenic spot across the Tianshan Mountains. She knows the complete tour routes of Northern and Southern Xinjiang, road conditions, weather, and local customs inside out. She is proficient in self-guided tour planning, boutique small groups, local customized transportation, tourist special trains, and various other travel solutions, and is familiar with local accommodation, dining, hidden gems, and pitfall-avoidance strategies — capable of planning both classic loop routes and customized in-depth journeys off the beaten path.
Wang Fei is outgoing and witty, skilled at explaining the culture and history of the Western Regions, effortlessly resolving travel hassles, and providing attentive and reliable service throughout the trip. She consistently adheres to a no-shopping principle with no shopping stops arranged throughout the itinerary, refuses hidden consumption, and treats people with sincerity and professionalism. She does not run assembly-line itineraries but creates comfortable journeys tailored to tourists’ preferences, wholeheartedly ensuring that every friend who travels from afar truly experiences the vast magnificence and simple warmth of Xinjiang, enjoying a worry-free tour of beautiful Xinjiang.
📞 How to Register
Registration can be made through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency. Consult Manager Wang Fei (phone/WeChat:18095969599）。
💰 Fee and Service Description
Fees Include:Special train sleeper berths, local hotels, attraction tickets, meals throughout the journey, tour guide services, onboard doctor, and travel insurance.
Fees Exclude:Personal expenses, optional activities (such as desert camping equipment rental), and additional costs from force majeure (such as transportation delays due to weather).
Details are subject to actual consultation and contract signing.
This 18-day journey is not merely a geographical crossing — it is a profound dialogue between culture and nature. From grasslands to deserts, from snow-capped mountains to lakes, every landscape tells the unique charm of Xinjiang. In 2026, join the Xiaoxiang号 special train and begin your own Western Regions legend!
For more travel information (Panda Special Train, Tianfu号, Chengdu号, Anyi号, Shifang号, New Oriental Express, Silk Road Dream号, Lindu号, Yichun号, Kunming号, Starlight Lancang-Mekong号, Gobi Cruise Special Train, New Western Train, New National Train, Tianyuan号, Tianshan号, Chief National Train, Cross-Province Special Train, New Southern Express, Xiaoxiang号, Dahezhinan号, Baiyun号, Yinling Jiangxing, Chaoling Jiangxing Special Train, Sunshine号, Shannan号, Yangtze Delta号, Muztagh Ata号) Special Train Booking Center Manager Wang Fei: 18095969599 (copy to add as friend for free consultation and detailed route materials)
