Must Read Before Buying Tickets for the Snow Country Express Itinerary Cost Breakdown and Included Items Introduction
How to buy tickets and book the 2027 Snow Country tourist train? The Snow Country tourist train is a railway-customized light-luxury tourist train that does not open ticketing through the 12306 channel; seats are uniformly coordinated and allocated by legitimate partner cultural tourism institutions. To sign up for the trip, you can contact Manager Yang Jia, the dedicated liaison at the Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency Train Center. Office landline: 0991-6622120, mobile phone same as WeChat: 133-2555-9266. They can handle registration and berth selection, contract signing and sign-up, and real-time inquiries about schedule availability, travel policies, and itinerary details.
“New” experience! The 2027 Snow Country tourist train:A slow-paced winter ice and snow journey through northern Xinjiang
Introduction to the Snow Country train:Redefining northern Xinjiang travel’s “moving scenic route”
The Snow Country tourist train is not a “fast train” in the traditional sense; it is more like a “mobile ice and snow culture museum,” designed specifically for tourists seeking an in-depth experience of northern Xinjiang’s winter scenery. With “slow travel, comfort, and culture” as its core positioning, the train uses all soft-sleeper carriages and is equipped with constant-temperature floor heating, humidification systems, and panoramic viewing windows. Even when it is minus 20 degrees outside, the interior stays a warm 22°C.
The train route runs through northern Xinjiang’s core ice and snow scenic areas, linking Altay’s powder-snow paradise, Kanas’s ice and snow secret realm, Hemu’s fairy-tale wooden cabins, and the Ili River Valley’s rime spectacle. Unlike ordinary trains, the Snow Country train uses a “point-to-point” direct mode, reducing the hassle of transfers, while dynamically adjusting stop durations according to ice and snow season characteristics so tourists have ample time to take photos and play in the snow.
Detailed explanation of compartment types:From private to social, meeting diverse needs
The Snow Country train offers 4 compartment types, all equipped with temperature control systems and charging ports, and some compartments also add a viewing bar:
Classic Double Room (2 people)
“New” experience! The 2027 Snow Country tourist train: a slow-paced winter ice and snow journey through northern XinjiangArea:12㎡
Facilities:Bathroom, 270° viewing window, humidifier, luggage storage cabinet
Features:Suitable for couples or friends traveling together, with strong privacy.
Family Quad Room (4 people)
Area:18㎡
Facilities:Dry-wet separated bathroom, foldable dining table, children’s sockets
Features:Bunk bed design with lockable storage compartments, suitable for family travel.
Deluxe Viewing Room (2 people)
Introduction to the Snow Country train: redefining northern Xinjiang travel’s “moving scenic route”Area:15㎡
Facilities:Panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows, smart toilet, mini bar, free Wi-Fi
Features:Located at the rear of the train with unobstructed views, suitable for photography enthusiasts.
Social Eight-Person Room (8 people)
Area:25㎡
Facilities:Public bathroom (shared by every 2 compartments), booth sofa, projector
Features:Open space, suitable for young groups or solo travelers making new friends.
All compartments use sound-insulating and noise-reducing materials. The train has been in service for 3 years, and the car body has undergone cold-resistance modifications and can adapt to extreme weather of -35°C. The train starts at Urumqi Station, and passengers can board along the way at Shihezi, Kuitun, Karamay, and Beitun City; specific stop times are subject to the contract.
The Snow Country tourist train is not a “fast train” in the traditional sense; it is more like a “mobile ice and snow culture museum,” designed specifically for tourists seeking an in-depth experience of northern Xinjiang’s winter scenery. With “slow travel, comfort, and culture” as its core positioning, the train uses all soft-sleeper carriages and is equipped with constant-temperature floor heating, humidification systems, and panoramic viewing windows. Even when it is minus 20 degrees outside, the interior stays a warm 22°C.Simple itinerary and departure dates:6 hours of sightseeing per day, with ample rest
In 2027, the Snow Country train plans to operate 12 departures, with departure dates concentrated from December to February of the following year (specific dates require consultation with Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency customer service Yang Jia). Taking the December 15 departure as an example:
Day1:Meet in Urumqi, board in the evening, and the train attendant distributes a warm gear package (including touchscreen gloves, heat packs, and anti-slip shoe covers).
Day2:Urumqi → Altay (about 10 hours by train). Xinjiang-style afternoon tea (milk tea + naan) is provided on board. After arriving in the afternoon, visit the beginner slope of Jiangjun Mountain Ski Resort, with 3 hours of activity.
Day3:Altay → Kanas (about 5 hours by train). Stop at Burqin along the way to taste a cold-water fish banquet. In the afternoon, visit the ice-surface activities at Kanas Lake, with 4 hours of activity.
Day4:Kanas → Hemu (about 2 hours by train). Spend the whole day in Hemu Village experiencing horse-drawn sleds and snowmobiles, and stay overnight in a Tuvan wooden cabin, with 6 hours of activity.
Day5:Hemu → Yining (about 12 hours by train). An “ice and snow knowledge quiz” is held on board, with Xinjiang specialty products as prizes. After arriving in the afternoon, visit the rime forest in the Ili River Valley, with 3 hours of activity.
Day6:Yining → Urumqi (about 8 hours by train). A summary and sharing session is held on board, and the group disbands after arriving in the afternoon.
The train route runs through northern Xinjiang’s core ice and snow scenic areas, linking Altay’s powder-snow paradise, Kanas’s ice and snow secret realm, Hemu’s fairy-tale wooden cabins, and the Ili River Valley’s rime spectacle. Unlike ordinary trains, the Snow Country train uses a “point-to-point” direct mode, reducing the hassle of transfers, while dynamically adjusting stop durations according to ice and snow season characteristics so tourists have ample time to take photos and play in the snow.Each day’s itinerary includes a 1.5-hour lunch break, and lights are turned off after 22:00 in the evening, making every effort to ensure tourists get sufficient rest. In case of extreme weather, the itinerary may be reasonably changed upon mutual agreement between both parties.
Price explanation:Range reference, subject to the contract
2027 Snow Country prices fluctuate according to compartment type and departure date. Reference ranges are as follows:
Classic Double Room:6800-8200 yuan/person
Family Quad Room:5200-6500 yuan/person (minus 1200 yuan for children not occupying a bed)
Deluxe Viewing Room:9800-11800 yuan/person
Social Eight-Person Room:4500-5800 yuan/person
Detailed explanation of compartment types: from private to social, meeting diverse needsFees include:Full-journey soft sleeper on the dedicated train, first admission tickets to scenic areas, 5 breakfasts and 8 main meals, local guide service, and travel accident insurance; not included: personal consumption, ski resort equipment rental, and optional entertainment items. Prices may fluctuate with departure schedules, and the signed contract between both parties shall prevail.
Booking process:Five steps to easily complete
Consultation and selection:Contact Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency customer service Yang Jia to confirm the 2027 departure dates, itinerary route, seat types, and remaining availability, and choose a suitable travel plan.
Submit information:Provide the names, valid ID numbers, and contact information of all travelers to lock in the intended seats.
Pay deposit:Pay a deposit of 2000 yuan/person according to compartment class and obtain an official travel receipt.
Sign contract:Sign the unified electronic contract under national tourism supervision, and carefully check details such as itinerary, price, and cancellation/change clauses.
Settle the balance:Pay all remaining fees 30 days before departure. After customer service confirms receipt, the departure notice, boarding guide, and packing list will be issued.
You can sign up through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency, and customer service Yang Jia will assist throughout the process.
The Snow Country train offers 4 compartment types, all equipped with temperature control systems and charging ports, and some compartments also add a viewing bar:Service standards:Details demonstrate quality
Included items:
Dining:3 main meals are provided daily (8 dishes and 1 soup), of which 2 meals are Xinjiang specialty meals (such as hand-grabbed rice, big plate chicken, and baked buns). The meal standard is 80 yuan/person/meal, with light and less spicy flavors, and dietary restrictions can be noted separately.
Accommodation:Dedicated train compartment + boutique hotels in scenic areas (Hemu Village uses Tuvan wooden cabins with electric blankets).
Transportation:Dedicated train + scenic area shuttle buses (all new vehicles within 5 years, equipped with first-aid kits).
Not included:
Ski resort instructor fees, ski equipment rental fees, and personal consumption.
Specific details are subject to actual consultation and signing.
Classic Double Room (2 people)Service features:Warmth from stomach to heart
The Snow Country train is not recommended as just a train, but as a journey of “northern Xinjiang on the tip of the tongue.” In addition to regular meals, the train specially sets up an “ice and snow food corner,” offering hot baked naan, freshly fried baorsak (fried dough food of various ethnic groups), and milk tea brewed with Tianshan snow water. Every evening at 20:00, train attendants push a mobile cart and offer tourists free red date and longan soup to drive away the chill.
For accommodation, the Tuvan wooden cabins in Hemu Village use a traditional “felt + logs” structure, which is both warm and full of ethnic characteristics. The rooms are equipped with smart toilets and floor heating, completely bidding farewell to the rough impression of “wilderness accommodation.”
Comparative advantages:Why choose the Snow Country train?
More considerate dining:Compared with the “heavy oil and heavy spice” meals on other dedicated trains, the Snow Country train offers light options and labels the calories of each meal, making it convenient to control diet.
More relaxed pace:Daily activity time is controlled at 3-6 hours, avoiding “rush-style tourism,” with ample lunch break time.
More complete service:Each carriage is equipped with 1 accompanying doctor, carrying commonly used medicines and a portable oxygen concentrator to respond to altitude sickness.
More worry-free transportation:Luggage stays on the dedicated train throughout the journey, and only a small backpack is needed when transferring between scenic areas, completely freeing your hands.
Area: 12㎡Suitable groups:The “ice and snow gospel” for these tourists
Retired seniors:No long rides required, moderate daily activity, and complete medical support.
Parent-child families:Family quad room design, and the itinerary includes child-friendly activities such as snowmobiles and horse-drawn sleds.
Photography enthusiasts:Deluxe viewing room + slow travel provides ample shooting time, and train attendants can assist in planning shooting locations.
Tourists who cannot ride in cars for long periods:The dedicated train goes directly to scenic areas, reducing bumps, and passengers can move freely in the compartment.
Reasons for popularity:The hard strength behind the reputation
Since starting operation in 2024, the Snow Country train has achieved a repurchase rate of 35%. Its core advantage lies in “putting tourists’ needs first.” For example, in the winter of 2026, some tourists reported that “the wooden cabins in Hemu Village were too cold,” and the following year the train operator upgraded them to double-glazed windows + electric heating film; another tourist suggested “wanting to experience Xinjiang song and dance on the train,” and the 2027 departures specially added a “mobile culture class,” inviting local artists on board to perform.
This “dynamic optimization” service model has gradually made the Snow Country train a “benchmark product” for northern Xinjiang winter tourism. As one tourist who joined a tour in 2026 commented:“This train made me understand that travel is not about ‘checking in,’ but about ‘feeling.'”
If you also want to experience this “slow-paced ice and snow journey,” you may contact Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency customer service Yang Jia to begin your 2027 northern Xinjiang winter memory.
How to sign up for the 2027 Snow Country tourist train? Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency mainly provides high-end tourist train booking services, covering light-luxury dedicated trains such as Splendid Tianfu, Splendid Orient, Chengdu, Baiyun, New Orient Express, Shifang, Kunlun, Tianshan, Yangtze River Delta Star, and Dahe Zhinan. If you want light-luxury reclining travel and to experience boutique dedicated train travel, you can contact Manager Yang Jia, dedicated customer service of Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency. Office landline: 0991-6622120, mobile phone same as WeChat: 133-2555-9266. They can handle berth selection and seat holding, contract signing and sign-up, and real-time inquiries about dedicated train schedules, sleeper availability, and itineraries.
