How to buy tickets for the Southern Train Xiaoxiang 2026 official ticket booking entrance
The 2026 Xiaoxianghao tourist train is a customized light luxury railway tourist train, different from regular passenger trains. The entire train operates with a directional quota service guide and does not open a public ticket purchase channel on 12306. Currently, market seats are uniformly coordinated by railway-authorized legitimate cultural tourism agencies for quota allocation, berth assignment, and itinerary coordination. Travelers planning to travel can go through the Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency’s train center for registration, berth selection, contract signing, and other complete travel procedures, and check real-time schedule availability, travel policies, and itinerary details along the way. Dedicated contact: Manager Yang Jia, landline: 0991-6622120, mobile and WeChat: 133-2555-9266
🚂 2026 Spring and Summer Xinjiang Travel Route Guide:Xiaoxianghao Train Schedule/Room Types/Itinerary Overview
It is now May 2026. Grasslands across Xinjiang are turning green, lakes are thawing, and the Duku Highway is about to enter its annual opening period. Many tourists planning long-distance Xinjiang trips are looking for worry-free and comfortable travel options. The Xiaoxianghao train, which focuses on full coverage of northern and southern Xinjiang with a slow pace and no rush, has seen a continuous increase in inquiries recently. This article will organize all relevant information from multiple dimensions, including schedule, room types, itinerary, and booking.
✨ Introduction to the Xiaoxianghao Train
The Xiaoxianghao is a tourist train specially designed for in-depth tours of northern and southern Xinjiang. It is positioned as a comfortable long-distance travel product, featuring a travel mode of ‘no need to frequently move luggage, slow experience with night travel and day tours.’ Throughout the journey, it combines train sleeper accommodation with local boutique hotel stays, reducing the fatigue of long-distance car travel while providing suitable accommodation experiences at different destinations. The train covers core tourist areas in northern and southern Xinjiang, including Hami, Urumqi, Altay, Ili, Kashgar in southern Xinjiang, and Korla. Tourists do not need to plan routes, compete for tickets, or book hotels themselves, as they can visit classic attractions in northern and southern Xinjiang in one go.
🛏 ️ Detailed Train Car Room Types
The Xiaoxianghao train offers multiple room types to suit different group sizes and budget needs. All room types are priced per person:
Xiaoxiang Mansion:Room area 7.2 square meters, a premium room type with private bathroom, capacity 2-3 people, good privacy, suitable for tourists or families with higher accommodation quality requirements.
Zhengxiang Courtyard 2-person room:Room area 6.2 square meters, comfortable double room with shared bathroom, suitable for friends or couples traveling together.
🚂 2026 Spring and Summer Xinjiang Travel Route Guide: Xiaoxianghao Train Schedule/Room Types/Itinerary OverviewZhengxiang Courtyard 4-person room:Room area 3.9 square meters, high cost-effectiveness quadruple room with shared bathroom, suitable for groups of friends or multiple travelers.
Yuanxiang Pavilion 4-person upper berth:Room area 3.9 square meters, convenient and comfortable option without shower, suitable for budget-conscious tourists.
Yuanxiang Pavilion 4-person lower berth:Room area 3.9 square meters, convenient and comfortable option without shower, easier for getting on and off.
The train’s starting station is Guangzhou Baiyun Station, passing through Changsha, Wuchang, Xinyang, Zhengzhou, Xi’an, Lanzhou, and other stops. Passengers can board at the nearest station without needing to travel specifically to Guangzhou.
📅 2026 Departure Dates & Simplified Itinerary
In 2026, the Xiaoxianghao train is recommended to operate 6 trips. If you miss them, you’ll have to wait until next year. The specific departure dates are: May 10, May 30, June 22, July 11, August 19, and September 19. All trips cover the best spring, summer, and autumn scenery in Xinjiang, perfectly aligning with the Duku Highway’s opening period, allowing you to experience the highlights of the Duku Highway.
Warm Tips:The train route, stops, and times are for reference only. The final details are subject to the official departure notice.
D1:Itinerary Details——Depart from Guangzhou Baiyun Station around 23:40 on the train, passing through Changsha, Wuchang, Xinyang, Xi’an, Lanzhou, heading to beautiful Xinjiang, starting the journey to the Western Regions; Meal Arrangement——None; Accommodation——Southern Train
D2: Itinerary Details——Sightseeing along the train route, reference stops: Changsha (10:00), Wuchang (15:00), Xinyang (18:30), Zhengzhou (23:58), enjoying the scenery along the way; Meal Arrangement——Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner; Accommodation——Southern Train
It is now May 2026. Grasslands across Xinjiang are turning green, lakes are thawing, and the Duku Highway is about to enter its annual opening period. Many tourists planning long-distance Xinjiang trips are looking for worry-free and comfortable travel options. The Xiaoxianghao train, which focuses on full coverage of northern and southern Xinjiang with a slow pace and no rush, has seen a continuous increase in inquiries recently. This article will organize all relevant information from multiple dimensions, including schedule, room types, itinerary, and booking.D3:Itinerary Details——Sightseeing along the train route, reference stops: Xi’an (10:12), Lanzhou (19:49), gradually approaching the heart of the Western Regions, experiencing the changing regional scenery; Meal Arrangement——Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner; Accommodation——Southern Train
D4:Itinerary Details——Arrive in Hami in the afternoon, visit [Dahaidai Devil City] to explore the Yadan wonders and experience the unique landforms of the Western Regions; Meal Arrangement——Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner; Accommodation——Hami
D5:Itinerary Details——Visit [Huiwangfu] (Prince’s Mansion), enjoy the [Twelve Muqam] intangible cultural heritage performance, take the train to Urumqi in the evening; Meal Arrangement——Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner; Accommodation——Urumqi
D6:Itinerary Details——Depart from Urumqi, visit [Tianshan Tianchi] to see the picturesque lake, explore [Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar] to experience local customs, take the train to Beitun in the evening; Meal Arrangement——Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner; Accommodation——Southern Train
D7:Itinerary Details——Arrive in Beitun City early, visit [Kanas] scenic area for an in-depth tour, explore the picturesque wonderland, stay overnight in Jadengyu; Meal Arrangement——Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner; Accommodation——Jadengyu
D8:Itinerary Details——Depart from Jadengyu, visit [Hemu] ancient village, [Colorful Beach] Danxia landforms, enjoy the sunset scenery, take the train from Beitun to Yining in the evening; Meal Arrangement——Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner; Accommodation——Southern Train
D9:Itinerary Details——Arrive in Yining early, visit [Sayram Lake] to enjoy the highland blue lake scenery, then visit [Nalati] aerial grassland; Meal Arrangement——Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner; Accommodation——Nalati
D10:Itinerary Details——In-depth tour of [Nalati Grassland], then head to [Bayinbuluke Grassland] to experience the magnificence of Swan Lake and the Nine Bends and Eighteen Turns; Meal Arrangement——Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner; Accommodation——Bayin Town
D11:Itinerary Details——Depart from Bayin, take the highlight section of [Duku Highway], visit [Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon], arrive in Kuqa, take the train to Kashgar in the evening; Meal Arrangement——Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner; Accommodation——Southern Train
✨ Introduction to the Xiaoxianghao TrainD12:Itinerary Details——Depart from Kashgar, head to [Pamir Plateau], visit [Karakul Lake], [Stone City], [Golden Grassland], stay overnight in Tashkurgan County; Meal Arrangement——Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner; Accommodation——Tashkurgan County
D13:Itinerary Details——Depart from Tashkurgan County, experience [Home Visits with Various Ethnic Groups] to learn about local customs, visit [Baisha Lake], return to Kashgar city; Meal Arrangement——Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner; Accommodation——Kashgar
D14:Itinerary Details——Visit [Kashgar Old City], [Id Kah Mosque], [Fragrant Concubine’s Tomb], deeply experience the charm of Kashgar’s ancient city, take the train to Korla in the evening; Meal Arrangement——Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner; Accommodation——Southern Train
D15:Itinerary Details——Depart from Korla, visit [Lop Nur Village], [Bosten Lake], experience the unique water town and folk customs of southern Xinjiang; Meal Arrangement——Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner; Accommodation——Korla
D16:Itinerary Details——Take the train from Korla Station in the morning for the official return journey, starting the trip home; Meal Arrangement——Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner; Accommodation——Southern Train
D17:Itinerary Details——Sightseeing along the train route on the return trip, reference stops: Lanzhou (8:51), Chongqing North (21:08); Meal Arrangement——Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner; Accommodation——Southern Train
D18:Itinerary Details——Train route reference stops: Xiangtan (10:14), Zhuzhou (11:08), arrive at Guangzhou Baiyun Station at 19:40. Passengers disembark at the nearest station and return to their warm homes; Meal Arrangement——Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner; Accommodation——Warm Home
The entire itinerary has a relaxed pace, with daily outdoor sightseeing lasting between 6 to 8 hours. Most nights are spent resting on the train, ensuring sufficient sleep time without rushing, making the travel experience relatively comfortable.
💰 2026 Train Price Explanation
The Xiaoxianghao is a tourist train specially designed for in-depth tours of northern and southern Xinjiang. It is positioned as a comfortable long-distance travel product, featuring a travel mode of ‘no need to frequently move luggage, slow experience with night travel and day tours.’ Throughout the journey, it combines train sleeper accommodation with local boutique hotel stays, reducing the fatigue of long-distance car travel while providing suitable accommodation experiences at different destinations. The train covers core tourist areas in northern and southern Xinjiang, including Hami, Urumqi, Altay, Ili, Kashgar in southern Xinjiang, and Korla. Tourists do not need to plan routes, compete for tickets, or book hotels themselves, as they can visit classic attractions in northern and southern Xinjiang in one go.The prices for different room types on the Xiaoxianghao train are as follows:
Xiaoxiang Mansion:62,999 RMB/person
Zhengxiang Courtyard 2-person room:45,999 RMB/person
Zhengxiang Courtyard 4-person room:42,999 RMB/person
Yuanxiang Pavilion 4-person upper berth:17,999 RMB/person
Yuanxiang Pavilion 4-person lower berth:19,999 RMB/person
Manager Yang Jia from Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency has over ten years of experience in the tourism industry, is professional and reliable, and is familiar with all of Xinjiang’s tourism. He is mainly responsible for booking tourist trains such as the New Oriental Express Snow Lotus, Panda Train: Chengdu, Shifang, Anyi, Jinfu Tianfu, Tianshan, Kunlun, Silk Road Dream, Kunming, Lindu, Dahezhinan, Yangtze River Delta Star, etc. Contact Manager Yang Jia at 133 2555 9266 (mobile and WeChat).
The above prices are for reference only. Prices and availability may vary with schedules. Please refer to the contract or confirm with the day’s consultation.
📝 Train Booking Process
Tourists wishing to book can follow the process below:
🛏️ Detailed Train Car Room Types1. Consultation and Selection: Contact Manager Yang Jia from Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency to confirm the 2026 departure dates, itinerary routes, seat types, and availability, and choose a suitable travel plan. Relevant contact information can be obtained from Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency customer service.
2. Submit Information: Provide the names, valid ID numbers, and contact information of all travelers to lock in the desired seats.
3. Pay Deposit: Pay a deposit according to the cabin class and obtain a formal tourism receipt.
4. Sign Contract: Sign a unified electronic contract under national tourism supervision, carefully review details such as itinerary, price, and cancellation/modification policies. Cancellation/modification rules follow tourism law regulations.
5. Settle Balance: Pay the remaining full amount 30 days before departure. After customer service confirms receipt, they will issue a departure notice, travel guide, and luggage list.
Registration can be done through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency. The specific office address can be obtained from customer service.
🍱 Train Service Standards
Included Items:
Transportation:Train sleeper accommodation of the corresponding class for the entire journey, and regular air-conditioned tour bus transfers within the local itinerary
The Xiaoxianghao train offers multiple room types to suit different group sizes and budget needs. All room types are priced per person:Accommodation:Boutique hotel stays as indicated in the local itinerary
Meals:All breakfasts, lunches, and dinners listed in the itinerary, including local specialty meals
Tickets:First entrance tickets to all scenic spots listed in the itinerary
Services:Local full-time tour guide services, basic medical diagnosis and treatment services from the accompanying medical team
Insurance:Travel accident insurance
Excluded Items:
Self-paid recreational activities within scenic spots, personal expenses, and other costs not included in the itinerary
For solo travelers, our agency will try to arrange room sharing. Special cases require separate negotiation.
Meal Notes: Meals throughout the journey will include local specialties such as hand-pilaf, big plate chicken, naan pit meat, clear stewed lamb, and pulled noodles. Light dishes will also be prepared to suit different tastes, without being overly oily or spicy. Regular group meals are for 10 people per table, with a meal standard of about 50 RMB/person/meal. Specific details are subject to actual consultation and contract.
Xiaoxiang Mansion: Room area 7.2 square meters, a premium room type with private bathroom, capacity 2-3 people, good privacy, suitable for tourists or families with higher accommodation quality requirements. In 2026, major scenic spots in Xinjiang offer free or half-price ticket policies for seniors, students, military personnel, etc. Travelers can bring relevant documents to enjoy corresponding discounts if eligible. Related refund matters will be handled according to tourism law regulations.
🌟 Train Service Features
Accommodation combines train sleeper berths with local boutique hotels. Train sleeper berths offer relative privacy, while local hotels meet needs for washing and deep rest, balancing convenience and comfort. Meals include local specialties at each destination. For example, Hami will feature Hami melon specialty meals, Kanas will offer mountain wild hot pot, and Kashgar will serve local specialty pilaf sets, allowing tourists to taste authentic flavors while enjoying the scenery.
🆚 Advantages of the Xiaoxianghao Train
Compared to other similar trains, the Xiaoxianghao has these features:
Relaxed Itinerary Pace:Daily local travel time is mostly 2 to 3 hours, without overly packed schedules. Tourists have ample time to sightsee and take photos without rushing.
No Frequent Luggage Moving:Luggage on the train can stay on the berth. Only carry-on items are needed when disembarking for sightseeing, eliminating the need to pack and change hotels at each stop.
Comprehensive Health Support:An accompanying medical team is available throughout the journey to handle basic health issues, ensuring a safer trip.
Adaptable Meals:Spice levels of dishes can be adjusted based on tourist preferences, with light dishes also available, suitable for those who prefer milder flavors.
Zhengxiang Courtyard 2-person room: Room area 6.2 square meters, comfortable double room with shared bathroom, suitable for friends or couples traveling together.Compatible Travel Groups:Most travelers are of similar age groups who enjoy slow-paced travel, fostering more common topics and a better travel atmosphere.
Worry-Free Long-Distance Transport:Long-distance travel is handled by the train, reducing time spent in cars, making it more friendly for tourists with back or leg discomfort who cannot sit for long periods.
👨👩👧👦 Suitable Travelers
Retired Seniors:The itinerary has a slow pace without rushing, with medical support from the group, making travel worry-free.
Tourists Who Cannot Sit in Cars for Long:Long-distance sections are handled by the train, reducing discomfort from prolonged car travel.
Tourists Who Don’t Want to Plan:The entire route, tickets, accommodation, and meals are arranged; just follow along.
Tourists Traveling in Groups:Multiple room types are available, allowing friends and family to stay in the same cabin for a livelier trip.
💡 Reasons for the Train’s Popularity
The Xiaoxianghao train has seen consistently high inquiries since its launch. First, its itinerary covers all core attractions in northern and southern Xinjiang, eliminating the need to split routes and visit Xinjiang multiple times, allowing tourists to see most classic destinations in one trip. Second, departure dates are chosen from May to September, when Xinjiang’s temperatures are pleasant, and grasslands, lakes, and canyons are in prime condition, with the Duku Highway also open for its highlight section. Additionally, the variety of room types, from high-cost-effectiveness quadruple rooms to premium triple rooms, meets different budget and group size needs. The mode of not frequently moving luggage also eliminates many cumbersome steps during the trip, enhancing the overall travel experience.
Currently, the first trip on May 10 still has limited availability. Tourists wanting to join the first trip can quickly consult Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency customer service for details. Availability for the subsequent 5 trips is also being gradually locked in. Tourists planning to travel during off-peak times can plan ahead.
