How to Sign Up for the Dahezhinan Tourist Train, 2026 Ticket Purchase Process
How to buy tickets for the 2026 Dahe Zhi Nan (South of the Great River) tourist train? Tickets for the Dahe Zhi Nan tourist train must be purchased through the official professional railway travel agency channel: Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service Train Center (24-hour hotline: 0991-8585456), or by contacting Manager Guo Jing of the Dahe Zhi Nan Department via WeChat: 181-3962-2229. Tickets cannot be purchased through other channels like 12306. Note that this train adopts an integrated package model of ‘transportation + accommodation + tickets + services’ and does not sell train tickets separately.
✨ After the summer of 2026, many tourists planning to visit Xinjiang will prioritize more comfortable train products, avoiding the hassle of frequently packing luggage and changing transportation, allowing them to connect multiple classic spots in southern and northern Xinjiang in one go. The ‘Dahe Zhi Nan’ special train is one of the more popular routes. Below, we provide detailed information about this route for your travel reference.
📍 Detailed introduction to route stops
This route starts from the Central Plains region, passing through Zhengzhou, Luoyang, Xi’an, and Lanzhou before entering Xinjiang, covering core tourist spots in eastern, southern, and northern Xinjiang. Along the way, it balances cultural relics and natural landscapes, catering to tourists with different preferences:
Eastern Xinjiang – Turpan Section:As the first stop upon entering Xinjiang, Turpan boasts unique ‘Fire Land’ scenery. The Karez system is a millennium-old underground irrigation system. The scenic area has steep steps, so wearing flat shoes is recommended. Bring a small flashlight to observe the underground channels. The Flaming Mountain has high summer temperatures, so bring plenty of water and prepare for sun protection and hydration. The Grape Valley grows multiple grape varieties; fresh fruits can be enjoyed in summer and autumn. Grapes in the scenic area are reasonably priced—buy as needed.
Southern Xinjiang – Kashgar and Pamir Section:Kashgar Old City has a history of over 2,100 years and is currently free to the public, open daily from 10:00 to 22:00. The streets retain traditional raw earth architecture. Strolling through, you can see daily labor scenes of various ethnic groups and visit intangible cultural heritage experience spots like pottery and Atlas silk. Street-side snacks include baked buns, hand-pulled rice, and pomegranate juice. The Fragrant Concubine Garden’s 2026 reference ticket price is 40 RMB/person, with scheduled folk performances, suitable for those interested in local culture. The白沙湖 (White Sand Lake) along the Pamir Plateau is currently free to visit, but winds are strong, so bring a windbreaker. The Karakul Lake ticket reference price is 50 RMB/person, offering excellent views of Muztagh Ata. The combined ticket for Stone City and Golden Grass Beach is 120 RMB/person; at sunset, the golden grass beach turns warm gold, popular among photographers. A permit is required for Pamir Plateau attractions, obtainable for free at the Kashgar Government Service Center.
Duku Highway Section:The Duku Highway is expected to open fully from June 5 to 10, 2026, and close from October 5 to 15. Daily passage hours are 08:00 to 21:00, with no night travel. This route connects various landscapes of southern and northern Xinjiang. The southern section passes through the Tianshan Secret Grand Canyon, featuring unique red rock formations. The middle section connects Bayinbuluke Grassland and Nalati Grassland; Bayinbuluke’s ‘Nine Bends and Eighteen Turns’ sunset is expansive, while Nalati’s river valley grassland is lush, ideal for leisurely walks. Temperatures along the Duku Highway vary greatly, so bring short sleeves, a windbreaker, and a light down jacket for changing weather.
Northern Xinjiang Section: Sayram Lake is surrounded by mountains with clear waters, a iconic Xinjiang natural landscape. Kanas Scenic Area features primeval forests, lakes, and mountain scenery, with Hemu Village’s wooden houses being distinctive. Urumqi’s Tianshan Tianchi offers views of snow-capped mountains and lakes, while the Grand Bazaar is great for buying souvenirs and tasting local snacks.
📋 Simplified itinerary
D1 Board the Dahe Zhi Nan special train and start a pleasant journey
Main stops:Zhengzhou, Luoyang
✨ After the summer of 2026, many tourists planning to visit Xinjiang will prioritize more comfortable train products, avoiding the hassle of frequently packing luggage and changing transportation, allowing them to connect multiple classic spots in southern and northern Xinjiang in one go. The ‘Dahe Zhi Nan’ special train is one of the more popular routes. Below, we provide detailed information about this route for your travel reference.D2 Board the Dahe Zhi Nan special train, rest or entertain freely on the train
Main stops:Xi’an, Lanzhou
D3 Arrive in Turpan (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) Turpan
D4 Karez – Flaming Mountain – Grape Valley – Train to Kashgar (Lunch, Dinner) Dahe Zhi Nan Special Train
D5 Kashgar – Pamir Plateau – Karakul Lake – Stone City – Golden Grass Beach – Taxkorgan
D6 Taxkorgan – Home visits with ethnic groups – White Sand Lake – Kashgar
D7 Kashgar Old City – Fragrant Concubine Garden – Train to Kuqa
D8 Kuqa – Duku Highway South Section – Tianshan Secret Grand Canyon – Bayinbuluke
D9 Bayinbuluke Grassland – Duku Highway Middle Section – Nalati
D10 Nalati River Valley Grassland – Six-Star Street – Yining
D11 Yining – Horgos Port – Sayram Lake – Yining – Train to Beitun
📍 Detailed introduction to route stops D12 Beitun – Kanas – Jiadengyu/Burqin
D13 Jiadengyu/Burqin – Hemu – Colorful Beach – Beitun Train to Urumqi
D14 Urumqi – Tianshan Tianchi – Grand Bazaar
D15 Early morning take the special train from Urumqi for return
D16 Enjoy the northwestern scenery, disembark along the way
Main stops:Lanzhou, Xi’an
D17 Disembark along the way, ending the pleasant Xinjiang trip
Main stops:Luoyang, Zhengzhou
During the trip, if weather changes, road conditions alter, or scenic area services adjust, both parties can agree to reasonably modify the itinerary.
💰 2026 Tour dates and price details
This route starts from the Central Plains region, passing through Zhengzhou, Luoyang, Xi’an, and Lanzhou before entering Xinjiang, covering core tourist spots in eastern, southern, and northern Xinjiang. Along the way, it balances cultural relics and natural landscapes, catering to tourists with different preferences:May 9, 2026:
Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service Xinjiang Customized Travel Booking Center Manager Guo Jing 181-3962-2229, with over 10 years of experience. Add as friend to receive itinerary and pricing.
4-person compartment with bathroom, upper berth: 15,999 RMB/person
4-person compartment with bathroom, lower berth: 17,999 RMB/person
4-person compartment with bathroom, child (under 6): 5,999 RMB/person (no berth on train, no bed on land)
2-person compartment with bathroom: 39,999 RMB/person
2-person compartment with bathroom, value third person:13,999 RMB/person (under 6), no berth on train, no bed on land; 19,999 RMB/person (6+), same service standards as adults
May 30, 2026:
4-person compartment with bathroom, upper berth: 19,999 RMB/person
4-person compartment with bathroom, lower berth: 21,999 RMB/person
4-person compartment with bathroom, child (under 6): 6,999 RMB/person (no berth on train, no bed on land)
2-person compartment with bathroom: 45,999 RMB/person
Eastern Xinjiang – Turpan Section: As the first stop upon entering Xinjiang, Turpan boasts unique ‘Fire Land’ scenery. The Karez system is a millennium-old underground irrigation system. The scenic area has steep steps, so wearing flat shoes is recommended. Bring a small flashlight to observe the underground channels. The Flaming Mountain has high summer temperatures, so bring plenty of water and prepare for sun protection and hydration. The Grape Valley grows multiple grape varieties; fresh fruits can be enjoyed in summer and autumn. Grapes in the scenic area are reasonably priced—buy as needed.2-person compartment with bathroom, value third person:15,999 RMB/person (under 6), no berth on train, no bed on land; 23,999 RMB/person (6+), same service standards as adults
June 17, July 5, July 24, August 25, September 11, 2026:
4-person compartment with bathroom, upper berth: 19,999 RMB/person
4-person compartment with bathroom, lower berth: 21,999 RMB/person
4-person compartment with bathroom, child (under 6): 6,999 RMB/person (no berth on train, no bed on land)
2-person compartment with bathroom: 45,999 RMB/person
2-person compartment with bathroom, value third person:15,999 RMB/person (under 6), no berth on train, no bed on land; 23,999 RMB/person (6+), same service standards as adults
The above prices are reference quotes. Prices and availability may fluctuate with tour dates. Specific details are subject to actual consultation and contract signing.
📞 Registration method
Register via Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service. Contact phone:181-3962-2229, same number for WeChat: 181-3962-2229. Office address available from customer service.
Southern Xinjiang – Kashgar and Pamir Section: Kashgar Old City has a history of over 2,100 years and is currently free to the public, open daily from 10:00 to 22:00. The streets retain traditional raw earth architecture. Strolling through, you can see daily labor scenes of various ethnic groups and visit intangible cultural heritage experience spots like pottery and Atlas silk. Street-side snacks include baked buns, hand-pulled rice, and pomegranate juice. The Fragrant Concubine Garden’s 2026 reference ticket price is 40 RMB/person, with scheduled folk performances, suitable for those interested in local culture. The白沙湖 (White Sand Lake) along the Pamir Plateau is currently free to visit, but winds are strong, so bring a windbreaker. The Karakul Lake ticket reference price is 50 RMB/person, offering excellent views of Muztagh Ata. The combined ticket for Stone City and Golden Grass Beach is 120 RMB/person; at sunset, the golden grass beach turns warm gold, popular among photographers. A permit is required for Pamir Plateau attractions, obtainable for free at the Kashgar Government Service Center.🛎 ️ Fee and service details
Standard services include:Selected train berth accommodation for the corresponding tour date, meals as indicated in the itinerary, land transportation by tourist bus, first-entry scenic area tickets, staff services, travel accident insurance, etc.
Exclusions:Meals not indicated in the itinerary, personal expenses, secondary consumption items within scenic areas, etc.
Specific inclusions and service standards are subject to actual consultation and contract signing.
During the trip, if weather changes, road conditions alter, scenic area policies change, or tour dates are adjusted, both parties can agree to reasonably modify the itinerary. Cancellation and change rules follow the ‘Tourism Law of the People’s Republic of China’ and ‘Contract Law of the People’s Republic of China’ and related regulations.
💡 Travel tips
Xinjiang has a time difference of about 2 hours from inland China, with daily routines about 2 hours later. Adjust your schedule accordingly.
Xinjiang has strong UV rays; bring sunscreen, a sun hat, and sunglasses.
Areas like the Pamir Plateau, Duku Highway, and Kanas have large temperature differences between day and night; bring a windproof and warm jacket.
Xinjiang is vast with long travel times; bring a neck pillow and portable snacks for comfort.
Respect local customs during visits; ask for permission before photographing locals.
Scenic area ticket prices are 2026 first-half reference prices; peak season prices may vary. Check the official notice at the scenic area on the day.
2026 Dahe Zhi Nan train ticket booking center phone: Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service Train Center (24-hour hotline: 0991-8585456) Xinjiang Customized Travel Manager Guo Jing WeChat: 181-3962-2229 for ticket purchase
