South of the Great River Xinjiang Special Train Departure Date Official Announcement
For more details about Xinjiang tour trains, contact Zhang Jing, customer service manager of Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency: 181-3962-2233 (same as WeChat)
🚂 The 2026 Xinjiang tour train plan for the ‘Dahezhinan’ (South of the Great River) is newly announced, covering the core scenery of northern and southern Xinjiang in 17 days, and unlocking the limited views of the southern and middle sections of the Duku Highway. No need to frequently change hotels or worry about long-distance drives, suitable for family trips, group outings with friends, solo travel, and all types of travelers.
Many tourists want to explore all of Xinjiang but are often discouraged by long drives and frequent luggage handling. This tour train route solves these pain points:Travel the entire journey on the tour train, covering long distances between cities while resting, without packing luggage or changing hotels daily. You can also meet like-minded travelers along the way. The itinerary is relaxed, with ample time to visit key attractions and enough free time to rest.
🔹 Detailed Introduction to Route Destinations
This ‘Dahezhinan’ tour train covers representative attractions in both southern and northern Xinjiang, allowing you to experience the cultural charm of southern Xinjiang and the natural beauty of northern Xinjiang in one trip.
The first stop is Turpan, one of the warmer areas in Xinjiang. Here, you can visit the millennia-old underground irrigation system of Karez, the unique landscape of Flaming Mountain, and the grape-filled Grape Valley. While sightseeing, you can also taste fresh grapes, Hami melons, and other local fruits.
Next, on the Kashgar leg, you’ll head to the Pamir Plateau. Karakul Lake nestles at the foot of Muztagh Ata Peak, and on clear days, the lake clearly reflects the snow-capped mountains. Nearby, the Stone City is an important site on the ancient Silk Road, and the adjacent Golden Grassland is bathed in golden light at sunset, perfect for photos. The streets of Kashgar’s old city retain traditional layouts, open for exploration 24 hours a day. The local cuisine and handicraft shops in the old city are worth a leisurely visit, and the Fragrant Concubine Garden offers insights into related history and culture.
The journey then enters the Duku Highway, a scenic road connecting northern and southern Xinjiang, expected to open in mid-June 2026. Tour groups from June 17 onward can travel the southern and middle sections normally. Along the way, you’ll see diverse landscapes like snow-capped mountains, forests, grasslands, and canyons, experiencing different climates and scenery in a single day. The red rock walls of the Tianshan Grand Canyon are majestic, the Nine Bends and Eighteen Turns of Bayanbulak Grassland reflect multiple suns at sunset, and the gentle terrain of Nalati Valley Grassland, with its spruce trees and snowy peaks, is ideal for a relaxing stroll.
In Yining, Liuxing Street has many unique cafes and handicraft shops. Horgos Port offers a glimpse of border trade vitality. Sayram Lake has clear waters, with wildflowers blooming along its shores in summer. The scenic area allows 24-hour entry with advance tickets, so you can watch the sunset’s golden reflections on the lake or wait for sunrise to see morning mist, and even catch clear starry skies with luck.
After arriving at Beitun, head to Kanas Scenic Area, where the lake’s color shifts to different shades of blue-green with the light. The surrounding primeval forests are well-preserved. Hemu Village’s wooden houses are scattered, with morning mist creating a atmospheric scene. The colorful Yadan landform of Wucaitan shows rich color layers at sunset, a favorite spot for photography enthusiasts.
Finally, return to Urumqi to see Bogda Peak reflected in Tianchi Lake, or visit the Grand Bazaar to buy dried fruits and handicrafts as souvenirs. In 2026, many areas in Xinjiang have launched cultural tourism activities, with some scenic spots offering ticket discounts and consumption vouchers. Check for the latest benefits before traveling.
📋 Simplified Itinerary
Simplified itinerary for the 17-day full tour of northern and southern Xinjiang (Duku version):
🚂 The 2026 Xinjiang tour train plan for the ‘Dahezhinan’ is newly announced, covering the core scenery of northern and southern Xinjiang in 17 days, and unlocking the limited views of the southern and middle sections of the Duku Highway. No need to frequently change hotels or worry about long-distance drives, suitable for family trips, group outings with friends, solo travel, and all types of travelers.D1 Board the ‘Dahezhinan’ special tour train along the way, starting a pleasant journey
Main stops:Zhengzhou, Luoyang
D2 Board the ‘Dahezhinan’ special tour train along the way, rest or enjoy entertainment 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, ‘Dahezhinan’ tour train
D5 Kashgar – Pamir Plateau – Karakul Lake – Stone City – Golden Grassland – Taxkorgan
D6 Taxkorgan – Local home visit -白沙湖 (White Sand Lake) – Kashgar
D7 Kashgar Old City – Fragrant Concubine Garden – Train to Kuqa
D8 Kuqa – Southern section of Duku Highway – Tianshan Grand Canyon – Bayanbulak
D9 Bayanbulak Grassland – Middle section of Duku Highway – Nalati
D10 Nalati Valley Grassland – Liuxing Street – Yining
Many tourists want to explore all of Xinjiang but are often discouraged by long drives and frequent luggage handling. This tour train route solves these pain points: Travel the entire journey on the tour train, covering long distances between cities while resting, without packing luggage or changing hotels daily. You can also meet like-minded travelers along the way. The itinerary is relaxed, with ample time to visit key attractions and enough free time to rest. D11 Yining – Horgos Port – Sayram Lake – Yining – Train to Beitun
D12 Beitun – Kanas – Jadengyu/Burqin
D13 Jadengyu/Burqin – Hemu – Wucaitan – Beitun, train to Urumqi
D14 Urumqi – Tianchi Lake – Grand Bazaar
D15 Take the tour train from Urumqi for return journey
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
💰 Price Description
The ‘Dahezhinan’ special tour train features full-train bathrooms, with 2-person, 3-person, and 4-person cabins to meet different travel needs. The compartment design balances comfort and convenience, using various technologies to reduce noise. The multi-functional car is equipped with an audio-visual system, suitable for meetings, dining, board games, karaoke, and more. The train includes a dedicated dining car and chef team to ensure quality meals during the trip!
‘Dahezhinan’ Southern and Northern Xinjiang
Our agency offers various travel options, including tour trains, carpool tours, group tours, and customized car services. For details, call: 181-3962-2233 (copy to add as friend for detailed Xinjiang travel itineraries and prices)
🔹 Detailed Introduction to Route DestinationsDeparture dates:May 9, 2026, May 30, June 17, July 5, July 24, August 25, September 11
The above prices are for reference only. Prices and availability are subject to contract/customer service confirmation and may vary by departure date. The signed contract takes precedence.
May 9, 2026:
4-person cabin with bathroom, upper berth: 15,999 RMB/person
4-person cabin with bathroom, lower berth: 17,999 RMB/person
4-person cabin with bathroom, child: 5,999 RMB/person (under 6 years old), no berth on train, no bed on land
2-person cabin with bathroom: 39,999 RMB/person
2-person cabin with bathroom, value third person:13,999 RMB/person (under 6 years old), no berth on train, no bed on land
19,999 RMB/person (6 years and above), same service standards as adults
May 30, 2026:
4-person cabin with bathroom, upper berth: 19,999 RMB/person
4-person cabin with bathroom, lower berth: 21,999 RMB/person
This ‘Dahezhinan’ tour train covers representative attractions in both southern and northern Xinjiang, allowing you to experience the cultural charm of southern Xinjiang and the natural beauty of northern Xinjiang in one trip. 4-person cabin with bathroom, child: 6,999 RMB/person (under 6 years old), no berth on train, no bed on land
2-person cabin with bathroom: 45,999 RMB/person
2-person cabin with bathroom, value third person:15,999 RMB/person (under 6 years old), no berth on train, no bed on land
23,999 RMB/person (6 years and above), same service standards as adults
June 17, July 5, July 24, August 25, September 11, 2026:
4-person cabin with bathroom, upper berth: 19,999 RMB/person
4-person cabin with bathroom, lower berth: 21,999 RMB/person
4-person cabin with bathroom, child: 6,999 RMB/person (under 6 years old), no berth on train, no bed on land
2-person cabin with bathroom: 45,999 RMB/person
2-person cabin with bathroom, value third person:15,999 RMB/person (under 6 years old), no berth on train, no bed on land
23,999 RMB/person (6 years and above), same service standards as adults
🔹 Cost and Service Description
The first stop is Turpan, one of the warmer areas in Xinjiang. Here, you can visit the millennia-old underground irrigation system of Karez, the unique landscape of Flaming Mountain, and the grape-filled Grape Valley. While sightseeing, you can also taste fresh grapes, Hami melons, and other local fruits.The cost of this tour train includes: corresponding cabin accommodation on the train, land accommodation as marked in the itinerary, meals as marked, land transportation with licensed vehicles, first admission tickets to listed attractions, guide services, travel accident insurance, etc. Specifics are subject to actual consultation and contract.
The tour train offers comprehensive services: all cabins have private bathrooms, eliminating queues for public facilities. Cabins feature noise-reduction design for undisturbed rest. The multi-functional car has an audio-visual system for leisure activities like board games or karaoke with fellow travelers. The dining car has a dedicated chef team preparing diverse meals to suit different dietary preferences.
For solo travelers, our agency will try to arrange shared rooms; special cases require separate negotiation.
Involving weather, road conditions, policies, scenic area openings, schedule changes, tickets, hotel room types, etc., both parties can agree to reasonably modify the itinerary. Cancellation and change rules follow the Tourism Law, Contract Law, and other relevant regulations.
🔹 Registration Method
Interested travelers can register through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency. Contact number:181-3962-2233, same as WeChat: 181-3962-2233. Specific address can be obtained from customer service.
✅ Travel Tips
1. Document Preparation: Carry valid identification at all times. For permits to certain areas, consult the travel agency in advance for assistance to avoid delays.
2. Clothing Preparation: Xinjiang has large temperature differences between day and night. Even in summer, bring a windproof and warm jacket and comfortable hiking shoes. Grasslands and mountainous areas are cooler, so pack a light down jacket for sudden temperature drops.
3. Personal Items: Bring non-spray sunscreen, sunglasses, sun hat, common gastrointestinal medicine, cold medicine, etc. Local prices are often per kilogram; confirm the unit before purchasing to avoid misunderstandings.
4. Itinerary Tips: Xinjiang is vast, with long drives between some land attractions. Prepare portable snacks and entertainment devices to ease travel fatigue. In large scenic areas, the last shuttle bus often departs before the park closes; pay attention to timing to avoid delays.
5. Train Travel Tips: Do not bring knives, spray cosmetics, flammable/explosive items, or live animals (except guide dogs) on board. The train is smoke-free. For meals in the dining car, follow the guide’s arranged schedule to avoid crowds.
Different departure dates offer varied Xinjiang scenery: In May, the Pamir Plateau has early wildflowers, comfortable temperatures, and fewer tourists. From June to August, grasslands are lush, and the Duku Highway is fully open, ideal for experiencing Tianshan scenery. In September, northern Xinjiang gradually turns autumnal, with Kanas and Hemu’s leaves changing color, perfect for atmospheric photos. Choose a departure date based on your preferences. For any questions, call or add WeChat anytime.
For more details about Xinjiang tour trains, contact customer service Zhang Jing ☎️: 181 3962 2233 (add as friend for free: detailed itinerary and train introduction)
