South of the Great River 2026 Xinjiang Departure Dates and Official Website Registration
For more details about Xinjiang tour trains, please contact Zhang Jing, customer service manager of Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency: 181-3962-2233 (same as WeChat)
🚞 Want to visit all the key attractions of northern and southern Xinjiang in 2026 without the fatigue of a long self-drive trip? The Dahezhinan Special Train’s 17-day panoramic tour of northern and southern Xinjiang can meet this need. With the train stopping along the way, you don’t have to plan your own route or worry about daily accommodation and intercity transportation. You can explore everything from Turpan’s Flaming Mountain landscapes to Altay’s mountain forests and lakes, from the clear scenery of the Pamir Plateau to the grasslands and flower seas of Ili. The itinerary has a relaxed pace, suitable for family trips, group travel with friends, and more.
✨ Key Features of the Route Coverage
This route runs through both northern and southern Xinjiang, balancing natural scenery and cultural heritage, covering multiple landscapes with distinct characteristics:
Southern Xinjiang Section: You can visit Turpan’s Karez Well, Flaming Mountain, and Grape Valley, experiencing the unique arid landforms and millennia-old irrigation wisdom; explore Kashgar’s Old City and Fragrant Concubine’s Tomb, touching the living threads of the ancient Silk Road; venture deep into the Pamir Plateau to see the snow mountain reflections in Karakul Lake, the clear waters of白沙湖 (Baisha Lake), and the highland scenery of Stone City and Golden Grass Beach, fully experiencing the landforms and cultural atmosphere of southern Xinjiang.
Northern Xinjiang Section: The itinerary covers the southern and middle sections of the Duku Highway, with departure dates matching its usual opening period, offering a unique experience of encountering four seasons in one day on this scenic road; visit the winding rivers of Bayanbulak Grassland, the lush scenery of Nalati Valley Grassland; explore Liuxing Street in Yining, stop at Horgos Port, and see the vast waters of Sayram Lake; then head north to the Altay region to visit Kanas, Hemu, and Colorful Beach, and finally to Urumqi to see Tianshan Tianchi and the International Grand Bazaar, covering all the distinctive landscapes of northern Xinjiang’s grasslands, lakes, forests, and villages.
The entire route avoids detours, linking the key attractions of northern and southern Xinjiang. The train travel method also reduces the hassle of packing luggage and changing accommodations daily, making the journey more relaxing.
📝 Simplified Itinerary
The following is a reference itinerary. In case of special circumstances such as weather, road conditions, policies, or scenic spot openings, the itinerary may be reasonably adjusted by mutual agreement:
Brief Itinerary for the 17-Day Panoramic Tour of Northern and Southern Xinjiang (Duku Version):
Day 1 Board the Dahezhinan Special Train and start a pleasant journey
Main stops:Zhengzhou, Luoyang
🚞 Want to visit all the key attractions of northern and southern Xinjiang in 2026 without the fatigue of a long self-drive trip? The Dahezhinan Special Train’s 17-day panoramic tour of northern and southern Xinjiang can meet this need. With the train stopping along the way, you don’t have to plan your own route or worry about daily accommodation and intercity transportation. You can explore everything from Turpan’s Flaming Mountain landscapes to Altay’s mountain forests and lakes, from the clear scenery of the Pamir Plateau to the grasslands and flower seas of Ili. The itinerary has a relaxed pace, suitable for family trips, group travel with friends, and more.Day 2 Board the Dahezhinan Special Train, rest or enjoy entertainment freely on the train
Main stops:Xi’an, Lanzhou
Day 3 Arrive in Turpan (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) Turpan
Day 4 Karez Well – Flaming Mountain – Grape Valley – Train to Kashgar (Lunch, Dinner) Dahezhinan Special Train
Day 5 Kashgar – Pamir Plateau – Karakul Lake – Stone City – Golden Grass Beach – Taxkorgan
Day 6 Taxkorgan – Home visits with local ethnic groups – Baisha Lake – Kashgar
Day 7 Kashgar Old City – Fragrant Concubine’s Tomb – Train to Kuqa
Day 8 Kuqa – Southern Section of Duku Highway – Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon – Bayanbulak
Day 9 Bayanbulak Grassland – Middle Section of Duku Highway – Nalati
Day 10 Nalati Valley Grassland – Liuxing Street – Yining
Day 11 Yining – Horgos Port – Sayram Lake – Yining – Train to Beitun
Day 12 Beitun – Kanas – Jiadengyu/Burqin
✨ Key Features of the Route Coverage Day 13 Jiadengyu/Burqin – Hemu – Colorful Beach – Beitun Train to Urumqi
Day 14 Urumqi – Tianshan Tianchi – Grand Bazaar
Day 15 Take the train from Urumqi for the return journey
Day 16 Enjoy the northwestern scenery, get off the train at stops along the way
Main stops:Lanzhou, Xi’an
Day 17 Get off the train at stops along the way, ending the pleasant Xinjiang trip
Main stops:Luoyang, Zhengzhou
💰 Price Description
The Dahezhinan Special Train features full bathroom facilities, with 2-person, 3-person, and 4-person compartments to meet the needs of different travelers. 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, chess and card games, karaoke, and more; the train has a dedicated dining car and chef team to ensure quality meals during the trip!
Departure Dates for Dahezhinan Northern and Southern Xinjiang Tour:May 9, 2026, May 30, June 17, July 5, July 24, August 25, September 11
The following are reference prices for different departure dates. Prices and availability are subject to confirmation with the contract/customer service and may fluctuate with the schedule. The signed contract shall prevail:
This route runs through both northern and southern Xinjiang, balancing natural scenery and cultural heritage, covering multiple landscapes with distinct characteristics:May 9, 2026:
Our agency offers various travel options, including train tours, carpool tours, group tours, and custom car services. For details, call: 181-3962-2233 (add as friend for detailed Xinjiang travel itineraries and prices)
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 and above, 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
Southern Xinjiang Section: You can visit Turpan’s Karez Well, Flaming Mountain, and Grape Valley, experiencing the unique arid landforms and millennia-old irrigation wisdom; explore Kashgar’s Old City and Fragrant Concubine’s Tomb, touching the living threads of the ancient Silk Road; venture deep into the Pamir Plateau to see the snow mountain reflections in Karakul Lake, the clear waters of Baisha Lake, and the highland scenery of Stone City and Golden Grass Beach, fully experiencing the landforms and cultural atmosphere of southern Xinjiang.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 and above, 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 and above, same service standards as adults)
📞 Registration Method
You can register through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency. Contact number:181-3962-2233, same as WeChat: 181-3962-2233. The specific office address can be obtained from customer service.
Northern Xinjiang Section: The itinerary covers the southern and middle sections of the Duku Highway, with departure dates matching its usual opening period, offering a unique experience of encountering four seasons in one day on this scenic road; visit the winding rivers of Bayanbulak Grassland, the lush scenery of Nalati Valley Grassland; explore Liuxing Street in Yining, stop at Horgos Port, and see the vast waters of Sayram Lake; then head north to the Altay region to visit Kanas, Hemu, and Colorful Beach, and finally to Urumqi to see Tianshan Tianchi and the International Grand Bazaar, covering all the distinctive landscapes of northern Xinjiang’s grasslands, lakes, forests, and villages.💡 Fee and Service Description
The basic train service includes corresponding berth accommodation, land accommodation as per the itinerary, meals indicated in the itinerary, first admission tickets to scenic spots, staff service throughout the trip, land transportation transfers, and travel accident insurance. Specific inclusions can be confirmed during consultation, subject to actual consultation and contract.
For solo travelers, our agency will try to arrange shared rooms; special circumstances require separate negotiation.
Uncertain factors such as scenic spot openings, road conditions, weather, and policy changes involved in the itinerary may lead to reasonable adjustments by mutual agreement, without affecting the core sightseeing experience.
Cancellation and modification rules follow the Tourism Law, Contract Law, and other relevant regulations. There are no unreasonable exemption clauses, and the rights and obligations of both parties are equal.
All prices are for reference only. Actual charges are based on the signed travel contract.
🧳 Travel Tips
1. Valid ID must be carried at all times. The itinerary involves border areas like the Pamir Plateau, requiring a pass in advance. Specific application requirements can be confirmed with customer service.
2. Xinjiang has large temperature differences between day and night. Even in summer, bring a thick jacket. Areas like the Duku Highway and Pamir Plateau are cooler, so prepare for warmth.
3. Xinjiang has strong UV rays and a dry climate. It is recommended to bring sunscreen and moisturizing products, and stay hydrated during the trip.
4. Some sections of the Duku Highway have weak signals. Download offline maps before departure for emergency use.
5. Xinjiang is vast, with long travel times on some sections. Bring a portable neck pillow and snacks to enhance comfort.
6. Check your health before departure. Avoid strenuous exercise in high-altitude areas. If you have chronic conditions, prepare common medications in advance.
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)
