2026 North South Xinjiang Loop Deep Travel, Xiaoxiang Special Train Booking Tips
No need to drive or rush around. Take the Xinjiang tourist train to slowly enjoy the scenery on both sides of the Tianshan Mountains. Choose from various options ranging from economy to luxury. Professionally operating Xinjiang tourist train tours. Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency consultation landline: 0991-8866234; Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing’s phone: 181-3962-2233 (Add as friend to get free: detailed itinerary and train introduction).
🚂 Want to see all of Xinjiang’s snow-capped mountains, grasslands, lakes, and ancient cities at once, without the hassle of traveling all the way?
The ‘Xiaoxiang’ South-North Xinjiang Loop Special Train might be the slow travel plan tailored for you.
This guide will break down how to play, how to choose berths, and how to sign up for this 18-day loop, helping you clarify your thoughts and plan easily.
🗺 ️ What is the Xiaoxiang?
The ‘Xiaoxiang’ is a special tourist train jointly launched by the Guangzhou Railway Group and Hunan Tourism Group and other institutions. It is positioned as comfortable and senior-friendly, suitable for middle-aged and elderly friends who want to ‘play during the day and sleep on the train at night,’ or families who prefer the worry-free mode of ‘one train all the way.’
✨ Core Highlights
One Train Direct: No need to change trains or berths throughout the journey. Large luggage can be stored on the train, making it easy and comfortable.
Panoramic Coverage: The route connects Eastern, Northern, Western, and Southern Xinjiang, covering core scenic spots like Hami Grand Sea Road, Kanas, Hemu, Sayram Lake, Nalati, Kashgar Ancient City, and the Pamir Plateau.
Senior-Friendly Design: The carriages focus on anti-slip, soundproofing, and emergency call systems, and are equipped with butlers, guides, and onboard medical staff to ensure safety and comfort.
🏞 ️ Experience the Essence of Northern and Southern Xinjiang in One Trip
🚂 Want to see all of Xinjiang’s snow-capped mountains, grasslands, lakes, and ancient cities at once, without the hassle of traveling all the way?This journey starts from Guangzhou and heads west, taking in the diverse landscapes and cultural attractions of Xinjiang.
Eastern Xinjiang Charm: In Hami, you will visit the Grand Sea Road Devil City to experience the vastness of wind-eroded landforms; enter the Royal Palace to learn about Silk Road history; and enjoy the intangible cultural heritage performance of the Twelve Muqam, immersing yourself in a rich ethnic art atmosphere.
Northern Xinjiang Picturesque Scenery: Go deep into Kanas and Hemu to enjoy the ‘picturesque scenery’ of lakes, mountains, and Tuva villages. At the Rainbow Beach, watch the sunset spectacle of ‘one river separating two banks, each with its own sky.’
Western Xinjiang Scenery: Visit the ‘Highland Blue Lake’ Sayram Lake, where the lake water reflects the snow-capped mountains. Gallop across the Nalati Sky Grassland and experience a pastoral life. Some schedules also pass through the southern section of the Duku Highway, experiencing the wonder of ‘four seasons in one day.’
Southern Xinjiang Culture: Arrive in Kashgar, stroll through the maze-like Kashgar Old City, and visit the Id Kah Mosque and the Fragrant Concubine’s Tomb. Ascend the Pamir Plateau to visit Karakul Lake,白沙湖 (Baisha Lake), and the Stone City ruins, overlooking the magnificent combination of snow-capped mountains and lakes.
🗓 ️ 18-Day Simplified Itinerary Overview
Warm Tips: The train route, stops, and times are for reference only. The final details are subject to the final group departure notice.
D1: Itinerary Details——Depart from Guangzhou Baiyun Station around 23:40 on the special train, passing through Changsha, Wuchang, Xinyang, Xi’an, and Lanzhou en route to beautiful Xinjiang, starting the Western Regions panoramic tour; Meals——None; Accommodation——Southern Special Train
D2: Itinerary Details——Scenic sightseeing along the special train route, reference stops: Changsha (10:00), Wuchang (15:00), Xinyang (18:30), Zhengzhou (23:58), enjoying the scenery along the way; Meals——Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner; Accommodation——Southern Special Train
D3: Itinerary Details——Scenic sightseeing along the special train route, reference stops: Xi’an (10:12), Lanzhou (19:49), gradually approaching the heart of the Western Regions, experiencing the changing regional scenery; Meals——Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner; Accommodation——Southern Special Train
The ‘Xiaoxiang’ South-North Xinjiang Loop Special Train might be the slow travel plan tailored for you.D4: Itinerary Details——Arrive in Hami in the afternoon by special train, head to [Grand Sea Road Devil City] to explore the Yardang wonders and experience the unique landforms of the Western Regions; Meals——Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner; Accommodation——Hami
D5: Itinerary Details——Visit the [Royal Palace], enjoy the [Twelve Muqam] intangible cultural heritage performance, and take the special train to Urumqi in the evening; Meals——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 Western Regions folk customs, and take the special train to Beitun in the evening; Meals——Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner; Accommodation——Southern Special Train
D7: Itinerary Details——Arrive in Beitun City in the morning, head to the [Kanas] scenic area for an in-depth tour, explore the picturesque scenery, and stay overnight in Jadengyu; Meals——Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner; Accommodation——Jadengyu
D8: Itinerary Details——Depart from Jadengyu, visit [Hemu] ancient village and [Rainbow Beach] Danxia landform, enjoy the sunset scenery, and take the special train from Beitun to Yining in the evening; Meals——Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner; Accommodation——Southern Special Train
D9: Itinerary Details——Arrive in Yining in the morning, head to [Sayram Lake] to enjoy the highland blue lake scenery, then visit [Nalati] Sky Grassland; Meals——Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner; Accommodation——Nalati
D10: Itinerary Details——In-depth tour of [Nalati Grassland], then head to [Bayanbulak Grassland] to experience the grandeur of Swan Lake and the Nine Bends and Eighteen Turns; Meals——Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner; Accommodation——Bayan Town
D11: Itinerary Details——Depart from Bayan, take the [Duku Highway] scenic section, visit [Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon], arrive in Kuqa, and take the special train to Kashgar in the evening; Meals——Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner; Accommodation——Southern Special Train
D12: Itinerary Details——Depart from Kashgar, head to the [Pamir Plateau], visit [Karakul Lake], [Stone City], [Golden Grassland], and stay overnight in Taxkorgan County; Meals——Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner; Accommodation——Taxkorgan County
D13: Itinerary Details——Depart from Taxkorgan County, experience [Home Visits with Various Ethnic Groups] to feel the folk customs, visit [Baisha Lake], and return to Kashgar city; Meals——Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner; Accommodation——Kashgar
This guide will break down how to play, how to choose berths, and how to sign up for this 18-day loop, helping you clarify your thoughts and plan easily.D14: Itinerary Details——Visit [Kashgar Old City], [Id Kah Mosque], [Fragrant Concubine’s Tomb], deeply experience the charm of Kashgar ancient city, and take the special train to Korla in the evening; Meals——Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner; Accommodation——Southern Special Train
D15: Itinerary Details——Depart from Korla, visit [Lop Nur Village] and [Bosten Lake], experiencing the unique water town and folk customs of Southern Xinjiang; Meals——Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner; Accommodation——Korla
D16: Itinerary Details——Take the special train from Korla Station in the morning to officially start the return journey; Meals——Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner; Accommodation——Southern Special Train
D17: Itinerary Details——Scenic sightseeing along the special train route on the return trip, reference stops: Lanzhou (8:51), Chongqing North (21:08); Meals——Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner; Accommodation——Southern Special Train
D18: Itinerary Details——Reference stops along the special train route: Xiangtan (10:14), Zhuzhou (11:08), arrive at Guangzhou Baiyun Station at 19:40, passengers get off at nearby stops and return to their warm homes; Meals——Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner; Accommodation——Warm Home
💰 Price and Departure Dates
Take a special tourist train to tour beautiful Xinjiang, choose from various options ranging from economy to luxury. Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency consultation landline: 0991-8866234; Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing’s phone: 181-3962-2233 (Add as friend to get free: detailed itinerary and train introduction)
Annual Limited Departures (6 recommended sessions, don’t miss out)
May 10, May 30, June 22, July 11, August 19, September 19
Special Train Room Types and Price List (Per Person Pricing)
Different room types suit different travel needs. Combination of special train sleeper berths and local boutique hotels throughout the journey, comfortable and worry-free
🗺️ What is the Xiaoxiang? Xiaoxiang Suite: Premium room type with private bathroom, capacity 2-3 people, maximum privacy｜62999 RMB/person
Zhengxiang Courtyard 2-Bed Room: Comfortable double room without private bathroom｜45999 RMB/person
Zhengxiang Courtyard 4-Bed Room: High cost-effective four-bed room without private bathroom｜42999 RMB/person
Yuanxiang Pavilion 4-Bed Room Upper Berth: Convenient and comfortable type without private bathroom｜17999 RMB/person
Yuanxiang Pavilion 4-Bed Room Lower Berth: Convenient and comfortable type without private bathroom｜19999 RMB/person
💡 Warm Tips
The above are reference prices. Actual costs may vary depending on travel dates, berth selection, and other factors. Please confirm the final price with Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency when registering, and the signed travel contract shall prevail.
📞 How to Register and Inquire
Registration Method: You can register through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency. It is recommended to inquire about berth availability and remaining spots in advance.
Inquiry Channels: 
The ‘Xiaoxiang’ is a special tourist train jointly launched by the Guangzhou Railway Group and Hunan Tourism Group and other institutions. It is positioned as comfortable and senior-friendly, suitable for middle-aged and elderly friends who want to ‘play during the day and sleep on the train at night,’ or families who prefer the worry-free mode of ‘one train all the way.’Phone/WeChat: 181-3962-2233
Address: Please inquire directly with customer service for the specific address.
📋 Fee and Service Description
Items Included in the Fee (Subject to actual inquiry and contract signing)
Transportation: Special train seats, local tourist buses.
Accommodation: Special train sleeper berths and hotels listed in the itinerary.
Meals: Meals specified in the itinerary.
Tickets: First admission tickets and necessary shuttle buses for scenic spots listed in the itinerary.
Services: Tour guide commentary, travel agency liability insurance.
Items Not Included in the Fee (Subject to actual inquiry and contract signing)
✨ Core Highlights Personal expenses (such as drinks, shopping, etc.).
Expenses during free time.
Additional costs incurred due to force majeure factors such as traffic delays, weather, etc.
Service Features
Senior-Friendly: The special train is equipped with senior-friendly facilities and onboard medical staff.
One Train All the Way: No need to change berths throughout the journey, large luggage stored on the train.
Butler Service: Provides 24-hour travel butler service.
⚠ ️ Important Notes
Itinerary Changes: In case of force majeure factors such as weather, road conditions, etc., the itinerary may be reasonably changed with mutual agreement.
Single Person Registration: Our agency will try its best to arrange room sharing. Special circumstances need to be negotiated separately.
Cancellation and Change Rules: Strictly follow the ‘Tourism Law’ and other relevant regulations. The specific details are subject to the signed travel contract.
For more details on Xinjiang tourist train tours, please consult Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing at phone: 181 3962 2233 (Add as friend to get free: detailed itinerary and train introduction)
