Kunlun Express 14-Day Luxury Train Tour of Northern and Southern Xinjiang (Deluxe Sleeper Train)
About the Kunlun Express
The Kunlun Express, a premium sleeper train specializing in North and South Xinjiang, is a customized high-end train designed for panoramic tours of North and South Xinjiang. It features an overnight departure and morning arrival schedule, allowing for daytime sightseeing without interrupting overnight travel and eliminating the need for frequent luggage handling. It offers full-service concierge service and is particularly suitable for long-distance comfortable travel and the needs of middle-aged and elderly travelers.
Different levels of cabins are available, with premium cabins featuring en-suite bathrooms (including showers), single sofas, desks, extra-large windows with panoramic views, and star-rated mattresses. Public areas include a dining car (offering Xinjiang specialties) and a relaxation area. The entire train is equipped with first-aid supplies and equipment, and offers 24-hour onboard service and a private concierge, including age-friendly services such as blood pressure monitoring.
Tour Highlights
-
Customized Train: Departing in the evening and arriving in the morning, this train loop tour traverses the entire northern and southern Xinjiang region. The perfect combination of train and car, offering comfort and safety!
-
Special Train: Multiple seating options to suit different families; providing a comprehensive service experience for your journey!
-
Highlights: Comprehensive coverage of the best attractions in both Northern and Southern Xinjiang; avoid backtracking.
-
Internet Celebrity Highway: The newly popular Ahe Highway, a hidden gem in Altay; check out the Panlong Ancient Road and the Karakoram Highway.
-
Special Experience: A must-drive highway in your lifetime, connecting northern and southern Xinjiang, traversing the Tianshan Mountains and the Duku Highway (southern and central sections).
-
Folk Experience: Stroll along Liuxing Street in Yining City, and taste Russian handmade ice cream.
-
Quality Guaranteed: All-inclusive price, premium tour packages, making your trip more comfortable and providing more attentive service;
-
Selected Hotels: 3 nights in a 5-star hotel + 3 nights in a 4-star hotel + 1 night in a wooden cabin in Hemu + 1 night in a 4-star hotel (guesthouse) in Nalati
-
Exclusive Gourmet Delights: Complimentary Xinjiang specialties including Tianchi Lake in Tianshan Mountains – [Jade Pool Feast] and [Burqin Cold Water Fish Feast].
Tour Schedule and Price List
First Departure: May 22, 2026
-
Four-person private room (shared bathroom): Upper bunk 14,800 yuan/person, Lower bunk 15,800 yuan/person
-
Two-person private room (shared bathroom): Upper bunk 17,800 yuan/person, Lower bunk 18,800 yuan/person
-
Double room (flat berth): Lower berth 18,800 yuan/person
-
Two-person private room (en-suite bathroom): Upper bunk 22,800 yuan/person, Lower bunk 23,800 yuan/person
Departures 2-10: June 4, June 17, June 30, July 13, July 26, August 8, August 21, September 2, September 14
-
Four-person private room (shared bathroom): Upper bunk 15,800 yuan/person, Lower bunk 16,800 yuan/person
-
Two-person private room (shared bathroom): Upper bunk 18,800 yuan/person, Lower bunk 19,800 yuan/person
-
Two-person private room (flat berth): Lower berth 19,800 yuan/person
-
Two-person private room (en-suite bathroom): Upper bunk 23,800 yuan/person, Lower bunk 24,800 yuan/person
Recommended hotels: Ruijia Hotel, Binglu Kunlun Hotel, Junjia Wyndham Hotel or similar.
Meals: Lunch at own expense; Dinner at own expense
Detailed Daily Itinerary
Day 1: Departure City – Urumqi
Dear valued guest, welcome to beautiful Urumqi! We wish you a wonderful and unforgettable trip in Xinjiang. (A thoughtful airport pick-up service has been arranged for you.)
Recommended hotels: Ruijia Hotel, Binglu Kunlun Hotel, Junjia Wyndham Hotel or similar.
Special Gift Included
Recommended Hotel: Dedicated Sleeper Train
Meals: Breakfast included; Lunch: Fruit Feast; Dinner: Group Meal
Day 2: Urumqi – Turpan – Karez Well – Grape Valley – Flaming Mountains – Kuqa
After breakfast, we will travel by bus to the entrance of the Unified Marketing Company to purchase tickets. First, we will visit the Karez irrigation system, known as one of the three great ancient engineering feats of China. In the afternoon, we will travel to Grape Valley, followed by a photo opportunity at the best photography spot on Flaming Mountain. A complimentary visit to a Uyghur family will be provided, where you can enjoy free fruit tasting under the grapevines. After dinner, we will take the train to Hotan.
Special Gift Included
Recommended Hotel: Dedicated Sleeper Train
Meals: Breakfast included; Lunch: Fruit Feast; Dinner: Group Meal
Recommended Hotel: Dedicated Sleeper Train
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch included (Group Meal); Dinner at own expense
After being picked up from the station in the morning, we will head to the [Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon], also known as the Kizilsu Grand Canyon, which means “red cliffs” in Uyghur. The canyon is composed of a group of giant reddish-brown mountains, which, under the sunlight, resemble clusters of burning flames. The canyon is about 5.5 kilometers long, running from east to west, and consists of a main valley and seven tributary valleys. At its narrowest point, only one person can pass sideways. Inside the canyon, there are thousands of strangely shaped peaks and rocks, such as the Divine Dog Guarding the Valley, the Jade Maiden Spring, and the Reclining Camel Peak, which are lifelike.
[Ristan Street] is a charming historical and cultural street. It is about 1 kilometer long and was once the most prosperous commercial center of Kuqa. Today, it is a national-level tourist and leisure street. The ancient street starts at the Unity New Bridge and preserves many historical sites such as the Kuqa Royal Palace and the Linjilu Martyrs’ Memorial Hall. On both sides of the street, the colorful painted doorways and the mottled old walls complement each other, making it very distinctive. In distinctive alleyways like Flower Lane and Menbaza, Adelaide silk lanterns sway in the breeze, exuding a rich folk atmosphere.
【Kuqa Old City】Kuqa Old City is a “living fossil” of Kucha culture, possessing the unique charm of a “dual-city pattern” combining the ancient city of Kucha from the Han and Tang dynasties with the old city from the Ming and Qing dynasties. 【Kucha Alley】The Kuqa Old City’s street layout from the late Qing Dynasty and early Republic of China period is best preserved; this 1200-meter-long alleyway features 10 ancient residences, with palatial pillars and flying eaves continuing the historical tradition, and courtyards in the style of traditional Chinese courtyard houses (Sanheyuan and Siheyuan) visible everywhere.
Recommended Hotel: Dedicated Sleeper Train
Recommended hotels: Taxkorgan Shanghai-Shenzhen Hotel, Pamir Hotel or similar.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included (Group Meal)
Day 4: Kashgar – Karakul Lake – Tashkurgan
After the special train arrives early, proceed to obtain border crossing permits. Then, depart to visit the high-altitude lake, Karakul Lake. “Karakul” means “Black Sea.” At an altitude of 3600 meters, with a depth of 30 meters and a total area of over 100,000 square kilometers, it is a high-altitude glacial lake, located at the foot of Muztagh Ata, the “Father of Glaciers,” in the eastern Pamir Plateau. Surrounded by mountains, the lakeshore is lush with vegetation, and Kyrgyz herders often graze their livestock here. On a clear day, the azure water reflects the silver peaks, creating a breathtakingly beautiful scene. The lake is surrounded by icy peaks and snow-capped mountains, especially the surrounding Kongur Tagh, Kongur Jiubie, and Muztagh Ata peaks, adding to its magical and beautiful charm.
Along the way, enjoy the scenery of Gez Grand Canyon (also known as the Red River Valley) and Bulunkou Sand Lake (also known as White Sand Lake). Overnight in Tashkurgan County.
Recommended hotels: Taxkorgan Shanghai-Shenzhen Hotel, Pamir Hotel or similar.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included (Group Meal)
Recommended hotels: Laining Hotel, Qiniwak Hotel, Kashi Hotel, South Xinjiang Global Harbor International Hotel or similar.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included (Group Meal)
After breakfast, we will travel to the Golden Grassland. The morning light of the Pamir Plateau bathes the Golden Grassland in Tashkurgan County, where 100,000 acres of wetland meadows unfold like a golden scroll. The Tashkurgan River meanders like a blue ribbon through the landscape, reflecting the snow-capped peaks of Muztagh Ata and the clear, drifting clouds in the sky. A wooden boardwalk extends along the wetland, with soft, golden grass underfoot, cattle and sheep grazing peacefully beside you, and smoke rising from white yurts in the distance, occasionally accompanied by the melodious tunes of Tajik eagle flutes. Strolling to the viewing platform, you can see the ancient ruins of Stone City in the distance, where the vicissitudes of history and the vitality of the high plateau blend, showcasing the purity and vastness of the Pamir Mountains.
Afterwards, we will visit Stone City, the capital of the ancient “Jiepantuo Kingdom,” which has a history of over 2,000 years. Although only ruins remain today, the layout of the inner and outer cities is still discernible. The inner city is relatively well-preserved, with walls built of mud and stone, and the remains of palaces, government offices, and other buildings still faintly discernible. The outer city was mostly damaged, with only ruins of city walls and fortifications remaining. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, with grasslands and rivers below, the Stone City boasts magnificent scenery. Historical figures such as Xuanzang and Faxian once lingered here. The rich historical and cultural heritage, combined with the unique natural landscape, attracts numerous tourists.
Following this, we travel along the Panlong Ancient Road in Kashgar, Xinjiang, locally known as the Wacha Highway. This winding mountain road, with over 600 curves, stretches 75 kilometers at an altitude of approximately 4100 meters. The perfect blend of the black road and the earthen mountains, along with the distant snow-capped peaks, is a sight unique to the Pamir Plateau. Having traversed all the winding paths of life, from now on, life will be a smooth road.
Recommended hotels: Laining Hotel, Qiniwak Hotel, Kashi Hotel, South Xinjiang Global Harbor International Hotel or similar.
Recommended Hotel: Dedicated Sleeper Train
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included (Group Meal)
Day 6: Kashgar City – Kuqa
After breakfast, depart for the AAAAA-level scenic area, [Kashgar Old City], to watch the opening ceremony. Afterwards, visit [Craftsman Street – Handicraft Street], the most distinctive cultural attraction in Kashgar, Xinjiang. Craftsman Street, officially named Wustangboyi Handicraft Street, is about one kilometer long and gathers hundreds of workshops and stalls, offering a full range of food and drinks, making it a showcase of Kashgar and even Central Asia’s handicraft industry. A stroll along this street allows you to shop, visit, and enjoy delicious food—truly a multi-faceted experience.
Within the Craftsman Street area, you can optionally sample authentic local snacks and teas, including a century-old Uyghur teahouse, one of Kashgar’s most distinctive establishments. You can listen to traditional Uyghur musical instruments playing music, savor Uyghur black tea, and experience the leisurely atmosphere. Visit the [Id Kah Mosque]. After lunch, visit the [Kashgar Hotan Jade Exhibition Hall] (AA-level scenic area). Have dinner in the city center, then take a special train to Kuqa.
Recommended Hotel: Dedicated Sleeper Train
Recommended hotels: Nalati Minrong Yunting Hotel, Nalati Berna S Hotel, Nalati Berna Hotel, Nalati Yuegaohe Resort Hotel or similar.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included (Group Meal)
Day 7: Kuqa – Southern Section of Duku Highway – Bayinbuluke – Nalati Town/Xinyuan
After breakfast, transfer to a smaller vehicle to travel along the southern section of the “Most Beautiful Duku Highway in China” to Kuqa, the ancient kingdom of Kucha. Enjoy the changing scenery throughout the four seasons, including the stunning views of the Great and Small Dragon Pools. The Great Dragon Pool, located 120 kilometers north of Kuqa County deep in the Tianshan Mountains, is a mirror-like alpine lake covering approximately 2 square kilometers. Surrounded by mountains with snow-capped peaks, verdant spruce forests, and lush grasslands, it is home to herds of cattle and sheep. Formed by melting snow from the Tianshan Mountains, the Great Dragon Pool is wide and crystal clear. Legend has it that the Queen Mother of the West bathed here, and today it is a popular summer resort. Not far away, another lake, the Small Dragon Pool, shines like a crystal gem, echoing the Great Dragon Pool.
Head to Bayinbuluke, enjoying the natural scenery along the way. Upon arrival at the visitor center, transfer to a shuttle bus to explore the Bayinbuluke Grassland, where you can admire the sight of cattle and sheep grazing amidst the swaying grass. “Bayinbuluke” is a Mongolian word meaning “abundant springs”. Visit the Swan Lake Nature Reserve: Swan Lake is not a single large lake, but rather a collective term for the lakes, streams, and marshes within the area. The “Nine Bends and Eighteen Turns” of the Kaidu River, located within the Swan Lake Nature Reserve, is as beautiful as a silver ribbon. After the tour, travel along the middle section of China’s most beautiful “Duku Highway” to Nalati Town for overnight accommodation.
Recommended hotels: Gongliu Wenduwan Hotel, Gongliu Dieyue Hotel or similar.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included (Group Meal)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included (Group Meal)
Day 8: Nalati Scenic Area – Gongliu/Kuerdening
After breakfast, travel by car to the world’s four major alpine valley grasslands – the national AAAAA-level [Nalati Scenic Area]. Enjoy the beautiful scenery along the Gongnaisi River en route. After lunch, take the scenic area shuttle bus to the valley grasslands for sightseeing (approximately 3.5 hours). The Wusun Ancient Tombs, Tawusani, and other scenic spots offer breathtaking views, described as “three sides of green mountains forming a verdant screen, a jade belt of rivers running around its waist.” Upon arrival at the core scenic area, visitors are free to explore. After the tour, travel by car to Gongliu/Kuerdening and check into the hotel for the night.
Recommended hotels: Gongliu Wenduwan Hotel, Gongliu Dieyue Hotel or similar.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included (Group Meal)
Recommended hotels: Kokdala Grand Hotel, Kokdala Wenyuan Grand Hotel, Kokdala Hilton Hotel, Yining Huacheng Grand Hotel or similar.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch included (Group Meal); Dinner at own expense
After breakfast today, we will travel to Kuldning, a national 4A-level scenic area and a World Natural Heritage site. With a forest coverage rate exceeding 85%, it boasts China’s most complete original spruce forest and is hailed as one of “China’s most beautiful forests.” Entering the scenic area, the ten-mile-long gallery of river valley scenery is captivating, with babbling brooks, dappled sunlight, and a perfect blend of snow-capped mountains, forests, and grasslands. Climbing to the Qimengde viewing platform offers panoramic views of the valley, forests, grasslands, and snow-capped mountains; hiking along the wooden boardwalk feels like stepping into a fairytale world. In the Tikkaragai Forest, towering spruce trees over 200 years old reach for the sky, with rare plants growing abundantly beneath. Visitors can also experience Kazakh folk customs, sample local delicacies such as horse sausage and horse meat naren, and feel the unique charm of Kuldning.
Afterwards, we will arrive at the exotic Liuxing Street, where colorful buildings are arranged in a charming, orderly fashion, flowers bloom along the streets, trees provide shade, and residents of various ethnic groups live in harmony. As night falls, neon lights shine brightly, like a dazzling pearl set on the banks of the Yili River. Afterwards, we will travel to [Huiyuan Ancient City], located in Huocheng County, Yili, Xinjiang. It is the foremost of the “Nine Cities of Yili” and a shining pearl of Xinjiang’s history and culture. The name “Huiyuan” was bestowed by Emperor Qianlong, signifying the imperial grace extending to distant lands.
Upon entering the ancient city, the majestic Bell and Drum Tower stands at the city center, with four stories and three eaves, carved beams and painted pillars, witnessing the city’s long history. The Yili General’s Mansion inside the city was once the political and military center of Xinjiang, with a quaint courtyard and ancient trees. After the tour, we will travel to [Lavender Manor], a romantic and dreamy destination. Vast purple lavender fields bloom in the sun, with fragrant breezes creating a stunning, immersive scene.
Recommended Hotel: Dedicated Sleeper Train
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included (Group Meal)
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch included (Group Meal); Dinner at own expense
Day 10: Yining/Kokdala – Sayram Lake – Jinghe – (Special Train) – Beitun
After breakfast, we will head to Sayram Lake, a shimmering blue sapphire nestled at the northern foot of the Tianshan Mountains. Snow-capped peaks are reflected in the lake, clouds linger, and the water is crystal clear, a deep and pure blue. In late spring and early summer, wildflowers bloom along the lakeshore, and herds of cattle and sheep graze, creating a captivating pastoral scene on the plateau. Afterwards, we will travel by train to Beitun City.
Recommended Hotel: Dedicated Sleeper Train
Recommended hotels: Huatianxi Mountain Villa, Hemu Shuimunianhua Mountain Villa, Hemu Tuwa Residence or similar.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included (Group Meal)
Day 11: Beitun – Kanas Scenic Area – Tuva Family Village – Hemu
Pick up from the train station early in the morning and head to Kanas Scenic Area. Upon arrival at the Kanas Scenic Area ticket gate, transfer to a shuttle bus to enter Kanas National Geological Park. Enjoy sightseeing along the Kanas River, admiring the Siberian larch primeval forest, birch forest scenery, Fairy Bay, Crouching Dragon Bay, Moon Bay, Duck Lake, and visiting Kanas Lake. The mountains are covered with pine forests, and the gentle breeze creates a rustling sound. Kanas Lake is a photographer’s dream; the blue sky, white clouds, emerald green water, and tranquil birch forests make it a paradise for painters and photographers alike.
Take a boat tour on Kanas Lake (optional at own expense). Enter the “Wooden House World” of Kanas Village, wandering among the unique wooden houses. Afterwards, visit a Tuva family (complimentary) to taste milk wine, drink milk tea, and listen to the beautiful melody of the “Su Di” flute, experiencing the unique culture of the Altay grasslands. After the tour, proceed to Hemu Scenic Area and check into your hotel for the night.
Recommended hotels: Huatianxi Mountain Villa, Hemu Shuimunianhua Mountain Villa, Hemu Tuwa Residence or similar.
Recommended Hotel: Dedicated Sleeper Train
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch included (Group Meal); Dinner: Cold Water Fish Feast
Day 12: Hemu Yunxiang Peak – Ahe Highway – Beitun – Urumqi
After breakfast, we’ll visit Hemu Village, known as the “Garden of the Gods” in this pristine world. Experience the tranquility of its surroundings, with rising smoke from chimneys, flocks of sheep, and herdsmen returning home. Stroll through the vibrant Hemu Village, dotted with small bridges, flowing streams, birch forests, and log cabins. The primitive mountain scenery, with the Hemu River winding through, blends perfectly with snow-capped mountains, grasslands, and clear skies.
Afterwards, we’ll travel along the Ahe Highway, a popular scenic self-driving route in Altay, Northern Xinjiang. Stretching 209.45 kilometers from Altay City to Hemu Village, it cuts travel time from 6 hours to just 3 hours. This highway connects multiple scenic spots including Xiaodonggou Forest Park, Tongba Primitive Forest, and Yilieke Stone Forest, with ever-changing views of snow-capped mountains, grasslands, and forests along the way. You can enjoy coffee at roadside mobile cafes and occasionally watch impromptu ethnic performances. In the evening, arrive in Beitun and take the special train back to Urumqi.
Recommended Hotel: Dedicated Sleeper Train
Recommended hotels: Ruijia Hotel, Binglu Kunlun Hotel, Junjia Wyndham Hotel or similar.
Meals: Breakfast included; Lunch: Nine Bowls and Three Rows; Dinner: Medicinal Nourishing Hot Pot
Day 13: Urumqi – Tianchi Lake – International Grand Bazaar
In the morning, depart by bus (approximately 1.5 hours) to the [Tianchi Scenic Area], known as the “Pearl of Tianshan”. Tianchi, at an altitude of 1980 meters, is a natural high-altitude glacial lake with a crescent-shaped surface. It boasts stunning natural scenery, with snow-capped peaks, waterfalls, and rich cultural heritage tied to the ancient Queen Mother of the West legend. Enjoy 2 hours of free time; optional cable car ride to Mayashan Peak at own expense for a panoramic view of Tianchi and Bogda Peaks.
This short trip will eventually come to an end. We look forward to seeing you in Xinjiang again! We will provide airport or train station transfers based on your flight or train schedule.
Accommodation: At own expense; Meals: At own expense
Recommended hotels: Ruijia Hotel, Binglu Kunlun Hotel, Junjia Wyndham Hotel or similar.
Meals: Breakfast included; Lunch: Nine Bowls and Three Rows; Dinner: Medicinal Nourishing Hot Pot
Day 14: Urumqi – Departure City
This short trip will eventually come to an end. We look forward to seeing you in Xinjiang again! We will provide airport or train station transfers based on your flight or train schedule.
Accommodation: At own expense;Meals: At own expense
Tour Fare Inclusion & Exclusion
Included in the Kunlun Express Fare
-
Transportation: Train tickets for the full route: Turpan-Kuqa-Kashgar-Korla-Yining-Beitun-Urumqi (deluxe soft sleeper); tourist transfer vehicles at the destination (one guaranteed seat per person, excluding scenic area internal shuttles and transportation during free time)
-
Hotel Accommodation: 3 nights 5-star hotel + 3 nights 4-star hotel + 1 night Hemu wooden cabin + 1 night Nalati 4-star guesthouse; single rooms not provided, single room supplement at own expense if required
-
Meals: 13 breakfasts and 22 main meals, 50-100 yuan per person per meal (combination of group meals and local specialty meals; dish quantity adjusted proportionally for tables with fewer than 10 guests); alcoholic beverages excluded; missed meals non-refundable
-
Attraction Tickets: First-entry tickets and scheduled shuttle buses for all listed attractions; complimentary visits to Huiyuan Ancient City and Yiparhan Lavender Manor
-
Service: Professional Chinese-speaking tour guide service
-
Shopping Note: Only one scenic area-operated shop on the entire trip, not arranged by the travel agency
Excluded from the Kunlun Express Fare
-
Round-trip transportation between your departure city and Urumqi
-
Personal expenses in hotels: laundry, hairdressing, phone calls, pay TV, drinks, cigarettes, alcohol, and fees for facility damage or contamination
-
Additional costs caused by force majeure events (itinerary changes, delays, early termination); unused fees will be refunded, extra expenses borne by tourists
