2026 North and South Xinjiang Group Tour Easy and Comfortable 18 Day Journey Across North and South Xinjiang for All Ages Travel Cost Comparison Recommended Itinerary Price
Contact Manager Guo Jing at phone number 18139622229 or WeChat 18139622229 to send itinerary and quotation
⭐【2026 18-Day In-Depth Panoramic Tour of Northern and Southern Xinjiang | A Comprehensive Guide to a Comfortable Journey Suitable for All Ages】⭐
Want to take your family on an in-depth exploration of Xinjiang’s magnificent landscapes and cultural charm, but worried about a rushed itinerary, poor accommodation, or hidden consumption traps? The newly upgraded 2026 18-day in-depth panoramic tour of Northern and Southern Xinjiang by special train features a thoughtful “daytime touring, nighttime traveling” design, allowing you to bid farewell to a hectic journey and truly experience an immersive trip where “you stay amidst the scenery, and the scenery moves with the train.” This article will provide a detailed breakdown of this Western Region journey suitable for travelers of all ages, covering itinerary highlights, schedule, cost breakdown, and booking methods.
I. Itinerary Highlights: Unlock Four Major Geographical Units of Xinjiang in One Trip
Xinjiang accounts for one-sixth of China’s land area and boasts a rich diversity of landforms. This 18-day itinerary scientifically connects the four major regions of Northern Xinjiang, Ili, Southern Xinjiang, and Eastern Xinjiang, covering over 20 core landscapes including snow-capped mountains, grasslands, lakes, canyons, deserts, gobi, and ancient cities. The average daily driving time is kept under 4 hours to avoid long-distance fatigue.
Core Landscapes Covered:
▶ Northern Xinjiang:Tianshan Tianchi (Heavenly Lake), Kanas Lake, Hemu Village, Wucaitan (Colorful Beach), Urho Ghost City
▶ Ili:Sayram Lake, Nalati Alpine Grassland, Guozigou Bridge
▶ Southern Xinjiang:Kashgar Old City, Baisha Lake, Pamir Plateau, Karakul Lake, Kuqa Grand Canyon
▶ Eastern Xinjiang:Turpan Flaming Mountains, Karez Irrigation System, Jiaohe Ancient City
Special Experience Design:
✔ Kanas Lake Boat Tour:Venture into the heart of the lake to experience the mystery of the “color-changing lake”
✔ Nalati Grassland Horseback Riding:Professional guides lead you through snow-capped mountains and meadows
✔ Kashgar Old City Home Visit:Step into the homes of various ethnic residents to experience intangible cultural heritage handicrafts
✔ Pamir Plateau Aerial Photography:Capture the breathtaking coexistence of Muztagh Ata and Baisha Lake
⭐【2026 18-Day In-Depth Panoramic Tour of Northern and Southern Xinjiang | A Comprehensive Guide to a Comfortable Journey Suitable for All Ages】⭐✔ Turpan Grape Valley Pickings:Taste seedless white grapes fresh off the vine
II. Simple Itinerary: Daytime Touring, Nighttime Traveling – A Well-Paced Rhythm
(Note:The following itinerary may be subject to minor adjustments due to weather, road conditions, or scenic area policies. The final itinerary confirmed by both parties shall prevail.)
Days 1-2:Gathering in Urumqi · Adapting to the Rhythm of the Western Region
Upon arrival in Urumqi, check into a downtown hotel. Recommended free activities:
✔ International Bazaar:Explore ethnic handicrafts and taste roasted stuffed buns and pilaf
✔ Xinjiang Museum:View “unique folk customs” mummies and artifacts from the Niya Site
✔ Hongshan Park:Ascend to the summit for a panoramic view of the city and capture silhouettes of snow-capped mountains at sunset
Days 3-5:Natural Wonders of Northern Xinjiang
▶ Tianshan Tianchi (Heavenly Lake):Take a shuttle bus to explore Mayashan and the West Mother Temple, hike along the lakeside trail
▶ Hemu Village:Stay in a Tuwa wooden house, ascend Hadeng Platform at dawn to capture morning mist and cooking smoke
▶ Kanas Lake:Hike the Three Bays Trail (Fairy Bay – Moon Bay – Crouching Dragon Bay), stargaze at night
Days 6-8:Ili Grasslands and Flower Fields
▶ Sayram Lake:Drive around the lake; wildflowers bloom along the lakeshore from June to August
▶ Nalati Grassland:Take the alpine grassland shuttle bus and ascend the Nomad’s Home Viewing Platform
Want to take your family on an in-depth exploration of Xinjiang’s magnificent landscapes and cultural charm, but worried about a rushed itinerary, poor accommodation, or hidden consumption traps? The newly upgraded 2026 18-day in-depth panoramic tour of Northern and Southern Xinjiang by special train features a thoughtful “daytime touring, nighttime traveling” design, allowing you to bid farewell to a hectic journey and truly experience an immersive trip where “you stay amidst the scenery, and the scenery moves with the train.” This article will provide a detailed breakdown of this Western Region journey suitable for travelers of all ages, covering itinerary highlights, schedule, cost breakdown, and booking methods.▶ Guozigou Bridge:Check in at the “First Scenic Spot of Ili” and photograph the steel dragon perched on the cliff
Days 9-12:Southern Xinjiang Culture and Plateau
▶ Duoku Road:Traverse the secrets of the Tianshan Mountains and experience the four seasons in one day
▶ Kashgar Old City:After the opening ceremony, explore the century-old tea house and Artisan Street
▶ Pamir Plateau:Baisha Lake reflects the Kunlun Mountains; Karakul Lake guards the sunset at Muztagh Ata
▶ Kuqa Grand Canyon:Hike 1.5 kilometers to feel the visual impact of red rock formations
Days 13-15:Oasis Civilization of Eastern Xinjiang
▶ Flaming Mountains:Experience “egg-cooking in the sand” when ground temperatures reach 70°C
▶ Karez Irrigation System:Visit the underground water conservancy project and learn about the wisdom of various ethnic groups
▶ Grape Valley:Step into a drying house to learn about grape drying production and taste 8 varieties of fresh grapes
Days 16-18:Return Journey and Summary
▶ Farewell Dinner in Urumqi:Savor roast whole lamb and enjoy song and dance performances
▶ Free Activities:Recommended purchases: dried fruits, snow lotus health tea, and other souvenirs
▶ Airport/Station Transfer:Arrange a private car based on flight time
I. Itinerary Highlights: Unlock Four Major Geographical Units of Xinjiang in One TripIII. Pricing Information: Multiple Options to Suit Different Budgets
The 2026 special train offers a variety of room types ranging from economy to luxury, with reference price ranges as follows (subject to contract):
Economy Quad (Upper Bunk):8,480 RMB/person | Lower Bunk: 9,280 RMB/person
Standard Quad (Upper Bunk):15,980 RMB/person | Lower Bunk: 16,980 RMB/person
Deluxe Quad (Upper Bunk):26,980 RMB/person | Lower Bunk: 27,980 RMB/person
Deluxe Double:59,980 RMB/person
Fees Include:
✔ Accommodation throughout the special train journey (including private bath and air conditioning)
✔ First admission tickets + shuttle buses for scenic areas (e.g., Kanas Lake boat tour, Nalati Grassland)
✔ 17 breakfasts and 30 main meals (including welcome banquet, fruit feast, and scenic area afternoon tea)
✔ Local transportation transfers (including scenic area电瓶车 – electric carts)
✔ Professional tour guide + panda butler onboard service
✔ Travel accident insurance
Fees Exclude:
✖ Personal expenses (e.g., souvenirs, specialty snacks)
Xinjiang accounts for one-sixth of China’s land area and boasts a rich diversity of landforms. This 18-day itinerary scientifically connects the four major regions of Northern Xinjiang, Ili, Southern Xinjiang, and Eastern Xinjiang, covering over 20 core landscapes including snow-capped mountains, grasslands, lakes, canyons, deserts, gobi, and ancient cities. The average daily driving time is kept under 4 hours to avoid long-distance fatigue.✖ Some optional activities (e.g., horseback riding, aerial photography)
✖ Round-trip transportation from your departure location to Urumqi
IV. Booking Methods: Professional Team Escorting Your Journey
You can book through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency. Consult Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing for information on departure dates, room availability, and travel preparations. Booking process:
Communicate needs → Confirm departure date and room type → Pay deposit to reserve seat → Sign electronic contract → Pay balance
V. Fee and Service Information
Price Fluctuations:Final price subject to contract based on departure date and bunk availability
Single Travelers:Every effort will be made to arrange room sharing; special cases require negotiation for price difference
Children Policy:Children under 1.2 meters not occupying a bed receive a 3,000 RMB discount (including admission and meals)
Cancellation and Refund Policy:Subject to the tourism contract signed by both parties
VI. Practical Tips: Making Your Journey More Worry-Free
Document Preparation:Carry valid identification at all times; remote scenic areas require ID verification for entry
Clothing Recommendations:
✔ Northern Xinjiang Segment:Windbreaker + thin down jacket (large temperature difference between day and night)
Core Landscapes Covered:✔ Southern Xinjiang Segment:Sun-protective clothing + wide-brimmed hat (extremely strong UV rays)
✔ Footwear:Comfortable hiking shoes + non-slip socks (recommended for grassland/canyon hikes)
Essentials Checklist:
✔ Moisturizing Set:Xinjiang’s climate is dry; face cream and lip balm recommended
✔ Common Medications:Motion sickness pills, gastrointestinal medicine, cold medicine
✔ Energy Supplies:Chocolate, beef jerky, insulated flask
Cultural Taboos:
✔ Obtain consent before photographing residents
✔ Photography and touching of religious artifacts prohibited inside temples
✔ Avoid passing objects with your left hand during meals
VII. Why Choose This Itinerary?
Professional Team:Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency has deep expertise in Xinjiang tourism, familiar with road conditions and scenic area policies in Northern and Southern Xinjiang, and capable of flexibly handling emergencies.
Consumption-Free Travel Experience:No arranged shopping stops or forced consumption throughout the journey; ample time at each attraction, e.g., 4-hour in-depth exploration of Kanas Lake.
Senior-Friendly Design:Barrier-free access and emergency call buttons in train cars; tour guides carry first aid kits; slow-paced itinerary.
Family-Friendly:Children’s meals and亲子 activities (e.g., kite DIY at Nalati Grassland) available; extra beds can be requested in guest rooms.
Xinjiang’s vastness deserves to be savored slowly over 18 days. From the cedars of the Altay Mountains to the poplars of the Taklimakan Desert, from the earthenware of Kashgar Old City to the grapes of Turpan, this journey will introduce you to the region’s magnificence and tenderness in the most comfortable way possible. Immediately consult Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing at Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency to secure your preferred departure date and embark on your Western Region dream journey!
Contact Manager Guo Jing at 18139622229 or WeChat 18139622229 to send itinerary and quotation

