Southern Xinjiang Food Special Train 11 Day Itinerary to Explore Local Night Markets and Taste Authentic Western Region Snacks, with Detailed Cost Breakdown and Recommended Route Pricing

Contact Manager Zhang Jing at phone number 18139622233 or WeChat 18139622233 to send the itinerary and quotation.

11-Day In-Depth Tour of Southern Xinjiang’s Food Special Train:Traverse the Ancient Silk Road and Savor the Flavors of the Western Regions 🍢
[Route Highlights:Connecting Southern Xinjiang Culture Through Food]
This travel route, specially designed for food enthusiasts, starts from Urumqi and delves deep into cities like Hotan, Kashgar, and Kuqa along the Southern Xinjiang Railway, covering 7 prefecture-level administrative regions and 12 characteristic night markets. The itinerary does not simply recommend classic dishes like roast whole lamb, pilaf, and roast baozi (stuffed buns), but delves deeper into the traditional dietary cultures of various ethnic groups, such as:
Hotan Night Market’s ‘Three Eggs and One Star’ (goose egg emptied and filled with chicken egg, pheasant egg, and pigeon egg, roasted with saffron)
Herbal tea experience at a century-old teahouse in Kashgar’s Old Town
Display of intangible cultural heritage craftsmanship at Kuqa’s Big Nang City
Pigeon soup paired with chickpeas in Shache’s Old Town
[Simple Itinerary:Daily Themed Food Exploration]
Day 1:Gathering in Urumqi · First Experience at the Grand Bazaar
Arrive in Urumqi in the morning, check into the hotel, and enjoy free time. It is recommended to visit the International Grand Bazaar to taste dried figs and almonds in the dried fruit section and shop for Aidelai silk scarves in the handicrafts section. For dinner, head to Lingguan Lane to try the roast lamb chops at ‘Ailijiang Nang Pit Meat’.
Day 2:Turpan’s Grape Valley · Nang Pit Meat Under the Flaming Mountains
Take the special train to Turpan, visit the Karez Park, and then experience the following at a Grape Valley farmhouse:
Making of a ‘giant nang’ with a diameter of 80 centimeters
Set meal of nang pit meat with mulberry juice
Folk song and dance performances by people from various ethnic groups
Special Arrangement:Take photos of the趣味 (fun) experiment of ‘cooking eggs in the sand’ at the Flaming Mountains Scenic Area.
Day 3:Ruoqiang, Hometown of Red Dates · Exploration of the Loulan Museum
Arrive in Ruoqiang in the morning and visit the Loulan Museum (advance reservation required), focusing on viewing:

11-Day In-Depth Tour of Southern Xinjiang’s Food Special Train: Traverse the Ancient Silk Road and Savor the Flavors of the Western Regions 🍢Distinctive folk custom mummies dating back 3,800 years
Replica of the ‘Five Stars Rising in the East Favor China’ brocade unearthed from the Niya Site
Lunch Recommendation:Roast whole lamb at ‘Loulan’s First Nang Pit’ in Ruoqiang County (advance reservation required 3 hours in advance).
Day 4:Carnival at Hotan Night Market · Treasure Hunt at the Yurungqash River
Arrive in Hotan in the afternoon and head straight to the Jinghe Community Night Market:
Popular Recommendation List:Yogurt zongzi, roast eggs, red willow roast meat, and lung in flour
Special Experience:Watch ‘jade gambling’ transactions at the Jade Bazaar (recommended for viewing only, not purchasing)
Special Arrangement:Head to the Yurungqash River early the next morning to experience the fun of ‘jade picking’ under the guidance of a professional guide (each person can take home 3 souvenir stones).
Day 5:Shache Palace · Intangible Cultural Heritage Feast of the Twelve Mukams
Visit the Yarkant Khanate Palace in the morning and watch a performance at the ‘Mukam Art Heritage Center’ in the afternoon. Dinner arrangement:
Twelve Mukams Themed Banquet:Includes 6 traditional dishes + 8 characteristic pastries
Interactive Session:Learn to play the rawap and hand drums
Accommodation Upgrade:Boutique homestay in Shache’s Old Town (including traditional earthen kang experience).
Day 6:In-Depth Tour of Kashgar’s Old Town · Tea Banquet at Id Kah Square
Explore Kashgar’s Old Town freely throughout the day, focusing on experiencing:
Century-Old Teahouse:Order a pot of rose tea, paired with walnuts, almonds, and nang
Craftsmen Street:Watch copperware making, earthenware firing, and wood carving craftsmanship
High Platform Residential Area:Photograph the panoramic view of the old town from the rooftop of a renovated homestay

[Route Highlights: Connecting Southern Xinjiang Culture Through Food]Dinner Recommendation:‘Nuolan Cuisine’ on Wusitangboyi Road, must-try dishes include pigeon soup and pot meat.
Day 7:Pamir Plateau · Home Visits to People from Various Ethnic Groups
Head to Taxkorgan County via the China-Pakistan Friendship Highway, with stops along the way:
Photograph the wonder of ‘sand mountains and blue waters’ at Baisha Lake
Overlook Muztagh Ata from Karakul Lake
Special Arrangement:Experience the following at the homes of local people from various ethnic groups:
Making ‘kurtak’ (stewed lamb and potatoes)
Learn to play the eagle flute
Taste dried yak meat and mare’s milk wine
Day 8:Kuqa Grand Canyon · Kuche Song and Dance Dinner
Tour the Tianshan Secret Grand Canyon in the morning and return to Kuqa city in the afternoon:
Visit the Kuqa Royal Palace to learn about the history of the Qing Dynasty’s Hui princes
Watch song and dance performances and taste the following at the ‘Kuche Banquet Art Center’:
▶ Kuqa medicinal mulberry wine
▶ Roast baozi (a ‘giant version’ with a diameter of 20 centimeters)
▶ Apricot dry pilaf
Day 9:Luntai Populus Euphratica Forest · Lunch on the Desert Highway
Cross the Taklimakan Desert Highway, with a stop along the way:
Dine at the ‘Desert Home’ restaurant in Tazhong Town:Sauteed eggs with Allium mongolicum and red willow roast meat

This travel route, specially designed for food enthusiasts, starts from Urumqi and delves deep into cities like Hotan, Kashgar, and Kuqa along the Southern Xinjiang Railway, covering 7 prefecture-level administrative regions and 12 characteristic night markets. The itinerary does not simply recommend classic dishes like roast whole lamb, pilaf, and roast baozi (stuffed buns), but delves deeper into the traditional dietary cultures of various ethnic groups, such as:Visit the Memorial Museum of the Desert Highway Shelter Forest Project
Special Experience:Make ‘mini pyramids’ souvenirs with sand in the desert.
Day 10:Tianshan Tianchi in Urumqi · Farewell Dinner
After returning to Urumqi, visit Tianshan Tianchi and arrange for dinner:
Xinjiang大盘鸡 (big plate chicken) with belt-like noodles
Peppery chicken
Kawas (honey fermented beverage)
Accommodation Upgrade:Five-star hotel including buffet breakfast.
Day 11:Return Journey · Bring Back the Flavors of the Western Regions
See off to the airport according to the flight time. You can purchase souvenirs:
Xiyuchun yogurt (requires refrigeration)
Nougat (packaged version recommended)
Hotan rose petal jam
[Price Description:Transparent Itemized Pricing]
Basic Fees (Reference Range)
Special Train Soft Sleeper:14,800-23,800 yuan/person (4-person/2-person compartments, with shared/private bathrooms)
Ground Transportation:Luxury air-conditioned coach for the entire journey (including scenic area shuttle buses)
Accommodation:4 nights on the special train + 6 nights at four-star hotels (upgrade to five-star in Kashgar/Kuqa)

Hotan Night Market’s ‘Three Eggs and One Star’ (goose egg emptied and filled with chicken egg, pheasant egg, and pigeon egg, roasted with saffron)Meals:13 breakfasts and 22 main meals (including 8 special banquets)
Admission Tickets:First admission tickets + shuttle buses for all attractions in the itinerary
Special Experience Package (worth 1,150 yuan/person)
Hotan Night Market food coupons
Home visits to people from various ethnic groups
Kuche song and dance performance
Desert Highway shelter forest commemorative medal
Total Fee Reference
Economy (4-person shared bathroom compartment):Approximately 16,500 yuan/person
Comfort (2-person private bathroom compartment):Approximately 25,500 yuan/person
Specific prices are subject to the signed contract. Discounts for children, elderly, and other special groups should be inquired with customer service.
[Registration Method]
You can register through Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency and consult with Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing. The following are required for registration:
Scanned copies of valid identification
Health commitment letter
Explanation of special dietary needs
[Fee Description and Service Description]
Fees Included

Herbal tea experience at a century-old teahouse in Kashgar’s Old TownTransportation:Special train soft sleeper seat + ground coach
Accommodation:Standard rooms at hotels marked in the itinerary
Meals:Team meals (excluding alcoholic beverages)
Tour Guide:Full-service Chinese tour guide
Insurance:Travel accident insurance
Fees Not Included
：Single registrants will do their best to coordinate room sharing. If room sharing is not possible, a price difference must be paid.
Personal Expenses:Expenses and entertainment not mentioned in the itinerary
Force Majeure Factors:Additional expenses caused by weather, policies, etc.
Service Standards
Each group is limited to no more than 40 people, equipped with 1 tour guide + 1 staff member
Provide mineral water daily (2 bottles/person)
First aid kit and common medications available on the vehicle
24-hour customer service hotline
[Special Reminders]
A permit is required in advance for the Pamir Plateau section (the travel agency can assist).
June-August is the peak tourist season in Southern Xinjiang. It is recommended to register 60 days in advance.
The specific departure date of the special train is subject to the contract and may change due to railway scheduling.
Food experience sessions may change dishes according to the season (e.g., no grape valley picking in winter).
This route beautifully blends the magnificent scenery of Southern Xinjiang with its lively atmosphere, allowing travelers to delve deep into the life wisdom and cultural heritage of various ethnic groups while savoring delicious food. Whether you are a photography enthusiast, a foodie, or a cultural explorer, you can find your own Western Regions memories on this journey.

Contact Manager Zhang Jing at phone number 18139622233 or WeChat 18139622233 to send the itinerary and quotation.