17 Day Xinjiang Special Train Tour How to Play, Itinerary Guide, Fees, and Detailed Explanation Recommended Routes and Costs
Contact Manager Guo Jing at phone number 18139622229 or WeChat 18139622229 to send itinerary and quotation
🚂 [14-Day In-Depth Tour of Northern and Southern Xinjiang by New National Train:A Moving Scenic Route Through the Tianshan Mountains]
Xinjiang, a land that accounts for one-sixth of China’s total land area, boasts superb scenery of snow-capped mountains, grasslands, deserts, and lakes. In 2026, Xinjiang’s railway authorities, in collaboration with professional travel agencies, will launch the “New National Train Special Route for Northern and Southern Xinjiang.” This innovative model, where “the train follows the people and the scenery moves with the train,” connects classic destinations such as Urumqi, Turpan, Kashgar, and Kanas, allowing tourists to deeply experience Xinjiang’s diverse charm over 14 days. This article will provide a detailed analysis of this “moving scenic route” in terms of route features, itinerary highlights, cost explanations, and more.
🌄 [Route Features:Comprehensive Coverage + Comfortable Experience]
The New National Train special route features customized soft-sleeper carriages, with 4-person compartments equipped with charging ports, reading lights, and temperature control systems. There is no need to frequently move luggage throughout the journey, truly achieving “one train for the entire trip.” The route design takes into account the精华 (essence) attractions of both northern and southern Xinjiang, including cultural landscapes such as the Flaming Mountains and Karez Wells in Turpan, as well as natural sceneries like Kanas and Nalati. It also incorporates unique experiences such as visiting Hemu Village and the Kashgar Old City, making it suitable for tourists pursuing a “slow travel” experience.
📅 [Simple Itinerary:14 Days Through the Four Seasons]
According to the latest itinerary provided by Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency, the special train comes in two versions: “Affordable” and “Luxury,” with the same itinerary framework but different accommodation standards:
🌿 [Affordable Version Itinerary]
Day 1:Departure – Urumqi (free activities, recommended: International Bazaar)
Day 2:Urumqi – Turpan (Flaming Mountains, Karez Wells, Aydingkol Lake) – Hotan (overnight on the special train)
🚂[14-Day In-Depth Tour of Northern and Southern Xinjiang by New National Train: A Moving Scenic Route Through the Tianshan Mountains]Day 3:Travel along the Hotan-Ruoqiang Railway – Cele – Kunlun Mountains Grand Canyon – Hotan (visit the jade market)
Day 4:Hotan – Tuancheng Folk Street – Edelis Silk Workshop – Yutkan Ancient City – Hotan Night Market
Day 5:Hotan – Kashgar (by special train) – Baisha Lake – Karakul Lake (overlook Muztagata Peak) – Kashgar
Day 6:Opening Ceremony of Kashgar Old City – Hetian Jade Exhibition Hall – Xiangfei Garden – Kuqa (overnight on the special train)
Day 7:Kuqa – Kizilya Grand Canyon – Restan Street – Kuqa (by special train) – Kuitun/Yining
Day 8:Kuitun/Yining – Nalati Town (cycling on the aerial grasslands)
Day 9:Nalati – Kokdala (take photos at the lavender farm)
Day 10:Kokdala – Sayram Lake (self-drive around the lake) – Jinghe – Beitun
Day 11:Beitun – Kanas (hike to the Fish-Viewing Platform) – Wucaitan (sunset photography) – Burqin
Day 12:Burqin – Hemu Village (visit a Tuwa family) – Beitun – Urumqi
Xinjiang, a land that accounts for one-sixth of China’s total land area, boasts superb scenery of snow-capped mountains, grasslands, deserts, and lakes. In 2026, Xinjiang’s railway authorities, in collaboration with professional travel agencies, will launch the “New National Train Special Route for Northern and Southern Xinjiang.” This innovative model, where “the train follows the people and the scenery moves with the train,” connects classic destinations such as Urumqi, Turpan, Kashgar, and Kanas, allowing tourists to deeply experience Xinjiang’s diverse charm over 14 days. This article will provide a detailed analysis of this “moving scenic route” in terms of route features, itinerary highlights, cost explanations, and more.Day 13:Urumqi – Tianshan Tianchi (boat experience) – Xinjiang Colored Cotton Base – Urumqi
Day 14:Urumqi – Departure
💎 [Luxury Version Itinerary Upgrades]
Accommodation:3 nights in 5-star hotels (e.g., Hilton Urumqi) + 4 nights in 4-diamond hotels + 1 night in a Hemu wooden house + 1 night in a Nalati homestay
Experiences:Travel photography in Kashgar Old City (including ethnic costumes), self-drive on the southern section of the Duoku Road (Bayinbuluk – Nalati), VIP access to Sayram Lake
Group Type:No more than 26 people per group, with bilingual guides
💰 [Price Explanation:Clear Pricing + Transparent Services]
Based on the latest group dates and quotations for 2026 (subject to contract):
Affordable Version:
Upper bunk: 5980 yuan/person, Lower bunk: 6980 yuan/person
🌄[Route Features: Comprehensive Coverage + Comfortable Experience]Group Dates:May 11, June 19, July 2, July 28, September 4
Inclusions:Special train soft-sleeper, local comfortable hotels, full-time guides, “Red Hat” luggage handling service at Urumqi Station
Exclusions:Admission tickets (approximately 1200 yuan/person, to be paid separately), main meals (recommended local specialty restaurants)
Luxury Version:
Upper bunk: 14800 yuan/person, Lower bunk: 15800 yuan/person
Group Dates:Same as Affordable Version
Inclusions:High-end accommodation, special experiences, special train soft-sleeper, full-time guides, some main meals
Exclusions:Admission tickets (approximately 1500 yuan/person), personal expenses
⚠ ️[Cost Explanation and Service Standards]
The New National Train special route features customized soft-sleeper carriages, with 4-person compartments equipped with charging ports, reading lights, and temperature control systems. There is no need to frequently move luggage throughout the journey, truly achieving “one train for the entire trip.” The route design takes into account the精华 (essence) attractions of both northern and southern Xinjiang, including cultural landscapes such as the Flaming Mountains and Karez Wells in Turpan, as well as natural sceneries like Kanas and Nalati. It also incorporates unique experiences such as visiting Hemu Village and the Kashgar Old City, making it suitable for tourists pursuing a “slow travel” experience.Price Fluctuations:Prices are subject to holidays, hotel rates, and other factors. The final price is subject to the signed contract.
：Single travelers will be coordinated for shared rooms as much as possible. If a single room is required, a supplement will be charged (consult customer service for details).
Admission Ticket Policies:Xinjiang’s scenic spots offer discounts for seniors over 65, students, etc. Valid identification must be presented on-site for processing.
Service Commitments:No shopping stops will be arranged throughout the journey, but 1-2 local specialty introductions will be provided (voluntary purchase).
📝 [Registration Method:Professional Team Support]
Registration can be done through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency. Customer service manager Zhang Jing will provide detailed consultations. Valid identification information, health certificates (required by some scenic spots), and a signed travel contract are required for registration. It is recommended to book at least 30 days in advance, especially for summer and National Day group dates, as seats may be limited.
🌈 [Seasonal Tips:Optimal Travel Times]
Summer in Xinjiang (June-August):Grasslands and flower fields are in full bloom, but accommodations in Kanas, Hemu, and other scenic spots must be booked in advance.
Autumn (September-October):The forests are ablaze with color, making it the golden period for photography. However, for the special train group dates, only the September 4th departure is recommended and must be booked in advance.
Winter (November-March of the following year):Some scenic spots are closed, but winter projects such as the Urumqi Ice and Snow World can be experienced (inquire separately for special lines).
📅[Simple Itinerary: 14 Days Through the Four Seasons]🚨 [Precautions:Convenience and Caution]
Document Preparation:Valid identification, driver’s license (if self-driving), and permits (required in advance for border areas such as Baihaba).
Climate Adaptation:Xinjiang has large temperature differences between day and night. Even in summer, a windbreaker is necessary. The desert area has strong UV radiation, so sun protection is essential.
Cultural Respect:Photography of local residents is prohibited in ethnic minority areas, especially in cultural venues where taboos must be observed.
Transportation Connections:The special train departs on time, so be sure to allow enough time to reach the station (Urumqi Station provides “Red Hat” luggage handling service).
💡 [Why Choose the New National Train?]
Hassle-Free:No need for frequent transfers between transportation modes. Luggage can be kept on the special train throughout the journey.
In-Depth:Covers over 80% of the 5A-rated scenic spots in northern and southern Xinjiang, avoiding a rushed experience.
：The special train is equipped with an onboard doctor, and regular tourist buses are used for transfers between scenic spots.
Social:4-person compartments are suitable for families or friends traveling together and also allow for companionship with fellow travelers.
Xinjiang in 2026 is welcoming tourists with an even more open attitude. The New National Train special route is not just a travel itinerary but also a window into understanding Western Region culture. Whether it’s the heat of the Flaming Mountains, the blue of Sayram Lake, or the smoke rising from Hemu Village, all will become shining memories in your 14-day journey. For more details, contact customer service manager Zhang Jing of Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency to start your Xinjiang adventure!
Contact Manager Guo Jing at phone number 18139622229 or WeChat 18139622229 to send itinerary and quotation
