Where Does the Xinjiang Tourism Special Train Depart From Urumqi Departure Guide Recommended Routes and Costs

Contact Manager Guo Jing at phone number 18139622229 or WeChat 18139622229 to send itinerary and quote

A Journey by Train with Companions:Comprehensive Guide to Xinjiang Tourism Special Trains Departing from Urumqi in 2026
I. Why Choose Xinjiang Tourism Special Trains?
While traditional travel involves frequent luggage handling and transfers between different modes of transportation, Xinjiang tourism special trains have pioneered a new model of ‘the train follows the people.’ This travel method, which brings hotels, restaurants, and entertainment facilities onto the train, is particularly suitable for middle-aged and elderly groups, family travelers, and those seeking in-depth experiences. In 2026, Xinjiang Railway Department, in collaboration with professional travel agencies, will launch multiple themed special trains covering精华 (essential) scenic spots in northern and southern Xinjiang, with itineraries ranging from 8 to 15 days, allowing tourists to enjoy the changing seasons of snow-capped mountains, grasslands, lakes, and deserts in a moving ‘star-rated hotel.’
II. Detailed Explanation of Main Special Train Products in 2026
(1) New Oriental Express – Snow Lotus
[Train Features]
Fully upgraded third-generation train body with luxury compartments equipped with bathrooms
Special functional carriages including a dome starry sky-themed restaurant, bar entertainment carriage, and observation carriage
Each carriage is equipped with a dedicated butler providing 24-hour hot water supply
Onboard medical team carrying first aid equipment and conducting regular health monitoring
[Classic Itinerary]
14-day Panoramic Loop of Northern and Southern Xinjiang:Urumqi → Heavenly Lake of Tianshan → Burqin → Kanas → Hemu → Sayram Lake → Nalati Grassland → Duku Highway → Bayanbulak → Kuqa Grand Canyon → Kashgar Old Town → Pamir Plateau → Baisha Lake → Karakul Lake
(2) Tianshan Tourism Special Train
[Train Features]
Blue diamond train body upgraded from the New Oriental Express
4-person soft sleeper compartments with charging ports and reading lights
Dining carriage offering meals and daily fresh fruit platters
Professional tour guides providing onboard commentary with simultaneous interpretation equipment
[Featured Itinerary]
11-day In-depth Tour of Northern and Southern Xinjiang:Urumqi → Beitun → Kanas → Hemu → Burqin → Kuitun → Yining → Nalati → Bayanbulak → Kuqa → Kashgar
(3) New National Special Train for Northern and Southern Xinjiang
[Train Features]
Economy-class 4-person compartments starting at 5980 yuan per person for upper bunks
Selected comfortable local hotels including special homestay experiences
Bilingual tour guides assigned to each group providing luggage handling services
Arrangements for visits to homes of people from various ethnic groups and yurt experiences

A Journey by Train with Companions: Comprehensive Guide to Xinjiang Tourism Special Trains Departing from Urumqi in 2026[Affordable Itinerary]
14-day Cultural Tour of Northern and Southern Xinjiang:Urumqi → Turpan → Hotan → Kashgar → Kuqa → Yining → Burqin → Altay
III. Summer 2026 Schedule Reference (subject to actual contract signing)
New Oriental Express – Snow Lotus:
June 1st/15th/30th
July 10th/25th
August 8th/22nd
September 5th/20th
Tianshan Special Train:
June 5th/20th
July 5th/20th
August 10th/25th
September 8th
New National Special Train:
May 11th/25th
June 8th/22nd
July 6th/20th
August 3rd/17th
September 4th/18th
IV. Explanation of 2026 Pricing System (in RMB per person)
(1) New Oriental Express – Snow Lotus
Platinum Deluxe Compartment:56,999-59,999 yuan (5 custom-use carriages)
Imperial Deluxe Compartment:62,999-65,999 yuan (4 custom-use carriages)
Noble Deluxe Compartment:67,999-71,999 yuan (3 custom-use carriages)
Third/Fourth Person Traveling Together:30,000 yuan (limited to same compartment)
(2) Tianshan Special Train

I. Why Choose Xinjiang Tourism Special Trains?Luxury Soft Sleeper Compartment:14,800-15,800 yuan
Standard Soft Sleeper Compartment:9,800-10,800 yuan
(3) New National Special Train
Affordable Version Upper Bunk:5,980 yuan
Affordable Version Lower Bunk:6,980 yuan
Luxury Version Upper Bunk:14,800 yuan
Luxury Version Lower Bunk:15,800 yuan
Special Notes:
1. June-August is peak tourist season; prices may increase by 10%-15%
2. Child ticket policies require separate consultation
3. Early bird discounts available for bookings made 90 days in advance
4. Final price is subject to the signed tourism contract
V. Simple Itinerary Example for 2026 (based on the 14-day New Oriental Express itinerary)
Day 1:Gather in Urumqi
Private transfer to hotel for check-in
Recommended free activities:International Bazaar, Xinjiang Museum
Day 2:Urumqi → Heavenly Lake of Tianshan
Tour Heavenly Lake scenic area
Board the train in the evening to begin the special train journey
Day 3:Beitun → Kanas
Transfer to scenic area shuttle bus to tour Kanas Lake
Visit Tuva village
Day 4:Kanas → Hemu
Morning photography of Hemu morning mist
Experience horseback riding through birch forests
Day 5:Hemu → Burqin

While traditional travel involves frequent luggage handling and transfers between different modes of transportation, Xinjiang tourism special trains have pioneered a new model of ‘the train follows the people.’ This travel method, which brings hotels, restaurants, and entertainment facilities onto the train, is particularly suitable for middle-aged and elderly groups, family travelers, and those seeking in-depth experiences. In 2026, Xinjiang Railway Department, in collaboration with professional travel agencies, will launch multiple themed special trains covering精华 (essential) scenic spots in northern and southern Xinjiang, with itineraries ranging from 8 to 15 days, allowing tourists to enjoy the changing seasons of snow-capped mountains, grasslands, lakes, and deserts in a moving ‘star-rated hotel.’Tour Colorful Beach scenic area
Night tour of Burqin Riverfront Night Market
Day 6:Burqin → Jinghe
Enjoy Gobi Desert scenery from the train
Participate in intangible cultural heritage handicraft class onboard
Day 7:Jinghe → Sayram Lake → Yining
Circumnavigate the lake known as ‘the last tear drop of the Atlantic’
Visit lavender farm (blooming season June-July)
Day 8:Yining → Nalati
In-depth tour of the aerial grasslands
Watch equestrian performances
Day 9:Nalati → Bayanbulak
Traverse the middle section of Duku Highway
Photograph the sunset over the meandering river
Day 10:Bayanbulak → Kuqa
Tour Tianshan Grand Canyon
Visit Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves
Day 11:Kuqa → Kashgar
High-speed rail connection to special train
Recommended free activities:Kashgar Old Town opening ceremony
Day 12:Kashgar → Pamir Plateau
Tour Baisha Lake and Karakul Lake
Overlook Muztagh Ata peak
Day 13:Pamir → Kashgar
Visit Id Kah Mosque
Photography experience at Xiangfei Garden

II. Detailed Explanation of Main Special Train Products in 2026Day 14:Kashgar → Urumqi
Special train returns
Airport/station transfer upon arrival
VI. Registration Information and Service Guarantees
(1) Registration Methods
Register through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency; consult Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing for specific schedule availability
(2) Fees Included
Special train class compartment seat
Hotel accommodations listed in itinerary (including breakfast)
First admission tickets and shuttle buses for scenic spots
Full-行程 (journey) Chinese tour guide services
Travel agency liability insurance
Special dining onboard the train
(3) Fees Not Included
Round-trip transportation to/from Urumqi from various locations
Meals not indicated in the itinerary
Personal expenses and optional activities
Travel accident insurance (recommended to purchase separately)
(4) Special Services
1. Single travelers will be coordinated for shared rooms where possible; special cases require negotiation
2. Seniors over 70 years old must provide health certificates
3. Complimentary luggage tags and travel essentials provided
4. Daily weather forecast and clothing guide for the next day
VII. Pre-Trip Recommendation Guide
(1) Document Preparation
Original valid documents valid for more than 6 months

(1) New Oriental Express – Snow Lotus discount documents (student ID/senior citizen card/military officer card, etc.)
Border pass (if traveling to Taxkorgan)
(2) Clothing Recommendations
June-August:Light down jacket, sun protection clothing, quick-dry clothes
September:Fleece jacket, thermal underwear,抓绒 (fleece) jacket
Comfortable sports shoes, sun hat, sunglasses
(3) Medication List
Personal regular medications
Gastrointestinal medicine, cold medicine, motion sickness medicine
Sunscreen (SPF50+), moisturizing skincare products
(4) Photography Equipment
Wide-angle lens (for lakes and grasslands)
Telephoto lens (for capturing wildlife)
Sufficient memory cards and spare batteries
Tripod (for starry sky and sunrise photography)
VIII. New Experience Projects for 2026
1. Intangible cultural heritage instructors onboard teaching: Learn Atlas silk weaving and Rawap musical instrument playing
2. Starry sky photography class: Professional photographer guides shooting the Milky Way
3. Food exploration plan: Lead tourists to find authentic roasted stuffed buns and pilaf
4. Mobile book bar: Xinjiang-themed books available for borrowing onboard
5. Birthday surprise service: Special cake prepared for tourists celebrating birthdays during the itinerary
IX. Precautions
1. Xinjiang has a 2-hour time difference with mainland China; itinerary arrangements have been adjusted accordingly
2. Drones are prohibited in scenic areas (some areas require prior reporting)
3. Respect customs of various ethnic groups; do not randomly photograph local residents
4. Bring eco-friendly bags; all garbage must be brought back to recycling points
5. In case of severe weather or force majeure, both parties will negotiate itinerary changes
As the train slowly departs from Urumqi Station, the scenery outside the window transitions from urban buildings to Gobi Desert and then to snow-capped mountains and grasslands. This mobile journey is writing a new story. The 2026 Xinjiang tourism special trains are not just a choice of transportation but a profound experience of discovery, connection, and slow living. Here, surprises may await at every corner, and every section of railway carries expectations. Let’s pack our bags and jointly embark on this magnificent 1.6 million square kilometer pilgrimage.

Contact Manager Guo Jing at 18139622229 or WeChat 18139622229 to send itinerary and quote