Is the Xinjiang Tourism Special Train Good Real Passenger Reviews + 2026 Price of the Train to the South of the Great River Recommended Itinerary Costs and Prices
Contact Manager Yang Jia at phone number 13325559266 or WeChat 13325559266 to send itinerary and quote
“Tianshan No.” and “South of the Great River No.”:Immersive Experience Guide to Xinjiang Tourism Special Trains 🚂
As the train slowly pulls out of the station, the Gobi Desert outside the window is gradually replaced by snow-capped mountains, grasslands, and lakes. The melodious tunes of ethnic musical instruments echo through the carriage—this is no ordinary train, but a “mobile cultural exhibition hall” that connects the core landscapes of northern and southern Xinjiang. In 2026, Xinjiang Railway Department will integrate transportation, accommodation, and cultural experiences through special tourism trains like “Tianshan No.” and “South of the Great River No.”, allowing travelers to deeply feel the Silk Road charm of “four seasons in one day and different weather every ten miles” during a 13 to 17-day journey.
I. Itinerary Highlights: A Panoramic Scroll from Snow-Capped Mountains to Deserts
【“Tianshan No.” Special Train:Golden Combination of Northern Xinjiang’s Nature and Southern Xinjiang’s Culture】
Starting from Urumqi, the “Tianshan No.” operates on a circular route, connecting core attractions in northern and southern Xinjiang such as Heavenly Lake of Tianshan, Kanas Lake, Sayram Lake, Nalati Grassland, and Kashgar Old Town. Its unique features include:
Day-and-night distinct itinerary design:Following the principle of “departing in the evening and arriving in the morning,” the nighttime travel speed is controlled within a reasonable range to ensure quality sleep; during the day, stops are made at scenic spots, allowing tourists to deeply explore iconic landscapes such as Kanas Lake, Hemu morning mist, and Muztagh Ata on the Pamir Plateau.
Cultural immersion experience:Non-heritage workshops such as Atlas silk accessory making and mulberry paper block printing are offered on the train. Historians are invited to explain Xinjiang’s geography and ethnic customs; when stopping in Kashgar, home visits to ethnic families are arranged, where tourists can participate in activities such as making nang (a type of bread) and playing the rawap (a musical instrument).
Elderly-friendly and family-friendly features:The carriage is equipped with emergency call buttons, non-slip floors, and constant temperature air conditioning; child-friendly non-slip stools, picture books, and a family interactive game area are provided.
【“South of the Great River No.” Special Train:A Panoramic Journey Through Northern and Southern Xinjiang Starting from Central Plains】
For tourists from Henan, Shaanxi, Gansu, and other regions, the “South of the Great River No.” offers “boarding at your doorstep” service, departing from Zhengzhou and Luoyang, passing through Xi’an and Lanzhou, and arriving in Xinjiang. Its core advantages include:
One-stop hassle-free experience:No need to transfer to public transportation throughout the journey. The 17-day itinerary covers more than 20 attractions including Turpan, Kashgar, Nalati, and Kanas, and includes 8 special feasts (roast whole lamb, Burqin cold-water fish, yak hot pot, etc.).
Diverse accommodation options:The special train offers 4-person compartments with private bathrooms (upper bunk 19,999 yuan/person, lower bunk 21,999 yuan/person) and 2-person compartments (45,999 yuan/person). All compartments adopt noise reduction technology and are equipped with audio-visual systems and charging ports.
Medical support system:Each train is equipped with an AED defibrillator and a common medicine box. Onboard medical staff provide services such as blood pressure monitoring and guidance on coping with altitude sickness.
II. Classic Itinerary Reference for 2026
【“Tianshan No.” 13-Day Circular Xinjiang Itinerary】
Day 1:Gather in Urumqi, check into hotel, and acclimate to the plateau climate.
“Tianshan No.” and “South of the Great River No.”: Immersive Experience Guide to Xinjiang Tourism Special Trains 🚂Day 2:Visit Heavenly Lake of Tianshan and board the train for Beitun in the evening.
Day 3:Hike at Kanas Lake and stay overnight in Jiadenyu.
Day 4:Photograph the morning mist in Hemu Village, head to the Five-Colored Beach in the afternoon, and return to the special train in the evening.
Day 5:Cycle around Sayram Lake and travel via the Guozigou Bridge to Yining.
Day 6:Visit the aerial grasslands of Nalati Grassland and stay overnight in Bayanbulak Town.
Day 7:Cross the Duku Highway and arrive at Kuqa Grand Canyon.
Day 8:Attend the opening ceremony of Kashgar Old Town and visit the Id Kah Mosque.
Day 9:Visit Baisha Lake and Karakul Lake on the Pamir Plateau and stay overnight in Taxkorgan County.
Day 10:Visit ethnic families and return to Kashgar to board the special train.
Day 11:Photograph the poplar forest in Luobu People’s Village and stay overnight in Korla.
Day 12:Take a boat ride on Bosten Lake and return to Urumqi in the evening.
Day 13:Shop at the International Bazaar and see off for the return journey.
【“South of the Great River No.” 17-Day Panoramic Itinerary】
Days 1-2:Board the train in Zhengzhou/Luoyang and enjoy the Loess Plateau scenery along the way.
Day 3:Visit the Karez Irrigation System, Flaming Mountains, and Grape Valley in Turpan.
Days 4-5:In-depth tour of Kanas Lake and Hemu Village.
As the train slowly pulls out of the station, the Gobi Desert outside the window is gradually replaced by snow-capped mountains, grasslands, and lakes. The melodious tunes of ethnic musical instruments echo through the carriage—this is no ordinary train, but a “mobile cultural exhibition hall” that connects the core landscapes of northern and southern Xinjiang. In 2026, Xinjiang Railway Department will integrate transportation, accommodation, and cultural experiences through special tourism trains like “Tianshan No.” and “South of the Great River No.”, allowing travelers to deeply feel the Silk Road charm of “four seasons in one day and different weather every ten miles” during a 13 to 17-day journey.Days 6-7:Experience Sayram Lake and Nalati Grassland.
Days 8-9:Cross the Duku Highway and stay overnight in Bayanbulak.
Days 10-11:Explore Kashgar Old Town and the Pamir Plateau.
Days 12-13:Visit Kuqa Grand Canyon and Luobu People’s Village in Korla.
Days 14-15:Visit Heavenly Lake of Tianshan and the International Bazaar in Urumqi.
Days 16-17:Enjoy the northwestern scenery on the return journey and disembark sequentially.
III. Pricing System and Schedule Explanation
【“Tianshan No.” Special Train】
Basic price range:
Blue Diamond 4-person compartment:13,999-21,888 yuan/person (including price difference between upper and lower bunks)
Silver Diamond 2-person compartment:18,999-26,888 yuan/person
Executive Suite:23,999-42,888 yuan/person
Child policy:
Under 6 years old:6,999 yuan/person (no bunk, bed, or ticket included)
6-12 years old:80% of adult price (bunk price difference must be paid)
Schedule arrangement:
Peak season (June-September):June 2, June 14, July 8, July 28, August 11, August 23
I. Itinerary Highlights: A Panoramic Scroll from Snow-Capped Mountains to DesertsOff-peak season (May, October):May 7, September 4, September 16, October 9
【“South of the Great River No.” Special Train】
Basic price range:
4-person compartment with private bathroom:Upper bunk 19,999 yuan/person, lower bunk 21,999 yuan/person
2-person compartment with private bathroom:45,999 yuan/person
Child policy:
Under 6 years old:6,999 yuan/person (no bunk, bed, or ticket included)
6-12 years old:80% of adult price (bunk price difference must be paid)
Schedule arrangement:
June 17, July 5, July 24, August 25, September 11
IV. Registration Method and Fee Explanation
【Registration Process】
You can register through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency. The specific steps are as follows:
Consultation and selection:Contact customer service manager Zhang Jing to confirm the schedule, seat type, and availability.
Submit information:Provide the names and valid ID numbers of all travelers to reserve the intended seats.
Pay deposit:Pay the deposit according to the compartment class and obtain an official travel receipt.
【“Tianshan No.” Special Train: Golden Combination of Northern Xinjiang’s Nature and Southern Xinjiang’s Culture】Sign contract:Sign a unified electronic contract regulated by the national tourism authority and verify details such as itinerary, price, and refund/change terms.
Settle final payment:Pay the remaining balance 30 days before departure. The customer service will confirm the payment and issue the tour notice.
【Fees Included】
Transportation:Special train seat + air-conditioned bus at destination + VIP shuttle bus at scenic spots
Accommodation:Special train accommodation + ground hotels (five-diamond hotels/characteristic homestays)
Meals:Meals indicated in the itinerary (including special feasts)
Tickets:First admission tickets to attractions listed in the itinerary
Services:High-quality tour guide + exclusive butler + onboard medical staff
Insurance:Travel accident insurance
【Fees Not Included】
Personal independent consumption
Self-paid experience projects within attractions
Other expenses not indicated in the itinerary
【Important Reminders】
Prices may vary due to schedule or room type changes. The actual price shall prevail based on consultation and contract signing.
For single registrants, efforts will be made to coordinate room sharing. Special circumstances require separate negotiation.
“Tianshan No.” starts from Urumqi and operates on a circular route, connecting core attractions in northern and southern Xinjiang such as Heavenly Lake of Tianshan, Kanas Lake, Sayram Lake, Nalati Grassland, and Kashgar Old Town. Its unique features include: Reasonable itinerary changes may be made upon mutual agreement (e.g., due to weather or road conditions).
V. Authentic Traveler Reviews
【“Tianshan No.” Experience Feedback】
“The non-heritage workshops in the carriage made the children very happy. During the home visits to ethnic families, the hosts taught us how to make nang and play the rawap. This experience was much more meaningful than a superficial tour.” — Ms. Li from Xi’an
“The elderly-friendly design of the special train is very thoughtful. The non-slip floors and emergency call buttons made us elderly people feel more at ease when traveling. Tour guide Xiao Wang reminded us to dress warmly and stay hydrated every day, taking care of us like family.” — Mr. Zhang from Zhengzhou
【“South of the Great River No.” Experience Feedback】
“Boarding directly from Zhengzhou was so convenient! The 17-day itinerary covered all the精华 (essential) attractions in Xinjiang. The special meals like roast whole lamb and cold-water fish feast satisfied our appetites.” — Mr. Wang from Luoyang
“The 4-person compartment with private bathroom is very suitable for family travel. The child had their own bed and we could watch movies in the audio-visual area at night. The onboard medical staff monitored our blood pressure every day, making us feel more at ease during the high-altitude trip.” — Ms. Liu from Lanzhou
VI. Frequently Asked Questions
【How to choose the right special train?】
If you prioritize cultural immersion and elderly-friendly services, choose “Tianshan No.”; if you hope to board directly from inland cities and cover more attractions, choose “South of the Great River No.”.
【How is the child ticket price calculated?】
Children under 6 years old are recommended to pay the basic fee (no bunk, bed, or ticket included); children aged 6-12 enjoy 80% of the adult price (bunk price difference must be paid).
【How to cope with altitude sickness during the itinerary?】
The special train is equipped with anti-altitude sickness medicine, and onboard medical staff provide guidance. It is recommended to stop strenuous exercise 7 days before travel and avoid walking quickly or taking a bath after arriving at high altitudes.
【Can the itinerary be customized?】
You can contact customer service manager Zhang Jing to change the itinerary duration, attraction combination, or accommodation standard according to your needs. The actual itinerary shall prevail based on the contract signed by both parties.
As the train traverses the four seasons of the Duku Highway, as the blue ice of Sayram Lake awakens in the morning light, as the sound of copperware in Kashgar Old Town echoes through centuries—the Xinjiang tourism special train is not just a means of transportation, but a window opening to Silk Road culture. In 2026, why not board this “mobile cultural exhibition hall” and spend 13 to 17 days understanding the grandeur and warmth of one-sixth of China’s land?
Contact Manager Yang Jia at phone number 13325559266 or WeChat 13325559266 to send itinerary and quote
