2026Sunshine Special Tourist Train to Kanas Budget 18 Day Comprehensive Guide to Kashgar and Hotan Recommended Itinerary Cost and Price
Contact Manager Wang Fei at phone number 18095969599 or WeChat 18095969599 to send the itinerary and quotation.
✨ [2026 Sunshine Express Kanas Tourism Train:Kashgar + Hotan 18-Day In-Depth Experience Guide]✨
🌄 Itinerary Highlights:A ‘Mobile Cultural Corridor’ Traversing Northern and Southern Xinjiang
The Sunshine Express Kanas Tourism Train is a newly upgraded ‘railway + cultural tourism’ integrated project for 2026. Designed with the concept of ‘one train to see all of Xinjiang,’ it connects the three core areas of Kashgar, Hotan, and Kanas, covering four major landscapes: deserts, snow-capped mountains, grasslands, and ancient cities. The train features a double-decker carriage structure equipped with panoramic viewing windows, an intelligent temperature control system, and 24-hour hot water supply. Each carriage is equipped with charging ports and free Wi-Fi. The entire train offers three functional zones: ‘Cultural Theme Carriage,’ ‘Parent-Child Interactive Carriage,’ and ‘Photography Viewing Carriage’ to meet the needs of different tourists.
📅 2026 Operating Schedule (Updated in Real Time)
▷ May 18, June 8, July 5, August 12, September 20, October 5 (6 departures in total)
▷ Peak season schedule (July-August) increased to one departure per week, subject to customer service confirmation
▷ Note:The Kanas itinerary for October departures may change due to weather conditions; upon mutual agreement, it can be replaced with a trip to the Flaming Mountains in Turpan
🚂 Simple Itinerary:18-Day Panoramic Tour
[Days 1-3: Gathering in Urumqi]
▷ Upon arrival in Urumqi, check into the train’s exclusive hotel and attend the ‘Xinjiang Flavor Tasting Event’ to sample specialty dishes like roasted stuffed buns and hand-pulled rice
▷ Visit the Xinjiang Museum, focusing on high-quality cultural relics such as the ‘Five Stars in the East Favor China’ brocade arm guard
[Days 4-6: Kanas Secret Realm]
✨[2026 Sunshine Express Kanas Tourism Train: Kashgar + Hotan 18-Day In-Depth Experience Guide]✨▷ The train stops at Beitun Station, where passengers transfer to a direct shuttle to Kanas
▷ In-depth tours include:Overlooking Kanas Lake from Guanyu Platform, hiking the Three Bays (Fairy Bay – Moon Bay – Crouching Dragon Bay), and experiencing the intangible cultural heritage of the Tuwa people
▷ Special arrangements:Early morning horse-drawn sleigh ride through the rime forest (recommended for October departures)
[Days 7-9: Ili Valley]
▷ Traverse the northern section of the Duku Highway, visiting the Nalati Alpine Grassland and cycling around Sayram Lake
▷ Experience projects:Yurt-making by local ethnic groups and the grassland Nadam Festival (July-August departures)
[Days 10-12: Kashgar Cultural Journey]
▷ Tour the Kashgar Ancient City and participate in the ‘Ancient City Treasure Hunt’ activity (subject to changes based on the opening ceremony schedule)
▷ In-depth exploration of the Pamir Plateau:Photography at Baisha Lake, hiking at Karakul Lake, and home visits to local families
▷ Special arrangements:Observation of the Id Kah Mosque folk customs experience (must comply with regulations at cultural heritage sites)
[Days 13-15: Hotan Cultural Exploration]
▷ Visit the Yurungkash River for jade-picking experience and tour the Hotan Museum to view artifacts from the ‘Niya Site’
🌄 Itinerary Highlights: A ‘Mobile Cultural Corridor’ Traversing Northern and Southern Xinjiang▷ Bazaar shopping tutorial:Learn to bargain in Uyghur and distinguish genuine Hotan jade
▷ Special experience:Overnight stay at a desert starry sky camp and participation in a bonfire party
[Days 16-18: Return and Summary]
▷ Tour the Jiaohe Ancient City in Turpan and taste seedless white grapes from Grape Valley
▷ The train hosts a ‘Memories of Xinjiang’ photography exhibition and awards exclusive commemorative certificates
▷ Upon arrival in Urumqi, transfer to airport/train station based on flight/train schedules
💰 Price Information (Reference Range for 2026)
▷ Hard Sleeper Upper Berth:Starting at 6,999 RMB per person
▷ Soft Sleeper Compartment:
Classic 4-Person Compartment:Starting at 9,999 RMB per person
Deluxe 2-Person Compartment:Starting at 15,999 RMB per person
Presidential Suite (with en-suite bathroom):29,999 RMB per person (2 rooms recommended)
The Sunshine Express Kanas Tourism Train is a newly upgraded ‘railway + cultural tourism’ integrated project for 2026. Designed with the concept of ‘one train to see all of Xinjiang,’ it connects the three core areas of Kashgar, Hotan, and Kanas, covering four major landscapes: deserts, snow-capped mountains, grasslands, and ancient cities. The train features a double-decker carriage structure equipped with panoramic viewing windows, an intelligent temperature control system, and 24-hour hot water supply. Each carriage is equipped with charging ports and free Wi-Fi. The entire train offers three functional zones: ‘Cultural Theme Carriage,’ ‘Parent-Child Interactive Carriage,’ and ‘Photography Viewing Carriage’ to meet the needs of different tourists.▷ Child Price (ages 6-12):Half price (no bed included; other services same as adults)
▷ Price Includes:
Accommodation on the exclusive train + land hotels (with breakfast)
15 main meals (including 4 special meals:roast whole lamb feast, Kashgar meal, Hotan medicinal tea feast, Turpan fruit feast)
First entrance tickets + shuttle buses at scenic spots
Professional tour guide + onboard doctor services
▷ Note:Prices may fluctuate based on departure dates; subject to the contract signed by both parties
📞 How to Book
Book through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency and consult Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing for specific departure availability and promotional offers.
📋 Fee and Service Information
▷ Fees Exclude:
Round-trip transportation from origin to Urumqi
📅 Personal expenses for the 2026 operating schedule (updated in real time) (e.g., secondary consumption at scenic spots)
Travel accident insurance (recommended to purchase independently)
▷ Service Standards:
Each train carriage is staffed with 2 attendants; 1 tour guide is assigned for every 10 passengers on land
Daily provision of 3 bottles of mineral water + seasonal fruits
Complimentary health kit (including motion sickness pills, band-aids, etc.) for passengers aged 60+
▷ Handling:Single travelers will be coordinated for shared rooms whenever possible; a supplement may be required in special cases (specific amount subject to contract)
💡 Practical Tips
[Pre-Trip Preparation]
▷ Documents:Valid ID, travel permit (can be obtained at户籍地 (hukou location) or Kashgar)
▷ Clothing:Xinjiang has large temperature variations between day and night; recommended to dress in layers (quick-dry shirt + fleece + windbreaker)
▷ Medications:Altitude sickness medication (e.g., Rhodiola), gastrointestinal medicine, sunscreen (SPF50+)
▷ May 18, June 8, July 5, August 12, September 20, October 5 (6 departures in total)[Photography Guide]
▷ Kanas morning fog photography:Recommended to bring a tripod and arrive at Guanyu Platform 1 hour in advance
▷ Kashgar Ancient City photography spots:Second floor of the Century-Old Tea House, corner of Rainbow Lane, pottery workshop in Gaotai Residential Area
▷ Hotan Bazaar:Optimal lighting at 11 AM; recommended to use a 24-70mm zoom lens
[Cultural Taboos]
▷ Obtain consent before photographing locals, especially the elderly and children
▷ Remove shoes and hats upon entry; women must cover their heads with a scarf
▷ Avoid strenuous exercise in the Pamir Plateau region; follow the principle of ‘walk slowly, breathe quickly’
⚠ ️ Important Notes
▷ Specific train stops may change due to weather/policy; itinerary can be adjusted upon mutual agreement
▷ July-August is peak season; recommended to book 60 days in advance to secure seats
▷ The final itinerary is subject to the ‘Tourism Contract’; all service standards are explicitly stated in the contract terms
🌈 This journey will take you across 3,000 kilometers of landscapes, allowing you to experience the grandeur and warmth of Xinjiang from a moving ‘five-star hotel.’ From the lakes and mountains of Kanas to the millennium-old charm of Kashgar Ancient City, from the lustrous glow of Hotan jade to the majestic expanse of the Pamir Plateau, every scene is worth cherishing. Contact Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing now to embark on your 2026 in-depth Xinjiang journey!
Contact Manager Wang Fei at 18095969599 or WeChat 18095969599 to send the itinerary and quotation.
