2026XinjiangSpecialTrain15 DayTourCompleteGuide Costs+Itinerary+BookingforTianshanExpress RecommendedItineraryCostsandPrices
Contact Manager Guo Jing at phone number 18139622229 or WeChat 18139622229 to send itinerary and quotation
🌄 [Tianshan Express: A Moving Viewing Platform Traversing Northern and Southern Xinjiang] A Comprehensive Guide to In-Depth Travel in Xinjiang in 2026
On the vast land of Xinjiang, there is a tourist train known as the “Mobile Star Hotel”—the Tianshan Express. Designed specifically for in-depth travel, this train starts from Urumqi and connects the精华 (essence) attractions of northern and southern Tianshan over 13 days. Unlike the hustle of traditional tourist buses, the Tianshan Express adopts a unique model of “sightseeing during the day and traveling at night,” allowing tourists to fully enjoy the superb scenery of snow-capped mountains, grasslands, lakes, and canyons in a comfortable environment.
📜 In-Depth Interpretation of Itinerary Highlights
[Geographical Span] From the Junggar Basin to the Tarim Basin, crossing the Altai Mountains in northern Xinjiang and the Kunlun Mountains in southern Xinjiang, this journey allows you to see the three major geographical units of Xinjiang in one trip.
[Cultural Depth] Pass through pastoral areas of various ethnic groups, Tuva villages, and ancient cities of various ethnic groups to experience the traditional lifestyles of different ethnicities.
[Seasonal Limits] From June to August, you can admire the lavender flower sea in the Ili River Valley; from September to October, it is suitable for viewing the poplar forests in southern Xinjiang; winter schedules offer a chance to encounter the snow and ice fairy tale of Kanas.
[Train Features] The entire train features large observation windows, and each carriage is equipped with an oxygen supply system to alleviate altitude sickness. The dining car provides meals, with daily rotations of Xinjiang specialty dishes.
🗺 ️Classic Itinerary Revealed (Presented as in the original text)
📅 Day 01:Departure Location – Urumqi
Freely explore the International Bazaar and taste specialty foods such as baked buns and pilaf. We recommend visiting the Xinjiang Museum to learn about the history of the Western Regions in advance.
🌄 Day 02:Urumqi – Heavenly Lake of Tianshan – Beitun
Visit Heavenly Lake of Tianshan in the morning and take a boat to admire the reflection of Bogda Peak. In the afternoon, board the train to Beitun, enjoying the scenery of the Gurbantunggut Desert along the way.
🏞 ️Day 03:Beitun – Kanas – Jiadengyu
Spend the whole day exploring the Kanas Scenic Area, with options to hike the Three Bays (Fairy Bay, Moon Bay, and Wolong Bay) or take a boat tour of Duck泽 (Duck Lake).
🌄[Tianshan Express: A Moving Viewing Platform Traversing Northern and Southern Xinjiang] A Comprehensive Guide to In-Depth Travel in Xinjiang in 2026🌌 Day 04:Jiadengyu – Hemu – Colorful Beach – Jinghe South
Capture the morning mist of Hemu Village in the early morning and admire the magnificent combination of Yardang landforms and the Irtysh River at Colorful Beach in the afternoon.
🌉 Day 05:Jinghe South – Sayram Lake – Guozigou Bridge – Six-Star Street – Yining
Drive around Sayram Lake and stop to take photos when passing the Guozigou Bridge. In the evening, stroll through Six-Star Street in Yining to experience the fusion of Russian-style architecture and various ethnic cultures.
🌿 Day 06:Yining – Nalati Grassland – Bayinbuluk
Ride horses on the Nalati空中 (aerial) grassland and head to Bayinbuluk in the afternoon to watch the spectacular sunset over the meandering river.
🛣 ️Day 07:Bayinbuluk – Southern Section of the Duku Highway – Reshtan Old Street – Kashgar
Traverse the southern section of the Duku Highway, stopping at the Large and Small Dragon Pools along the way. In the evening, arrive in Kashgar, stroll through Reshtan Old Street, and shop for handmade copperware.
⛰ ️Day 08:Kashgar – Pamir Plateau – Karakul Lake – Shitou City – Golden Grassland
Obtain a permit and head to Taxkorgan, traveling along the China-Pakistan Friendship Highway and capturing the reflection of Muztagh Ata at Karakul Lake.
🏡 Day 09:Taxkorgan – Tajik Home Visit – Baisha Lake – Kashgar
Experience folk customs by visiting families of various ethnic groups and capture the dreamy blue of Baisha Lake on the way back to Kashgar.
🕌 Day 10:Kashgar Old City – Xiangfei Garden – Aksu
Take an in-depth tour of Kashgar Old City and visit the Id Kah Mosque. In the evening, board the train to Aksu and taste Kuqa large flatbread.
🏜 ️Day 11:Tianshan Wensu Grand Canyon – Ta Village – Turpan
On the vast land of Xinjiang, there is a tourist train known as the “Mobile Star Hotel”—the Tianshan Express. Designed specifically for in-depth travel, this train starts from Urumqi and connects the精华 (essence) attractions of northern and southern Tianshan over 13 days. Unlike the hustle of traditional tourist buses, the Tianshan Express adopts a unique model of “sightseeing during the day and traveling at night,” allowing tourists to fully enjoy the superb scenery of snow-capped mountains, grasslands, lakes, and canyons in a comfortable environment.Explore the Danxia landforms of Wensu Grand Canyon, traverse the Tianshan Tunnel Group in the afternoon, and taste Turpan grapes in the evening.
🔥 Day 12:Flaming Mountains – Grape Manor – Fruit Feast – Karez Well – Urumqi
Experience “eggs cooked in sand nests” at the Flaming Mountains, visit the Karez irrigation system, and enjoy a fruit feast in the evening.
🛫 Day 13:Urumqi – Destinations Across the Country
See off at the airport according to flight schedules, concluding an unforgettable journey in Xinjiang.
💰 Explanation of the 2026 Pricing System (Subject to Contract)
The Tianshan Express offers diverse choices based on different seasons and room types:
Peak Season (June-August)
Blue Diamond Quadruple Room:14,999-17,999 yuan/person
Silver Diamond Presidential Suite:24,999-42,888 yuan/person
Shoulder Season (May/September)
Executive Double Room:19,999-26,888 yuan/person
Silver Diamond Quadruple Room:12,999-17,888 yuan/person
Off-Peak Season (October)
Blue Diamond Quadruple Room:Starting from 9,999 yuan/person
📜In-Depth Interpretation of Itinerary HighlightsBlue Diamond Double Room:Starting from 15,999 yuan/person
Special Notes:
1. Prices include train accommodation, scenic spot tickets, and all meals during the trip
2. Some schedules in June have price differences between upper and lower bunks
3. Prices may fluctuate based on market supply and demand; the final price is subject to the signed contract
4. Child policies require separate consultation; children under 3 years old are not accepted for registration
📝 Registration Instructions
You can register through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency and need to provide the following materials:
1. Copies of valid identification documents
2. Health commitment letter
3. Permit application letter (required for the Pamir Plateau section)
Special Instructions:
Daily quotas are limited; it is recommended to book 30 days in advance
Confirm your physical condition is suitable for high-altitude travel
[Geographical Span] From the Junggar Basin to the Tarim Basin, crossing the Altai Mountains in northern Xinjiang and the Kunlun Mountains in southern Xinjiang, this journey allows you to see the three major geographical units of Xinjiang in one trip. One free rescheduling is allowed 15 days before departure
💡 Details on Fees and Services
Included Items:
✔ Accommodation throughout the train journey (including bathroom facilities)
✔ First-class land tourism vehicles
✔ Professional tour guides + accompanying doctors
✔ 12 breakfasts and 23 main meals (including specialty meals)
✔ First entrance tickets to scenic spots
Self-Paid Items:
✖ Personal expenses
✖ Secondary consumption within scenic spots
✖ (Efforts will be made to arrange room-sharing for solo registrants)
✖ Additional expenses caused by force majeure factors
Service Standards:
Each group is limited to no more than 30 people, equipped with two tour guides
[Cultural Depth] Pass through pastoral areas of various ethnic groups, Tuva villages, and ancient cities of various ethnic groups to experience the traditional lifestyles of different ethnicities. Fresh fruits are provided daily
Oxygen-making equipment is available on the train
Complimentary travel accident insurance is provided
⚠ ️Important Reminders
1. A permit is required for the Pamir Plateau section; please prepare materials in advance
2. July-August is the peak tourist season; it is recommended to travel during off-peak times
3. There is a 2-hour time difference between Xinjiang and the mainland; itinerary arrangements have been adjusted accordingly
4. In case of extreme weather or road closures, both parties will negotiate to change the itinerary
📞 Contact Information
For inquiries about specific schedule availability or customized itineraries, please contact Zhang Jing, the customer service manager of Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency. Staff will provide professional advice based on your needs to help plan an excellent journey in Xinjiang.
[Travel Tips]
There is a large temperature difference between day and night in Xinjiang; it is recommended to adopt the “onion-style” dressing method
UV radiation is strong; prepare SPF50+ sun protection products
Respect the customs and habits of various ethnic groups; obtain consent before taking photos of people
Bring common medications; it is recommended to prepare Rhodiola rosea for high-altitude areas
This train journey traversing northern and southern Tianshan will take you to appreciate the superb scenery from snow-capped mountains to deserts and from grasslands to oases. Over the 13-day itinerary, you will experience both the fairy-tale world of Kanas and the millennium-old vicissitudes of Kashgar Old City; you will feel the vastness of the Nalati Grassland and experience the magnificence of the Pamir Plateau. Choosing the Tianshan Express means choosing a slow travel style, allowing your body and mind to truly integrate into this magical land.
Contact Manager Guo Jing at phone number 18139622229 or WeChat 18139622229 to send itinerary and quotation
