17 Day Xinjiang Special Train Tour Price Sunshine Train + Kuqa Route + Detailed Cost Breakdown + Complete Guide to Recommended Route Fees and Prices

Contact Manager Zhang Jing at phone number 18139622233 or WeChat 18139622233 to send itinerary and quotation

Explore Xinjiang:Complete Guide to the 17-Day In-Depth Tour by the “Sunshine Express”✨
Want to spend 17 days traversing the north and south of the Tianshan Mountains, taking in the breathtaking beauty of snow-capped peaks, grasslands, lakes, and deserts? The newly upgraded 2026 “Sunshine Express” Xinjiang tourism train, centered around “slow travel and deep experiences,” connects classic destinations such as Kuqa, the Duku Highway, Kanas, and Sayram Lake, paired with moving “star-rated hotel” compartments to make your journey a pleasure. This article will provide a detailed analysis of the route highlights, itinerary, cost breakdown, and registration method to help you easily plan this northwest feast!
I. Route Highlights: Comprehensive Coverage, Daytime Tours, Nighttime Travel
The “Sunshine Express” train is designed for travelers seeking comfort and depth, adopting a “nighttime travel, daytime touring” model that eliminates the need for frequent hotel changes and luggage handling, making it especially suitable for family trips, senior travelers, and those seeking a relaxed journey. The route covers Xinjiang’s four major geographical regions:
Eastern Xinjiang:Turpan (Karez Wells, Flaming Mountains, Grape Valley)
Southern Xinjiang:Kashgar (Pamir Plateau, Karakul Lake, Shitou City), Kuqa (Tianshan Secret Grand Canyon, Southern Section of Duku Highway)
Northern Xinjiang:Kanas (Hemu Village, Colorful Beach), Burqin
Western Xinjiang:Ili Valley (Nalati Grassland, Sayram Lake), Khorgos Port
II. Key Experiences: A Double Feast of Nature and Culture
Duku Highway Crossing:Recommended in summer, this “China Scenic Avenue” features snow-capped peaks, canyons, grasslands, and lakes along the way, offering a glimpse of all four seasons in one day.
Ethnic Home Visits:Visit ethnic families in Taxkorgan to experience making nang bread, playing the rawap, and feel the simple folk customs.

Explore Xinjiang: Complete Guide to the 17-Day In-Depth Tour by the “Sunshine Express”✨Starry Skies and Sunrises:Await the wooden houses amid morning mist in Hemu Village, Kanas, and gaze at the Milky Way by Sayram Lake to capture unforgettable moments.
Light Luxury Train Facilities:All compartments are equipped with bathrooms, constant-temperature air conditioning, and large observation windows; some feature sofa lounges, comparable to a moving hotel.
III. Simple Itinerary (Reference for 2026 Departures)
The following itinerary is based on the “June 17 departure” as an example; other departures (May 30, July 5, July 24, August 25, September 11) have the same itinerary but prices may vary:
Days 1-2:Departure from Central Plains → Hexi Corridor
Board the train in Zhengzhou/Luoyang, enjoy the Yellow River scenery along the way, enter the Hexi Corridor via Xi’an and Lanzhou, with free activities on the train or participation in the train culture salon.
Day 3:Sweetness and Heat of Turpan
Arrive in Turpan to visit the Karez Wells (ancient water conservancy miracle), Flaming Mountains (filming location for “Journey to the West”), and Grape Valley (taste seedless white grapes); overnight on the train.
Day 4:Heading to Kashgar, Crossing the Gobi Desert
Take the train across the northern edge of the Taklimakan Desert, arrive in Kashgar in the evening to experience the folk customs of this “Pearl of the Silk Road.”
Day 5:Exploring the Pamir Plateau

Want to spend 17 days traversing the north and south of the Tianshan Mountains, taking in the breathtaking beauty of snow-capped peaks, grasslands, lakes, and deserts? The newly upgraded 2026 “Sunshine Express” Xinjiang tourism train, centered around “slow travel and deep experiences,” connects classic destinations such as Kuqa, the Duku Highway, Kanas, and Sayram Lake, paired with moving “star-rated hotel” compartments to make your journey a pleasure. This article will provide a detailed analysis of the route highlights, itinerary, cost breakdown, and registration method to help you easily plan this northwest feast!Travel to the Pamir Plateau by vehicle, passing by Baisha Lake (where lake water and white sand complement each other), Karakul Lake (reflection of Muztagh Ata), and visit Shitou City and Golden Grassland; overnight in Taxkorgan.
Day 6:Ethnic Home Visits → Return to Kashgar
Visit ethnic families to experience traditional life; after returning to Kashgar, tour the Kashgar Old Town (labyrinthine streets) and Xiangfei Garden (legendary stories and architectural art).
Day 7:Departure for the Southern Section of Duku Highway
Take the train to Kuqa to prepare for crossing the Duku Highway the next day.
Day 8:Southern Section of Duku Highway → Tianshan Secret Realm
Travel along the southern section of the Duku Highway, passing by the Large and Small Dragon Pools and the Tianshan Secret Grand Canyon (Danxia landform and canyon wonders); overnight in Bayanbulak Town.
Day 9:Middle Section of Duku Highway → Nalati Grassland
Cross the middle section of the Duku Highway to reach the Nalati Valley Grassland for horseback riding and flower field viewing; overnight in Nalati Town.
Day 10:Romance of the Ili Valley
Tour Liuxing Street (Russian-style block), visit Khorgos Port (China-Kazakhstan border) after arriving in Yining; overnight on the train.

I. Route Highlights: Comprehensive Coverage, Daytime Tours, Nighttime TravelDay 11:The Blue of Sayram Lake
Tour around Sayram Lake (the last tear drop of the Atlantic), photograph the lake scenery; overnight on the train heading to Beitun.
Days 12-13:Northern Xinjiang Twin Lakes Tour
Visit Kanas Lake (Tuva village, Fish Watching Pavilion), Hemu Village (fairy-tale wooden houses amid morning mist), and Colorful Beach (yardang landform and Irtysh River); overnight on the train returning to Urumqi.
Day 14:Tianshan Tianchi and Grand Bazaar
Visit Tianshan Tianchi (reflection of snow-capped mountains and lake) and stroll through the International Grand Bazaar (Xinjiang specialty goods market); overnight on the train.
Days 15-16:Return Journey and Reflection
Return by train, enjoy the northwest scenery along the way, disembark in Lanzhou, Xi’an, Luoyang, and Zhengzhou sequentially to end the journey.
IV. Price Description (Reference Range for 2026)
The “Sunshine Express” train offers various compartment options, with fees including train accommodation, land hotels, meals, tickets, guides, and transportation, as follows (unit:RMB/person, subject to contract):
4-person compartment with bathroom:Upper bunk 19,999 RMB, lower bunk 21,999 RMB (suitable for亲友组团 (relatives and friends groups), high cost-effectiveness)

The “Sunshine Express” train is designed for travelers seeking comfort and depth, adopting a “nighttime travel, daytime touring” model that eliminates the need for frequent hotel changes and luggage handling, making it especially suitable for family trips, senior travelers, and those seeking a relaxed journey. The route covers Xinjiang’s four major geographical regions:2-person compartment with bathroom:45,999 RMB (high privacy, suitable for couples or friends)
Child price (under 6 years old):6,999 RMB (no berth on train, no bed on land)
Value-added 3rd person in 2-person compartment with bathroom:15,999 RMB (under 6 years old, no berth on train, no bed on land); 23,999 RMB (above 6 years old, services same as adults)
Price Fluctuation Notice:
Fees may vary by departure date and availability; specific confirmation upon consulting Manager Zhang Jing of Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency.
V. Registration Method
Registration can be done through Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency with the following process:
Consultation and Selection:Contact Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing to confirm departure date, boarding location (e.g., Zhengzhou, Luoyang), compartment type, and availability.
Submit Information:Provide names, valid ID numbers, and contact information of all travelers to secure intended seats.
Pay Deposit:Pay the deposit according to the selected compartment type and obtain a formal travel receipt.
Sign Contract:Verify details such as itinerary, price, and refund/change terms in the electronic or paper contract, subject to both parties signing the contract.

Eastern Xinjiang: Turpan (Karez Wells, Flaming Mountains, Grape Valley)Settle Final Payment:Pay the remaining balance 30 days before departure and receive the “Tour Group Notice,” “Boarding Guide,” and “Luggage List.”
VI. Fee and Service Description
Fees Include:Accommodation in the corresponding compartment on the train, land hotel accommodation, first admission tickets to scenic spots in the itinerary, all meals (including special meals), local formal tourist buses, guide services, and basic on-tour medical services.
Fees Exclude:Personal consumption, in-scenic spot small transportation, and voluntary experience projects (e.g., horseback riding, photography services).
Single Registration:Our agency will do its best to coordinate room sharing; special cases require separate negotiation.
Special Circumstances:In case of weather, policy, or other force majeure factors, both parties may reasonably adjust the itinerary by mutual agreement.
VII. Warm Tips
Document Preparation:Please bring valid identification documents; children need to provide a household register or birth certificate.
Clothing Suggestions:Xinjiang has large temperature differences between day and night; bring warm outerwear, comfortable hiking shoes, and sun protection items.
Diet Adaptation:Meals during the itinerary cater to both northern and southern tastes; please inform in advance of any special dietary needs.
Photography Equipment:It is recommended to bring a wide-angle lens (for landscapes), a telephoto lens (for wildlife), and sufficient storage cards.
The 17-day “Sunshine Express” Xinjiang tour is a deep travel experience that combines natural wonders and cultural heritage. Whether it’s the震撼 (shock) of the Duku Highway, the tranquility of Kanas, or the warmth of ethnic home visits, it will leave you with unforgettable memories. Immediately contact Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing of Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency to start your northwest slow journey!

Contact Manager Zhang Jing at 18139622233 or WeChat 18139622233 to send itinerary and quotation