How to Buy Tickets for the Yining Dahezhinan Special Train 10 Scenic Spots Cost Guide Recommended Routes and Prices
Contact Manager Yang Jia at phone number 13325559266 or WeChat 13325559266 to send itinerary and quotation.
In-Depth Experience Guide for the Special Train ‘South of the Great River’ in Yining:10 Must-Visit Attractions and Comprehensive Ticket Purchase Guide
I. Route Features and Destination Highlights
The ‘South of the Great River’ special train is a distinctive cultural tourism train created by Zhengzhou Group, designed with the concept of ‘the train follows people, and scenery moves with the train.’ It is specifically tailored for middle-aged and elderly groups as well as family travelers. The train features all soft-sleeper compartments, each equipped with a bathroom, 24-hour hot water, and an air conditioning system. The model of traveling at night and sightseeing during the day spares tourists the trouble of frequently moving luggage. In 2026, the route will cover core landscapes of southern and northern Xinjiang, passing through cultural cities such as Zhengzhou, Luoyang, Xi’an, and Lanzhou, ultimately arriving in Yining and venturing deep into places like Kanas and the Pamir Plateau, connecting diverse terrains such as snow-capped mountains, grasslands, lakes, and ancient cities.
Train Highlights:
Sound Insulation and Noise Reduction Technology:The carriages use multi-layer soundproof materials, with operational noise lower than that of ordinary trains, ensuring quality rest during the journey.
Multi-Functional Carriage:Equipped with an audio-visual system, chess and card tables, and karaoke facilities to meet social and entertainment needs.
Exclusive Dining Car:A professional chef team provides Xinjiang specialty dishes such as Big Plate Chicken, hand-pulled rice, and roast lamb leg, catering to both northern and southern tastes.
Elderly-Friendly Design:The compartments feature barrier-free handrails, non-slip floors, and bathrooms equipped with emergency call buttons.
II. 10 Selected Attractions Around Yining and Travel Tips
Based on the latest 2026 data, the following attractions in Yining and its surroundings are recommended (all open 24 hours or with regular operating hours):
Apple Park
Address:Opposite the East District of RuXianBaGe New Mine Riverside Residence, Yining City, Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture
Features:An ecological oasis in the city, offering fruit picking in summer and nighttime light shows suitable for photography.
In-Depth Experience Guide for the Special Train ‘South of the Great River’ in Yining: 10 Must-Visit Attractions and Comprehensive Ticket Purchase GuideSix-Star Street Scenic Area
Address:Approximately 130 meters southwest of Qingli Inn on Gongren Street, Yining City
Features:A district blending architectural styles of various ethnic groups such as Russian and Tatar. Recommended to try Gulandam Ice Cream and visit handicraft shops.
Xinjiang Charbagh Ili River National Wetland Park
Address:County Road 718, Qapqal Xibe Autonomous County
Features:A bird-watching paradise with golden reed marshes in autumn, suitable for hiking or cycling.
Khorgos Port
Features:A Sino-Kazakh border trade zone where visitors can view border landscapes and purchase Kazakh specialty goods (valid identification required).
Sayram Lake
Features:A plateau lake with wildflowers blooming along the shore from June to August. Self-driving or cycling around the lake is recommended (the special train arranges shuttle bus connections).
Nalati Valley Grassland
Features:One of the world’s four largest grasslands, offering views of an aerial grassland flower sea in July and experiences of folk customs of various ethnic groups.
Bayinbuluk Grassland
Features:Famous for its meandering river sunset views, with stable weather in August suitable for capturing light and shadow effects.
I. Route Features and Destination HighlightsKanas Scenic Area
Features:Stunning autumn foliage. Recommended to visit Guanyu Platform and the Three Bays (Fairy Bay, Crescent Bay, and Wolong Bay).
Pamir Plateau (Karakul Lake, Shitou City, Golden Grassland)
Features:High-altitude lakes and ancient Silk Road sites. Oxygen cylinders and warm clothing are required (the best visiting period is from July to September).
Duku Highway (Southern and Middle Sections)
Features:Experience four seasons in one day, with landscapes such as the Secret Grand Canyon of the Tianshan Mountains and大小龙池 (Da Xiaolong Pools) along the way. Open from June 5 to early October in 2026.
III. Simple Itinerary for 2026 (17-Day Panoramic Tour of Southern and Northern Xinjiang)
Day 1:Board the train in Zhengzhou/Luoyang
Enjoy the Central Plains cultural-themed train decorations (Yangshao painted pottery patterns, Longmen flying celestial murals) along the way.
Days 2-3:Stopover in Xi’an/Lanzhou
Free activities or participate in city culture lectures organized by the train.
Day 4:Turpan
Visit the Karez Wells, Flaming Mountains, and Grape Valley (first-entry tickets to Grape Valley will be free in 2026).
The ‘South of the Great River’ special train is a distinctive cultural tourism train created by Zhengzhou Group, designed with the concept of ‘the train follows people, and scenery moves with the train.’ It is specifically tailored for middle-aged and elderly groups as well as family travelers. The train features all soft-sleeper compartments, each equipped with a bathroom, 24-hour hot water, and an air conditioning system. The model of traveling at night and sightseeing during the day spares tourists the trouble of frequently moving luggage. In 2026, the route will cover core landscapes of southern and northern Xinjiang, passing through cultural cities such as Zhengzhou, Luoyang, Xi’an, and Lanzhou, ultimately arriving in Yining and venturing deep into places like Kanas and the Pamir Plateau, connecting diverse terrains such as snow-capped mountains, grasslands, lakes, and ancient cities.Days 5-6:Kashgar → Pamir Plateau
Visit Karakul Lake and Shitou City, and experience home visits with local families of various ethnic groups.
Day 7:Kashgar Old Town → Xiangfei Garden
Stroll through century-old streets and visit architectural complexes.
Days 8-9:Kuqa → Duku Highway
Traverse the Secret Grand Canyon of the Tianshan Mountains and arrive at Bayinbuluk Grassland.
Days 10-11:Nalati → Yining
Tour the valley grassland, stay overnight in Yining City, and for free activities, Six-Star Street is recommended.
Days 12-13:Beitun → Kanas
In-depth exploration of Kanas Lake and Hemu Village, capturing morning mist and starry skies.
Day 14:Urumqi
Visit Heavenly Lake of Tianshan and the International Bazaar to purchase specialty items such as dried fruits and Atlas silk.
Days 15-16:Return Journey
Enjoy the northwestern scenery along the way, with stopovers in Lanzhou, Xi’an, and Luoyang.
Train Highlights:IV. Price Description for 2026 (Reference Range)
The special train offers various compartment types, with prices varying by berth and departure date:
4-Person Compartment with Bathroom:Upper berth: 19,999 yuan/person, Lower berth: 21,999 yuan/person (children under 6 years old: 6,999 yuan/person, no berth or bed provided).
2-Person Compartment with Bathroom:45,999 yuan/person (Value-added 3rd person: children under 6 years old: 15,999 yuan/person, children over 6 years old: 23,999 yuan/person).
Fees Include:Special train berths, land hotel accommodations, first-entry tickets within the itinerary, all meals, tourist buses, tour guides, and medical services.
Fees Exclude:Secondary consumption such as shuttle buses and boat rides within scenic areas, personal expenses, and additional costs arising from force majeure factors.
Note:Prices and availability are subject to contract confirmation. For popular departure dates (e.g., July-August), it is advisable to inquire one month in advance.
V. Registration Method and Process
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, berth type, and availability.
Submit Information:Provide the names, valid identification numbers, and contact information of travelers.
Pay Deposit:Pay a deposit according to the compartment class and receive a travel receipt.
Sign Contract:Sign an electronic contract and verify the itinerary, fees, and refund/change terms.
Sound Insulation and Noise Reduction Technology: The carriages use multi-layer soundproof materials, with operational noise lower than that of ordinary trains, ensuring quality rest during the journey.Settle Final Payment:Pay the remaining fees 30 days before departure and receive the tour notice and luggage list.
VI. Fee Description and Service Standards
Transportation:Special train berths + local tourist buses, ensuring a proper seat for each person as much as possible.
Accommodation:Special train compartments + comfortable land hotels (including breakfast).
Meals:The entire journey includes 12 breakfasts and 22 main meals, with a standard of 8 dishes and 1 soup for main meals.
Tour Guide:Certified tour guides accompany the entire journey, providing cultural explanations and emergency assistance.
Medical Care:Basic diagnostic equipment and medical staff are available on the train.
Insurance:Includes travel agency liability insurance. It is recommended to purchase travel accident insurance separately.
Note:For single travelers, efforts will be made to arrange room sharing. Special circumstances require separate negotiation; specific services are subject to actual consultation and contract signing.
VII. Precautions
Document Preparation:Bring original valid identification documents. For border areas, a pass must be obtained in advance (e.g., Khorgos Port).
Health Tips:Avoid strenuous exercise in high-altitude areas (Pamir Plateau). Those with underlying medical conditions should carry regular medications.
Weather Preparedness:Temperatures vary greatly along the Duku Highway and northern Xinjiang sections. It is advisable to bring warm clothing such as windbreakers and thin down jackets.
Itinerary Changes:In case of weather, road conditions, or scenic area policy changes, the itinerary order may be reasonably adjusted after mutual agreement.
The ‘South of the Great River’ special train focuses on ‘slow travel and in-depth experiences,’ allowing tourists to enjoy Xinjiang’s magnificent scenery in a moving ‘five-star hotel.’ For information on the latest departure dates or discounts, contact customer service manager Zhang Jing of Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency for details.
Contact Manager Yang Jia at phone number 13325559266 or WeChat 13325559266 to send itinerary and quotation.
