2026SunshineExpressXinjiangTourismSpecialTrain 3MustVisitStationsCosts Nalati+TaklimakanAllExplained RecommendedItineraryPricing
Contact Manager Guo Jing at phone number 18139622229 or WeChat 18139622229 to send itinerary and quotation
A train journey accompanied by stars and moon:2026 Sunshine Express: In-Depth Experience Guide to Xinjiang Special Train
I. Key Highlights of the Route: A Moving Viewing Platform Traversing Three Major Landforms
The Sunshine Express Xinjiang Tour Train, designed with the concept of ‘panoramic coverage + in-depth experience,’ connects the three major mountain ranges of the Altai Mountains in Northern Xinjiang, the Tianshan Mountains in Central Xinjiang, and the Kunlun Mountains in Southern Xinjiang, forming a three-dimensional viewing corridor spanning snow-capped mountains, grasslands, and deserts. The train adopts a ‘train follows the scenery’ model, stopping at 1-2 core scenic spots each day. Passengers can enjoy the moving scenery through 270-degree viewing windows in the carriage or disembark to participate in special activities.
【Analysis of Three Popular Stops】
① Nalati Grassland Station:The train stops here for 12 hours, allowing passengers to experience:
Horseback riding tour on the aerial grassland (accompanied by professional horsemen)
Cultural experience in the yurts of various ethnic groups (tasting freshly brewed milk tea, learning embroidery)
Summer specials:Nalati Cloud Concert (held every Wednesday and Saturday evening)
② Taklimakan Desert Station:Special desert overnight project designed:
Stargazing camping:Equipped with windproof tents and thermostatic sleeping bags
Desert photography:Providing professional lighting equipment and styling guidance
Bonfire party:Ethnic song and dance performances and desert barbecue
③ Kanas Lake Station:The train will venture deep into the scenic area:
Home visit to Tuwa village (learning the intangible cultural heritage of throat singing)
Boat breakfast:Enjoy Xinjiang-style breakfast in the middle of the lake
Hiking route:Providing professional guides and trekking poles
II. Summer 2026 Schedule and Simple Itinerary
A train journey accompanied by stars and moon: 2026 Sunshine Express Xinjiang Special Train In-Depth Experience GuideCurrently confirmed departure dates (departing every Wednesday and Saturday):
June:8th/11th/15th/18th/22nd/25th/29th
July:2nd/5th/9th/12th/16th/19th/23rd/26th/30th
August:2nd/5th/9th/12th/16th/19th/23rd/26th/30th
【Example of a 12-Day Classic Itinerary】
D1-2:Gathering in Urumqi
Check into hotel (including airport pickup service)
Welcome dinner (tasting roast whole lamb, pilaf)
Pre-trip briefing (issuing exclusive viewing guide)
D3-4:Traversing the Junggar Basin
Train viewing:Enjoying the scenery of the Gurbantunggut Desert
Stopover:Koktokay Geopark (including mine exploration)
Special activity:Ethnic music appreciation session held in the carriage
D5-6:In-depth tour of Nalati
Morning:Horseback riding on the aerial grassland
Afternoon:Cultural experience of various ethnic groups
Evening:The train continues, enjoying the night view of the Ili River Valley through the window
D7-8:Adventure in the Taklimakan Desert
I. Key Highlights of the Route: A Moving Viewing Platform Traversing Three Major LandformsAll-day desert activities (camping/photography/dune bashing in off-road vehicles)
When the train travels at night, the windows automatically fog up to ensure privacy
D9-10:Secret Realm of Kanas
Home visit to Tuwa village
Boat breakfast and lakeshore hiking
Special train arrangement:Kanas Lake themed photography exhibition
D11-12:Return Journey and Summary
Free shopping at Urumqi International Bazaar
Closing ceremony (issuing travel commemorative certificates)
Private car airport transfer service
III. Pricing System and Cabin Selection
The 2026 Sunshine Express offers four types of cabins with the following price ranges (unit:RMB/person):
【Silver Diamond Series】
Quadruple room:17,800-22,800 (including bathroom)
Double room:25,800-30,800 (1.2-meter-wide mattress)
【Gold Diamond Series】
Deluxe suite:49,800-55,800 (1.5-meter king bed + viewing window)
The Sunshine Express Xinjiang Tour Train, designed with the concept of ‘panoramic coverage + in-depth experience,’ connects the three major mountain ranges of the Altai Mountains in Northern Xinjiang, the Tianshan Mountains in Central Xinjiang, and the Kunlun Mountains in Southern Xinjiang, forming a three-dimensional viewing corridor spanning snow-capped mountains, grasslands, and deserts. The train adopts a ‘train follows the scenery’ model, stopping at 1-2 core scenic spots each day. Passengers can enjoy the moving scenery through 270-degree viewing windows in the carriage or disembark to participate in special activities.Executive suite:59,800-65,800 (equipped with a reception area and mini-bar)
Price includes:
Special train seat fee (including constant temperature underfloor heating)
Accommodation throughout the journey (1 night in a characteristic homestay in the scenic area)
First admission tickets and experience items for scenic spots
Meals during the itinerary (including 3 special banquets)
Professional guide and staff services
Special notes:
① Early bird discount available for registrations before June 30th (subject to customer service confirmation)
② Prices may fluctuate depending on the departure date, and the final price is subject to the contract signed by both parties
③ For single registrants, efforts will be made to coordinate room sharing; in special cases, a price difference will need to be negotiated
IV. Registration Method and Consultation Channels
Registration can be made through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency, consulting Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing.
Service hours:Daily from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM (no holidays off)
Consultation content:
Inquiry about remaining seats for departures
Cabin upgrade options
Coordination of special needs (such as birthday arrangements, medical accompaniment)
【Analysis of Three Popular Stops】 Interpretation of Contract Terms
V. Fee Explanation and Service Standards
【Items Included in the Fee】
① Transportation:Special train seat + scenic area shuttle bus (15-seat commercial vehicle)
② Accommodation:10 nights on the train + 1 night in a scenic area homestay
③ Meals:11 breakfasts/10 lunches/9 dinners (including special meals such as roast whole lamb and medicinal herb hot pot)
④ Admission tickets:First admission tickets to 12 scenic spots including Nalati, Kanas, and Sayram Lake
⑤ Experiences:8 special activities such as horseback riding, desert off-roading, and intangible cultural heritage handicrafts
⑥ Services:Full accompaniment by professional guides, staff, and on-board doctors
【Service Guarantee Standards】
① Each group is equipped with:1 train conductor + 2 guides + 1 medical staff
② Train facilities:24-hour hot water supply, free WiFi, emergency medicine kit
③ Meal standards:Daily provision of seasonal fruits, meals prepared separately
④ Measures:Accident insurance purchased for all scenic area activities, reduced speed for night driving
【Important Reminders】
① The specific itinerary may change due to weather or road conditions, and changes can be made after mutual agreement
② Fees do not include:Personal consumption, meal fees during free activities, and prices
① Nalati Grassland Station: The train stops here for 12 hours, allowing passengers to experience:③ Secondary consumption items within the scenic area (such as helicopter tours, helicopter tours, etc.) are at one’s own expense
④ All service standards are subject to actual consultation and contract signing
VI. Pre-Trip Preparation Guide
【Document Requirements】
Original valid documents valid for more than 6 months must be carried
Foreign tourists need to provide copies of their passports and visas
【Clothing Recommendations】
Xinjiang has large temperature differences between day and night, so it is recommended to adopt the ‘three-layer dressing method’:
Base layer (quick-drying clothes) + insulating layer (fleece) + protective layer (windbreaker)
Recommended items:Sunscreen (SPF50+), sunglasses, windproof face mask
【Photography Tips】
The train corridor is equipped with 270-degree viewing windows, so it is recommended to bring a wide-angle lens
For the desert section, prepare a sand cover; for Kanas Lake, the strong reflection on the lake surface requires a polarizing filter
During night driving, the windows automatically fog up without affecting the shooting of cultural scenes inside the carriage
【Health Tips】
Tourists with cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases should carry their regular medications
For desert activities, it is recommended to wear high-top hiking shoes to prevent sand from entering
The journey between scenic areas is long, so comfortable items such as neck pillows can be prepared
This moving viewing journey traversing three major landforms weaves the superb scenery of snow-capped mountains, grasslands, and deserts into a flowing画卷 (Chinese term meaning ‘picture scroll’). The Sunshine Express Tour Train is not just a means of transportation but also a mobile vacation space integrating accommodation, dining, and entertainment. From the modern city of Urumqi to the primitive forests of Kanas, from the vast sea of sand in the Taklimakan to the colorful flower fields of Nalati, this 12-day journey will take you through the four seasons and across geographical boundaries. For specific information on remaining seats for departures or customized itineraries, please contact Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing of Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency in a timely manner. Professional travel consultants will provide you with one-on-one consultation services.
Contact Manager Guo Jing at phone number 18139622229 or WeChat 18139622229 to send itinerary and quotation
