2026XinjiangTourismSpecialTrain15 DayIn DepthTour NewNationalTrain+SouthoftheGreatRiverPrice+DetailedGuide RecommendedItineraryCostandPrice

Contact Manager Wang Fei at phone number 18095969599 or WeChat 18095969599 to send itinerary and quote.

🌄 【New Choice for In-Depth Travel in Xinjiang in 2026:14-Day Comprehensive Guide to the New National Train’s North and South Xinjiang Route】
Xinjiang, a region covering one-sixth of China’s land area, is redefining in-depth travel with its “New National Train” tourism model. In 2026, this railway artery spanning North and South Xinjiang will take travelers through deserts, snow-capped mountains, grasslands, and canyons, connecting the heat of Turpan, the ancient charm of Kashgar, the fragrance of Ili, and the mystical Kanas over 14 days. This article provides a detailed breakdown of this “moving scenic route,” covering route design, itinerary highlights, cost structure, and service details.
🚂 【Route Design:Why Choose the “New National Train”?】
“Dual-Track Travel” Combining Rail and Road
The New National Train is not a traditional sightseeing train but operates on a “daytime sightseeing by train + nighttime rest on the train” model. The train travels at night, crossing the Hotan-Ruoqiang Railway (the world’s first desert-loop railway) along the southern edge of the Taklimakan Desert, and stops at major attractions during the day, where travelers transfer to tour buses for in-depth exploration. This design saves time on long-distance travel and avoids the risks of nighttime driving.
Precise Matching of Seasonal Landscapes
Xinjiang offers scenic beauty year-round, but landscapes vary greatly by season. The New National Train’s tour dates are concentrated from May to September, the peak season for North and South Xinjiang’s landscapes:
May-June:Lavender and rapeseed flowers bloom in the Ili Valley, while the Nalati Grasslands turn green;
July-August:Kanas Lake’s water is at its clearest, and the morning mist and starry skies of Hemu Village reach their peak for viewing;
September:North Xinjiang enters “golden autumn mode,” with birch and poplar forests creating a vibrant tapestry.
Tiered Experiences: Light Luxury and Affordable Options

🌄【New Choice for In-Depth Travel in Xinjiang in 2026: 14-Day Comprehensive Guide to the New National Train’s North and South Xinjiang Route】The train offers two product standards:
Affordable Version:Ideal for budget-conscious travelers seeking efficiency, featuring 4-person compartments with bunk beds, comfortable hotels throughout, and no included tickets (self-funded at approximately 800-1000 RMB per person);
Luxury Version:Targeted at high-end travelers, including 3 nights in 5-star hotels, 4 nights in 4-diamond hotels, 1 night in a Hemu wooden cabin, and 1 night in a Nalati homestay, with group sizes limited to 26 people for more private service.
📅 【Simple Itinerary:How to Explore North and South Xinjiang in 14 Days?】
Based on 2026 tour dates (May 11, June 19, July 2, July 28, September 4), the train’s itinerary offers Affordable and Luxury versions, sharing core attractions but differing in accommodations and some in-depth experiences.
Affordable Version Highlights:
Day 2:Urumqi – Turpan (Huorong Mountain, Karez Wells, Aydingkol Lake) – Hotan
→ Huorong Mountain:A global attraction for close-up views of volcanic geothermal activity, with new geological science讲解 (explanation) services added in 2026;
→ Karez Wells:Visit the “underground canal” system and experience operating well-digging tools;
→ Aydingkol Lake:China’s lowest land point (-154.31 meters), with new cycling trails added around the lake area in 2026.
Day 5:Hotan – Kashgar (Baisha Lake, Karakul Lake) – Kashgar
→ Baisha Lake:Named for its white sand deposits at the lakebed, with a new observation boardwalk built in 2026 for capturing triple reflections of “snow-capped mountains + lake water + white sand”;

Xinjiang, a region covering one-sixth of China’s land area, is redefining in-depth travel with its “New National Train” tourism model. In 2026, this railway artery spanning North and South Xinjiang will take travelers through deserts, snow-capped mountains, grasslands, and canyons, connecting the heat of Turpan, the ancient charm of Kashgar, the fragrance of Ili, and the mystical Kanas over 14 days. This article provides a detailed breakdown of this “moving scenic route,” covering route design, itinerary highlights, cost structure, and service details.→ Karakul Lake:A “color-changing lake” at the foot of Muztagh Ata, with water color shifting with the weather. Best viewing times are from 10 AM to 3 PM.
Day 11:Beitun – Kanas – Wucaitan (Colorful Beach) – Burqin
→ Kanas:In 2026, the scenic area implements a “capped reservation system,” requiring tickets to be booked 3 days in advance via a platform;
→ Wucaitan:Optimal lighting in the late afternoon; a tripod is recommended for capturing the layered textures of the yardang landforms.
Luxury Version Itinerary Upgrades:
Day 7:Kuqa – Tianshan Secret Grand Canyon – Southern Duoku Road – Bayinbuluk – Nalati Town
→ Southern Duoku Road:Fully open in 2026, allowing travel through a scenic corridor offering “four seasons in one day”;
→ Bayinbuluk:New “Nineteen Bends” sunset photography tour guided by professional photographers.
Day 9:Kekedala – Huiyuan Ancient City – Sayram Lake – Bole/Shuanghe
→ Huiyuan Ancient City:The restored Ili General’s Office in 2026 features a live-action performance on Qing Dynasty border governance;
→ Sayram Lake:Upgraded lake-circle cycling with electric-assist bikes for travelers of varying fitness levels.

🚂【Route Design: Why Choose the “New National Train”?】💰 【Pricing Explanation:How to Choose the Right Version?】
Based on 2026 pricing, the train fare includes transportation, accommodations, guide services, and some meals. Tickets are self-funded (approximately 800-1500 RMB per person, subject to scenic area announcements).
Affordable Version:
4-Person Compartment:Upper bunk: 5980 RMB per person; Lower bunk: 6980 RMB per person;
Ideal For:Budget-conscious travelers seeking high value or first-time visitors to Xinjiang wanting to cover major attractions.
Luxury Version:
4-Person Compartment:Upper bunk: 14,800 RMB per person; Lower bunk: 15,800 RMB per person;
Ideal For:Travelers with higher demands for accommodations and services or those wishing to deeply experience ethnic cultures and natural landscapes.
❗ Special Note:Prices may fluctuate by tour date and are subject to contract or day-of confirmation. Early bird discounts are available for bookings made 30 days in advance (confirmed by Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency’s customer service).
📝 【How to Book:How to Secure Your Spot?】
Book through Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency, where Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing will provide detailed itinerary consultations and contract signing. Valid ID information, contact details, and special requests (e.g., dietary restrictions, mobility needs) must be provided for advance arrangements.
💡 【Fare Explanation and Service Details】

“Dual-Track Travel” Combining Rail and RoadIncluded in Fare:
Transportation:4-person train compartments, local tour buses;
Accommodations:Hotels or homestays per product standard;
Meals:13 breakfasts and 20 main meals included (Luxury Version includes special herbal health hotpot);
Services:One-stop guide services, “Red Hat” luggage handling at Urumqi Station.
Not Included in Fare:
Tickets:Scenic area entrance fees and shuttle bus costs;
Personal Expenses:Such as shopping and entertainment;
：Single travelers will be matched for shared rooms where possible; special cases require separate negotiation.
Service Upgrades:
Exclusive benefits for Luxury Version travelers:

The New National Train is not a traditional sightseeing train but operates on a “daytime sightseeing by train + nighttime rest on the train” model. The train travels at night, crossing the Hotan-Ruoqiang Railway (the world’s first desert-loop railway) along the southern edge of the Taklimakan Desert, and stops at major attractions during the day, where travelers transfer to tour buses for in-depth exploration. This design saves time on long-distance travel and avoids the risks of nighttime driving.Breakfast included at Hemu scenic area wooden cabins;
Stargazing guidance at Nalati homestays;
First aid kits and altitude sickness prevention medication provided throughout.
⚠ ⚠️【Important Notes:Must-Reads Before Travel】
Xinjiang has large temperature variations between day and night; even in summer, bring a warm jacket;
Some scenic areas are at high altitudes (e.g., Kanas at ~1300 meters); acclimatize in advance;
In 2026, Xinjiang scenic areas implement a “reservation system”; book tickets in advance via platforms;
Itinerary changes may be made by mutual agreement for reasonable reasons (e.g., weather, road conditions);
Subject to actual consultation and contracting; itinerary details may update with policy changes.
🌿 【Why Choose Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency?】
As a Xinjiang-based agency with 12 years of experience in North and South Xinjiang routes, we maintain long-term partnerships with local scenic areas and hotels, enabling immediate access to policy changes. In 2026, we upgraded train dining (Luxury Version adds herbal health hotpot), accommodations (fully floor-heated wooden cabins in Hemu), and trained guides in multilingual services to ensure a more comfortable traveler experience.
Xinjiang’s beauty lies in its vastness and diversity. The New National Train’s 14-day journey weaves together the region’s highlights, allowing travelers to experience the wonder of “wearing a fur coat in the morning and a silk shirt at noon” and the awe of “four seasons on one mountain, different weather every ten li.” Whether choosing Affordable or Luxury, this trip will be a vivid, unforgettable chapter in your memories.
(Consult Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing at Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency for 2026 tour dates and availability.)

Contact Manager Wang Fei at 18095969599 or WeChat 18095969599 to send itinerary and quote.