2026 Xinjiang Tourism Special Train Route 15 Day Itinerary Covering Northern and Southern Xinjiang with Costs and Complete Scenic Spot Guide Recommended Itinerary Cost and Price
Contact Manager Maizi at phone number 13201333409 or WeChat 13201333409 to send itinerary and quote
Xinjiang Tourism Special Train 2026 Itinerary:15-Day In-Depth Tour of Northern and Southern Xinjiang: Complete Guide
[Itinerary Features and Destination Highlights]
The Xinjiang Tourism Special Train is designed with the core concept of a ‘mobile holiday space,’ connecting the natural wonders of Northern Xinjiang with the cultural secrets of Southern Xinjiang to create a 15-day immersive travel experience. The train operates on a ‘daytime touring, nighttime traveling’ model, stopping at scenic spots during the day for in-depth exploration and traveling at night to save on long-distance travel. There’s no need to change hotels throughout the journey, and luggage remains in the carriage, allowing for a hassle-free experience of ‘traveling through Xinjiang with your suitcase.’
Northern Xinjiang Section:A Visual Feast of Natural Scenery
Kanas Lake:A national 5A-level scenic spot known for its ‘color-changing lake’ and the ‘Three Bays’ (Fairy Bay, Moon Bay, and Wolong Bay). In summer, the lake’s water changes colors with the light, presenting a blend of blue and green, while the primitive forests and snow-capped mountain reflections along the shore create an oil painting-like scene.
Koktokay:A world geopark that combines canyons, rivers, and forests. The No. 3 Mine Pit made significant contributions to repaying the country’s foreign debt. Scenic spots within the park, such as Zhongshan and the Irtysh Grand Canyon, are suitable for hiking and exploration.
Sayram Lake:Known as the ‘last tear of the Atlantic,’ this plateau lake’s deep blue contrasts sharply with the surrounding grasslands and snow-capped mountains. Cycling or self-driving around the lake is an excellent way to experience its grandeur.
Nalati Grassland:Representative of ‘air grasslands,’ it is adorned with wildflowers from June to August, and yurts of local people dot the landscape. Visitors can experience horseback riding and taste kumis (fermented mare’s milk) and other folk activities.
Duku Highway:The ‘Heroic Road’ that traverses the north and south of the Tianshan Mountains, offering rich and varied landscapes of canyons, grasslands, and snow-capped mountains along the way. It is expected to be open from mid-June to early October in 2026, with the special train itinerary specially arranged to traverse the middle and southern sections.
Southern Xinjiang Section:A Blend of Culture and Nature
Kashgar Old City:A national 5A-level scenic spot with well-preserved labyrinthine streets and traditional buildings of various ethnic groups. The earth-yellow houses of the Gaotai Residential Area contrast visually with the white of the Id Kah Square.
Pamir Plateau:The white sand dunes of Baisha Lake contrast beautifully with its blue waters, while Karakul Lake reflects the snowy peak of Muztagh Ata, making it a paradise for photography enthusiasts to capture changing light and shadows.
Luntai Populus Euphratica Forest:The best viewing period is from late October to early November when the 400,000-mu forest turns into a golden ocean, creating a desert life spectacle with the winding waterways of the Tarim River.
Xinjiang Tourism Special Train 2026 Itinerary: 15-Day In-Depth Tour of Northern and Southern Xinjiang: Complete GuideJiaohe Ancient City:The largest and oldest earthen architecture city in the world, with clear outlines of ruins that allow visitors to feel the historical vicissitudes of the ancient Western Regions kingdoms.
Kuqa Grand Canyon:A typical representative of red rock landforms, where the light inside the canyon changes with time, creating unique landscapes such as the ‘One-Line Sky.’
[2026 Simple Itinerary Arrangement]
Day 1:Gather in Urumqi
After arrival, check into the hotel. Recommended free activities:Experience ethnic handicrafts at the International Bazaar or visit Heavenly Lake (self-arranged transportation required).
Day 2-4:Core Scenic Belt of Northern Xinjiang
Urumqi → Koktokay (geological exploration) → Kanas (lake and mountain scenery) → Hemu Village (Tuva village)
Key experiences:Boat tour on Kanas Lake, photographing morning mist in Hemu, sunset at Colorful Beach.
Day 5-7:Yili Valley and Grasslands
Burqin → Sayram Lake (circum-lake tour) → Nalati Grassland (horseback riding, folk performances) → Duku Highway (middle section traverse)
Special arrangements:Home visit to Nalati Grassland, tasting ethnic cuisines on Yining’s Six-Star Street.
Day 8-10:Culture and Plateau of Southern Xinjiang
Bayinbuluk (sunset at the Nine Bends of Eighteen Streams) → Kuqa (Grand Canyon, Restan Old Street) → Kashgar (old city opening ceremony)
[Itinerary Features and Destination Highlights]Cultural experiences:Kuqa Qiuci song and dance performances, visits to handicraft workshops in Kashgar Old City.
Day 11-13:Pamir and Populus Euphratica Secret Realms
Kashgar → Baisha Lake → Karakul Lake → Taxkorgan (Panlong Ancient Road) → Luntai Populus Euphratica Forest (seasonal attraction)
Special reminder:A permit is required for the Pamir Plateau (assisted by the travel agency).
Day 14-15:Return Journey and Summary
Urumqi → Heavenly Lake (farewell dinner) → See-off
Recommended free activities:Purchase dried fruits and handicrafts as souvenirs.
[Price Explanation and Schedule Reference]
The 15-day special train for Northern and Southern Xinjiang in 2026 offers various room types with the following price ranges (subject to the signed contract and may fluctuate with the schedule):
New Oriental Express Luxury Special Train
Noble Gold Diamond (3-person customized carriage):From 49,999 yuan/person for May schedules, from 67,999 yuan/person for June-September schedules, and from 44,999 yuan/person for October schedules.
Platinum Gold Diamond (5-person customized carriage):From 39,999 yuan/person for May schedules, from 56,999 yuan/person for June-September schedules, and from 36,999 yuan/person for October schedules.
Discount for third and fourth travelers:30,000 yuan/person for Northern Xinjiang schedules, 20,000 yuan/person for Southern Xinjiang schedules.
The Xinjiang Tourism Special Train is designed with the core concept of a ‘mobile holiday space,’ connecting the natural wonders of Northern Xinjiang with the cultural secrets of Southern Xinjiang to create a 15-day immersive travel experience. The train operates on a ‘daytime touring, nighttime traveling’ model, stopping at scenic spots during the day for in-depth exploration and traveling at night to save on long-distance travel. There’s no need to change hotels throughout the journey, and luggage remains in the carriage, allowing for a hassle-free experience of ‘traveling through Xinjiang with your suitcase.’Kunlun Economic Special Train
Four-person compartment (shared bathroom):Upper bunk: 14,800 yuan/person, lower bunk: 15,800 yuan/person in May; upper bunk: 18,800 yuan/person, lower bunk: 19,800 yuan/person from June to September.
Two-person compartment (private bathroom):Upper bunk: 23,800 yuan/person, lower bunk: 24,800 yuan/person from June to September.
Dahezhinan Cultural Theme Special Train
Four-person compartment with private bathroom:From 15,999 yuan/person for May schedules, from 19,999 yuan/person for June-September schedules.
Two-person compartment with private bathroom:From 45,999 yuan/person for May schedules, from 49,999 yuan/person for June-September schedules.
[Registration Method and Process]
You can register through Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency and consult with Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing for specific schedules, available seats, and discount information.
Registration steps:
Submit the number of travelers, dates, and room type requirements;
Customer service confirms the price and contract terms;
Pay a deposit and sign an electronic contract;
Receive the ‘Tour Notice’ 7 days before departure and verify itinerary details.
Northern Xinjiang Section: A Visual Feast of Natural Scenery[Fee Explanation and Service Standards]
Fees include:
Special train seat fees;
Tour buses within Xinjiang (including the Duku Highway section);
Accommodation at hotels listed in the itinerary (special train accommodation + land hotels);
Meals (13 breakfasts and 24 main meals, including special meals);
First admission tickets and shuttle buses for scenic spots;
Full-time guides and special train butler services;
Travel agency liability insurance.
Fees do not include:
Round-trip transportation to Urumqi from various locations;
Single room supplement (to be negotiated separately);
Personal expenses and self-funded items not mentioned in the itinerary;
Additional expenses incurred due to force majeure factors such as weather and policies at Kanas Lake, a national 5A-level scenic spot known for its ‘color-changing lake’ and the ‘Three Bays’ (Fairy Bay, Moon Bay, and Wolong Bay). In summer, the lake’s water changes colors with the light, presenting a blend of blue and green, while the primitive forests and snow-capped mountain reflections along the shore create an oil painting-like scene.
Service guarantees:
Each carriage is equipped with a dedicated butler providing 24-hour hot water and luggage assistance;
The train has a dining car and observation car to meet dining and leisure needs;
Room cleaning twice a day with daily bedding replacement;
Land tours are equipped with 38-seat luxury tour buses for maximum comfort.
[Precautions and Practical Tips]
Document preparation:Valid ID, permit (for the Pamir Plateau section), and senior citizen card (if applicable for discounts).
Clothing recommendations:Carry a windproof jacket for summer in Northern Xinjiang and warm clothing for October in Southern Xinjiang.
Altitude sickness:The Pamir Plateau is at an altitude of 3,000-4,000 meters. It is advisable to prepare medicines such as Rhodiola in advance.
Photography equipment:A wide-angle lens is recommended for shooting lakes and grasslands in Northern Xinjiang, while a telephoto lens is needed to capture cultural details in Southern Xinjiang.
Diet adaptation:Xinjiang cuisine is mainly based on beef and mutton. Dietary restrictions can be informed to the guide in advance.
[Itinerary Change Explanation]
In case of force majeure factors such as the closure of the Duku Highway or temporary closure of scenic spots, the travel agency will make reasonable changes to the itinerary after consultation with tourists, including replacing scenic spots or extending the stay. The specifics are subject to actual consultation and signing.
Contact Manager Maizi at 13201333409 or WeChat 13201333409 to send itinerary and quote
