2026TrainTourtoXinjiangfromtheSouthoftheGreatRiver FullGuidetoItineraryCostsStartingfromUrumqi RecommendedItineraryPrices

Contact Manager Yang Jia at phone number 13325559266 or WeChat 13325559266 to send itinerary and quotation.

Train Tour of Xinjiang on the ‘South of the Great River’:A moving feast across the Tianshan Mountains 🚂
On the vast land of Xinjiang, there is a special tourist train designed for in-depth travelers—the ‘South of the Great River.’ It is not just a train but a mobile ‘living space,’ allowing tourists to traverse the north and south of the Tianshan Mountains in comfort and ease, experiencing the grandeur and gentleness of Xinjiang. This article will provide a detailed introduction to the itinerary, schedule, costs, and registration method for the 2026 ‘South of the Great River’ train tour of Xinjiang departing from Urumqi, helping you embark on an unforgettable journey.
Detailed Introduction to Itinerary or Destinations:A 17-day panoramic journey connecting the best of northern and southern Xinjiang
The ‘South of the Great River’ train starts in Urumqi and passes through key destinations in Xinjiang such as Turpan, Kashgar, the Pamir Plateau, the Duku Highway, Nalati Grassland, Sayram Lake, Kanas, Hemu Village, and Heavenly Lake on Tianshan Mountain. This carefully planned route seamlessly integrates the natural wonders and cultural landscapes of northern and southern Xinjiang, allowing tourists to fully experience the diverse scenery of Xinjiang in one trip.
Departing from Urumqi, the train will take you through the Gobi Desert to Turpan. Here, you can visit the ancient Karez wells, feel the wisdom of this great water conservancy project; stroll along Flaming Mountain, experience the intense heat of the ‘800-li flame’ from Journey to the West; walk into Grape Valley, taste sweet grapes, and enjoy the coolness of the oasis.
Next, the train will head to Kashgar, a city rich in folk customs. In the old town of Kashgar, you can wander through narrow streets and alleys, admire traditional buildings of various ethnic groups, and experience the strong Western Region culture; visit the Xiangfei Garden, listen to the legendary stories of Xiangfei; ascend the Pamir Plateau, overlook Karakul Lake, and admire the magnificent snowy scenery of Muztagata Peak.
The Duku Highway is a major highlight of the ‘South of the Great River’ train. Known as one of the best scenic highways in China, it is open for only 4 months a year. The train will take you through the southern section of the Duku Highway, allowing you to enjoy diverse landscapes such as snow-capped mountains, passes, grasslands, and canyons along the way, and feel the wonders of nature.
Continuing on, the train will arrive in the Ili region. Here, you can visit Sayram Lake, known as the ‘last tear of the Atlantic,’ famous for its clear waters and magnificent snowy mountain backdrop; visit the Khorgos Port, feel the prosperity and vitality of the China-Kazakhstan border; walk into Nalati Grassland, experience the endless greenery of the ‘Jiangnan beyond the Great Wall.’
Kanas and Hemu Village in northern Xinjiang are another major attractions of the ‘South of the Great River’ train. Kanas Lake attracts countless tourists with its mysterious lake monster legends and ever-changing lake colors; Hemu Village is known as the ‘most beautiful village in China’ for its primitive Tuvan wooden houses and idyllic scenery with wisps of cooking smoke.
Finally, the train will return to Urumqi to visit Heavenly Lake on Tianshan Mountain. This alpine lake, with its clear waters and reflection of snowy mountains, is one of the iconic attractions of Xinjiang. Here, you can relax and enjoy the tranquility and beauty of nature.

Train Tour of Xinjiang on the ‘South of the Great River’: A moving feast across the Tianshan Mountains 🚂Simple Itinerary:A wonderful 17-day journey across northern and southern Xinjiang
Below is the simple itinerary for the 2026 ‘South of the Great River’ train tour of Xinjiang:
Days 1-2:Depart from Urumqi, enjoy the northwestern scenery along the way, and travel overnight to near Turpan.
Day 3:Arrive in Turpan, visit Karez wells, Flaming Mountain, and Grape Valley.
Day 4:Depart from Turpan, take the special train to Kashgar, and enjoy the Gobi scenery along the way.
Day 5:Arrive in Kashgar, visit the Pamir Plateau, Karakul Lake, Shitou City, and Golden Grassland.
Day 6:Depart from Kashgar, visit homes of various ethnic groups, visit Baisha Lake, and return to Kashgar.
Day 7:Visit the old town of Kashgar and Xiangfei Garden, take the special train to Kuqa.
Day 8:Arrive in Kuqa, traverse the southern section of the Duku Highway, and visit the Secret Grand Canyon of Tianshan.
Day 9:Depart from Kuqa, continue along the Duku Highway, and visit Bayanbulak Grassland.
Day 10:Arrive at Nalati Grassland, experience the grassland scenery, and take the special train to Yining.

On the vast land of Xinjiang, there is a special tourist train designed for in-depth travelers—the ‘South of the Great River.’ It is not just a train but a mobile ‘living space,’ allowing tourists to traverse the north and south of the Tianshan Mountains in comfort and ease, experiencing the grandeur and gentleness of Xinjiang. This article will provide a detailed introduction to the itinerary, schedule, costs, and registration method for the 2026 ‘South of the Great River’ train tour of Xinjiang departing from Urumqi, helping you embark on an unforgettable journey.Day 11:Arrive in Yining, visit the Khorgos Port and Sayram Lake, and take the special train to Beitun.
Day 12:Arrive in Beitun, visit the Kanas Scenic Area, and stay in Jadenyu or Burqin.
Day 13:Depart from Jadenyu or Burqin, visit Hemu Village and Wucai Beach, and take the special train to Urumqi.
Day 14:Arrive in Urumqi, visit Heavenly Lake on Tianshan Mountain and the International Grand Bazaar.
Day 15:Take the special train from Urumqi to return, enjoying the northwestern scenery along the way.
Days 16-17:Make stops in Lanzhou, Xi’an, and other places along the way,陆续 arrive in Luoyang and Zhengzhou, concluding the pleasant journey to Xinjiang.
Pricing Information:Tiered pricing to meet different needs
The prices for the 2026 ‘South of the Great River’ train vary based on the type of compartment and berth. Below are the price references for some departures (subject to contract):
May Departures:
Upper berth in a four-person compartment with bathroom:Starting from 15,999 yuan per person

Detailed Introduction to Itinerary or Destinations: A 17-day panoramic journey connecting the best of northern and southern XinjiangLower berth in a four-person compartment with bathroom:Starting from 17,999 yuan per person
Two-person compartment with bathroom:Starting from 39,999 yuan per person
Child ticket (under 6 years old, no berth on the train, no bed on land):Starting from 5,999 yuan per person
June and subsequent departures (June 17, July 5, July 24, August 25, September 11):
Upper berth in a four-person compartment with bathroom:Starting from 19,999 yuan per person
Lower berth in a four-person compartment with bathroom:Starting from 21,999 yuan per person
Two-person compartment with bathroom:Starting from 45,999 yuan per person
Child ticket (under 6 years old, no berth on the train, no bed on land):Starting from 6,999 yuan per person
In addition, a special offer for a third person in a two-person compartment (under 6 years old, no berth on the train, no bed on land) is available, with prices ranging from 13,999 yuan to 15,999 yuan per person depending on the departure date. Children over 6 years old have the same service standards as adults, with prices varying based on the departure date and compartment type.
Prices may fluctuate based on the departure date, subject to the signed contract. It is recommended to consult Zhang Jing, the customer service manager of Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency, in advance to confirm the departure date, itinerary route, and availability, and choose the appropriate compartment type.
Registration Method:Convenient registration to start your journey

The ‘South of the Great River’ train starts in Urumqi and passes through key destinations in Xinjiang such as Turpan, Kashgar, the Pamir Plateau, the Duku Highway, Nalati Grassland, Sayram Lake, Kanas, Hemu Village, and Heavenly Lake on Tianshan Mountain. This carefully planned route seamlessly integrates the natural wonders and cultural landscapes of northern and southern Xinjiang, allowing tourists to fully experience the diverse scenery of Xinjiang in one trip.Tourists who want to register for the 2026 ‘South of the Great River’ train tour of Xinjiang can do so through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency. Simply contact customer service manager Zhang Jing, provide information such as travel dates, number of people, and compartment type preferences to get real-time availability and quotation. After confirming the itinerary and price, submit the traveler’s name, valid ID number, contact information, and other details as required, and pay a deposit to secure the seat. The remaining balance will be paid before a certain period before departure, subject to the contract.
Fee and Service Information:Transparent consumption for worry-free travel
Fees Include:
Train berth fees
Land accommodation fees (including train accommodation)
Admission fees for the first attractions listed in the itinerary
Ground transportation fees (including round-trip train and land transfers)
Meal fees (including breakfast and main meals, some including special meals such as roast whole lamb and cold-water fish banquets)
Tour guide service fees
Onboard medical support fees

Departing from Urumqi, the train will take you through the Gobi Desert to Turpan. Here, you can visit the ancient Karez wells, feel the wisdom of this great water conservancy project; stroll along Flaming Mountain, experience the intense heat of the ‘800-li flame’ from Journey to the West; walk into Grape Valley, taste sweet grapes, and enjoy the coolness of the oasis.Fees Do Not Include:
Personal expenses (such as shopping, self-paid items, etc.)
Optional experience project fees (such as horse riding, photography follow-up, etc.)
Round-trip transportation fees to the departure location (such as airplane, train, etc.)
Service Information:
The ‘South of the Great River’ train is equipped with bathroom facilities in all compartments, providing a comfortable accommodation environment.
The train has a dining car where a professional chef team provides meal services, catering to both northern and southern tastes.
Each carriage is equipped with a dedicated butler, providing 24-hour hot water, luggage assistance, emergency medical support, and other services.
Cultural experience activities such as home visits to various ethnic groups and folk performances on Nalati Grassland are interspersed in the itinerary, allowing tourists to gain a deeper understanding of Xinjiang culture.
The train goes directly to scenic areas, reducing transfer time and improving tour efficiency.
Subject to actual consultation and contract. Before registration, please carefully read the contract terms, understand the itinerary arrangement, fee details, refund and change policies, and other information to ensure your rights and interests are protected.
The ‘South of the Great River’ train tour of Xinjiang is a moving feast across the Tianshan Mountains. With its unique concept of ‘traveling and living,’ it allows tourists to experience the grandeur and gentleness of Xinjiang in comfort and ease. Whether you are a traveler seeking in-depth experiences or a tourist hoping to spend wonderful time with your family, the ‘South of the Great River’ train is your best choice. Immediately contact Zhang Jing, the customer service manager of Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency, to secure your golden seat for 2026 and make slow travel a part of your life!

Contact Manager Yang Jia at phone number 13325559266 or WeChat 13325559266 to send itinerary and quotation.