2026Tour of Southern Xinjiang by Special Train in Yining Budget 18 Day Itinerary Covering Altay and Sayram Lake Recommended Route Costs and Prices
Contact Manager Maizi at phone number 13201333409 or WeChat 13201333409 to send itinerary and quotation.
The South of the Great River Train:18-Day Panoramic Tour Guide Across Northern and Southern Xinjiang✨
I. Itinerary Highlights: A Single Journey Connecting Core Landscapes of Northern and Southern Xinjiang
【Altay + Sayram Lake Dual Core】This specially designed tourism train for in-depth travel, with the concept of a “moving resort hotel,” connects the snow-capped mountains and lakes of northern Xinjiang with the cultural wonders of southern Xinjiang. The itinerary covers iconic attractions such as Kanas, Hemu, and the Colorful Beach in Altay, Nalati Grassland and Sayram Lake in Ili, as well as the Pamir Plateau and Karakul Lake in Kashgar. The average daily travel time is limited to 3-4 hours, with the remaining time dedicated to in-depth exploration or rest on the train, avoiding the fatigue of long-distance travel.
【Special Train Services】
Full Train Bathroom Facilities:All compartments are equipped with private bathrooms and showers, eliminating the inconvenience of queuing for洗漱 (washing up) on traditional trains.
Noise Reduction Technology and Comfortable Space:Compartments are approximately 7.2㎡ in size with beds measuring 0.7m×1.95m, featuring noise reduction materials to enhance sleep quality.
Mobile Entertainment Center:The multi-functional carriage is equipped with audio-visual systems, board game tables, and karaoke equipment. Activities such as Henan opera appreciation and tea art experiences are available during the journey.
Star-Rated Catering Services:The dedicated dining car, operated by a professional chef team, offers Xinjiang specialties such as pilaf, baked stuffed buns, and大盘鸡 (big plate chicken), while also catering to mild flavor preferences.
II. 18-Day Simplified Itinerary: Clear Daily Highlights
【Days 1-2】Departure and Scenic Views Along the Way
Board the train from Zhengzhou, Luoyang, and other locations, enjoying views of the Yellow River and Loess Plateau along the way. The train is equipped with a leisure area for passenger interaction.
The South of the Great River Train: 18-Day Panoramic Tour Guide Across Northern and Southern Xinjiang✨【Day 3】Initial Exploration of Turpan’s Culture
Arrive in Turpan in the morning to visit the Karez Well System and Flaming Mountains. In the afternoon, explore Grape Valley, taste seedless white grapes, and spend the night in Turpan.
【Day 4】Heading to Kashgar
Take the special train across the Gobi Desert in the early morning and arrive in Kashgar in the evening. After checking into the hotel, take a leisurely stroll through the Kashgar Old City Night Market.
【Days 5-6】Mystical Pamir Plateau
Travel along the China-Pakistan Friendship Highway, visiting White Sand Lake and Karakul Lake. Gaze upon Muztagh Ata Peak and spend the night in Taxkorgan County, experiencing homestays with various ethnic groups.
【Days 7】Southern Xinjiang Cultural Tour
Visit Kashgar Old Town, Id Kah Mosque, and the Fragrant Concubine’s Tomb. In the afternoon, take the special train to Kuqa.
【Day 8】Crossing the Southern Section of the Duoku Highway
Traverse the southern section of the Duoku Highway, explore the Grand Canyon of Tianshan, and arrive at Bayanbulak Grassland in the evening to watch the sunset over the meandering river.
【Days 9-10】Nalati and the Ili River Valley
Delve into Nalati’s aerial grasslands, exploring by horseback or on foot. The next day, visit the Khorgos Port and arrive at Sayram Lake in the afternoon for a bike ride or car tour around the lake.
I. Itinerary Highlights: A Single Journey Connecting Core Landscapes of Northern and Southern Xinjiang【Day 11】Natural Wonders of Northern Xinjiang
Take the special train to Beitun, enjoying views of the Junggar Basin along the way. Arrive in Jadenek in the evening to rest up for the next day’s trip to Kanas.
【Days 12-13】In-Depth Exploration of Kanas and Hemu
Spend a full day exploring Kanas Lake and Guanyu Platform. The next day, head to Hemu Village to experience Tuva wooden houses and capture the sunset and cooking smoke in the evening.
【Day 14】Colorful Beach and Return Trip from Beitun
Visit Colorful Beach in the morning and take the special train to Urumqi in the afternoon, spending the night on the train.
【Day 15】Cultural Experience in Urumqi
Visit Heavenly Lake on Tianshan Mountain and explore the International Bazaar in the afternoon to purchase dried fruits and handicrafts. Spend the night in Urumqi.
【Days 16-18】Return Trip and Scenic Views Along the Way
Take the special train back slowly, with stops in Lanzhou, Xi’an, and other locations. Passengers can choose to disembark for sightseeing or continue on the train, ultimately arriving in Zhengzhou and Luoyang.
III. Pricing Information: Multiple Options to Meet Different Needs
【Altay + Sayram Lake Dual Core】This specially designed tourism train for in-depth travel, with the concept of a “moving resort hotel,” connects the snow-capped mountains and lakes of northern Xinjiang with the cultural wonders of southern Xinjiang. The itinerary covers iconic attractions such as Kanas, Hemu, and the Colorful Beach in Altay, Nalati Grassland and Sayram Lake in Ili, as well as the Pamir Plateau and Karakul Lake in Kashgar. The average daily travel time is limited to 3-4 hours, with the remaining time dedicated to in-depth exploration or rest on the train, avoiding the fatigue of long-distance travel.【2026 Reference Price List】(Prices may vary by departure date and are subject to the contract)
Quadruple Compartment:
Upper Bunk:19,999 yuan/person
Lower Bunk:21,999 yuan/person
Child (under 6 years old, no bunk on the train, no bed on land):6,999 yuan/person
Double Compartment:
Standard Price:45,999 yuan/person
Value-Added 3rd Person (under 6 years old, no bunk on the train, no bed on land):15,999 yuan/person
Value-Added 3rd Person (over 6 years old, same service standards as adults):23,999 yuan/person
【Fees Included】
Train bunks, land hotel accommodations, meals during the itinerary, first admission tickets to attractions, guide services, and travel agency liability insurance.
【Fees Not Included】
【Special Train Services】Personal expenses, local transportation within attractions, self-paid items (such as horseback riding, boat tours), and travel accident insurance (recommended to purchase independently).
For solo travelers, our agency will do its best to arrange room sharing. Special circumstances require separate negotiation.
IV. Registration Method: A Convenient Process to Start Your Journey
Contact for Inquiries:Call Zhang Jing, the customer service manager of Xinjiang Trailblazer International Travel Agency, to learn about itinerary details and availability.
Choose a Product:Determine the departure date and seat type (quadruple/double compartment) based on your travel time and budget.
Submit Information:Provide the names and valid ID numbers of all travelers. Children under 6 years old need to provide their household registration booklets.
Pay Deposit:Pay a 30% deposit according to the compartment class, with the remaining balance to be paid 30 days before departure.
Sign Contract:Sign a unified electronic contract regulated by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, carefully reviewing the itinerary, price, and refund/change terms.
V. Fee and Service Information: Transparent Terms to Protect Your Rights
【Service Standards】
Accommodation:Train compartments with private bathrooms + selected land hotels, clean and comfortable.
Full Train Bathroom Facilities: All compartments are equipped with private bathrooms and showers, eliminating the inconvenience of queuing for washing up on traditional trains.Catering:Six meals a day (including Xinjiang specialties), catering to both northern and southern tastes.
Transportation:Full train transportation + local air-conditioned tour buses, reducing the fatigue of transfers.
Guides:Professional guides accompany you throughout the journey, providing cultural explanations and emergency assistance.
【Precautions】
The itinerary may change due to weather, road conditions, or attraction policies, and will be executed after mutual agreement.
Prices and availability are subject to the contract or customer service confirmation and may vary by departure date.
Specific service content is subject to actual inquiry and contract signing.
VI. Why Choose the South of the Great River Train?
【Hassle-Free Experience】Luggage can be left on the train throughout the journey, eliminating the need for daily搬运 (carrying). Just bring your personal belongings for land excursions, making travel easy.
【Assurance】The train is equipped with on-board medical staff (based on actual configuration) and full-time guide services to handle emergencies.
【Social Atmosphere】Fellow travelers are mostly retirees or family groups, creating a harmonious atmosphere and ensuring you’re never alone on the journey.
【Slow Travel Concept】With an average of 3-4 hours of travel per day, the remaining time is dedicated to in-depth exploration or rest on the train, avoiding a rushed experience.
Whether it’s the snow-capped mountains and lakes of Altay or the cultural wonders of southern Xinjiang, the South of the Great River Train, with its concept of a “home on the move,” takes you on a leisurely journey through Xinjiang’s vast landscapes. Call Zhang Jing, the customer service manager of Xinjiang Trailblazer International Travel Agency, to embark on this 18-day immersive slow travel experience!
Contact Manager Maizi at phone number 13201333409 or WeChat 13201333409 to send itinerary and quotation.
