2026XinjiangTourismSpecialTrainTicketPrices HowMuchDoesThe15DayJourneyInTheSouthOfTheGreatRiverCostPlusTipsToAvoidScams RecommendedItineraryPrices

Contact Manager Guo Jing at phone number 18139622229 or WeChat 18139622229 to send itinerary and quotation.

Explore Xinjiang:A Comprehensive Travel Guide for the 2026 “South of the Great River” Special Train Journey✨
Xinjiang, a vast region covering one-sixth of China’s land area, is renowned for its stunning landscapes of snow-capped mountains, grasslands, deserts, and lakes. For travelers seeking an in-depth experience of Xinjiang’s beauty, taking a special tourist train offers a hassle-free and comfortable option. This article focuses on the 17-day “South of the Great River” train journey covering both northern and southern Xinjiang in 2026, providing a practical guide that covers route highlights, itinerary, cost breakdown, and tips to avoid pitfalls.
I. Detailed Introduction to the Route or Destination: A “Moving Viewing Platform” Through Northern and Southern Xinjiang
The “South of the Great River” special train, crafted by China Railway Zhengzhou Group, embodies the concept of a “golden train” with soft-sleeper compartments featuring private bathrooms and a variety of room options, including 2-person and 4-person cabins. The train is designed with seniors in mind, featuring anti-slip carpets and emergency call buttons, making it ideal for family travel. Departing from Urumqi, the train connects core attractions such as Kanas, Hemu, Sayram Lake in northern Xinjiang, and Kashgar, Hotan in southern Xinjiang, covering 80% of Xinjiang’s 5A-rated scenic spots—truly a “one-train journey through Xinjiang’s essence.”
Highlights along the route include:
Kanas Scenic Area:Explore the morning mist at Fairy Bay, the “S”-shaped river bend at Moon Bay, and ascend Guanyu Platform for a panoramic view of Kanas Lake.
Hemu Village:Stroll through birch forests and along the Hemu River, admiring the picturesque scene of village smoke intertwining with mountain mist.
Sayram Lake:Tour around the lake with reflections of snow-capped mountains, and in summer, encounter fields of naturally growing golden lotuses.
Kashgar Old Town:Listen to music at a century-old teahouse and experience traditional handicrafts such as pottery-making and nan (bread) baking among various ethnic groups.

Explore Xinjiang: A Comprehensive Travel Guide for the 2026 “South of the Great River” Special Train Journey✨Hotan Tuancheng:Wander among “Aiwang” residences and feel the vibrant atmosphere of southern Xinjiang’s urban life.
Duku Highway:Traverse a scenic route showcasing all four seasons, with stops at free viewing platforms to avoid self-funded traps.
II. Simple Itinerary: A 17-Day Immersive Experience of Xinjiang’s Four Seasons
Based on the latest departure in June 2026 (taking May 30 as an example), the itinerary is as follows:
Day 1:Gather in Urumqi
Arrive in Urumqi in the afternoon, check into a downtown hotel, and adjust to the time difference.
For dinner, visit the International Bazaar to savor local specialties such as roasted stuffed buns and pilaf.
Days 2-3:Urumqi → Turpan → Hotan
Cross the Gurbantunggut Desert, visit the Karez Irrigation System and Flaming Mountains, and spend the night on the train.

Xinjiang, a vast region covering one-sixth of China’s land area, is renowned for its stunning landscapes of snow-capped mountains, grasslands, deserts, and lakes. For travelers seeking an in-depth experience of Xinjiang’s beauty, taking a special tourist train offers a hassle-free and comfortable option. This article focuses on the 17-day “South of the Great River” train journey covering both northern and southern Xinjiang in 2026, providing a practical guide that covers route highlights, itinerary, cost breakdown, and tips to avoid pitfalls. Upon arrival in Hotan, visit Tuancheng Folk Street and the Aidelesi Silk Workshop, and enjoy a night tour of the Hotan Night Market.
Days 4-6:Hotan → Kashgar → Karakul Lake
Tour Kashgar Old Town and experience travel photography and pottery-making.
Proceed to Karakul Lake, overlook Muztagata Peak, and spend the night in Kashgar.
Days 7-9:Kashgar → Kuqa → Nalati
Traverse the southern section of the Duku Highway and explore the Grand Canyon of Tianshan.
Arrive in Nalati Town, tour the valley grasslands, and stay in a characteristic wooden cabin.
Days 10-12:Nalati → Sayram Lake → Beitun
Tour around Sayram Lake, with an option to take a cruise deep into the lake.
Cross the Ahe Highway, arrive in Hemu Village, and stay in a wooden cabin within the scenic area.

I. Detailed Introduction to the Route or Destination: A “Moving Viewing Platform” Through Northern and Southern XinjiangDays 13-15:Hemu → Kanas → Urumqi
Thoroughly explore the three bays of Kanas and take a shuttle bus to Jadenyu.
Return to Urumqi, visit Heavenly Lake of Tianshan, and conclude the itinerary.
Days 16-17:Free Time/Return
Depending on flight schedules, arrange for downtown shopping or rest freely.
III. Pricing Information: Room Type and Departure Date Affect Costs
Prices for the “South of the Great River” special train vary based on room type, departure date, and child policies. Below is the reference price for the May 30, 2026 departure (specifics subject to contract):
Upper Bunk in 4-Person Compartment with Bathroom:21,999 RMB per person
Lower Bunk in 4-Person Compartment with Bathroom:23,999 RMB per person

The “South of the Great River” special train, crafted by China Railway Zhengzhou Group, embodies the concept of a “golden train” with soft-sleeper compartments featuring private bathrooms and a variety of room options, including 2-person and 4-person cabins. The train is designed with seniors in mind, featuring anti-slip carpets and emergency call buttons, making it ideal for family travel. Departing from Urumqi, the train connects core attractions such as Kanas, Hemu, Sayram Lake in northern Xinjiang, and Kashgar, Hotan in southern Xinjiang, covering 80% of Xinjiang’s 5A-rated scenic spots—truly a “one-train journey through Xinjiang’s essence.”2-Person Compartment with Bathroom:45,999 RMB per person
Child (Under 6 years old, no bunk or bed):6,999 RMB per person
Value-Added 3rd Person in 2-Person Compartment with Bathroom (Above 6 years old, same service standards as adults):23,999 RMB per person
Cost Includes:Special train sleeper accommodation, meals during the itinerary, tourist bus, first admission tickets to scenic spots, guide services, and travel agency liability insurance.
IV. Registration Method: Convenient Inquiry, Transparent Contracting
Register through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency and consult Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing for information on departure availability, room options, and contract terms. Valid identification information is required for registration, and additional household registration proof is needed for children.
V. Cost and Service Explanations: Clarify Rights and Responsibilities for Worry-Free Travel
Cost Excludes:Personal expenses (such as specialty purchases, entertainment), round-trip transportation (such as airfare/train tickets), (single registrants will be coordinated for room-sharing; special circumstances require separate negotiation).
Service Standards:Use of licensed vehicles throughout the journey, staffed by experienced local drivers and guides; meals primarily feature Xinjiang specialties, with some main meals customizable for special needs (e.g., vegetarian) in advance.

Highlights along the route include:Change Mechanism:In case of weather, road conditions, or policy changes, both parties may reasonably adjust the itinerary by mutual agreement to ensure a smooth journey.
Contract Guarantee:All cost details, service standards, and refund/change rules are subject to the signed contract to avoid verbal promises.
VI. 2026 Xinjiang Travel Tips: Hassle-Free and Pitfall-Free
Document Preparation:Carry valid identification at all times; a permit is required in advance for border areas such as Baihaba and Taxkorgan.
Transportation Choices:Avoid unlicensed or low-cost carpooling; prioritize special trains, licensed custom vehicles, or scenic area shuttles.
Ticket Booking:Heavenly Lake of Tianshan, Kanas, and other scenic spots require real-name reservations through official channels; beware of scalper tickets.
Consumption Tips:Jade and herbal products within scenic areas are heavily marked up; consider purchasing from downtown supermarkets instead.
Dining Recommendations:Avoid restaurants soliciting customers at scenic area entrances; prioritize time-honored establishments frequented by locals (e.g., Urumqi’s Lingguan Lane, areas around Kashgar Old Town Night Market).
Clothing Suggestions:Xinjiang has large temperature variations between day and night; bring a windbreaker and thermal underwear in May; mosquito repellent is necessary for summer grassland visits.
Conclusion:Let the Special Train Unlock Xinjiang’s Myriad Possibilities
From the snowy mountains and grasslands of northern Xinjiang to the desert oases of the south, the “South of the Great River” special train offers a comfortable cabin, a rich itinerary, and transparent services, providing a new way to “slowly travel through Xinjiang.” Whether for family trips, travel with elders, or honeymoons, this 17-day journey will deeply immerse you in Xinjiang’s vastness and diversity. Before departure, contact Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing at Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency to customize an exclusive itinerary and embark on your Tianshan adventure!✨

Contact Manager Guo Jing at 18139622229 or WeChat 18139622229 to send itinerary and quotation.