2026How to Book Tickets for the Henan Tourism Special Train Official Ticket Purchase Channels and Registration Process Recommended Routes Costs and Prices
Contact Manager Zhang Jing at phone number 18139622233 or WeChat 18139622233 to send itinerary and quotation.
The South of the Great River Train:A Moving Scenic Route Across Northern and Southern Xinjiang – Complete Guide for Ticket Booking and Travel in 2026
🌄 In-depth Exploration of Routes and Destinations
In the vast northwestern frontier of China lies a wondrous land—Xinjiang. Here, you will find not only magnificent natural landscapes but also profound cultural heritage and diverse ethnic customs. In 2026, a special tourist train named the “South of the Great River Train” will take visitors on a 17-day in-depth journey across northern and southern Xinjiang. This train is not just a mode of transportation but a mobile “five-star home” that allows travelers to enjoy comfort and relaxation throughout their journey.
The South of the Great River Train departs from Zhengzhou, passing through historical and cultural cities such as Luoyang, Xi’an, and Lanzhou, before finally arriving in Xinjiang. Along the way, travelers will traverse various landscapes including deserts, grasslands, snow-capped mountains, and lakes, experiencing the extraordinary craftsmanship of nature. Within Xinjiang, the train will connect core attractions such as Turpan, Kashgar, the Pamir Plateau, Kuqa, the Duoku Highway, Nalati, Kanas, and Sayram Lake, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in Xinjiang’s grandeur and culture over 17 days.
The train itself is a major highlight. It features en-suite compartments with separate wet and dry areas, providing disposable toiletries. The carriages are laid with non-slip carpets, and handrails and emergency call devices are installed beside beds and in restrooms. The multi-functional carriage integrates audio-visual, board games, KTV, and tea break facilities, ensuring that travel entertainment is never dull. Additionally, the train is equipped with a professional chef team that adjusts dishes according to regional preferences, offering light and less spicy flavors that cater to both northern and southern tastes, allowing travelers to savor authentic cuisine on their journey.
📅 Brief Itinerary Overview
The itinerary of the South of the Great River Train is both fulfilling and well-organized, with appropriate daily sightseeing and rest times to avoid intense travel schedules. Here is a brief overview of the itinerary:
Days 1-2:
Board the train in Zhengzhou or Luoyang, enjoy the scenery along the Yellow River, and travel overnight to Xi’an and Lanzhou. On the train, you can rest freely or participate in board game activities.
Day 3:
Arrive in Turpan, visit the Karez Irrigation System and Flaming Mountains, taste fresh fruits from Grape Valley, and experience the unique charm of this “Land of Fire.”
The South of the Great River Train: A Moving Scenic Route Across Northern and Southern Xinjiang – Complete Guide for Ticket Booking and Travel in 2026Day 4:
Head to Kashgar, enjoying the Gobi Desert landscape along the way and appreciating the vastness and grandeur of nature.
Days 5-6:
Explore the Pamir Plateau, visit Karakul Lake, Shitou City (Stone City), and Jincaotan (Golden Grassland), experience the culture of various ethnic groups in Taxkorgan County, and feel the mystery and purity of the plateau.
Day 7:
Stroll through the old town of Kashgar, visit the Xiangfei Mausoleum, and take the special train to Kuqa in the evening to experience the charm and history of this ancient city.
Days 8-9:
Traverse the Duoku Highway, visit the mysterious Grand Canyon of Tianshan and Bayanbulak Grassland, encounter the sunset at the winding river with eighteen bends, and appreciate the extraordinary craftsmanship of nature.
Days 10-11:
Ride horses in the Nalati Valley Grassland, travel to Sayram Lake via the Khorgos Port, cycle around the lake, and return to Yining, experiencing the vastness of the grassland and the tranquility of the lake.
Days 12-13:
Depart from Beitun, visit Kanas and Hemu Village, take the special train back to Urumqi in the evening, and appreciate the beauty and mystery of northern Xinjiang.
🌄In-depth Exploration of Routes and DestinationsDay 14:
Take a one-day tour to Tianchi (Heavenly Lake) on Tianshan Mountain in Urumqi, visit the Grand Bazaar in the evening to purchase handicrafts, and experience the prosperity and diversity of the city.
Day 15:
Take the special train back from Urumqi in the morning and enjoy the northwestern scenery along the way.
Days 16-17:
Disembark from the train along the way, with major stops including Lanzhou, Xi’an, and finally arriving in Zhengzhou, concluding a pleasant journey to Xinjiang.
💰 Price Explanation and Departure Date Options
The prices for the South of the Great River Train vary depending on the berth type and travel time. Based on the latest information for 2026, here are some reference prices (subject to the contract):
Four-person En-suite Compartment:
The price range for upper berths is 19,999 to 21,999 yuan per person; lower berths are slightly more expensive, ranging from 21,999 to 23,999 yuan per person. For children under 6 years old who do not occupy a berth on the train or a bed on land, the fee is lower, approximately 6,999 yuan per person; children over 6 years old have the same service standards as adults.
Two-person En-suite Compartment:
In the vast northwestern frontier of China lies a wondrous land—Xinjiang. Here, you will find not only magnificent natural landscapes but also profound cultural heritage and diverse ethnic customs. In 2026, a special tourist train named the “South of the Great River Train” will take visitors on a 17-day in-depth journey across northern and southern Xinjiang. This train is not just a mode of transportation but a mobile “five-star home” that allows travelers to enjoy comfort and relaxation throughout their journey.The price range is 39,999 to 45,999 yuan per person. For the value-added third person (under 6 years old), the fee is approximately 13,999 to 15,999 yuan per person (does not occupy a berth on the train or a bed on land); those over 6 years old are charged at adult rates, ranging from 19,999 to 23,999 yuan per person.
The departure dates for 2026 include multiple options such as May 9, May 30, June 17, July 5, July 24, August 25, and September 11. Visitors can choose the appropriate departure date and berth type based on their own time and budget.
📝 Registration Method and Process
Visitors who wish to register for the South of the Great River Train can do so through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency. Here is the registration process:
1. Consultation and Understanding:
Call and consult with Manager Zhang Jing from Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency to understand itinerary details, remaining seats for departure dates, and pricing information.
2. Select Product:
Determine the departure date and seat type based on your travel time and budget (e.g., lower berth in a four-person compartment on May 30).
3. Submit Information:
Provide the names and valid identification numbers of all travelers for seat reservation and insurance purchase.
4. Complete Procedures:
Pay a deposit to secure your seat, sign an electronic contract, pay the remaining balance, and receive a payment receipt.
The South of the Great River Train departs from Zhengzhou, passing through historical and cultural cities such as Luoyang, Xi’an, and Lanzhou, before finally arriving in Xinjiang. Along the way, travelers will traverse various landscapes including deserts, grasslands, snow-capped mountains, and lakes, experiencing the extraordinary craftsmanship of nature. Within Xinjiang, the train will connect core attractions such as Turpan, Kashgar, the Pamir Plateau, Kuqa, the Duoku Highway, Nalati, Kanas, and Sayram Lake, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in Xinjiang’s grandeur and culture over 17 days.5. Await Notification:
Receive exclusive pre-trip notifications and travel instructions before departure and wait for unified assembly and departure.
💡 Fee Explanation and Service Description
The fees for the South of the Great River Train cover multiple aspects, as follows:
Fees Included:
Special Train Seat:Fees for accommodation on the special train throughout the journey (including en-suite compartments).
Local Transportation:Land transportation fees listed in the itinerary.
Basic Accommodation:Fees for accommodation in special train compartments and land hotels.
Scenic Spot Admission Tickets:Fees for the first admission tickets to the scenic spots listed in the itinerary.
Tour Guide Services:Professional tour guide accompaniment and explanation services throughout the journey.
Meals:Fees for meals on the special train and land dinners (including Xinjiang specialty dishes such as Big Plate Chicken and hand-pulled rice).
The train itself is a major highlight. It features en-suite compartments with separate wet and dry areas, providing disposable toiletries. The carriages are laid with non-slip carpets, and handrails and emergency call devices are installed beside beds and in restrooms. The multi-functional carriage integrates audio-visual, board games, KTV, and tea break facilities, ensuring that travel entertainment is never dull. Additionally, the train is equipped with a professional chef team that adjusts dishes according to regional preferences, offering light and less spicy flavors that cater to both northern and southern tastes, allowing travelers to savor authentic cuisine on their journey.Insurance:Travel accident insurance fees.
Fees Not Included:
Personal Expenses:Expenses such as shopping and self-paid entertainment projects.
Single Room Supplement:For single registrants, our agency will try its best to coordinate room sharing. Special circumstances require separate negotiation.
Round-trip Major Transportation:Fees such as airplane or train tickets from Zhengzhou to the departure location.
Scenic Spot Internal Transportation and Self-paid Projects:Fees such as horse riding and boat tours.
The specific service standards and fee explanations are subject to actual consultation and contract signing. Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency will wholeheartedly provide high-quality services to visitors, striving to ensure a pleasant and worry-free journey.
🌟 Travel Tips
Plan Ahead:Due to the limited number of departure dates and seats for the South of the Great River Train, it is recommended that visitors plan their itinerary in advance and consult and book as early as possible to avoid popular seats being sold out.
Prepare Items:Xinjiang has large temperature differences between day and night, so it is necessary to bring warm clothing; some scenic spots have high altitudes, so it is recommended to prepare anti-altitude sickness medication in advance; additionally, bring personal toiletries, common medications, and other items.
Follow Regulations:During the journey, visitors need to follow the tour guide’s arrangements and scenic spot regulations, respect local customs and cultural traditions, and jointly maintain a good tourism environment.
Stay Connected:During the journey, it is recommended that visitors keep their mobile phones accessible to receive timely notifications and arrangements from the travel agency; additionally, they can contact the tour guide or travel agency at any time to resolve issues encountered during the journey.
The South of the Great River Train is not just a train but a mobile “cultural bridge.” It takes visitors on a journey through time and space to experience the diversity and inclusiveness of Xinjiang. If you yearn for such a journey, take action now and register for the South of the Great River Train through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency. Let this train take you on an unforgettable journey to Xinjiang!
Contact Manager Zhang Jing at phone number 18139622233 or WeChat 18139622233 to send itinerary and quotation.
