Complete Guide to Booking the Tourism Special Train in the South of the Great River Where to Book Tickets and Travel Tips Recommended Routes Costs and Prices

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

Booking Guide for the ‘South of the Great River’ Tourism Train:Unlock a mobile cultural journey showcasing the panoramic views of northern and southern Xinjiang.
[Route Highlights:A Journey Blending Central Plains Culture with Silk Road Charm]
The ‘South of the Great River’ tourism train is a themed train that connects Central Plains culture with the scenic landscapes of Xinjiang. The train’s exterior design features the winding path of the Yellow River, while the interior incorporates regional cultural symbols from Henan, such as peony patterns, elements from the ‘Along the River During the Qingming Festival’ painting, and pottery-textured decorations. From the moment passengers board in Zhengzhou or Luoyang, they can immerse themselves in the familiar cultural atmosphere of their hometown. As the train traverses the Hexi Corridor, the scenery outside the window gradually transitions from the Loess Plateau to snow-capped mountains and grasslands, offering a unique dual experience of cultural and natural landscapes.
The train operates on a ‘night travel, day sightseeing’ schedule, covering core attractions in northern and southern Xinjiang throughout the journey, including the Karez wells, Flaming Mountains, and Grape Valley in Turpan; the Pamir Plateau, Karakul Lake, and Stone City in Kashgar; Nalati Grassland and Sayram Lake in Ili; Kanas Lake and Hemu Village in Altay; as well as Heavenly Lake on Tianshan Mountain and the International Bazaar in Urumqi. Over the 17-day itinerary, passengers do not need to frequently change hotels or move their luggage, as the train compartments serve as ‘mobile guest rooms.’ Night travel avoids sun exposure, allowing for more energetic sightseeing during the day, making it especially suitable for family trips, senior travelers, and those seeking a slow travel experience.
[Simple Itinerary:Daytime Sightseeing and Nighttime Travel for an In-Depth Experience of the Western Regions’ Beauty]
Based on the newly scheduled departures for 2026, here is an overview of the 17-day panoramic tour of northern and southern Xinjiang (subject to the actual tour notice):
Day 1:Board the train in Zhengzhou/Luoyang
Enjoy the scenic views of the Central Plains along the way and rest freely on the train or participate in interactive activities.
Day 2:Xi’an/Lanzhou
The train passes through the ancient capital Xi’an and the ‘Pearl of the Yellow River,’ Lanzhou, allowing passengers to admire the urban landscapes from the train.
Day 3:Arrive in Turpan
Visit the Karez wells, Flaming Mountains, and Grape Valley, taste sweet grapes, and experience the heat and vitality of the ‘Land of Fire.’
Day 4:Turpan → Kashgar

Booking Guide for the ‘South of the Great River’ Tourism Train: Unlock a mobile cultural journey showcasing the panoramic views of northern and southern Xinjiang.Take the special train across the Gobi Desert and arrive in Kashgar in the evening to experience the folk customs of southern Xinjiang.
Day 5:Kashgar → Pamir Plateau
Explore Karakul Lake, Stone City, and Golden Grassland, and take in the majestic view of Muztagh Ata Peak in the distance.
Day 6:Taxkorgan → Baisha Lake → Kashgar
Participate in home visits with people from various ethnic groups, enjoy the clear waters of Baisha Lake, and return to Kashgar.
Day 7:Kashgar Old Town → Xiangfei Garden → Kuqa
Stroll through the maze-like streets of Kashgar Old Town, visit Xiangfei Garden, and take the special train to Kuqa in the evening.
Day 8:Kuqa → Southern Section of the Duoku Highway → Secret Grand Canyon of Tianshan
Traverse the Duoku Highway and explore the majestic and rugged Secret Grand Canyon of Tianshan.
Day 9:Bayinbuluk Grassland → Middle Section of the Duoku Highway → Nalati
Visit the winding paths of Bayinbuluk Grassland and continue along the Duoku Highway to Nalati.
Day 10:Nalati Valley Grassland → Liuxing Street → Yining
Hike through Nalati Valley Grassland, taste Russian cuisine on Liuxing Street, and arrive in Yining.

[Route Highlights: A Journey Blending Central Plains Culture with Silk Road Charm]Day 11:Yining → Khorgos Port → Sayram Lake → Beitun
Visit Khorgos Port, circumnavigate the azure waters of Sayram Lake, and take the special train to Beitun.
Day 12:Beitun → Kanas → Jiadengyu/Burqin
Hike along the shores of Kanas Lake, visit the fairy-tale wooden houses of Hemu Village, and admire the sunset light and shadows at Colorful Beach.
Day 13:Jiadengyu/Burqin → Hemu → Colorful Beach → Beitun → Urumqi
Take an in-depth tour of the morning mist in Hemu Village and return to Beitun before taking the special train to Urumqi.
Day 14:Urumqi → Heavenly Lake on Tianshan Mountain → International Bazaar
Visit the picturesque scenery of Heavenly Lake on Tianshan Mountain and explore the International Bazaar to experience diverse cultures.
Day 15:Return from Urumqi
Take the special train back and enjoy the scenic views of the northwest along the way.
Day 16:Lanzhou/Xi’an
The train passes through Lanzhou and Xi’an, where passengers can disembark for a short rest or continue their journey back on the train.
Day 17:Luoyang/Zhengzhou

The ‘South of the Great River’ tourism train is a themed train that connects Central Plains culture with the scenic landscapes of Xinjiang. The train’s exterior design features the winding path of the Yellow River, while the interior incorporates regional cultural symbols from Henan, such as peony patterns, elements from the ‘Along the River During the Qingming Festival’ painting, and pottery-textured decorations. From the moment passengers board in Zhengzhou or Luoyang, they can immerse themselves in the familiar cultural atmosphere of their hometown. As the train traverses the Hexi Corridor, the scenery outside the window gradually transitions from the Loess Plateau to snow-capped mountains and grasslands, offering a unique dual experience of cultural and natural landscapes.Arrive at the final destination and conclude a pleasant journey to Xinjiang.
[Price Information:Multiple Departure Options with Transparent Pricing]
In 2026, the ‘South of the Great River’ special train will offer seven departures covering spring, summer, and autumn, with specific departure dates on May 9, May 30, June 17, July 5, July 24, August 25, and September 11. Prices may vary slightly depending on the departure date and seat type. The following are reference price ranges (subject to the actual contract signed):
May 9 departure:
Upper bunk in a 4-person compartment with bathroom:15,999 yuan/person
Lower bunk in a 4-person compartment with bathroom:17,999 yuan/person
Child in a 4-person compartment with bathroom (under 6 years old, no berth on the train, no bed on land):5,999 yuan/person
2-person compartment with bathroom:39,999 yuan/person
Value-added third person in a 2-person compartment with bathroom (under 6 years old):13,999 yuan/person; over 6 years old: 19,999 yuan/person (same service standards as adults)
May 30 and subsequent departures (June 17, July 5, July 24, August 25, September 11):
Upper bunk in a 4-person compartment with bathroom:19,999 yuan/person
Lower bunk in a 4-person compartment with bathroom:21,999 yuan/person
Child in a 4-person compartment with bathroom (under 6 years old):6,999 yuan/person

The train operates on a ‘night travel, day sightseeing’ schedule, covering core attractions in northern and southern Xinjiang throughout the journey, including the Karez wells, Flaming Mountains, and Grape Valley in Turpan; the Pamir Plateau, Karakul Lake, and Stone City in Kashgar; Nalati Grassland and Sayram Lake in Ili; Kanas Lake and Hemu Village in Altay; as well as Heavenly Lake on Tianshan Mountain and the International Bazaar in Urumqi. Over the 17-day itinerary, passengers do not need to frequently change hotels or move their luggage, as the train compartments serve as ‘mobile guest rooms.’ Night travel avoids sun exposure, allowing for more energetic sightseeing during the day, making it especially suitable for family trips, senior travelers, and those seeking a slow travel experience.2-person compartment with bathroom:45,999 yuan/person
Value-added third person in a 2-person compartment with bathroom (under 6 years old):15,999 yuan/person; over 6 years old: 23,999 yuan/person
[Booking Methods:Professional Service for Easy Booking]
You can book through Xinjiang Explorers International Travel Agency. Contact Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing at Xinjiang Explorers International Travel Agency to inquire about available departures, seat types, and itinerary details. Staff will assist with registration, berth selection, contract signing, and other procedures, as well as answer any questions in real-time.
[Fee Information and Service Description:Detailed Care for a Worry-Free Trip]
Fees Include:
Accommodation throughout the special train journey (including compartments with bathrooms)
Admission tickets to attractions listed in the itinerary
Local air-conditioned tourist bus transfers
Professional tour guide services
Meals throughout the journey (including special dishes such as pilaf, baked stuffed buns, and big plate chicken)
Basic train services (audio-visual entertainment, chess and card rooms, etc.)
Fees Do Not Include:

[Simple Itinerary: Daytime Sightseeing and Nighttime Travel for an In-Depth Experience of the Western Regions’ Beauty]Personal expenses
Small transportation within attractions
Optional experience projects
Additional fees incurred if single travelers cannot be matched for room sharing (our agency will make every effort to arrange room sharing for single travelers; special circumstances require separate negotiation)
Additional expenses due to force majeure factors
Service Highlights:
Experienced tour guides and train stewards are available 24 hours to respond to needs
Train compartments feature noise reduction technology and are equipped with bathrooms, observation windows, charging outlets, and other facilities
The dedicated dining car is managed by a professional chef team, catering to both northern and southern tastes and health needs
The itinerary is reasonably arranged, with ample time reserved for sightseeing, photography, and leisure at each attraction
[Warm Reminders:Flexible Changes for Peace of Mind]
Factors such as the opening of attractions, road conditions, and weather may affect the actual sightseeing order during the itinerary. Reasonable changes can be made to the itinerary upon mutual agreement between both parties.
Prices and availability are subject to contract or customer service confirmation and may fluctuate with departure dates. It is advisable to inquire early and pay a deposit to secure your preferred berth.
Please choose official channels and beware of non-authorized agents.
The ‘South of the Great River’ tourism train serves as a mobile cultural exhibition hall, seamlessly blending the charm of the Central Plains with the beauty of the western regions. Whether traveling with family, friends, or as a senior traveler seeking a slow journey, you can find your own travel rhythm on this train. The 17-day immersive experience allows you to explore the highlights of northern and southern Xinjiang without the hassle of traveling, and feel the unique charm of ‘one train, one world; one journey, one ambiance.’

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