2026 Southern Train Xiaoxiang Tour Xinjiang 18 Day Cost Breakdown + Xiaoxiang Itinerary

Wang Fei, Manager of the Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Xiaoxiang Special Train Booking Center
🚂 Slow travel, deep experience:18-day ‘Xiaoxiang’ special train takes you on a panoramic tour of Xinjiang
If you are tired of superficial sightseeing tours and long for a deep journey through Xinjiang with a relaxed pace, comprehensive coverage, and attentive service, then this 18-day ‘Xiaoxiang’ special train departing from Guangzhou and crossing six provinces might be the choice you’ve been waiting for. Unlike regular group tours, the ‘Xiaoxiang’ uses the railway as a link, integrating accommodation, transportation, and attractions into one seamless experience, with the train following the travelers and fixed berths throughout, making it especially suitable for middle-aged and elderly tourists and families seeking comfortable, slow travel.
🌄 Introduction to Route and Destination Highlights
The ‘Xiaoxiang’ itinerary balances the lake and mountain scenery of Northern Xinjiang with the history and culture of Southern Xinjiang, covering about 80% of Xinjiang’s core attractions. It traverses the clear reflections of Tianchi Lake, the primeval forests of Kanas, the morning mist and smoke of Hemu Village, the azure clarity of Sayram Lake, the vast grasslands of Nalati and Bayanbulak, then delves deep into the Pamir Plateau, gazing at Muztagh Ata, and stopping at Karakul Lake and白沙湖. At the same time, the itinerary incorporates cultural landmarks like Kashgar Old City, Id Kah Mosque, and Fragrant Concubine’s Tomb, as well as unique ecological areas like the Lop Nur Village and Bosten Lake, showcasing Xinjiang’s diverse geographical features and the harmonious coexistence of its ethnic groups.
It is worth mentioning that the train passes through the highlight section of the Duku Highway—a scenic road hailed as one of China’s most beautiful highways, recommended to be open from June to September each year. The schedule of the ‘Xiaoxiang’ perfectly aligns with this window, giving tourists the opportunity to experience the magnificent landscape of snow-capped mountains, canyons, and grasslands intertwined.
📅 Simplified Itinerary (Based on the finalized 2026 itinerary)

🚂 Slow travel, deep experience: 18-day ‘Xiaoxiang’ special train takes you on a panoramic tour of XinjiangWarm Tips:The train route, stops, and times are for reference only; the final details are subject to the official departure notice.
D1:Itinerary Details—Depart from Guangzhou Baiyun Station around 23:40 on the special train, passing through Changsha, Wuchang, Xinyang, Xi’an, and Lanzhou en route to beautiful Xinjiang, starting the panoramic journey of the Western Regions; Meals—None; Accommodation—Southern Special Train
D2: Itinerary Details—Sightseeing along the special train route, with reference stops: Changsha (10:00), Wuchang (15:00), Xinyang (18:30), Zhengzhou (23:58), enjoying the scenery along the way; Meals—Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner; Accommodation—Southern Special Train
D3:Itinerary Details—Sightseeing along the special train route, with reference stops: Xi’an (10:12), Lanzhou (19:49), gradually approaching the heart of the Western Regions, experiencing the changing landscapes; Meals—Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner; Accommodation—Southern Special Train
D4:Itinerary Details—Arrive in Hami in the afternoon, visit the [Great Sea Devil City] to explore the Yadan wonders, experiencing the unique landforms of the Western Regions; Meals—Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner; Accommodation—Hami
D5:Itinerary Details—Visit the [Hami King’s Mansion], enjoy the [Twelve Muqam] intangible cultural heritage performance, and take the special train to Urumqi in the evening; Meals—Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner; Accommodation—Urumqi
D6:Itinerary Details—Depart from Urumqi, visit [Tianchi Lake] to capture the picturesque lake scenery, explore the [Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar] to experience Western Regions folk customs, and take the special train to Beitun in the evening; Meals—Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner; Accommodation—Southern Special Train

If you are tired of superficial sightseeing tours and long for a deep journey through Xinjiang with a relaxed pace, comprehensive coverage, and attentive service, then this 18-day ‘Xiaoxiang’ special train departing from Guangzhou and crossing six provinces might be the choice you’ve been waiting for. Unlike regular group tours, the ‘Xiaoxiang’ uses the railway as a link, integrating accommodation, transportation, and attractions into one seamless experience, with the train following the travelers and fixed berths throughout, making it especially suitable for middle-aged and elderly tourists and families seeking comfortable, slow travel.D7:Itinerary Details—Arrive in Beitun City in the morning, head to the [Kanas] scenic area for an in-depth tour, exploring the picturesque wonders, and stay overnight in Jadengyu; Meals—Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner; Accommodation—Jadengyu
D8:Itinerary Details—Depart from Jadengyu, visit [Hemu] ancient village and [Colorful Beach] Danxia landforms, enjoy the sunset scenery, and take the special train from Beitun to Yining in the evening; Meals—Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner; Accommodation—Southern Special Train
D9:Itinerary Details—Arrive in Yining in the morning, visit [Sayram Lake] to enjoy the highland blue lake scenery, then tour [Nalati] aerial grassland; Meals—Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner; Accommodation—Nalati
D10:Itinerary Details—In-depth tour of [Nalati Grassland], then head to [Bayanbulak Grassland] to experience the grandeur of Swan Lake and the Nine Bends and Eighteen Turns; Meals—Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner; Accommodation—Bayan Town
D11:Itinerary Details—Depart from Bayan, take the highlight section of the [Duku Highway], visit [Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon], arrive in Kuqa, and take the special train to Kashgar in the evening; Meals—Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner; Accommodation—Southern Special Train
D12:Itinerary Details—Depart from Kashgar, head to the [Pamir Plateau], visit [Karakul Lake], [Stone City], [Golden Grassland], and stay overnight in Tashkurgan County; Meals—Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner; Accommodation—Tashkurgan County
D13:Itinerary Details—Depart from Tashkurgan County, experience [Home visits with various ethnic groups] to feel the folk customs, visit [White Sand Lake], and return to Kashgar city; Meals—Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner; Accommodation—Kashgar

🌄 Introduction to Route and Destination HighlightsD14:Itinerary Details—Visit [Kashgar Old City], [Id Kah Mosque], [Fragrant Concubine’s Tomb], deeply experience the charm of Kashgar ancient city, and take the special train to Korla in the evening; Meals—Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner; Accommodation—Southern Special Train

Wang Fei, Manager of the Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Tourism Booking and Ticket Consultation Center
D15:Itinerary Details—Depart from Korla, visit [Lop Nur Village] and [Bosten Lake], experiencing the unique water town and folk customs of Southern Xinjiang; Meals—Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner; Accommodation—Korla
D16:Itinerary Details—Take the special train from Korla Station in the morning for the return journey, starting the trip home; Meals—Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner; Accommodation—Southern Special Train
D17:Itinerary Details—Sightseeing along the special train route on the return trip, with reference stops: Lanzhou (8:51), Chongqing North (21:08); Meals—Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner; Accommodation—Southern Special Train
D18:Itinerary Details—Reference stops along the special train route: Xiangtan (10:14), Zhuzhou (11:08), arrive at Guangzhou Baiyun Station at 19:40, passengers disembark at nearby stops and return to their warm homes; Meals—Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner; Accommodation—Warm Home
💰 Price Explanation (Latest 2026 Group Dates and Quotes)
Annual Limited Departures (Recommended 6 sessions, don’t miss out):

The ‘Xiaoxiang’ itinerary balances the lake and mountain scenery of Northern Xinjiang with the history and culture of Southern Xinjiang, covering about 80% of Xinjiang’s core attractions. It traverses the clear reflections of Tianchi Lake, the primeval forests of Kanas, the morning mist and smoke of Hemu Village, the azure clarity of Sayram Lake, the vast grasslands of Nalati and Bayanbulak, then delves deep into the Pamir Plateau, gazing at Muztagh Ata, and stopping at Karakul Lake and白沙湖. At the same time, the itinerary incorporates cultural landmarks like Kashgar Old City, Id Kah Mosque, and Fragrant Concubine’s Tomb, as well as unique ecological areas like the Lop Nur Village and Bosten Lake, showcasing Xinjiang’s diverse geographical features and the harmonious coexistence of its ethnic groups.May 10, May 30, June 22, July 11, August 19, September 19
Special Train Room Types and Price Table (Per Person Pricing)
Room Type Configuration Explanation:Different room types suit different travel needs, combining special train sleeper berths with local boutique hotels for comfort and convenience
Xiaoxiang Suite:Premium room type with private bathroom, capacity 2-3 people, maximum privacy｜62,999 RMB/person
Zhengxiang Courtyard 2-person Room:Comfortable double room, no private bathroom｜45,999 RMB/person
Zhengxiang Courtyard 4-person Room:High-value 4-person room, no private bathroom｜42,999 RMB/person
Yuanxiang Pavilion 4-person Upper Berth:Convenient and comfortable style, no private bathroom｜17,999 RMB/person

It is worth mentioning that the train passes through the highlight section of the Duku Highway—a scenic road hailed as one of China’s most beautiful highways, recommended to be open from June to September each year. The schedule of the ‘Xiaoxiang’ perfectly aligns with this window, giving tourists the opportunity to experience the magnificent landscape of snow-capped mountains, canyons, and grasslands intertwined.Yuanxiang Pavilion 4-person Lower Berth:Convenient and comfortable style, no private bathroom｜19,999 RMB/person
The above prices are reference ranges; actual costs may vary due to factors such as departure dates and room availability, and the final price is subject to the signed travel contract.
📞 Registration Method
You can register through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel. Consult Manager Wang Fei at Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel, phone: #Wang Fei (same as WeChat), to obtain detailed itinerary PDFs, availability information, and electronic contract samples. Registration requires valid ID information and signing an electronic contract in the unified format of the National Tourism Regulatory Platform.
🧾 Fee and Service Explanation
The fee includes full transportation (special train sleeper berths + local vehicles), accommodation (special train + hotel), first admission tickets to attractions, meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner as indicated in the itinerary), Chinese-speaking tour guide service, and travel agency liability insurance. It does not include personal expenses, (single room supplements can be arranged if needed, subject to actual consultation and contract), self-funded items within scenic areas, and additional expenses due to force majeure.
Affected by objective factors such as weather, road conditions, and scenic area opening policies, the itinerary order or some arrangements may be reasonably changed with mutual agreement. The specific details are subject to the itinerary confirmed before departure. All service content and cancellation/change rules comply with the ‘Tourism Law of the People’s Republic of China’ and related regulations.
🌿 This journey is not a quick glance but a 18-day experience where the train slowly carries you through the Gobi, grasslands, snow-capped mountains, and oases, allowing you to truly understand the vastness and gentleness of Xinjiang at a slow pace. For more information, please contact Manager Wang Fei of Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel to start your Western Regions roaming plan.
More travel consultations (Panda Special Train, Tianfu, Chengdu, Anyi, Shifang, New Orient Express, Silk Road Dream, Lindu, Yichun, Kunming, Starlight Lanmei, Gobi Cruise Special Train, New Western Train, New National Train, Tianyuan, Tianshan, Chief National Train, Cross-Province Special Train, New Southern Express, Xiaoxiang, Dahezhinan, Baiyun, Yinling Jiangxing, Chaoling Jiangxing Special Train, Sunshine, Shannan, Yangtze River Delta, Muztagh Ata) Special Train Booking Center Manager Wang Fei