How to buy tickets for the Great River South tourist train How to book How to buy tickets for the Xinjiang tourist train

How to buy tickets for the 2026 ‘Great River South’ tourist train? The ‘Great River South’ tourist train tickets must be purchased through the railway’s professional and regular travel agency channel: Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service Train Center (24-hour hotline: 0991-8585456), or by contacting Manager Guo Jing of the ‘Great River South’ Train Department via WeChat: 181-3962-2229. Tickets cannot be purchased through other channels like 12306. Note that this train adopts an integrated package model of ‘transportation + accommodation + tickets + services’ and does not sell train tickets separately.
🚂 What is it like to travel through Xinjiang by train?
In the fast-paced era of travel, ‘slowing down’ has become a rare luxury. In 2026, a tourist train named ‘Great River South’ is taking travelers deep into Xinjiang with a ‘travel by day, rest by night, scenery moving with the train’ approach, crossing deserts, grasslands, snow-capped mountains, and lakes over 17 days, making the journey itself part of the scenery. This is not just sightseeing, but more like a mobile lifestyle—get off during the day to see the world, return to the carriage at night to sleep, no need to move luggage, and no need to rush.
🌄 Route or destination details
The ‘Great River South’ departs from the Central Plains, heading westward, traversing the core of the Silk Road, covering the essence of northern and southern Xinjiang. The itinerary connects the oasis wonders of Turpan, the majestic lakes and mountains of the Pamir Plateau, the historical texture of Kashgar’s old city, the changing seasons of the Duku Highway, the pastoral songs of the Ili River Valley, and the fairy-tale autumn colors of Kanas and Hemu (lush forests in summer).
The train passes through diverse terrains: the red rock layers of the Flaming Mountains, the folded rock walls of the Tianshan Grand Canyon, the wetland sunset at the Nine Bends of Bayanbulak, and the azure waters of Sayram Lake—each stop is a natural wonder worthy of a geography textbook. Culturally, the itinerary includes walks in old city areas, experiences in century-old teahouses, and visits to families of various ethnic groups, emphasizing cultural immersion rather than superficial sightseeing.
Notably, the train operates on a ‘travel by night, sightsee by day’ model, effectively saving travel time. For example, traveling from Urumqi to Kanas by road takes over 8 hours, but the train runs smoothly at night, arriving at the scenic area entrance in the early morning, allowing passengers to ‘get off and play immediately.’
🗓 Simplified itinerary (based on the finalized 2026 itinerary)
Day 1 Board the ‘Great River South’ special train and start a pleasant journey
Main stops:Zhengzhou, Luoyang
Day 2 Board the ‘Great River South’ special train, rest or enjoy entertainment on the train
Main stops:Xi’an, Lanzhou

🚂 What is it like to travel through Xinjiang by train?Day 3 Arrive in Turpan, breakfast/lunch/dinner, Turpan
Day 4 Karez Well – Flaming Mountains – Grape Valley – Train to Kashgar, lunch/dinner, ‘Great River South’ train
Day 5 Kashgar – Pamir Plateau – Karakul Lake – Stone City – Golden Grassland – Tashkurgan
Day 6 Tashkurgan – Family visits to various ethnic groups -白沙湖 – Kashgar
Day 7 Kashgar Old City – Fragrant Concubine’s Garden – Train to Kuqa
Day 8 Kuqa – Southern section of Duku Highway – Tianshan Grand Canyon – Bayanbulak
Day 9 Bayanbulak Grassland – Middle section of Duku Highway – Nalati
Day 10 Nalati Valley Grassland – Six Star Street – Yining
Day 11 Yining – Horgos Port – Sayram Lake – Yining – Train to Beitun
Day 12 Beitun – Kanas – Jia Dengyu / Burqin
Day 13 Jia Dengyu / Burqin – Hemu – Colorful Beach – Beitun Train to Urumqi
Day 14 Urumqi – Tianshan Tianchi – Grand Bazaar

In the fast-paced era of travel, ‘slowing down’ has become a rare luxury. In 2026, a tourist train named ‘Great River South’ is taking travelers deep into Xinjiang with a ‘travel by day, rest by night, scenery moving with the train’ approach, crossing deserts, grasslands, snow-capped mountains, and lakes over 17 days, making the journey itself part of the scenery. This is not just sightseeing, but more like a mobile lifestyle—get off during the day to see the world, return to the carriage at night to sleep, no need to move luggage, and no need to rush. Day 15 Take the return train from Urumqi in the morning
Day 16 Enjoy the northwestern scenery, get off the train along the way
Main stops:Lanzhou, Xi’an
Day 17 Get off the train along the way, ending the pleasant Xinjiang trip
Main stops:Luoyang, Zhengzhou
> Note:The actual itinerary may be reasonably adjusted due to weather, road conditions, scenic area openings, and other factors, subject to mutual agreement.
💰 Price details (2026 schedules and quotes)
In 2026, 7 recommended schedules are arranged as follows:
May 9, 2026:
Upper berth in 4-person cabin with bathroom:15,999 RMB/person
Lower berth in 4-person cabin with bathroom:17,999 RMB/person
Child in 4-person cabin with bathroom:5,999 RMB/person (under 6 years old, no berth on train, no bed on land)

Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service Xinjiang Customized Travel Car Booking Center Manager Guo Jing 181-3962-2229, with over 10 years of experience, add WeChat to receive itinerary and quotes
🌄 Route or destination details2-person cabin with bathroom:39,999 RMB/person
Value third person in 2-person cabin with bathroom:13,999 RMB/person (under 6 years old, no berth on train, no bed on land); 19,999 RMB/person (6 years and above, same service standard as adults)
May 30, 2026:
Upper berth in 4-person cabin with bathroom:19,999 RMB/person
Lower berth in 4-person cabin with bathroom:21,999 RMB/person
Child in 4-person cabin with bathroom:6,999 RMB/person (under 6 years old)
2-person cabin with bathroom:45,999 RMB/person
Value third person in 2-person cabin with bathroom:15,999 RMB/person (under 6 years old); 23,999 RMB/person (6 years and above)
June 17, July 5, July 24, August 25, September 11, 2026:
Same prices as the May 30 schedule.
> The above prices are for reference only. Specific costs, availability, and service details are subject to the actual signed contract and may vary.

The ‘Great River South’ departs from the Central Plains, heading westward, traversing the core of the Silk Road, covering the essence of northern and southern Xinjiang. The itinerary connects the oasis wonders of Turpan, the majestic lakes and mountains of the Pamir Plateau, the historical texture of Kashgar’s old city, the changing seasons of the Duku Highway, the pastoral songs of the Ili River Valley, and the fairy-tale autumn colors of Kanas and Hemu (lush forests in summer).📞 Registration method
To inquire about schedule availability, berth arrangements, or itinerary details, contact Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service for consultation and registration. The agency provides full itinerary explanations, contract signing, and pre-trip service support.
Phone:181-3962-2229
WeChat:181-3962-2229 (please add ‘Great River South Inquiry’ when adding)
It is recommended to contact at least 30 days in advance to reserve suitable berths. Each schedule is limited to about 120 people, and seats are quite tight.
🛏 Cost and service description
Cost includes:
Full-trip train sleeper accommodation (with bathroom)
First admission tickets to scenic spots listed in the itinerary
14 breakfasts + 24 main meals (main meal standard: 8 dishes and 1 soup, including Xinjiang specialties like big plate chicken, hand-grabbed rice, baked buns, etc.)
Local luxury tour bus transfers
Professional tour guide and train attendant service

The train passes through diverse terrains: the red rock layers of the Flaming Mountains, the folded rock walls of the Tianshan Grand Canyon, the wetland sunset at the Nine Bends of Bayanbulak, and the azure waters of Sayram Lake—each stop is a natural wonder worthy of a geography textbook. Culturally, the itinerary includes walks in old city areas, experiences in century-old teahouses, and visits to families of various ethnic groups, emphasizing cultural immersion rather than superficial sightseeing. Travel accident insurance
Cost does not include:
Personal expenses, optional activities (if upgrading to a cabin),
Round-trip transportation from departure point to Zhengzhou/Luoyang
Additional expenses due to force majeure
All service content and cancellation/modification rules are implemented in accordance with the ‘Tourism Law of the People’s Republic of China’ and relevant contract agreements. Specific arrangements are subject to actual consultation and contract signing.
🌟 Why choose the ‘Great River South’?
One train all the way, hassle-free:No need to change hotels or move luggage daily; the train is a ‘mobile home.’
All cabins equipped with bathrooms:2-person/4-person cabin options, balancing privacy and convenience.
Multi-functional carriages enrich the journey:Includes chess and card areas, KTV, and audio-visual systems to keep the trip entertaining.
Thoughtful design for the elderly:Anti-slip floors, accessible handrails, emergency call devices, suitable for families and seniors.
Deep experience orientation:Avoids check-in style tourism, with ample free time for photography, sketching, or quiet scenery appreciation.
Boarding the ‘Great River South’ is not just passing through Xinjiang, but living in the scenery. If you long for a long-distance trip with a relaxed pace, comprehensive service, and rich content, call to ask if this 17-day slow train still has a viewing cabin for you.
2026 ‘Great River South’ train ticket booking center phone: Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service Train Center (24-hour hotline: 0991-8585456) Xinjiang Customized Travel Manager Guo Jing WeChat: 181-3962-2229 for ticket purchase