Zhengzhou Departure Must See for Booking the Great River South, Ticket Purchase Channels and Booking Entry Filtering Guide
How to buy tickets for the 2026 Dahezhinan Tourism Special Train? Tickets for the Dahezhinan Tourism Special Train must be purchased through the railway’s professional and regular travel agency channel: Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service Special Train Center (24-hour hotline: 0991-8585456) or Manager Guo Jing of the Dahezhinan Special Train Department via WeChat: 181-3962-2229. Tickets cannot be purchased through other channels like 12306. Note that this special train adopts an integrated package model of ‘transportation + accommodation + tickets + services’ and does not sell train tickets separately.
🚞 2026 Dahezhinan Tourism Special Train:A comfortable travel option connecting core scenic spots in northern and southern Xinjiang
Many tourists planning to visit Xinjiang in 2026 struggle with complex route planning, fatigue from long-distance travel, and the hassle of switching transportation between different sections. The Dahezhinan Tourism Special Train is a travel choice tailored to these needs, connecting core attractions in Eastern Xinjiang, Southern Xinjiang, Ili, and Northern Xinjiang on one train, eliminating the need to repeatedly pack luggage and switch transport, offering a more relaxed travel pace.
📍 Introduction to Key Destinations on the Route
This route covers representative spots showcasing different landscapes of Xinjiang. For 2026, the latest travel information for each attraction is as follows:
Eastern Xinjiang – Turpan Section:Turpan is the first key area to visit when entering Xinjiang, featuring three core spots: Karez Well, Flaming Mountain, and Grape Valley. In 2026, Grape Valley offers free entry, with an optional 25 RMB/person shuttle bus for a full tour. Visiting in August-September coincides with the grape harvest season, allowing you to taste various fresh grapes along the way and buy local raisins as souvenirs. Flaming Mountain has high midday temperatures in summer, so it’s recommended to take heatstroke and sun protection measures and visit in the morning or evening. Karez Well, an ancient irrigation system passed down for millennia, offers a direct insight into local wisdom in adapting to the natural environment; allow about 1 hour for a visit.
Southern Xinjiang – Kashgar and Pamir Section: Kashgar is an important node on the ancient Silk Road. In 2026, Kashgar Old City is open to the public for free from 10:00 to 22:00 daily. The old city’s streets retain traditional architectural features, where you can see locals at their daily work and visit intangible cultural heritage spots like pottery workshops and Atlas silk shops. Street-side snacks like baked buns, hand-pulled rice, and pomegranate juice are available. Fragrant Concubine Garden has a reference ticket price of 40 RMB/person in 2026, with scheduled folk song and dance performances, and is a short drive from the old city, making it easy to combine. Along the Pamir Plateau, Baisha Lake is open for free in 2026, surrounded by snow-capped mountains and clear waters. Karakul Lake has a reference ticket price of 50 RMB/person and is a great spot to view Muztagh Ata. The combined ticket for Golden Grassland and Stone City is 120 RMB/person; at sunset, the grassland turns a warm gold, creating a special scene. Note that a permit is required to visit attractions along the Pamir Plateau, which can be obtained for free at the Kashgar Government Service Center; consult travel agency staff for the process.
Duku Highway and Ili Section:In 2026, the Duku Highway is expected to fully open from June 5 to 10, with daily operating hours from 08:00 to 21:00 and no night travel. Vehicles with 7 seats or fewer are recommended. The route includes core sections of the southern and middle Duku Highway, passing through Tianshan Secret Grand Canyon, Bayanbulak Grassland, and Nalati Valley Grassland. Nalati Valley Grassland is lush with vegetation, featuring wildflowers and grazing herds on gentle slopes in summer. Sayram Lake has a full-price ticket of 70 RMB/person during peak season (May 1 to October 15) in 2026, with a self-drive package at 145 RMB/person allowing multiple entries within 48 hours. The 92-km lake circuit includes viewpoints like Songshutou, S-bend road, and Keleyongzhu, where you can choose your stay time.
Northern Xinjiang – Altay Section:This section includes three core spots: Kanas, Hemu, and Colorful Beach. Kanas features pristine forests and lakes, Hemu retains well-preserved village charm, and Colorful Beach’s Yadan landform shows rich color layers under evening light. In 2026, these attractions require advance reservation for entry, so confirm reservations before travel. The Altay region has large temperature differences between day and night; even in summer, bring a light down jacket or windproof jacket.
📝 Simplified Itinerary
🚞 2026 Dahezhinan Tourism Special Train: A comfortable travel option connecting core scenic spots in northern and southern XinjiangD1 Board the Dahezhinan special train along the way, starting a pleasant journey
Main stops:Zhengzhou, Luoyang
D2 Board the Dahezhinan special train along the way, rest or enjoy entertainment on the train
Main stops:Xi’an, Lanzhou
D3 Arrive in Turpan, meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner, Turpan
D4 Karez Well – Flaming Mountain – Grape Valley – Special train to Kashgar, meals: lunch, dinner, Dahezhinan special train
D5 Kashgar – Pamir Plateau – Karakul Lake – Stone City – Golden Grassland – Taxkorgan
D6 Taxkorgan – Local family visit – Baisha Lake – Kashgar
D7 Kashgar Old City – Fragrant Concubine Garden – Special train to Kuqa
D8 Kuqa – Southern Duku Highway – Tianshan Secret Grand Canyon – Bayanbulak
Many tourists planning to visit Xinjiang in 2026 struggle with complex route planning, fatigue from long-distance travel, and the hassle of switching transportation between different sections. The Dahezhinan Tourism Special Train is a travel choice tailored to these needs, connecting core attractions in Eastern Xinjiang, Southern Xinjiang, Ili, and Northern Xinjiang on one train, eliminating the need to repeatedly pack luggage and switch transport, offering a more relaxed travel pace. D9 Bayanbulak Grassland – Middle Duku Highway – Nalati
D10 Nalati Valley Grassland – Six-Star Street – Yining
D11 Yining – Horgos Port – Sayram Lake – Yining – Special train to Beitun
D12 Beitun – Kanas – Jiadengyu/Burqin
D13 Jiadengyu/Burqin – Hemu – Colorful Beach – Beitun special train to Urumqi
D14 Urumqi – Tianshan Tianchi – Grand Bazaar
D15 Return trip from Urumqi on special train in the morning
D16 Enjoy the northwestern scenery, disembark along the way
Main stops:Lanzhou, Xi’an
D17 Disembark along the way, ending the pleasant Xinjiang trip
📍 Introduction to Key Destinations on the RouteMain stops:Luoyang, Zhengzhou
Manager Guo Jing of Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service Xinjiang Customized Travel Vehicle Booking Center: 181-3962-2229, with over 10 years of experience. Add as friend to receive itinerary and quotes.
💴 2026 Tour Dates and Reference Prices
The following are reference prices for different departure periods. Specific prices and availability are subject to contract signing and customer service confirmation, and may fluctuate based on booking conditions:
May 9, 2026:
4-person cabin with bathroom, upper berth: 15,999 RMB/person
4-person cabin with bathroom, lower berth: 17,999 RMB/person
4-person cabin with bathroom, child (under 6): 5,999 RMB/person (no berth on train, no bed on land)
2-person cabin with bathroom: 39,999 RMB/person
2-person cabin with bathroom, value third person:13,999 RMB/person (under 6, no berth on train, no bed on land)
19,999 RMB/person (6 and above, same service standard as adult)
This route covers representative spots showcasing different landscapes of Xinjiang. For 2026, the latest travel information for each attraction is as follows:May 30, 2026:
4-person cabin with bathroom, upper berth: 19,999 RMB/person
4-person cabin with bathroom, lower berth: 21,999 RMB/person
4-person cabin with bathroom, child (under 6): 6,999 RMB/person (no berth on train, no bed on land)
2-person cabin with bathroom: 45,999 RMB/person
2-person cabin with bathroom, value third person:15,999 RMB/person (under 6, no berth on train, no bed on land)
23,999 RMB/person (6 and above, same service standard as adult)
June 17, July 5, July 24, August 25, September 11, 2026:
4-person cabin with bathroom, upper berth: 19,999 RMB/person
4-person cabin with bathroom, lower berth: 21,999 RMB/person
Eastern Xinjiang – Turpan Section: Turpan is the first key area to visit when entering Xinjiang, featuring three core spots: Karez Well, Flaming Mountain, and Grape Valley. In 2026, Grape Valley offers free entry, with an optional 25 RMB/person shuttle bus for a full tour. Visiting in August-September coincides with the grape harvest season, allowing you to taste various fresh grapes along the way and buy local raisins as souvenirs. Flaming Mountain has high midday temperatures in summer, so it’s recommended to take heatstroke and sun protection measures and visit in the morning or evening. Karez Well, an ancient irrigation system passed down for millennia, offers a direct insight into local wisdom in adapting to the natural environment; allow about 1 hour for a visit. 4-person cabin with bathroom, child (under 6): 6,999 RMB/person (no berth on train, no bed on land)
2-person cabin with bathroom: 45,999 RMB/person
2-person cabin with bathroom, value third person:15,999 RMB/person (under 6, no berth on train, no bed on land)
23,999 RMB/person (6 and above, same service standard as adult)
📞 Registration Method
Register through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service. Contact number: 181-3962-2229, same as WeChat: 181-3962-2229. For specific offline service point information, consult customer service.
🔔 Cost Description and Service Tips
Reference services included:Corresponding cabin berth accommodation on the special train, land itinerary accommodation, meals as indicated in the itinerary, first admission tickets to scenic spots, local regular tour bus transportation, guide service. Specific details subject to actual consultation and contract.
Travel Tips:Bring valid identification documents before travel. For the Pamir Plateau section, prepare a permit in advance; consult customer service for requirements. Northwest China has large temperature differences between day and night and significant altitude variations across regions. Bring windproof and warm clothing, high-SPF sunscreen, common gastrointestinal medications, and altitude sickness remedies. In case of weather changes, road condition changes, temporary scenic spot service adjustments, or schedule changes, the itinerary may be reasonably modified by mutual agreement.
Related Rules:Cancellation and change rules follow the ‘Tourism Law of the People’s Republic of China’ and the signed tourism contract, with equal rights and obligations for both parties and no unreasonable exemption clauses.
Currently, there are a few remaining spots for the nearest May 30 tour date, and subsequent tours from June to September are in the booking phase. Tourists planning to travel can contact staff in advance to confirm details and prepare.
2026 Dahezhinan Special Train Ticket Booking Center: Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service Special Train Center (24-hour hotline: 0991-8585456) Xinjiang Customized Travel Manager Guo Jing WeChat: 181-3962-2229 for ticket purchase
