Newbie Booking Xinjiang Special Train, Kunlun Official Guide Easy to Understand
No need to drive or rush around. Take the Xinjiang tourist train to leisurely enjoy the scenery on both sides of the Tianshan Mountains. Choose from economy to luxury options. Professionally operated Xinjiang tourist train tours. Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency consultation landline: 0991-8866234; Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing phone: 181-3962-2233 (Add as friend for free: detailed itinerary and train introduction).
🚂 Newbie’s Guide to Booking the Xinjiang Special Train: Easy Understanding of the Kunlun Express
If you’re planning to take the Xinjiang tourist train for the first time, products like the ‘Kunlun Express’ might feel overwhelming: Is it a train? Can I buy a ticket myself? What does the price include? Is the pace fast? Don’t worry—this practical guide, newly compiled for 2026, is designed for first-time special train travelers. With a clear structure and real information, it helps you easily understand how to book this unique journey across the Tianshan Mountains.
🌄 Route and Destination Highlights
The ‘Kunlun Express’ tourist train, launched by the Urumqi Railway Department in 2023, is a long-distance slow travel product integrating transportation, accommodation, guided tours, and unique experiences. Unlike traditional group tours with frequent bus transfers and daily luggage handling, the ‘Kunlun Express’ adopts a ‘travel by night, explore by day’ model—tourists immerse themselves in scenic spots during the day and return to their familiar sleeper carriages at night, with large luggage untouched throughout the journey, truly achieving ‘the train follows the scenery, and you rest easy on board.’
The 14-day itinerary covers the core landscapes of northern and southern Xinjiang, linking diverse regions like Turpan, Kuqa, Kashgar, the Pamir Plateau, the Ili River Valley, and Altay. Along the way, you’ll see the red cliffs of the Flaming Mountains, the thousand-year-old water wisdom of the Karez Well, the clear tranquility of the White Sand Lake, and the majestic steepness of the Duku Highway; from the Nine Bends and Eighteen Turns of the Bayanbulak Grassland to the azure mirror of Sayram Lake, and the wooden houses with morning mist in Hemu Village… Nature and culture intertwine at a relaxed pace, suitable for elderly tourists, families, and photography enthusiasts who value comfort and deep experiences.
The train has 8 sleeper carriages, with soft furnishings incorporating Xinjiang folk style to create a warm travel atmosphere. Different room types vary in space layout, privacy, and facilities to meet diverse travel needs.
📅 Simplified Itinerary (Presented as per the original local draft)
🚂 Newbie’s Guide to Booking the Xinjiang Special Train: Easy Understanding of the Kunlun ExpressDay 1:Departure – Urumqi
Day 2:Turpan – Flaming Mountain – Karez Well – Fruit Feast – Grape Manor – Grape Valley – (Special Train) – Kuqa
Day 3:Kuqa – Tianshan Grand Canyon – Restan Street – Kuqa Old City – Qiuci Dance – (Special Train) – Kashgar
Day 4:Morning Kashgar pick-up – White Sand Lake – Karakul Lake – Taxkorgan County
Day 5:Taxkorgan – Golden Grass Beach – Stone City – Tajik Home – Panlong Ancient Road – Kashgar
Day 6:Kashgar – Hetian Jade Exhibition Hall – Kashgar Old City – Id Kah Mosque – Special Train – Kuqa
Day 7:Kuqa – Southern Section of Duku Highway – Bayanbulak – Nalati Town/Xinyuan
If you’re planning to take the Xinjiang tourist train for the first time, products like the ‘Kunlun Express’ might feel overwhelming: Is it a train? Can I buy a ticket myself? What does the price include? Is the pace fast? Don’t worry—this practical guide, newly compiled for 2026, is designed for first-time special train travelers. With a clear structure and real information, it helps you easily understand how to book this unique journey across the Tianshan Mountains.Day 8:Nalati Sky Grassland – Gongliu
Day 9:Kuerdening Grassland – Six-Star Street – Huiyuan Ancient City – Lavender Manor – Yining/Kekedala
Day 10:Yining/Kekedala – Sayram Lake Scenic Area – Sailing Experience – Jinghe Train Station to Altay
Day 11:Morning Altay pick-up – Ahe Highway – Hemu Scenic Area – Yunxiao Peak Cable Car
Day 12:Hemu – Kanas Scenic Area – Three Bays – Tuva Home – Colorful Beach – Beitun – Train to Urumqi
Day 13:Morning arrival in Urumqi – Tianshan Tianchi – International Grand Bazaar – Urumqi
Day 14:Urumqi – Departure
🌄 Route and Destination Highlights> Note:The opening status of scenic spots and road conditions along the itinerary may be affected by uncontrollable factors such as weather and policies. The travel agency and tourists can negotiate reasonable changes to the order or content to ensure travel and experience.
💰 Price Explanation (Based on 2026 Local Draft)
The ‘Kunlun Express·Southern and Northern Xinjiang Panoramic Air-Conditioned Tourist Train 14-Day Tour’ has May and June-September versions, with different departure dates and prices:
June-September Version Departure Dates:June 4, June 17, June 30, July 13, July 26, August 8, August 21, September 2, September 14
Four-Bed Compartment (Shared Bathroom):Upper berth: 15,800 RMB/person, Lower berth: 16,800 RMB/person
Travel on a tourist train to beautiful Xinjiang, choose from economy to luxury options. Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency consultation landline: 0991-8866234; Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing phone: 181-3962-2233 (Add as friend for free: detailed itinerary and train introduction).
Two-Bed Compartment (Shared Bathroom):Upper berth: 18,800 RMB/person, Lower berth: 19,800 RMB/person
Two-Bed Compartment (Flat Berth):Lower berth: 19,800 RMB/person
Two-Bed Compartment (Private Bathroom):Upper berth: 23,800 RMB/person, Lower berth: 24,800 RMB/person
The ‘Kunlun Express’ tourist train, launched by the Urumqi Railway Department in 2023, is a long-distance slow travel product integrating transportation, accommodation, guided tours, and unique experiences. Unlike traditional group tours with frequent bus transfers and daily luggage handling, the ‘Kunlun Express’ adopts a ‘travel by night, explore by day’ model—tourists immerse themselves in scenic spots during the day and return to their familiar sleeper carriages at night, with large luggage untouched throughout the journey, truly achieving ‘the train follows the scenery, and you rest easy on board.’Kunlun Express·Premium Group (Single Room):39,800 RMB/person
The above prices are reference ranges. Actual costs may vary due to factors like departure dates and room availability. The final price is based on the signed travel contract. The fee includes full transportation, special train sleeper accommodation, first admission tickets to listed scenic spots, guide services, and some specialty meals. Specific services are subject to the signed confirmation.
📞 How to Book
Currently, the ‘Kunlun Express’ tourist train can only be booked through travel agencies and cannot be purchased directly on public platforms like 12306. Interested tourists can contact Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency for details.
📞 Consultation Phone:181-3962-2233
💬 WeChat ID:181-3962-2233
It is recommended to contact customer service in advance to check availability, room type matching, and travel tips. For solo travelers, the travel agency will try to arrange shared rooms; if a single room is needed, arrangements can be discussed separately.
The 14-day itinerary covers the core landscapes of northern and southern Xinjiang, linking diverse regions like Turpan, Kuqa, Kashgar, the Pamir Plateau, the Ili River Valley, and Altay. Along the way, you’ll see the red cliffs of the Flaming Mountains, the thousand-year-old water wisdom of the Karez Well, the clear tranquility of the White Sand Lake, and the majestic steepness of the Duku Highway; from the Nine Bends and Eighteen Turns of the Bayanbulak Grassland to the azure mirror of Sayram Lake, and the wooden houses with morning mist in Hemu Village… Nature and culture intertwine at a relaxed pace, suitable for elderly tourists, families, and photography enthusiasts who value comfort and deep experiences.🧳 Cost and Service Explanation
The ‘Kunlun Express’ adopts an integrated ‘transportation + accommodation + tickets + service’ package and does not sell train tickets separately. The fee typically includes:
Full special train sleeper accommodation (based on selected room type)
First admission tickets to listed scenic spots
Local guide commentary services
Some specialty meals (e.g., fruit feast, ethnic cuisine)
Full-time on-board staff service
The train has 8 sleeper carriages, with soft furnishings incorporating Xinjiang folk style to create a warm travel atmosphere. Different room types vary in space layout, privacy, and facilities to meet diverse travel needs.Excluded items generally include:Round-trip transportation from departure to Urumqi, personal expenses, voluntary self-funded activities, non-itinerary meals, and (if applicable).
All service content and cancellation policies are implemented in accordance with the ‘Tourism Law of the People’s Republic of China’ and relevant contract terms, subject to actual consultation and signing.
📌 Warm Tips
The special train itinerary has a relaxed pace, with 1–2 key scenic spots per day, suitable for travelers who enjoy deep experiences without rushing.
The carriages are air-conditioned sleepers, equipped with desks, sofas, wardrobes, and other facilities. Some room types include a washbasin area, balancing comfort and convenience.
Xinjiang has a vast territory with large temperature differences between day and night. It is recommended to prepare windproof and warm clothing and sunscreen according to the season.
Before traveling, ensure valid documents are effective and comply with railway and scenic spot verification requirements.
Want to slowly tour northern and southern Xinjiang on one train? The ‘Kunlun Express’ might be your ideal choice. Instead of repeatedly comparing prices and agonizing over routes, directly contact a professional team for first-hand information.
📞 Call 181-3962-2233 or add WeChat to let Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency answer all your questions and start a relaxed journey to the Western Regions.
For more details on Xinjiang tourist trains, contact Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing at phone: 181 3962 2233 (Add as friend for free: detailed itinerary and train introduction).
