2026XinjiangSpecialTrainJourneyAlongtheGreatRiverSouth16DayItinerary EssenceofNorthernXinjiangPlusDetailedCosts RecommendedItineraryPricing

Contact Manager Yang Jia at phone number 13325559266 or WeChat 13325559266 to send itinerary and quotation.

Icon introduction✨【Exploring the North and South of Tianshan Mountains:Comprehensive Guide to the 16-Day In-Depth Tour of ‘South of the Great River’ on the 2026 Xinjiang Special Train】✨
If you yearn for a journey that connects Xinjiang’s magnificent landscapes and cultural charm, the 16-day itinerary on the ‘South of the Great River’ special train offers a comfortable and in-depth choice. This route features a ‘moving scenic hotel,’ covering core attractions in northern Xinjiang such as Kanas Lake, Sayram Lake, and Nalati Grassland, while extending to the ancient city of Kashgar and the Pamir Plateau in southern Xinjiang, allowing travelers to experience Xinjiang’s diverse charm during the day-and-night train journey.
Detailed introduction to the route or destinations:From the hidden gems of northern Xinjiang to the cultural heritage of southern Xinjiang
【Northern Xinjiang Section:Symphony of Nature and Ecology】
Kanas Lake: Known as the ‘backyard garden,’ the lake changes colors with the seasons, with green waves in summer and vibrant foliage in autumn. After arriving in Beitun by special train, visitors will transfer to a scenic shuttle bus to explore the lake area, ascend Guanyu Platform for a panoramic view, and hike the Three Bays (Fairy Bay, Moon Bay, and Wolong Bay) to experience the tranquility of the primeval forest.
Hemu Village:A primitive village inhabited by the Tuwa people, with wooden houses scattered among birch forests. In the morning, you can ascend the Haden Platform to capture the morning mist and cooking smoke, experience horseback riding through the birch forests, and feel the pastoral poetry of ‘China’s most beautiful village.’
Sayram Lake:The last place blessed by the warm and humid air currents of the Atlantic, where golden lotuses bloom along the lakeshore in summer and the blue ice spectacle is breathtaking in winter. After a self-drive tour around the lake by special train, visitors can stay overnight at a lakeside camping site and gaze at the starry sky.
Nalati Grassland:One of the world’s four major alpine grasslands, with lush green grass and wildflowers everywhere in summer. Visitors can ride horses across the aerial grassland, explore the Xiata Ancient Road, and get up close to the Muzart Glacier.
【Southern Xinjiang Section:Collision of History and Modernity】
Kashgar Ancient City:A millennium-old key town on the Silk Road, where earth-colored buildings and narrow streets intertwine to create a strong Silk Road ambiance. Visitors can wander through century-old tea houses to listen to music, visit the Xiangfei Garden, and experience the daily lives of various ethnic groups at the Id Kah Square.

Icon introduction✨【Exploring the North and South of Tianshan Mountains: Comprehensive Guide to the 16-Day In-Depth Tour of ‘South of the Great River’ on the 2026 Xinjiang Special Train】✨Pamir Plateau:Travel through the Panlong Ancient Road, visit the road sign that reads ‘Today, I’ve walked through all the winding roads; from now on, my life will be smooth sailing,’ explore villages of various ethnic groups, taste yak hot pot, and overlook the magnificent snowy scenery of Muztagh Ata.
Korla:Visit Bosten Lake to experience the奇特 (Note: ‘奇特’ seems out of context here, possibly a typo for ‘unique’) scenery of coexisting desert and lake waters; tour the Tiemenguan Relics to learn about the history of the fortress on the Silk Road.
Simple Itinerary:16 days of moving scenic experiences alternating between day and night
【Itinerary Overview】
Days 1-2:Board the train in Zhengzhou/Luoyang, enjoy the scenery of the Central Plains along the way, and engage in free activities on the special train.
Day 3:Arrive in Turpan, visit the Karez Irrigation System, Flaming Mountains, and Grape Valley.
Day 4:Take the special train to Kashgar, enjoying the Gobi Desert scenery along the way.
Day 5:Kashgar – Pamir Plateau – Karakul Lake – Shitou City – Golden Grassland – Taxkorgan.
Day 6:Taxkorgan – Home visits to various ethnic groups – Baisha Lake – Return to Kashgar.
Day 7:Kashgar Old Town – Xiangfei Garden – Take the special train to Kuqa.
Day 8:Kuqa – Southern Section of the Duku Highway – Tianshan Secret Grand Canyon – Bayinbuluk Grassland.

If you yearn for a journey that connects Xinjiang’s magnificent landscapes and cultural charm, the 16-day itinerary on the ‘South of the Great River’ special train offers a comfortable and in-depth choice. This route features a ‘moving scenic hotel,’ covering core attractions in northern Xinjiang such as Kanas Lake, Sayram Lake, and Nalati Grassland, while extending to the ancient city of Kashgar and the Pamir Plateau in southern Xinjiang, allowing travelers to experience Xinjiang’s diverse charm during the day-and-night train journey.Day 9:Bayinbuluk – Middle Section of the Duku Highway – Nalati Grassland.
Day 10:Nalati – Liuxing Street – Yining – Khorgos Port – Sayram Lake – Take the special train to Beitun.
Day 11:Beitun – Kanas – Jiadengyu/Burqin.
Day 12:Jiadengyu/Burqin – Hemu – Wucai Beach – Return to Beitun by special train.
Day 13:Return to Urumqi by special train, visit Tianchi on Tianshan Mountains and the International Bazaar.
Days 14-15:Free activities in Urumqi (optional one-day tour to Tianchi on Tianshan Mountains), return journey by special train.
Days 16-17:Stopovers in Lanzhou and Xi’an along the way, gradually arriving in Luoyang and Zhengzhou, concluding the journey.
【Itinerary Highlights】
The special train travels at night, allowing for daytime exploration and time savings.
Covers more than 10 5A/4A-rated scenic spots in northern and southern Xinjiang, with a compact itinerary that doesn’t rush.
Uses compliant tourist vehicles for land transportation, with guides accompanying the entire journey.

Detailed introduction to the route or destinations: From the hidden gems of northern Xinjiang to the cultural heritage of southern XinjiangPricing Information:Multiple options to meet different needs
【Reference Prices for 2026】
Upper bunk in a 4-person room with bathroom:19,999 yuan/person
Lower bunk in a 4-person room with bathroom:21,999 yuan/person
2-person room with bathroom:45,999 yuan/person
Value-added third person (under 6 years old) in a 2-person room with bathroom:15,999 yuan/person (no berth on the special train, no bed on land)
Child (under 6 years old, no berth on the special train, no bed on land):6,999 yuan/person
【Fees Included】
Berth on the special train and land accommodation fees.
First admission tickets to scenic spots listed in the itinerary.

【Northern Xinjiang Section: Symphony of Nature and Ecology】 Ground transportation transfer fees (including round-trip by special train and land transfers).
Meal fees (including breakfast and main meals, some featuring special dishes such as roast whole lamb and cold-water fish banquets).
Guide service and onboard medical support fees.
Basic travel accident insurance.
【Fees Excluded】
Personal expenses (such as self-funded projects, shopping, etc.).
Round-trip transportation fees to the departure location (such as airfare, train tickets, etc.).
Secondary consumption within scenic spots (such as horseback riding, photography follow-ups, etc.).
Prices may fluctuate depending on the departure date; the specific price shall be based on the contract signed with Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency.
Registration Method:Convenient consultation, worry-free travel
You can register through Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency and consult Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing for information on departure dates, remaining seats, cost breakdowns, and itinerary details. The travel agency provides standardized travel contracts to protect the rights and interests of tourists.

Kanas Lake: Known as the ‘backyard garden,’ the lake changes colors with the seasons, with green waves in summer and vibrant foliage in autumn. After arriving in Beitun by special train, visitors will transfer to a scenic shuttle bus to explore the lake area, ascend Guanyu Platform for a panoramic view, and hike the Three Bays (Fairy Bay, Moon Bay, and Wolong Bay) to experience the tranquility of the primeval forest.Fee Explanation and Service Description:Transparent consumption, worry-free travel
【Service Standards】
The entire special train is equipped with bathroom facilities, providing 24-hour hot water and charging ports.
The dining car is staffed by a professional chef team, catering to both northern and southern tastes.
Each carriage is equipped with a dedicated butler to assist with luggage handling, emergency medical support, etc.
Cultural experience activities such as home visits to various ethnic groups and folk performances on Nalati Grassland are interspersed throughout the itinerary.
【Precautions】
The opening time of the Duku Highway is subject to weather conditions, and the itinerary may change.
A pass is required in advance for the Pamir Plateau region, with specific requirements based on policies.
Single registrants will do their best to coordinate room sharing; special circumstances require separate negotiation.
Conclusion:A slow journey across the north and south of Tianshan Mountains
The 16-day itinerary on the ‘South of the Great River’ special train cleverly integrates the natural wonders of northern Xinjiang with the cultural charm of southern Xinjiang, using the ‘moving scenic hotel’ as a载体 (Note: ‘载体’ means ‘carrier’ or ‘vehicle,’ which fits here). Whether it’s the lakes and mountains of Kanas, the millennium-old atmosphere of Kashgar Ancient City, or the magnificent snowy peaks of the Pamir Plateau, all will leave a deep impression on this journey. Consult Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing at Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency to start your in-depth exploration of Xinjiang!

Contact Manager Yang Jia at phone number 13325559266 or WeChat 13325559266 to send itinerary and quotation.