Travel Guide

How to Play in Xinjiang Special Train Tour for Solo Travelers Complete Guide to Prices for Sunshine Train Solo Participation Recommended Routes Costs and Prices

Contact Manager Maizi at phone number 13201333409 or WeChat 13201333409 to send your itinerary and get a quote

Sunshine Express:Unlock a new solo travel experience in Xinjiang✨
Xinjiang, with its magnificent natural scenery and rich cultural heritage, attracts countless travelers. For solo travelers, efficiently and comfortably exploring Xinjiang can be a major challenge. In 2026, the Sunshine Express offers a unique travel option for solo travelers with its distinctive travel style. This article will provide a detailed introduction to the Sunshine Express’s routes, itineraries, prices, and registration methods to help you easily plan your Xinjiang trip.
Detailed Introduction to Routes or Destinations🌄
The Sunshine Express is a carefully designed round-trip tourist train that connects major tourist cities in Xinjiang, including Urumqi, Beitun, Yining, Turpan, Kuqa, Aksu, and Kashgar. Along this route, travelers can enjoy the scenic views of Tianchi Lake in the Tianshan Mountains, the serene blue waters of Kanas Lake, Sayram Lake known as the “last tear of the Atlantic,” the vast expanse of the Nalati Grassland, and the千年韵味 (thousand-year-old charm) of Kashgar’s ancient city. The train operates on a “travel at night, explore during the day” model, allowing travelers to rest in comfortable sleeping berths at night and explore Xinjiang’s精华 (highlight) attractions with energy during the day.
The Sunshine Express focuses not only on selecting scenic spots but also on enhancing the travel experience. The train is equipped with charging ports, constant temperature air conditioning, and large observation windows, ensuring a comfortable travel environment for passengers. Additionally, the train offers a variety of dining options, including Xinjiang specialties and team meals, to cater to different tastes.
Simple Itinerary🗺️
Below is a simple itinerary for the Sunshine Express. Specific itineraries may vary due to schedule and weather conditions and are subject to actual consultation and contract signing:
Day 1:Departure – Urumqi
Upon arrival in Urumqi, enjoy free time. Travelers can visit the International Bazaar to experience the Silk Road atmosphere and taste local specialties such as baked buns and hand-pulled rice.
How to travel solo on a Xinjiang special train? Everything you need to know about prices for the Sunshine Express solo travel option_Recommended routes, costs, and fees - Image 1
Sunshine Express: Unlock a new solo travel experience in Xinjiang✨Day 2:Urumqi – Tianchi Lake – Beitun
Visit Tianchi Lake in the morning to enjoy the scenic views of snow-capped mountains reflecting on the lake’s surface; take the train to Beitun in the evening and stay overnight on the train.
Day 3:Beitun – Kanas Lake – Jiadengyu
Spend the whole day exploring Kanas Lake, taking a boat tour, hiking the Three Bays, and experiencing the serene beauty of this “picturesque paradise on earth.”
Day 4:Jiadengyu – Hemu Village – Colorful Beach – Jinghe South
In the morning, visit Hemu Village to see the wooden houses and birch forests amidst the morning mist; in the afternoon, explore Colorful Beach to admire the collision of colors between the Yadan landform and the Irtysh River.
Day 5:Jinghe South – Sayram Lake – Guozigou Bridge – Six-Star Street – Yining
In the morning, take a tour around Sayram Lake, known as the “last tear of the Atlantic,” and check in; cross the Guozigou Bridge in the afternoon and stroll through Six-Star Street in Yining in the evening to experience the multi-ethnic cultural fusion.
Day 6:Yining – Nalati Grassland – Bayinbuluk
How to travel solo on a Xinjiang special train? Everything you need to know about prices for the Sunshine Express solo travel option_Recommended routes, costs, and fees - Image 2
Xinjiang, with its magnificent natural scenery and rich cultural heritage, attracts countless travelers. For solo travelers, efficiently and comfortably exploring Xinjiang can be a major challenge. In 2026, the Sunshine Express offers a unique travel option for solo travelers with its distinctive travel style. This article will provide a detailed introduction to the Sunshine Express’s routes, itineraries, prices, and registration methods to help you easily plan your Xinjiang trip.Spend the whole day horseback riding and flower viewing on the Nalati Grassland; in the evening, head to Bayinbuluk to wait for the sunset over the winding river and witness the奇观 (wonder) of the “nine suns.”
Day 7:Bayinbuluk – Southern Section of Duku Highway – Restan Old Street – Kashgar
Travel through the southern section of the Duku Highway, enjoying the panoramic views of canyons, snow-capped mountains, and grasslands along the way; arrive in Kashgar in the evening and stroll through Restan Old Street to experience the ancient city’s vibrant atmosphere.
Day 8:Kashgar – Pamir Plateau – Karakul Lake – Shitou City – Golden Grassland
Venture deep into the Pamir Plateau to visit Karakul Lake and admire the reflection of Muztagh Ata; explore the ruins of Shitou City and watch the sunset over the village from the Golden Grassland in the evening.
Day 9:Taxkorgan – Tajik Home Visit – Baisha Lake – Kashgar
In the morning, visit a Tajik family to experience ethnic costumes and handicrafts; return to Kashgar in the afternoon, passing by Baisha Lake to admire the奇景 (wonder) of “half white sand, half blue water.”
Day 10:Kashgar Old City – Xiangfei Garden – Aksu
Spend the whole day exploring Kashgar Old City and visiting Xiangfei Garden to feel the charm of the “living thousand-year-old ancient city;” take the train to Aksu in the evening.
Day 11:Tianshan Wensu Grand Canyon – Ta Village – Turpan
How to travel solo on a Xinjiang special train? Everything you need to know about prices for the Sunshine Express solo travel option_Recommended routes, costs, and fees - Image 3
Detailed Introduction to Routes or Destinations🌄Visit Wensu Grand Canyon in the morning to see the interweaving of Danxia and Yadan landforms; head to Ta Village in the afternoon to experience local life; arrive in Turpan in the evening.
Day 12:Flaming Mountains – Grape Manor – Fruit Feast – Karez Well – Urumqi
Check in at the Flaming Mountains in the morning to feel the power of the “hottest place on earth;” taste fresh fruits at the Grape Manor in the afternoon and visit the Karez Well to learn about ancient water conservancy wisdom.
Day 13:Urumqi – Various Destinations Across the Country
Transfer to the airport or train station according to flight or train schedules to conclude the journey.
Price Information💰
The prices for the Sunshine Express vary depending on the type of carriage, berth selection, and departure time. Below are the reference price ranges for 2026, with specific prices subject to the contract signed with Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency:
Comfortable Soft Sleeper (4-person compartment):Upper berth: approximately 7,980 yuan/person; Lower berth: approximately 8,980 yuan/person.
Deluxe Soft Sleeper (2-person compartment):Upper berth: approximately 17,800 yuan/person; Lower berth: approximately 18,800 yuan/person.
How to travel solo on a Xinjiang special train? Everything you need to know about prices for the Sunshine Express solo travel option_Recommended routes, costs, and fees - Image 4
The Sunshine Express is a carefully designed round-trip tourist train that connects major tourist cities in Xinjiang, including Urumqi, Beitun, Yining, Turpan, Kuqa, Aksu, and Kashgar. Along this route, travelers can enjoy the scenic views of Tianchi Lake in the Tianshan Mountains, the serene blue waters of Kanas Lake, Sayram Lake known as the “last tear of the Atlantic,” the vast expanse of the Nalati Grassland, and the thousand-year-old charm of Kashgar’s ancient city. The train operates on a “travel at night, explore during the day” model, allowing travelers to rest in comfortable sleeping berths at night and explore Xinjiang’s highlight attractions with energy during the day.Luxury Bathroom Sleeper (2-person compartment):Upper berth: approximately 22,800 yuan/person; Lower berth: approximately 23,800 yuan/person.
Prices include train berths, land accommodations, meals, first admission tickets to attractions, and guide services. Additionally, prices may increase by 10%-20% during peak season (June-August) and require early booking; some carriage types may offer early bird discounts during off-peak season (May, September). For children’s policies, those under 1.2 meters in height are free if not occupying a berth; those between 1.2-1.5 meters receive a half-price discount (with the need to supplement the difference in attraction ticket prices).
Registration Method📞
Solo travelers interested in joining the Sunshine Express can register through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency. For more information about the Sunshine Express and the registration process, consult Zhang Jing, the customer service manager of Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency.
Fee and Service Information📝
Fees Include:
Transportation fees for the entire train journey.
Land accommodation fees (including some characteristic homestays in scenic areas).
Meal fees (including team meals and Xinjiang specialties).
How to travel solo on a Xinjiang special train? Everything you need to know about prices for the Sunshine Express solo travel option_Recommended routes, costs, and fees - Image 5
The Sunshine Express focuses not only on selecting scenic spots but also on enhancing the travel experience. The train is equipped with charging ports, constant temperature air conditioning, and large observation windows, ensuring a comfortable travel environment for passengers. Additionally, the train offers a variety of dining options, including Xinjiang specialties and team meals, to cater to different tastes. First admission tickets to attractions and shuttle bus fees.
Professional guide service fees.
Travel accident insurance fees (coverage of 500,000 yuan/person).

Service Standards:
One certified guide and one life butler are assigned for every 20 travelers.
Medical kits and emergency oxygen equipment are available in the carriages.
Three types of seasonal fruits are provided daily.
Free use of trekking poles and sun-protective ice sleeves.
A professional photography guide is assigned to the group to provide composition guidance services (with three retouched photos gifted).

Specific arrangements are subject to actual consultation and contract signing, and reasonable itinerary changes can be made upon mutual agreement. For solo registrations, Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency will make every effort to coordinate room sharing; special circumstances require separate negotiation.
The Sunshine Express offers solo travelers an excellent opportunity to explore Xinjiang with its unique travel style and rich travel experiences. Whether it’s the magnificent natural scenery or the rich cultural heritage, both will be superbly presented on this journey. Take action now, consult Zhang Jing, the customer service manager of Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency, and embark on your Xinjiang adventure!

Contact Manager Maizi at phone number 13201333409 or WeChat 13201333409 to send your itinerary and get a quote

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