2026 Xinjiang Special Train Booking Guide Costs of 5 Popular Special Trains + Detailed Tips to Avoid Pitfalls Recommended Routes and Price Information

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

2026 Ultimate Guide to Booking Xinjiang Special Trains:Unlock In-Depth Play and Cost Analysis of 5 Popular Routes
(Icon) With its unique model of ‘the train follows people, scenic spots stop at stations,’ the Xinjiang Railway Tourism Special Train has become a popular choice for in-depth travel in Xinjiang. In 2026, the Xinjiang Railway Department, in collaboration with multiple travel agencies, will launch several themed special trains covering core attractions in northern and southern Xinjiang, with trip durations ranging from 12 to 19 days to meet the travel needs of different tourists. This article will provide a detailed analysis of the route features, itinerary arrangements, cost breakdowns, and booking methods for the 5 popular special trains, helping you easily plan your Xinjiang trip.
I. Detailed Introduction to Routes and Destinations
(1) 13-Day Tianshan Express Loop through Northern and Southern Xinjiang:A Visual Feast Through All Four Seasons
Route Highlights:Positioned as a ‘mobile four-to-five-star hotel,’ the Tianshan Express is equipped with toilets, 24-hour hot water showers, and high-end Blue Diamond carriages throughout the train, connecting精华 (essential) attractions in northern and southern Xinjiang such as Kanas, Hemu, Wucai Beach, Sayram Lake, Nalati Grassland, Duku Highway, and Kashgar Old Town. The itinerary adopts a ‘night departure, morning arrival’ model, saving accommodation time by traveling at night and stopping for sightseeing during the day, balancing comfort and efficiency.
Core Attractions:Kanas Lake (deep blue waters from June to August, layers of colorful forests in September), Hemu Village (ink-wash painting scene of wooden houses amidst birch forests in morning fog), Sayram Lake (wildflowers blooming along the lakeshore in July, blue ice wonder in winter), Duku Highway (open from June to September, the ‘Heroic Road’ traversing the heart of the Tianshan Mountains), Kashgar Old Town (earthen-yellow building complex where handicraft workshops and century-old teahouses recount Silk Road memories).
(2) 14-Day New Orient Express In-Depth Panoramic Tour of Northern and Southern Xinjiang:High-End Mobile Hotel
Route Highlights:The New Orient Express is a high-end tourism special train crafted by Xinjiang Railway. The newly upgraded third-generation carriage in 2026 combines a ‘hotel’ with a ‘train,’ with all compartments equipped with separate wet and dry bathrooms, solving the challenge of bathing on long-distance trains. The itinerary covers classic attractions such as Heavenly Lake of Tianshan, Kanas, Sayram Lake, Nalati Grassland, Duku Highway, and Kashgar Old Town, and includes special meals like a welcome banquet and roast whole lamb feast.
Core Experiences:Facilities such as a starry sky-themed dining car, bar entertainment car, and observation car meet social and entertainment needs; professional guides provide segmented explanations, and onboard attendants offer butler-style services.
(3) 14-Day Kunlun Express Panoramic Tour:Off-the-Beaten-Path Secret Realms and Cultural Exploration
Route Highlights:The Kunlun Express focuses on ‘in-depth experiences,’ with exclusive arrangements including sailing on Sayram Lake, self-driving on the Ahe Highway (with professional guides), and an in-depth tour of Kuqa Grand Canyon + Restan Old Street. The carriage types are diverse, with 4-person soft sleeper compartments with shared bathrooms offering good value, and 2-person flat sleeper compartments with private bathrooms providing spacious accommodation suitable for elders or those with mobility issues.
Core Attractions:Luntai Populus Euphratica Forest (400,000 mu of poplar forests turning into a golden ocean from late October to early November), Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves (China’s earliest large-scale grotto complex, with remaining murals in the caves witnessing the glory of Buddhist art in the Western Regions), Pamir Plateau (Karakul Lake reflecting snow-capped mountains under Muztagh Ata in July-August).

2026 Ultimate Guide to Booking Xinjiang Special Trains: Unlock In-Depth Play and Cost Analysis of 5 Popular Routes(4) 14-Day Affordable/Luxury Tour of Northern and Southern Xinjiang on the New National Express:High Cost-Effectiveness and Refined Experiences
Route Highlights:The New National Express traverses Xinjiang’s core scenic belts, connecting destinations such as Turpan Flaming Mountains, Hotan Kunlun Canyon, Kashgar Old Town, Baisha Lake, and Nalati Grassland over 14 days. The Affordable version features economic quadruple rooms, suitable for budget-conscious travelers; the Luxury version offers 3 nights in five-star hotels + 4 nights in four-diamond hotels, with one-stop guide services throughout to meet high-quality demands.
Core Experiences:Self-paid items like the Nalati空中 (aerial) grassland battery car and Kanas boat tour enrich the itinerary; the ‘Little Red Hat’ luggage handling service at Urumqi Station enables seamless transfer from carriage to hotel.
(5) 18-Day, 17-Night Panoramic Tour of Northern and Southern Xinjiang on the Xiaoxiang Express:Recommended for Family Travel
Route Highlights:Departing from Guangzhou Baiyun Station, the Xiaoxiang Express has a fixed 17-carriage formation with a capacity of 264 passengers. Each seat is equipped with exclusive services. Room types cover three needs: economic, premium, and high-end. The Yuanxiang Pavilion economic quadruple room offers excellent value, while the Xiaoxiang Mansion high-end family room, equipped with a bathroom and starry sky ceiling, is designed specifically for family travel.
Core Services:All meals included, with daily three meals featuring Xinjiang specialties; 24-hour exclusive butlers, high-quality guides, and onboard medical services ensure worry-free travel.
II. Simple Itinerary Arrangement (Taking the 13-Day Tianshan Express Loop as an Example)
Day 1:Tourists from all over the country arrive in Urumqi for assembly, free rest, and acclimatization to the local climate.
Day 2:Visit Heavenly Lake of Tianshan in Urumqi, then board the special train bound for Beitun.
Day 3:Depart from Beitun, pass through Burqin, and take an in-depth tour of the Kanas Scenic Area (including a boat tour), staying overnight in Jiadengyu.
Day 4:Tour the Hemu Scenic Area and Wucai Beach, then board the special train in the evening bound for Jinghe South.
Day 5:Depart from Jinghe, visit the popular Sayram Lake and Yining Six-Star Street, and experience the Ili ambiance.

(Icon) With its unique model of ‘the train follows people, scenic spots stop at stations,’ the Xinjiang Railway Tourism Special Train has become a popular choice for in-depth travel in Xinjiang. In 2026, the Xinjiang Railway Department, in collaboration with multiple travel agencies, will launch several themed special trains covering core attractions in northern and southern Xinjiang, with trip durations ranging from 12 to 19 days to meet the travel needs of different tourists. This article will provide a detailed analysis of the route features, itinerary arrangements, cost breakdowns, and booking methods for the 5 popular special trains, helping you easily plan your Xinjiang trip.Day 6:Visit Nalati Grassland and Bayinbuluk Scenic Area, immersing in the grassland scenery.
Day 7:Traverse the Duku Highway, admire the beauty of the Large and Small Dragon Pools, and take the special train to Southern Xinjiang’s Kashgar.
Day 8:Head to the Pamir Plateau, visiting Karakul Lake, Stone City, and Golden Grassland.
Day 9:Conduct a Tajik folk homestay in Tax County, visit Baisha Lake, and return to Kashgar for rest.
Day 10:Tour Kashgar Old Town, Xiangfei Garden, and its special features, then take the special train to Aksu.
Day 11:Explore the Tianshan Wensu Grand Canyon and the popular Tara Village, then take the special train to Turpan.
Day 12:Visit the Flaming Mountains and Grape Manor, experience the Karez irrigation system, participate in a Uyghur homestay, taste special fruit feasts, and return to Urumqi.
Day 13:Free dispersal in Urumqi, marking the successful conclusion of the Xinjiang loop trip.
III. Price Description (Subject to contract; prices may fluctuate by departure date)
Tianshan Express:
Blue Diamond Quadruple Room:Upper bunk: 16,999 yuan/person, Lower bunk: 17,999 yuan/person; Silver Diamond Double Room: 25,888 yuan/person; Executive Double Room: 26,888 yuan/person.
Departure Dates:June 2, July 8, August 23, September 4.
New Orient Express:

I. Detailed Introduction to Routes and Destinations14-Day In-Depth Panoramic Route of Northern and Southern Xinjiang:Platinum悦 (Pleasure) Gold Diamond: Approximately 56,999-69,999 yuan/person; Noble Gold Diamond: Approximately 69,999-71,999 yuan/person.
Departure Dates:May 6, June 1, September 3, October 15.
Kunlun Express:
4-Person Soft Sleeper Compartment with Shared Bathroom:Approximately 14,800-17,800 yuan/person; 2-Person Soft Sleeper Compartment with Private Bathroom: Approximately 22,800-25,800 yuan/person.
Departure Dates:May 18, June 22, July 11, August 19.
New National Express:
Affordable Version Quadruple Compartment:Upper bunk: 5,980 yuan/person, Lower bunk: 6,980 yuan/person; Luxury Version: 3 nights in five-star hotels + 4 nights in four-diamond hotels: Price requires specific inquiry.
Departure Dates:May 11, June 19, July 2, July 28, September 4.
Xiaoxiang Express:
Yuanxiang Pavilion Economic Quadruple Room:Upper bunk: 17,999 yuan/person, Lower bunk: 19,999 yuan/person; Xiaoxiang Mansion High-End Family Room: Starting from 62,999 yuan/person for 2 occupants.
Departure Dates:May 10, May 30.
IV. Registration Method

(1) 13-Day Tianshan Express Loop through Northern and Southern Xinjiang: A Visual Feast Through All Four SeasonsRegister through Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency. Consult with Zhang Jing, the customer service manager of Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency, to learn about specific departure dates, remaining seats, and itinerary details.
V. Fee Description and Service Description
Fees Include:
Special train seat (according to the selected cabin class)
Air-conditioned tourist vehicles throughout the trip
Hotel accommodations listed in the itinerary (executed according to product standards, such as net-rated four-diamond hotels, characteristic homestays, etc.)
First admission tickets to attractions and interval vehicles (such as Kanas interval vehicle, Nalati aerial grassland battery car, etc.)
Full Chinese-language guide services throughout the trip
Some itineraries include special meals (such as roast whole lamb, fruit feast, etc.)
Travel agency liability insurance
Fees Do Not Include:
Round-trip transportation costs to Urumqi from various locations (airfare/train tickets)

Route Highlights: The Tianshan Express is positioned as a ‘mobile four-to-five-star hotel,’ equipped with toilets, 24-hour hot water showers, and high-end Blue Diamond carriages throughout the train, connecting精华 (essential) attractions in northern and southern Xinjiang such as Kanas, Hemu, Wucai Beach, Sayram Lake, Nalati Grassland, Duku Highway, and Kashgar Old Town. The itinerary adopts a ‘night departure, morning arrival’ model, saving accommodation time by traveling at night and stopping for sightseeing during the day, balancing comfort and efficiency. Personal expenses (such as laundry, beverages, phone calls, etc., in the hotel)
Self-paid items not explicitly listed in the itinerary (such as Kanas boat tour: 280 yuan/person, Nalati aerial grassland battery car: 135 yuan/person, etc.)
Travel accident insurance (recommended to purchase independently)
Service Guarantees:
Before Travel:Establish an exclusive service group and send equipment checklists and precautions.
During Travel:Each vehicle is equipped with a first aid kit and oximeter; a team doctor accompanies high-altitude itineraries; the ‘Little Red Hat’ luggage handling service at Urumqi Station.
After Travel:Handle complaints and suggestions within 48 hours and present a travel souvenir photo album.
VI. Precautions
Document Preparation:Carry valid identification throughout the trip; some attractions require real-name registration (such as wooden house accommodations in the Hemu Scenic Area).
Health Preparations:Xinjiang has large temperature variations between day and night and strong UV radiation. It is recommended to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, moisturizing products, and common medications (such as gastrointestinal medicine, motion sickness medicine, etc.).
Seasonal Suitability:Lavender blooms in May, early autumn scenery is charming in September, and July-August is the peak season but the grasslands are the greenest.
Itinerary Changes:In case of uncontrollable factors such as weather, road conditions, or policies, both parties may reasonably adjust the itinerary by mutual agreement.
Note:For single registrants, efforts will be made to coordinate room-sharing; special circumstances require separate negotiation.
Xinjiang special train tourism offers the core advantages of ‘multiple attractions in one trip, worry-free and effortless.’ In 2026, multiple routes will cover精华 (essential) attractions in northern and southern Xinjiang, meeting the travel needs of different tourists. Before booking, be sure to consult Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency in detail about departure dates, seats, and cost breakdowns, and sign a formal travel contract to protect your travel rights.

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