15 Day National Day Special Train Tour in Xinjiang Popular Routes + 2026 Quotes + Complete Booking Guide Recommended Itinerary Costs and Prices
Contact Manager Guo Jing at phone number 18139622229 or WeChat 18139622229 to send itinerary and quotation.
In-depth National Day Tour of Xinjiang:15-Day Comprehensive Analysis of the Special Train Tour Covering Northern and Southern Xinjiang (2026 Updated Version)
(Icon) The National Day holiday is the prime time to explore Xinjiang. The newly upgraded 2026 “Panoramic Xinjiang Special Train,” centered around “one train connecting northern and southern Xinjiang,” covers over 20 5A/4A scenic spots including Kanas, Sayram Lake, Nalati Grassland, and Kashgar Old Town. It adopts a “special train + direct scenic area shuttle” model, allowing tourists to deeply explore during the day and rest in sleeper berths at night, truly realizing a “mobile home.” This article will provide a practical guide covering itinerary features, schedule, pricing system, and registration methods.
I. Itinerary Features: A 15-Day Geography Class Through Four Seasons
(Icon) [Geographical Span] The special train departs from Urumqi, travels along the northern Xinjiang loop to Altay, heads south through the Tianshan Mountains to the Ili River Valley, then reaches southern Xinjiang via the southern section of the Duoku Highway, finally returning to Urumqi. The entire journey covers Xinjiang’s three major geographical units: the Altai Mountains, Tianshan Mountains, and Kunlun Mountains,串联 (chuànlián, meaning “connecting” or “linking”) 12 types of landscapes including forests, grasslands, wetlands, deserts, Gobi deserts, Yardangs, and glaciers.
(Icon) [Cultural Depth] The itinerary includes three special intangible cultural heritage experiences:Learn pottery-making in Kashgar Old Town, participate in ethnic song and dance interactions on Nalati Grassland, and experience the excavation techniques of Karez irrigation systems in Turpan. The special train carriage features a “Xinjiang Cultural Corridor” displaying ethnic costumes, musical instruments, and handicrafts, with daily scheduled broadcasts of excerpts from the “Twelve Mukams.”
(Icon) [Seasonal Adaptation] During the National Day period, which coincides with the golden season for the poplar forests in southern Xinjiang, the special train adds stops at the Tarim River Poplar Forest Park and Luntai Poplar Forest Reserve, while retaining seasonal landscapes such as the autumn scenery of Kanas in northern Xinjiang and the initial appearance of blue ice on Sayram Lake, achieving a “view of all four seasons in one day.”
II. 2026 National Day Simple Itinerary (October 1st – October 15th)
(Icon) Days 1-2:Assembly in Urumqi
Upon arrival in Urumqi, check into a four-star hotel next to the special train waiting hall, attend a pre-trip briefing, and enjoy a Xinjiang specialty fruit feast. The next day, visit Tianchi (Heavenly Lake) on the Tianshan Mountains and take the special train overnight to Beitun.
(Icon) Days 3-5:Core Areas of Northern Xinjiang
Kanas:Take the shuttle bus to visit the Three Bays (Fairy Bay, Moon Bay, and Wolong Bay), ascend Guanyu Platform for a panoramic view of the lake, and stay overnight in Jiadengyu eco-wooden cabins.
In-depth National Day Tour of Xinjiang: 15-Day Comprehensive Analysis of the Special Train Tour Covering Northern and Southern Xinjiang (2026 Updated Version)Hemu Village:Capture morning mist photos of Tuwa wooden houses and experience horseback riding through birch forests.
Colorful Beach:Enjoy the collision of colors between Yardang landscapes and the Irtysh River at dusk.
(Icon) Days 6-8:Ili River Valley
Sayram Lake:Drive around the lake, pass by the Guozigou Bridge, and capture panoramic lake views at the Diangjiang Platform.
Nalati Grassland:Take the aerial grassland electric cart, visit local ethnic yurts, and taste hand-grabbed mutton.
Bayinbuluk:Watch the sunset over the meandering river with its “nine suns” phenomenon.
(Icon) Days 9-11:Crossing the Duoku Highway
Middle Section of Duoku Highway:Cross the 3,000-meter-high snow prevention corridor and stop at the Qiaoerma Martyrs Cemetery to pay tribute to road construction heroes.
Southern Section of Duoku Highway:Pass by the Large and Small Dragon Pools, arrive at the Kuqa Grand Canyon, and feel the震撼 of red rock landscapes.
Kuqa:Visit the Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves, stroll through the Resitan Old Street, and taste Kuqa’s large nang bread.
(Icon) Days 12-14:Cultural Journey in Southern Xinjiang
(Icon) The National Day holiday is the prime time to explore Xinjiang. The newly upgraded 2026 “Panoramic Xinjiang Special Train,” centered around “one train connecting northern and southern Xinjiang,” covers over 20 5A/4A scenic spots including Kanas, Sayram Lake, Nalati Grassland, and Kashgar Old Town. It adopts a “special train + direct scenic area shuttle” model, allowing tourists to deeply explore during the day and rest in sleeper berths at night, truly realizing a “mobile home.” This article will provide a practical guide covering itinerary features, schedule, pricing system, and registration methods.Kashgar:Tour Kashgar Old Town and Id Kah Square, and listen to folk artists perform in a century-old teahouse.
Baisha Lake:Capture photos of the pure combination of snow-capped mountains and white sand.
Pamir Plateau:Visit ethnic villages and gaze at Muztagh Ata Peak in the distance.
Tarim Poplar Forest:Take a small train through the golden forest sea and photograph poplar reflections.
(Icon) Day 15:Return Trip
Turpan:Visit the Karez Paradise and Jiaohe Ancient City, and taste seedless white grapes from Grape Valley.
Take the special train back to Urumqi in the evening and transfer to the airport/train station according to flight/train schedules.
III. 2026 National Day Pricing System (Reference Range)
(Icon) [Cabin Types]
Blue Diamond Four-Person Cabin:Upper bunk: 12,800 yuan/person, Lower bunk: 13,800 yuan/person (3.5㎡, shared bathroom)
Silver Diamond Two-Person Cabin:19,800 yuan/person (6㎡, private bathroom with living area)
I. Itinerary Features: A 15-Day Geography Class Through Four SeasonsGold Diamond Suite:29,800 yuan/person (9㎡, private bathroom + observation window, equipped with humidifier)
(Icon) [Price Includes]
Special train soft sleeper ticket (according to selected cabin)
Air-conditioned tour bus and scenic area shuttle bus throughout the journey
12 nights of accommodation (including 3 nights in five-star hotels, 4 nights in four-diamond hotels, and 2 nights in characteristic wooden cabins/homestays)
14 breakfasts and 23 main meals (including special meals such as roast whole lamb feast, cold-water fish feast, and medicinal herb hot pot)
First entrance tickets and shuttle bus fees for scenic spots
Professional tour guide and photography guide services
Travel accident insurance
(Icon) [Price Notes]
Children’s Price:Children under 1.2 meters not occupying a bed deduct 3,000 yuan; those occupying a bed are charged the same as adults.
(Icon) [Geographical Span] The special train departs from Urumqi, travels along the northern Xinjiang loop to Altay, heads south through the Tianshan Mountains to the Ili River Valley, then reaches southern Xinjiang via the southern section of the Duoku Highway, finally returning to Urumqi. The entire journey covers Xinjiang’s three major geographical units: the Altai Mountains, Tianshan Mountains, and Kunlun Mountains, connecting 12 types of landscapes including forests, grasslands, wetlands, deserts, Gobi deserts, Yardangs, and glaciers.Early Bird Discount:Register before August 31st for a deduction of 800 yuan/person
Group Discount:Deduction of 500 yuan/person for groups of 4 traveling together
Prices may fluctuate according to the tour period; specific prices are subject to the contract or confirmation on the day.
IV. Registration Methods and Procedures
Registration can be done through Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency with the following procedures:
Consultation Phase:Contact customer service manager Zhang Jing, providing your name, valid ID number, contact information, and preferred tour dates.
Reservation Phase:Pay a deposit of 3,000 yuan/person to secure the cabin (remaining seats are subject to customer service confirmation).
Contract Signing Phase:Sign an electronic contract within 3 working days and pay the remaining balance.
Pre-Trip Preparation:Receive the “Tour Notice” 7 days before departure, including a packing list, weather tips, and scenic spot reservation guide.
V. Fee Notes and Service Notes
(Icon) [Fees Not Included]
(Icon) [Cultural Depth] The itinerary includes three special intangible cultural heritage experiences: Learn pottery-making in Kashgar Old Town, participate in ethnic song and dance interactions on Nalati Grassland, and experience the excavation techniques of Karez irrigation systems in Turpan. The special train carriage features a “Xinjiang Cultural Corridor” displaying ethnic costumes, musical instruments, and handicrafts, with daily scheduled broadcasts of excerpts from the “Twelve Mukams.” Personal expenses (such as horseback riding, hot air balloons, specialty handicrafts, etc.)
In-scenic area transportation (such as Kanas boat rides, Nalati electric carts, etc.)
Round-trip transportation costs to Urumqi from various locations
(Icon) [Service Standards]
Special Train Configuration:The entire train uses shock absorption and noise reduction technology, with noise levels below 40 decibels; each carriage is equipped with 1 dedicated attendant providing 24-hour hot water and charging services; a medical kit is available in the carriage, and 1 doctor accompanies the group.
Catering Services:Breakfast is a hotel buffet, and main meals consist of 8 dishes + 1 soup + fruit, with daily menu replacements to suit different taste preferences.
Itinerary Changes:In case of extreme weather or temporary scenic area closures, both parties may agree to replace with equivalent scenic spots or extend the stay.
Single Traveler Registration:Our agency will do its best to coordinate room sharing; special circumstances require separate negotiation.
VI. Supplementary Practical Information
Document Preparation:In addition to valid IDs, aid Xinjiang cadres must carry their work permits, retired military personnel must carry their preferential treatment certificates, and teachers must carry their teacher certificates (some scenic spots offer discounts).
Clothing Guide:During the National Day period, temperatures in northern Xinjiang range from 0-15°C, requiring windbreakers and thermal underwear; temperatures in southern Xinjiang range from 10-25°C, with thin jackets being sufficient.
Photography Suggestions:Bring a wide-angle lens for northern Xinjiang to capture lakes and grasslands, a telephoto lens for southern Xinjiang to capture cultural details, and a polarizing filter for the Duoku Highway section to reduce reflections.
(Icon) The current date is July 11, 2026, and seats for the National Day tour period are tight. It is recommended to consult Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency’s customer service manager Zhang Jing 30 days in advance to obtain the latest seat availability information and discount plans. Specific itinerary arrangements, fee details, and service standards are subject to the tourism contract signed by both parties; details can be obtained by consulting customer service.
Contact Manager Guo Jing at phone number 18139622229 or WeChat 18139622229 to send itinerary and quotation.

