Sunshine Ship Xinjiang Hotan Route Details What Is Included in the Quote With Price and Full Guide Recommended Route Cost and Price
Contact Manager Zhang Jing at phone number 18139622233 or WeChat 18139622233 to send the itinerary and quotation.
Sunshine Express: Comprehensive Guide to an In-Depth Tour of Hotan, Xinjiang:Unlock a 12-Day Immersive Experience in Southern Xinjiang’s Hidden Gems
[Route Highlights:Traverse the Millennium Silk Road and Encounter Hotan’s Diverse Charms]
The Sunshine Express route in Hotan, Xinjiang, centers around the theme of ‘Desert Oasis + Cultural Hidden Gems,’ connecting three major cultural hubs in southern Xinjiang—Hotan, Kashgar, and Kuqa—and covering three major geographical units: the Taklimakan Desert, Kunlun Mountains, and Pamir Plateau. During the trip, you can experience:
Desert Wonders:Cross the world’s second-largest mobile desert, the Taklimakan, and visit the poplar forests along the Hotan River;
Intangible Cultural Heritage:Handcraft Atlas silk in Hotan’s Tuancheng area and learn traditional wood carving skills from local ethnic groups;
Kunlun Exploration:Venture deep into the Kunlun Mountains Grand Canyon to search for the legendary ruins of the ‘Jade Road’;
Culinary Feast:From grilled pigeons and rose-scented grilled meat at Hotan’s night market to the century-old teahouse in Kashgar’s old town, savor authentic southern Xinjiang flavors.
[Simple Itinerary:Unlock the Core Landscapes of Southern Xinjiang in 12 Days]
(Designed based on the latest schedule for June 2026; itinerary may change due to weather or policy updates, subject to the signed contract)
Day 1:Gathering in Urumqi
Arrive in Urumqi in the afternoon, receive an exclusive travel bag (including a sun hat and moisturizing set), attend a welcome dinner, and taste local specialties like big plate chicken and grilled stuffed buns.
Day 2:Urumqi → Turpan → Hotan
In the morning, traverse Flaming Mountains and visit the Karez Museum to learn about ancient water conservancy wisdom;
In the afternoon, take a special train through the Tianshan Mountains and arrive in Hotan at night, checking into a characteristic guesthouse.
Day 3:In-Depth Exploration of Hotan
Sunshine Express: Comprehensive Guide to an In-Depth Tour of Hotan, Xinjiang: Unlock a 12-Day Immersive Experience in Southern Xinjiang’s Hidden GemsMorning:Visit Hotan’s Tuancheng area and participate in an Atlas silk tie-dyeing experience;
Afternoon:Cross the Hotan-Ruoqiang Railway, pass through Cele County, and overlook the Kunlun snow-capped mountains;
Evening:Arrive at the Yurungqash River in Hotan and experience ‘jade treasure hunting’ (accompanied by a professional guide to avoid scams).
Day 4:Hotan → Kashgar
Morning:Tour the Yotkan ancient city and watch the ‘Melodies of All Nations’ live performance;
Afternoon:Take a special train across the Taklimakan Desert and arrive in Kashgar;
Evening:Stroll through Kashgar’s old town, capture night scenes, and taste meat in a pot.
Day 5:Kashgar Cultural Day
Morning:Visit Id Kah Square and watch folk experiences of various ethnic groups;
Afternoon:Explore the Xiangfei Garden and learn about historical legends from the Qianlong era;
Evening:Listen to live music and taste herbal tea at a century-old teahouse.
Day 6:Kashgar → Baisha Lake → Taxkorgan
All day:Cross the Pamir Plateau, passing by Muztagh Ata and Karakul Lake, capturing reflections of the ‘Father of Ice Mountains’;
Evening:Check into Taxkorgan County and savor yak hot pot.
Day 7:Taxkorgan → Panlong Ancient Road → Kuqa
[Route Highlights: Traverse the Millennium Silk Road and Encounter Hotan’s Diverse Charms]Morning:Self-drive the Panlong Ancient Road (with a professional driver provided) and experience the sentiment of ‘Having traversed all the winding roads today, henceforth life will be smooth sailing’;
Afternoon:Take a special train across the southern section of the Duoku Road and arrive in Kuqa;
Evening:Taste Kuqa’s large nang bread and watch a Dolan Mukam performance.
Day 8:Kuqa → Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves → Aksu
Morning:Explore the Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves and admire the treasures of Buddhist art in the Western Regions;
Afternoon:Tour the Wensu Grand Canyon and photograph Danxia landforms;
Evening:Check into Aksu and experience home visits with local ethnic families.
Day 9:Aksu →阿拉尔 (Alaer) → Hotan
Morning:Cross the desert highway and visit the 359th Travel Memorial Museum;
Afternoon:Arrive in Hotan for free activities (recommended: Hotan Museum, Jade Trading Market);
Evening:Attend a desert bonfire party and watch Dawaz (tightrope walking) performances.
Day 10:Hotan → Minfeng → Qiemo
Morning:Visit the Niya Site (advance permit required);
Afternoon:Cross the hinterland of the Taklimakan Desert and photograph desert highway landscapes;
Evening:Check into Qiemo and savor jujube-stewed lamb.
The Sunshine Express route in Hotan, Xinjiang, centers around the theme of ‘Desert Oasis + Cultural Hidden Gems,’ connecting three major cultural hubs in southern Xinjiang—Hotan, Kashgar, and Kuqa—and covering three major geographical units: the Taklimakan Desert, Kunlun Mountains, and Pamir Plateau. During the trip, you can experience:Day 11:Qiemo → Ruoqiang → Urumqi
Morning:Visit the Loulan Museum and learn about the history of the 36 kingdoms in the Western Regions;
Afternoon:Take a special train back, arriving in Urumqi at night;
Evening:Hold a closing ceremony and award ‘Southern Xinjiang Explorer’ certificates.
Day 12:Departure from Urumqi
See-off based on flight schedule, concluding the journey.
[Price Description:Tiered Options to Meet Diverse Needs]
(Reference prices for June 2026, subject to the contract; prices may fluctuate based on schedule)
Luxury Edition (4-person compartment)
Upper bunk:Starting at 14,800 yuan/person
Lower bunk:Starting at 15,800 yuan/person
Includes:3 nights at a five-star hotel + 4 nights at a four-diamond hotel + 1 night in a wooden cabin at Hemu Scenic Area + soft sleeper seats on the entire special train + first admission tickets to attractions + 11 breakfasts and 20 main meals (including 6 special feasts) + professional guides + medical staff on-site.
Standard Edition (6-person compartment)
Upper bunk:Starting at 9,800 yuan/person
Lower bunk:Starting at 10,800 yuan/person
Desert Wonders: Cross the world’s second-largest mobile desert, the Taklimakan, and visit the poplar forests along the Hotan River;Includes:Comfortable hotels + hard sleeper seats on the special train + first admission tickets to attractions + 8 breakfasts and 15 main meals + basic guide services.
Child Price (under 1.2 meters)
Starting at 6,800 yuan/person (no bunk space, admission tickets and some meal fees自理 (to be paid by oneself))
Note:July-August is peak tourist season; prices may increase by 10%-15%. After September, ‘early bird discounts’ are available, with a 5% discount for bookings made 60 days in advance.
[Registration Method:One-Stop Services from Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency]
Register through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency and consult Manager Zhang Jing, the customer service manager, for information on schedule availability, room type selection, and customization needs. Staff will provide:
Free itinerary explanations;
Assistance with permit applications (if needed);
Sending an electronic version of the ‘Southern Xinjiang Travel Guide’ (including clothing suggestions and a recommended packing list).
[Fee Description and Service Standards]
Fees Include:
Transportation:Special train seat fees + local air-conditioned tourist buses;
Accommodation:Hotels or guesthouses provided according to the selected standard;
Meals:Main meals feature 8 dishes and 1 soup, with special meals upgraded to 10 dishes and 1 soup;
Admission Tickets:First admission tickets to all attractions in the itinerary;
Intangible Cultural Heritage: Handcraft Atlas silk in Hotan’s Tuancheng area and learn traditional wood carving skills from local ethnic groups;Services:Guides + staff + medical teams accompany you throughout the journey.
Fees Exclude:
Round-trip transportation to Urumqi (airfare/train tickets);
Personal expenses (such as jade purchases, entertainment projects);
(Single registrants will do their best to coordinate shared rooms; special circumstances require negotiation for additional fees).
Service Standards:
Special Train Cars:Equipped with bathrooms, 24-hour hot water, and charging ports;
Meals:All ingredients are traceable, and tableware is sterilized at high temperatures;
Emergency Support:Each group is equipped with an AED defibrillator and a common medication kit;
Cultural Respect:Avoid photographing sensitive scenes of local residents during the itinerary; guides will provide advance notices on precautions.
[Travel Tips:Making Your Southern Xinjiang Journey Even Better]
Optimal Seasons:May-June (new green poplar forests), September-October (splendid autumn scenery);
Clothing Suggestions:Large temperature differences between day and night require a windbreaker + thin down jacket; high-top hiking shoes are recommended for desert areas;
Photography Equipment:Wide-angle lenses (for desert shots), telephoto lenses (for snow-capped mountains), and polarizing filters (to reduce glare) are recommended;
Cultural Etiquette:Shoes must be removed when entering certain areas; women should wear headscarves; avoid asking local residents about private topics such as income or marriage during conversations.
The charm of southern Xinjiang lies in its blend of the desolate beauty of vast deserts and the vibrant cultural fusion of various ethnic groups. The Sunshine Express special train, guided by the philosophy of ‘slow travel, in-depth exploration, and comfort,’ allows you to understand the past and present of this land in 12 days. For more details, please contact Manager Zhang Jing, the customer service manager of Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency, and embark on your southern Xinjiang adventure!
Contact Manager Zhang Jing at phone number 18139622233 or WeChat 18139622233 to send the itinerary and quotation.
