Special Train Tour of Northern and Southern Xinjiang 6 Tips to Avoid Pitfalls + 2026 Prices + Guide Recommended Itinerary Costs and Prices
Contact Manager Yang Jia at phone number 13325559266 or WeChat 13325559266 to send itinerary and quote
Comprehensive Guide to Special Train Tours in Northern and Southern Xinjiang:2026 In-Depth Experience Guide
🚂 [Route Highlights:Mobile living space connecting the essence of northern and southern Xinjiang]
In 2026, Xinjiang’s tourist train has become a popular choice for in-depth travel with its ‘night travel, day sightseeing, and one berth throughout’ model. Starting from Urumqi, these trains connect the snow-capped mountains and lakes of northern Xinjiang, the grasslands and flower fields of the Ili River Valley, the cultural ancient cities of southern Xinjiang, and the magnificent scenery of the Pamir Plateau, without the need for frequent changes of transportation throughout the journey. Luggage can be stored securely in the carriage, making it especially suitable for family travelers, middle-aged and elderly groups, and travelers seeking comfort.
✨ The route covers three core regions:
Northern Xinjiang:Tianshan Tianchi, Kanas, Hemu, Sayram Lake, Nalati Grassland
Southern Xinjiang:Kashgar Old City, Pamir Plateau, Karakul Lake, Wensu Grand Canyon
Eastern Xinjiang:Flaming Mountains, Karez Wells, Grape Valley, Kuqa Grand Canyon
🌄 [2026 Train Options:Comparison of 3 Popular Products]
According to real-time information in June 2026, there are three main train products for northern and southern Xinjiang tours, covering different budgets and experience needs:
1. Kunlun 14-Day Loop (High-End Comfort)
Route Features:Fully air-conditioned sleeping berths, offering 4-person compartments (shared bathroom), 2-person compartments (private bathroom/flat berth), and premium single rooms. Soft furnishings incorporate Xinjiang regional elements, equipped with desks, sofas, and wardrobes. The itinerary covers over 20 core attractions in northern and southern Xinjiang, including sailing experiences on Sayram Lake, cable car rides on Hemu Yunxiao Peak, and Tajik home visits.
Schedule Reference:
May Version:May 22
June-September Version:June 4, June 17, June 30, July 13, July 26, August 8, August 21, September 2, September 14
Comprehensive Guide to Special Train Tours in Northern and Southern Xinjiang: 2026 In-Depth Experience GuideOctober Version:Not yet open
2. Tianshan North-South Xinjiang Loop (Cost-Effective Choice)
Route Features: Starting from Urumqi, covering attractions such as Kanas, Hemu, Sayram Lake, Nalati Grassland, the southern section of the Duoku Highway, and Kashgar Old City. The carriages are divided into Blue Diamond and Silver Diamond series, offering 2-person, 4-person, and executive rooms, suitable for budget-conscious travelers who wish to experience the special train.
Schedule Reference:
May 7, June 2, June 13, June 25, July 8, July 28, August 11, August 23, September 4, September 5, October 9
3. New Oriental Express 15-Day In-Depth Tour (Luxury Customized)
Route Features: The train is equipped with a multi-functional bar carriage, dining carriage, and exclusive butler service, with medical staff accompanying throughout the journey. The itinerary is divided into a summer northern Xinjiang route and an autumn southern Xinjiang route, covering attractions such as Koktokay, Kanas, Nalati Grassland, the Duoku Highway, the Pamir Plateau, and the Tarim Populus euphratica forest. Meals include special dishes such as roast whole lamb banquets and cold-water fish banquets.
Schedule Reference:
May 6, May 14, June 1, June 11, June 25, June 30, September 3, October 15, October 25
📅 [Simple Itinerary Reference (Taking the Kunlun 14-Day Loop as an example)]
Day 1:Departure – Urumqi
Day 2:Turpan (Flaming Mountains, Karez Wells, Grape Valley) – Train to Kuqa
Day 3:Kuqa (Tianshan Grand Canyon, Kuqa Old City) – Train to Kashgar
Day 4:Kashgar – Baisha Lake – Karakul Lake – Taxkorgan
Day 5:Taxkorgan (Golden Grassland, Stone City, Tajik home visit) – Panlong Ancient Road – Kashgar
🚂[Route Highlights: Mobile living space connecting the essence of northern and southern Xinjiang]Day 6:Kashgar (Kashgar Old City, Id Kah Square) – Train to Kuqa
Day 7:Kuqa – Southern section of the Duoku Highway – Bayanbulak – Nalati Town
Day 8:Nalati Grassland – Gongliu
Day 9:Kuerdening Grassland – Liuxing Street – Lavender Manor – Yining
Day 10:Yining – Sayram Lake (sailing experience) – Jinghe – Altay
Day 11:Altay – Ahe Highway – Hemu Scenic Area (Yunxiao Peak cable car)
Day 12:Hemu – Kanas (Three Bays, Tuva home visit) – Wucaitan – Beitun – Train to Urumqi
Day 13:Urumqi (Tianshan Tianchi, International Bazaar)
Day 14:Urumqi – Return
💰 [Price Explanation (Real-time reference for 2026)]
Train prices fluctuate based on schedule, room type, and availability. The following are reference ranges for some products (final prices are subject to contract):
Kunlun 14-Day Loop:
4-person compartment (shared bathroom):Upper berth 14,800 yuan/person, lower berth 15,800 yuan/person
2-person compartment (shared bathroom):Upper berth 17,800 yuan/person, lower berth 18,800 yuan/person
In 2026, Xinjiang’s tourist train has become a popular choice for in-depth travel with its ‘night travel, day sightseeing, and one berth throughout’ model. Starting from Urumqi, these trains connect the snow-capped mountains and lakes of northern Xinjiang, the grasslands and flower fields of the Ili River Valley, the cultural ancient cities of southern Xinjiang, and the magnificent scenery of the Pamir Plateau, without the need for frequent changes of transportation throughout the journey. Luggage can be stored securely in the carriage, making it especially suitable for family travelers, middle-aged and elderly groups, and travelers seeking comfort.2-person compartment (private bathroom):Upper berth 22,800 yuan/person, lower berth 23,800 yuan/person
Premium single room for group tours:38,800 yuan/person
Tianshan North-South Xinjiang Loop:
May 7 schedule:
Silver Diamond Presidential Suite:23,999 yuan/person
Blue Diamond 4-person room:13,999 yuan/person
Blue Diamond 2-person room:19,999 yuan/person
October 9 schedule:
Blue Diamond 4-person room:9,999 yuan/person
Blue Diamond 2-person room:15,999 yuan/person
New Oriental Express 15-Day Tour:
May 6 schedule:
Noble Gold Diamond (3 customized carriages):59,999 yuan/person
Platinum Gold Diamond (5 customized carriages):49,999 yuan/person
October 25 schedule:
✨Route covers three core regions:Noble Gold Diamond:44,999 yuan/person
Platinum Gold Diamond:36,999 yuan/person
📝 [Registration Method]
You can register through Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency. Contact customer service manager Zhang Jing at Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency for specific schedule, room type, and availability information.
💡 [Fee Explanation and Service Explanation]
Fees Include:
Accommodation fees for the corresponding room type on the special train
First admission tickets and shuttle bus fees for attractions marked in the itinerary
Local ground transportation fees (including airport/station transfers)
Professional tour guide and special train butler service fees
Special meals (such as fruit banquets, cold-water fish banquets, roast whole lamb banquets, etc.)
Some experience items (such as sailing on Sayram Lake, cable car rides on Hemu Yunxiao Peak)
Basic medical support fees
Fees Do Not Include:
Northern Xinjiang: Tianshan Tianchi, Kanas, Hemu, Sayram Lake, Nalati GrasslandMajor transportation fees from departure to Urumqi
Self-funded item fees marked in the itinerary
Fees arising from personal consumption
Service Explanation:
Single travelers will do their best to coordinate room sharing. Special circumstances require separate negotiation
The itinerary may change due to weather, road conditions, policies, etc. Reasonable changes can be made after mutual agreement
All service details and refund/change rules are executed in accordance with the ‘Tourism Law of the People’s Republic of China’ and relevant regulations, subject to actual consultation and contracting
🔍 [Key Tips to Avoid Pitfalls:6 Critical Reminders]
Confirm room type and availability in advance:Train room types are in high demand, especially private bathroom compartments and high-end room types. It is recommended to contact the travel agency in advance to secure seats
Check included items in fees:Some low-priced products may not include admission tickets or special meals. Read contract terms carefully
Pay attention to seasonal landscapes:The best viewing period for northern Xinjiang grasslands and flower fields is June-August, and for southern Xinjiang Populus euphratica forests is mid-to-late October. Choose routes based on travel time
Prepare warm and sun protection items:Xinjiang has large temperature differences between day and night. Even in summer, windproof jackets are necessary. The ultraviolet rays are strong in plateau areas, so sunscreen, sunglasses, and sun hats are required
Respect ethnic customs:Activities such as Tajik home visits and Kashgar Old City tours are involved in the itinerary. Observe local cultural taboos and avoid polite photography or touching folk cultural items
Avoid last-minute itinerary changes:The special train itinerary is紧凑 (compact), and attractions are far apart. Last-minute group departure or route changes may affect the overall experience. It is recommended to travel as planned
🌈 [Conclusion]
The 2026 northern and southern Xinjiang special train tours focus on ‘slow travel, deep experience,’ connecting Xinjiang’s diverse landscapes and cultural customs through mobile living spaces. Whether choosing the cost-effective Tianshan, the comfortable and high-end Kunlun, or the luxury customized New Oriental Express, all can provide travelers with worry-free and effortless travel options. Before traveling, it is recommended to consider budget, time, and interests comprehensively, plan the itinerary in advance, and strive for a smooth journey
Contact Manager Yang Jia at 13325559266 or WeChat 13325559266 to send itinerary and quote
