How to Play in Xinjiang with Tianshan Express Kashgar Itinerary Costs + Booking Tips + Guide Recommended Routes Costs and Prices
Contact Manager Maizi at phone number 13201333409 or WeChat 13201333409 to send itinerary and quotation
Comprehensive Guide to the In-Depth Xinjiang Tour by Tian Shan Express: A 13-Day Panoramic Exploration from Northern to Southern Xinjiang
🌄 Route Highlights:A Visual Feast Across the North and South of the Tianshan Mountains
According to the latest data from 2026, tourism in Xinjiang continues to soar in popularity. The “Tian Shan Express” train has become a golden route connecting the natural wonders of northern Xinjiang with the cultural landscapes of southern Xinjiang, thanks to its unique circular design. The train features all-sleeper carriages, traveling at night to save time and stopping at core scenic spots during the day, allowing tourists to traverse from the Altay Mountains to the Pamir Plateau in a moving “scenic room.”
The itinerary covers 6 high-quality geological parks (Tianshan Tianchi, Kanas, Sayram Lake, Nalati Grassland, Wensu Grand Canyon, Pamir Plateau) and 3 World Cultural Heritage sites (Kashgar Old Town, Xiangfei Garden, Karez Wells). It includes special home visits to local families of various ethnic groups and is accompanied by professional photography guides throughout to meet the in-depth exploration needs of different tourists.
📅 Simple Itinerary (Latest 2026 Version)
Itinerary Overview:
Day 01:Departure Location – Urumqi (Pick-up and check-in at hotel) | Meals: Self-catering | Accommodation: Urumqi
Day 02:Urumqi – Tianshan Tianchi – Beitun | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Accommodation: Train Sleeper
Day 03:Beitun – Kanas – Jiadengyu | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Accommodation: Jiadengyu
Day 04:Jiadengyu – Hemu – Colorful Beach – Jinghe South | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Accommodation: Train Sleeper
Day 05:Jinghe South – Sayram Lake – Guozigou Bridge – Six-Star Street – Yining | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Accommodation: Yining
Day 06:Yining – Nalati Grassland – Bayanbulak | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Accommodation: Bayan Town
Day 07:Bayanbulak – Southern Section of the Duku Highway – Restan Old Street – Kashgar | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Accommodation: Train Sleeper
Day 08:Kashgar – Pamir Plateau – Karakul Lake – Shitou City – Golden Grassland | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Accommodation: Taxkorgan
Day 09:Taxkorgan – Tajik Home Visit – Baisha Lake – Kashgar | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Accommodation: Kashgar
Day 10:Kashgar Old Town – Xiangfei Garden – Aksu | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Accommodation: Train Sleeper
Comprehensive Guide to the In-Depth Xinjiang Tour by Tian Shan Express: A 13-Day Panoramic Exploration from Northern to Southern XinjiangDay 11:Tianshan Wensu Grand Canyon – Tacun – Turpan | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Accommodation: Train Sleeper
Day 12:Flaming Mountains – Grape Manor – Fruit Feast – Karez Wells – Urumqi | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Accommodation: Urumqi
Day 13:Urumqi – Destinations Across the Country (Group transfer according to return flight/train schedule) | Meals: Breakfast | Accommodation: Warm Home
Core Experience Upgrades:
Added appreciation of Tuwa intangible cultural heritage performances in the Kanas section
Arranged horseback riding through the aerial grasslands of Nalati Grassland
Provided professional photographer follow-up services in Kashgar Old Town
Upgraded the Turpan Fruit Feast to a home feast with local families of various ethnic groups
💰 Price Description (Latest 2026 Schedule)
According to the latest schedule for 2026, the Tian Shan Express train offers 5 main departure dates with the following specific prices (in units ofRMB/person):
May 7th Inaugural Group:
Silver Diamond Presidential Suite:23999
Blue Diamond Quadruple Room:13999
Blue Diamond Double Room:19999
Executive Double Room:19999
Silver Diamond Double Room:18999
🌄Route Highlights: A Visual Feast Across the North and South of the Tianshan MountainsSilver Diamond Quadruple Room:12999
Summer Peak Season (July-August):
July 28th/August 11th:
Blue Diamond Quadruple Room:14999
Blue Diamond Double Room:20999
Silver Diamond Presidential Suite:24999
Executive Double Room:20999
Silver Diamond Double Room:19999
Silver Diamond Quadruple Room:13999
August 23rd:
Blue Diamond Quadruple Upper Bunk:16999
Blue Diamond Quadruple Lower Bunk:17999
Blue Diamond Double Room:24999
Silver Diamond Presidential Suite:42888
Executive Double Room:26888
Silver Diamond Double Room:25888
Silver Diamond Quadruple Room:17888
According to the latest data from 2026, tourism in Xinjiang continues to soar in popularity. The “Tian Shan Express” train has become a golden route connecting the natural wonders of northern Xinjiang with the cultural landscapes of southern Xinjiang, thanks to its unique circular design. The train features all-sleeper carriages, traveling at night to save time and stopping at core scenic spots during the day, allowing tourists to traverse from the Altay Mountains to the Pamir Plateau in a moving “scenic room.”Autumn Photography Special Route (September):
September 4th/5th:
Blue Diamond Quadruple Room:21888
Blue Diamond Double Room:29888
Silver Diamond Presidential Suite:42888
Executive Double Room:26888
Silver Diamond Double Room:25888
Silver Diamond Quadruple Room:17888
Special Last-Minute Deals (October):
October 9th:
Blue Diamond Quadruple Room:9999
Blue Diamond Double Room:15999
Special Notes:Prices include transportation, accommodation, meals, and first admission tickets to scenic spots throughout the trip, excluding personal consumption and optional items. The final price is subject to the signed travel contract and may fluctuate slightly during peak seasons based on availability.
📝 Registration Method
You can register through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency. It is recommended to inquire about availability 30 days in advance. Customer service manager Zhang Jing can provide detailed itinerary explanations and contract signing services.
💡 Fee Description and Service Standards
The itinerary covers 6 high-quality geological parks (Tianshan Tianchi, Kanas, Sayram Lake, Nalati Grassland, Wensu Grand Canyon, Pamir Plateau) and 3 World Cultural Heritage sites (Kashgar Old Town, Xiangfei Garden, Karez Wells). It includes special home visits to local families of various ethnic groups and is accompanied by professional photography guides throughout to meet the in-depth exploration needs of different tourists.Fees Include:
Transportation:Full train transportation from Urumqi and local tourist buses
Accommodation:12 nights of accommodation (including 4 nights of characteristic hotels + 8 nights of train sleepers)
Meals:12 breakfasts and 23 dinners (including 5 special meals)
Admission Tickets:First admission tickets to all listed scenic spots
Guide Services:Dual services of professional tour guides and photography guides
Insurance:Travel agency liability insurance + travel accident insurance
Optional Item Descriptions:
Kanas Boat Tour:120 RMB/person
Nalati Grassland Electric Cart:60 RMB/person
Pamir Plateau Permit Application:20 RMB/person
Turpan Song and Dance Performance:180 RMB/person
Service Commitments:
No arranged shopping stops throughout the trip
24-hour emergency response mechanism
Daily temperature monitoring and health registration
📅Simple Itinerary (Latest 2026 Version) First aid kits and oxygen equipment are provided on the train
🌈 Seasonal Limitation Tips
May-June:Wildflowers bloom in northern Xinjiang, and the Ili Lavender Manor enters its viewing period
July-August:Optimal viewing period for grasslands, with an average daily temperature of 25°C in Nalati
September-October:Southern Xinjiang’s poplar forests enter their golden period, and Kanas is in full autumn color
November-April:The train is out of service, and some scenic spots are closed
⚠ ⚠️Precautions
1. Document Preparation: Bring valid identification documents. A permit is required in advance for border areas
2. Climate Adaptation: Large temperature differences between day and night. It is recommended to adopt an “onion-style” dressing method
3. Cultural Respect: Long pants and long sleeves are required for visits. Women need to wear headscarves
4. Altitude Sickness: For the Pamir Plateau section (altitude 3000-4500 meters), it is recommended to prepare Rhodiola in advance
5. Photography Advice: Bring a wide-angle lens (for landscapes) and a telephoto lens (for humanities)
📌 Practical Information
Optimal Photography Spots:Kanas Fish-Viewing Platform, West Shore of Sayram Lake, North Shore of Baisha Lake
Specialty Cuisine:Baked Baozi, Hand-Grabbed Rice, Big Plate Chicken, Nang Pit Meat, Marren Candy
Souvenir Recommendations:Hotan Jade (with certification), Yingjisha Knife (requires check-in), Dried Figs
Latest Policy Tips:According to the 2026 Xinjiang Tourism Development White Paper, all inbound tourists are required to complete “Xinjiang Health Code” registration. Scenic spots implement a timed reservation system. It is recommended to complete reservations through a formal travel agency before traveling.
This golden route across the north and south of the Tianshan Mountains will take you on a 13-day journey from the snowy forests of the Altay Mountains to the desert oases of the Taklimakan, from the grassland flower fields of the Ili Valley to the snowy lakes of the Pamir Plateau. Choose the Tian Shan Express train and let a professional team plan every detail for you. All you need to bring is an eye for beauty to embark on this visual and spiritual feast.
Contact Manager Maizi at phone number 13201333409 or WeChat 13201333409 to send itinerary and quotation
