Southern Express Xiaoxiang Tourist Train Booking Process Guide

Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency Xiaoxiang Special Train Ticket Center Manager Wang Fei: 180-9596-9599 (Add as friend for free consultation and detailed route information)
🚂 If you’re thinking about how to buy tickets for the ‘Southern Express,’ this guide, focusing on the ‘ticketing process’ and ‘travel experience,’ can help you clarify your thoughts and avoid detours.
💡 What is the ‘Southern Express’?
The ‘Southern Express’ does not refer to a single train but is a general term for a type of high-end tourist special train. Currently, the most discussed is the ‘Southern Train · Xiaoxiang,’ a luxury tourist special train jointly created by Hunan Tourism Development Investment Group Co., Ltd. and China Railway Guangzhou Group Co., Ltd., focusing on a slow travel experience of ‘railway + cultural tourism.’
Train Features:All soft sleepers, designed to hotel room standards, with carriage interiors incorporating Hunan cultural elements, such as Xiang embroidery and Phoenix Ancient City patterns, earning it the nickname ‘mobile star-rated cultural hotel.’
Itinerary Features:Focuses on ‘one route, multiple scenic spots,’ connecting the highlights of Xinjiang, Qinghai, Gansu, and other areas, reducing travel time for tourists.
🗺 ️ Detailed Routes and Destinations
Taking the ‘Southern Train · Xiaoxiang’ as an example, its route covers northern and southern Xinjiang as well as the Qinghai-Gansu region, with itineraries typically lasting around 16-18 days.
1. Northern and Southern Xinjiang + Qinghai + Gansu Grand Loop (Approx. 17-18 days)
Itinerary Highlights:See snow-capped mountains, lakes, grasslands, deserts, canyons, and other landscapes all at once.
Regions Covered:Hami, Northern Xinjiang (Kanas, Hemu), Ili (Sayram Lake, Nalati), Southern Xinjiang (Kashgar, Taxkorgan), Korla, along with highlights of Qinghai and Gansu.
Itinerary Pace:The special train handles long-distance travel; tourists explore ground attractions during the day and return to the train at night, avoiding the hassle of frequent hotel changes.
2. In-depth Northern and Southern Xinjiang Tour (Approx. 18 days)

🚂 If you’re thinking about how to buy tickets for the ‘Southern Express,’ this guide, focusing on the ‘ticketing process’ and ‘travel experience,’ can help you clarify your thoughts and avoid detours.Itinerary Highlights:Extended stays north and south of the Tianshan Mountains, with a more relaxed pace, ideal for tourists wanting an in-depth experience of Xinjiang’s scenery.
Itinerary Pace:More time at key scenic spots in Northern and Southern Xinjiang (e.g., Kanas, Kashgar), with opportunities for local festivals or handicraft activities.
3. Multi-point Boarding Route in East China (Approx. 16 days)
Itinerary Highlights:Convenient for tourists in East China to board nearby without transfers.
Boarding and Alighting Points:
Boarding Points:Hangzhou, Shanghai Songjiang, Suzhou, Wuxi, Changzhou, Nanjing, Xuzhou, Zhengzhou, Xi’an, Lanzhou, etc.
Alighting Points:Lanzhou, Xi’an, Xinyang, Hefei, Wuhu, Nanjing, Shanghai Songjiang, Hangzhou, Jinhua, etc.
Itinerary Pace:Overall itinerary is more compact but retains the core special train experience.
4. 2026 First Departure Schedule Reference
According to public information, the first departure of the ‘Xiaoxiang’ in 2026 is on May 10, with the second on May 30. Subsequent schedules require attention to announcements. Itinerary days and stops may vary slightly by departure; refer to the contract for details.
📅 Itinerary Overview
Below is a reference itinerary for the ‘Xiaoxiang’ 18-day Northern and Southern Xinjiang Panorama Tour. Specific arrangements may change due to weather, road conditions, etc.; please refer to the actual contract.

💡 What is the ‘Southern Express’?D1:Depart in the evening from Guangzhou Baiyun Station on the special train, starting the journey.
D2-D3:Scenic views along the train route, enjoying changes in landscapes.
D4:Arrive in Hami, visit the Grand Sea Devil City, check into a Hami hotel.
D5:Visit Hami King’s Palace, take the special train to Urumqi in the afternoon.
D6:Visit Tianshan Tianchi Lake, take the special train to Beitun in the afternoon.
D7:Arrive in Beitun, take a bus to Jiadengyu, visit Kanas Scenic Area.
D8:Visit Hemu Village, take the special train to Yining in the afternoon.
D9:Arrive in Yining, visit Sayram Lake, check into a Yining hotel.
D10:Visit Nalati Grassland, take the special train to Kuqa in the afternoon.
D11:Visit Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon, take the special train to Kashgar in the afternoon.
D12:Arrive in Kashgar, head to the Pamir Plateau, visit Karakul Lake and other sites, check into a Taxkorgan hotel.
D13:Experience home visits with local ethnic groups, return to Kashgar in the afternoon.
D14:Visit Kashgar Old City, take the special train to Korla in the afternoon.

Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency Tourism Booking and Consultation Center Manager: Wang Fei 180-9596-9599 (Add as friend for free consultation and detailed route information)
The ‘Southern Express’ does not refer to a single train but is a general term for a type of high-end tourist special train. Currently, the most discussed is the ‘Southern Train · Xiaoxiang,’ a luxury tourist special train jointly created by Hunan Tourism Development Investment Group Co., Ltd. and China Railway Guangzhou Group Co., Ltd., focusing on a slow travel experience of ‘railway + cultural tourism.’D15:Arrive in Korla, visit Lop Nur Village, check into a Korla hotel.
D16:Depart from Korla on the special train for the return journey.
D17-D18:Scenic views along the train route, return to the departure city.
💰 Price Explanation
1. 2026 Reference Prices
Below are the reference starting prices for the ‘Xiaoxiang’ May 2026 departures. Actual prices may vary due to berth type, season, etc.
| Room Type | Reference Price (CNY/person, starting) | Configuration Description |
| :— | :— | :— |
| Yuanxiang Pavilion Upper Berth | 17,999 | Quadruple room, shared bathroom, economical. |
| Zhengxiang Courtyard Quadruple Room | 42,999 | Quadruple room, shared bathroom, spacious. |
| Zhengxiang Courtyard Double Room | 45,999 | Double room, shared bathroom, better privacy. |
| Xiaoxiang Mansion Family Room | 62,999 | Family room, private bathroom, suitable for families or friends. |

Train Features: All soft sleepers, designed to hotel room standards, with carriage interiors incorporating Hunan cultural elements, such as Xiang embroidery and Phoenix Ancient City patterns, earning it the nickname ‘mobile star-rated cultural hotel.’2. ‘One Price Includes Designated Items in Itinerary’ Content
According to product descriptions, the fee typically includes:
Accommodation:7 nights in high-end land hotels + 10 nights in designated special train berths.
Transportation:Use of special train berths + local air-conditioned tourist buses.
Meals:Approximately 37 meals throughout the trip, including specialty meals (e.g., roast whole lamb, yak meat hotpot).
Services:Full-time staff accompaniment + local guide commentary + onboard medical staff.
Tickets:First admission tickets to listed attractions and necessary internal transport.
Insurance:Includes travel agency liability insurance (personal travel accident insurance recommended).
3. Friendly Reminder
The above prices are for reference only; the final price is subject to the signed contract.
Fees for meals or attractions not used during the itinerary are typically non-refundable.
It is recommended to book 2-3 months in advance, especially during the peak season from May to September.

Itinerary Features: Focuses on ‘one route, multiple scenic spots,’ connecting the highlights of Xinjiang, Qinghai, Gansu, and other areas, reducing travel time for tourists.📞 Registration and Consultation
You can register for the ‘Southern Train · Xiaoxiang’ tourist special train through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency. The specific process is as follows:
1. Consultation and Date Selection: Contact the travel agency to learn about schedules, prices, room types, etc.
2. Submit Information and Pay Deposit: Provide name, valid ID number, etc., and pay a deposit.
3. Sign Contract and Confirm Itinerary: Sign an electronic contract and confirm final itinerary details.
4. Pay Balance and Obtain Vouchers: Pay the remaining balance before departure and receive the itinerary and boarding vouchers.
Contact Information:
Phone/WeChat:Consult Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency Manager Wang Fei at 180-9596-9599
Other:You can also contact customer service for information on other schedules or routes.
📝 Fee and Service Explanation
Fee Includes:See the ‘Price Explanation’ section above.
Fee Excludes:Personal expenses, attraction tickets not mentioned in the itinerary, costs during free time, etc.
Service Standards:24-hour butler, medical staff, and entertainment facilities on the special train. Professional guides and tourist buses for ground itineraries.
Special Notes:In case of force majeure factors like weather or road conditions, both parties can negotiate itinerary changes. Specific services are subject to actual consultation and contract.
More travel consultations (Panda Special Train, Tianfu, Chengdu, Anyi, Shifang, New Orient Express, Silk Road Dream, Lindu, Yichun, Kunming, Starlight Lanmei, Gobi Cruise Special Train, New Western Train, New National Train, Tianyuan, Tianshan, Chief National Train, Cross-province Special Train, New Southern Express, Xiaoxiang, Dahezhinan, Baiyun, Silver Age Xinjiang Tour, Trendy Age Xinjiang Tour Special Train, Sunshine, Shannan, Yangtze River Delta, Muztagh) Special Train Ticket Center Manager Wang Fei: 180-9596-9599 (Add as friend for free consultation and detailed route information)