2026SpecialTrainToTheSouthOfTheGreatRiver CompleteAnalysisAndBookingDetailsOfXiaoxiangTrainToFlamingMountains RecommendedRouteCostAndPrice

Contact Manager Yang Jia at phone number 13325559266 or WeChat 13325559266 to send itinerary and quotation

“Xiaoxiang” Western Regions Panoramic Special Train:An 18-Day In-Depth Cultural Journey Through Mountains and Rivers
🌄 Highlights of the Itinerary:An immersive cultural experience spanning mountains and rivers
In 2026, the “Xiaoxiang” Western Regions Panoramic Special Train, centered around “slow travel and deep experience,” connects the Central Plains civilization with the Silk Road charm. Departing from Guangzhou, the train crosses the Yangtze and Yellow Rivers, traverses the Hexi Corridor, and finally reaches the heart of Xinjiang, covering 12 destinations including Hami, Urumqi, Kanas, Yining, and Kashgar. The itinerary balances natural wonders and cultural history:From the Yardang landforms of the Haidao Devil’s Town to the forest lakes of Kanas; from the high-altitude blue ice of Sayram Lake to the snow-capped lakes of the Pamir Plateau; from the intangible cultural heritage performance of the Twelve Mukams to folk interactions during home visits with various ethnic groups… This 18-day journey is both a visual feast and an in-depth exploration of Western Regions culture.
🚂 Special Features of the Special Train:A mobile “five-star hotel” + flexible itinerary
The “Xiaoxiang” adopts a combined model of “special train + local boutique hotels,” equipped with sleeper cabins throughout, offering 24-hour hot water, charging ports, dining car services, and other basic amenities. The train travels at night and stops at major stations during the day, saving time and avoiding the fatigue of long-distance travel. A variety of room types are available:
Xiaoxiang Mansion (2-3 persons):Private bathroom, excellent privacy, suitable for families or small groups;
Zhengxiang Courtyard (2/4-person rooms):Cost-effective, suitable for friends traveling together;
Yuanxiang Pavilion (4-person bunk beds):Economical and affordable, suitable for backpackers or solo travelers.

“Xiaoxiang” Western Regions Panoramic Special Train: An 18-Day In-Depth Cultural Journey Through Mountains and RiversThe itinerary of the special train is flexible. In case of extreme weather or policy changes, the order of visiting some scenic spots may be reasonably adjusted after mutual agreement between both parties, ensuring the best possible travel experience.
📅 2026 Schedule and Pricing Information (Subject to Contract)
The “Xiaoxiang” is recommended to operate 6 trips annually, with specific schedules as follows:
May 10, May 30
June 22
July 11
August 19
September 19

🌄 Highlights of the Itinerary: An immersive cultural experience spanning mountains and riversRoom Types and Prices (per person):
Xiaoxiang Mansion:62,999 yuan/person (private bathroom, 2-3 persons)
Zhengxiang Courtyard 2-person room:45,999 yuan/person (no private bathroom)
Zhengxiang Courtyard 4-person room:42,999 yuan/person (no private bathroom)
Yuanxiang Pavilion 4-person upper bunk:17,999 yuan/person (no private bathroom)
Yuanxiang Pavilion 4-person lower bunk:19,999 yuan/person (no private bathroom)
Prices include special train sleeper, local boutique hotel accommodation, all meals, scenic spot tickets, guide services, and travel insurance; excludes personal expenses (single travelers will be coordinated for shared rooms as much as possible; special cases require separate negotiation). Prices and availability are subject to contract or customer service confirmation and may vary by departure date, with the contract signed by both parties as the primary reference.
🗺 ️ 18-Day Brief Itinerary (Subject to Final Tour Notice)

In 2026, the “Xiaoxiang” Western Regions Panoramic Special Train, centered around “slow travel and deep experience,” connects the Central Plains civilization with the Silk Road charm. Departing from Guangzhou, the train crosses the Yangtze and Yellow Rivers, traverses the Hexi Corridor, and finally reaches the heart of Xinjiang, covering 12 destinations including Hami, Urumqi, Kanas, Yining, and Kashgar. The itinerary balances natural wonders and cultural history: From the Yardang landforms of the Haidao Devil’s Town to the forest lakes of Kanas; from the high-altitude blue ice of Sayram Lake to the snow-capped lakes of the Pamir Plateau; from the intangible cultural heritage performance of the Twelve Mukams to folk interactions during home visits with various ethnic groups… This 18-day journey is both a visual feast and an in-depth exploration of Western Regions culture.Days 1-3:Traversing the Central Plains, First Encounter with the Western Regions
Departing from Guangzhou Baiyun Station, the special train travels along the Beijing-Guangzhou and Longhai lines, passing through cities such as Changsha, Wuchang, Xinyang, Zhengzhou, Xi’an, and Lanzhou. During the day, passengers can disembark briefly to explore nearby attractions (e.g., Xi’an Bell Tower, Lanzhou Yellow River Iron Bridge), continuing westward at night to experience the changing landscapes from Jiangnan water towns to Northwest deserts.
Day 4:Hami · Haidao Devil’s Town
Arrive in Hami in the afternoon and transfer to off-road vehicles to explore the core area of Haidao. Known as the “museum” of Yardang landforms, the area features wind-eroded rock pillars, gullies, and residual hills intertwined, with shifting light and shadows at sunset creating an otherworldly atmosphere. Overnight at a hotel in Hami city.
Day 5:Hami-Urumqi · Hui Palace and Twelve Mukams
Visit the Hui Palace in the morning, a palace blending architectural styles of various ethnic groups that once served as the administrative center of Qing government rule in Xinjiang; in the afternoon, enjoy a performance of the Twelve Mukams, a comprehensive art form integrating song, dance, and music listed as “Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity” by UNESCO. Depart for Urumqi by special train in the evening.
Day 6:Urumqi · Heavenly Lake and International Bazaar
Tour Heavenly Lake, a high-altitude lake at 1,910 meters with crystal-clear waters reflecting surrounding snow-capped peaks, known as the “Pearl of the Tianshan Mountains”; in the afternoon, explore Xinjiang International Bazaar, a hub of handicrafts, dried fruits, and musical instruments from various ethnic groups, offering a window into Western Regions market culture. Depart for Beitun by special train in the evening.

🚂 Special Features of the Special Train: A mobile “five-star hotel” + flexible itineraryDays 7-8:Kanas and Hemu · Picturesque Scenery of Paradise
Arrive in Beitun early and travel to Kanas, where forests, lakes, and grasslands intertwine, dotted with Tuvan wooden houses, resembling a fairy-tale world; the next day, tour Hemu Village, a Tuvan settlement surrounded by birch forests with morning mist and cooking smoke, a paradise for photographers. Return to Beitun in the evening and depart for Yining by special train.
Days 9-10:Yining · Sayram Lake and Nalati Grassland
Arrive in Yining early and tour Sayram Lake, known as the “Last Tear of the Atlantic,” displaying varying shades of blue under sunlight, with wildflowers carpeting the shores and distant snow-capped peaks reflecting in the water; in the afternoon, head to Nalati Grassland, one of the world’s four major alpine grasslands, lush with green grass and herds of cattle and sheep in summer, offering horseback riding or hiking opportunities. Continue exploring Nalati the next day and head to Bayanbulak Grassland in the evening.
Day 11:Bayanbulak · Swan Lake and Nine Bends of the River
Tour Bayanbulak Grassland, a habitat for swans where flocks can be seen playing in the lake during summer; in the evening, ascend the observation deck to watch the sunset染 (dye) the nine bends of the river gold, creating a breathtaking interplay of light and shadows. Depart for Kuqa by special train in the evening.
Days 12-13:Pamir Plateau · Karakul Lake and Home Visits with Ethnic Groups
Arrive in Kashgar early and travel to the Pamir Plateau. Pass by Baisha Lake, whose milky-white waters (due to minerals) contrast beautifully with distant snow-capped peaks; reach Karakul Lake, a high-altitude lake at 3,600 meters whose waters shift between blue, green, and purple hues under changing light, with Muztagh Ata reflecting in the lake like a picturesque scene; the next day, tour Shitou City (Stone City) and Jincaotan (Golden Grassland), and in the afternoon, experience home visits with ethnic groups, savoring special hand-pulled rice and enjoying eagle dance performances. Overnight in Taxkorgan County.

The “Xiaoxiang” adopts a combined model of “special train + local boutique hotels,” equipped with sleeper cabins throughout, offering 24-hour hot water, charging ports, dining car services, and other basic amenities. The train travels at night and stops at major stations during the day, saving time and avoiding the fatigue of long-distance travel. A variety of room types are available:Day 14:Kashgar · Old Town and Xiangfei Garden
Tour Kashgar Old Town, preserving traditional architecture and lifestyles of various ethnic groups, with labyrinthine streets, earth-colored residences, and lively bazaars brimming with life; in the afternoon, visit Id Kah Mosque, Xinjiang’s largest and a center for folk cultural activities of various ethnic groups; finally, explore Xiangfei Garden to learn about the story of this legendary woman. Depart for Korla by special train in the evening.
Day 15:Korla · Lop Nur Village and Bosten Lake
Tour Lop Nur Village, home to one of Xinjiang’s oldest ethnic groups, the Lop people, who retain a unique lifestyle of fishing and hunting; in the afternoon, head to Bosten Lake, China’s largest inland freshwater lake, with vast waters and reed beds, offering boat tours or fresh lake fish tastings. Overnight in Korla.
Days 16-18:Return Journey · Traversing Mountains and Rivers
Depart early by special train, passing through Lanzhou, Chongqing North, Xiangtan, and Zhuzhou, arriving at Guangzhou Baiyun Station at 19:40. This 18-day journey, from Jiangnan to the Western Regions and back, completes a cultural dialogue spanning mountains and rivers.
📝 Registration Method and Service Information
Registration is available through Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency. Fees include special train sleeper, local boutique hotel accommodation, all meals, scenic spot tickets, guide services, and travel insurance; excludes personal expenses (single travelers will be coordinated for shared rooms as much as possible; special cases require separate negotiation). Specifics are subject to actual consultation and contract signing.
Consult Zhang Jing, Customer Service Manager at Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency, for more details. Travel is a dialogue with the world, and “Xiaoxiang” is ready to accompany you through mountains and rivers to meet a different version of yourself.

Contact Manager Yang Jia at 13325559266 or WeChat 13325559266 to send itinerary and quotation