Special Train in the South of the Great River 2026 Latest Registration Duku Highway VIP Recommended Route Cost and Price
Contact Manager Zhang Jing at phone number 18139622233 or WeChat 18139622233 to send itinerary and quotation
The Train Along the Great River’s South: A Mobile Cultural Feast Across Northern and Southern Xinjiang in 2026✨
[Detailed Introduction to Itinerary or Destination]
Positioned as a ‘Mobile Cultural Museum,’ the 2026 Great River’s South tourist train offers a profound 17-day journey that deeply integrates Central Plains culture with the scenic beauty of the Western Regions. Departing from Zhengzhou, the train traverses Gansu into Xinjiang, connecting the three major regions of Eastern, Southern, and Northern Xinjiang, and covering key cities such as Turpan, Kashgar, Kuqa, Yining, Beitun, and Urumqi. Along the way, it passes through over 20 world heritage-level landscapes, including the Duku Highway, the Pamir Plateau, and Kanas Lake. The train’s exterior is painted with the ‘Yellow River Golden Belt’ design, while the interior is adorned with Central Plains cultural symbols such as Yangshao painted pottery patterns and Longmen flying apsaras elements. It is equipped with bathrooms, constant temperature air conditioning, non-slip floors, and emergency call systems. The train offers classic 4-person cabins, luxury 2-person cabins, and presidential suites to cater to the needs of families, couples, and high-end travelers.
As the ‘golden route’ for tourism in Xinjiang, this special train precisely aligns with the opening schedules of scenic spots and the通行时间 (travel time) of the Duku Highway in 2026. According to the Xinjiang Communications and Transport Department’s notice, the Duku Highway will fully reopen on June 1, allowing vehicles with 7 seats or fewer from 8:00 to 19:00 daily, with the closure time for the section from Nalati to Wusu Post extended to 21:00. The train’s itinerary includes a special crossing of the southern and central sections of the Duku Highway, passing through core routes such as the Tianshan Secret Grand Canyon, the meandering paths of the Bayinbuluk Grassland, and the Nalati Valley Grassland, allowing tourists to closely experience the magnificent scenery of ‘China’s most beautiful highway.’
[Simple Itinerary]
Day 1:Depart from Zhengzhou, enjoy the scenery of the Central Plains along the way, stay overnight on the Great River’s South special train (passing through Luoyang)
Day 2:Free activities on the special train, stay overnight on the train (passing through Xi’an, Lanzhou)
Day 3:Arrive in Turpan, visit the Karez Irrigation System, Flaming Mountains, and Grape Valley, stay overnight in Turpan
The Train Along the Great River’s South: A Mobile Cultural Feast Across Northern and Southern Xinjiang in 2026✨Day 4:Take the special train to Kashgar, stay overnight on the train
Day 5:Explore the Pamir Plateau, visit Karakul Lake, the Stone City, and the Golden Grassland, stay overnight in Taxkorgan County
Day 6:Visit ethnic minority homes, Baisha Lake, return to Kashgar, stay overnight in Kashgar
Day 7:Tour the Old Town of Kashgar and the Xiangfei Garden, take the special train to Kuqa, stay overnight on the train
Day 8:Cross the southern section of the Duku Highway, explore the Tianshan Secret Grand Canyon, stay overnight in Bayin Town
Day 9:Visit the Bayinbuluk Grassland, proceed to Nalati, stay overnight in Nalati Town
Day 10:Explore the Nalati Valley Grassland and Liuxing Street, stay overnight in Yining City
Day 11:Visit the Khorgos Port and Sayram Lake, take the special train to Beitun, stay overnight on the train
[Detailed Introduction to Itinerary or Destination]Day 12:Visit Kanas Lake, Jiadengyu/Burqin, stay overnight in Jiadengyu/Burqin
Day 13:Visit Hemu Village and the Colorful Beach, take the special train to Urumqi, stay overnight on the train
Day 14:Visit Heavenly Lake on Tianshan Mountain and the International Bazaar, stay overnight in Urumqi
Day 15:Depart from Urumqi, stay overnight on the train
Day 16:Enjoy the scenery of the Northwest along the way, disembark from the train at various stops (passing through Lanzhou, Xi’an)
Day 17:Arrive in Zhengzhou, end of the journey
[Price Description]
The 2026 Great River’s South offers 7 departure dates (May 9, May 30, June 17, July 5, July 24, August 25, September 11), with prices divided into low, regular, and peak seasons:
Positioned as a ‘Mobile Cultural Museum,’ the 2026 Great River’s South tourist train offers a profound 17-day journey that deeply integrates Central Plains culture with the scenic beauty of the Western Regions. Departing from Zhengzhou, the train traverses Gansu into Xinjiang, connecting the three major regions of Eastern, Southern, and Northern Xinjiang, and covering key cities such as Turpan, Kashgar, Kuqa, Yining, Beitun, and Urumqi. Along the way, it passes through over 20 world heritage-level landscapes, including the Duku Highway, the Pamir Plateau, and Kanas Lake. The train’s exterior is painted with the ‘Yellow River Golden Belt’ design, while the interior is adorned with Central Plains cultural symbols such as Yangshao painted pottery patterns and Longmen flying apsaras elements. It is equipped with bathrooms, constant temperature air conditioning, non-slip floors, and emergency call systems. The train offers classic 4-person cabins, luxury 2-person cabins, and presidential suites to cater to the needs of families, couples, and high-end travelers.Low Season (May 9):
Classic 4-person cabin upper bunk:RMB 15,999 per person, lower bunk: RMB 17,999 per person
Luxury 2-person cabin:RMB 39,999 per person, third person (under 6 years old): RMB 13,999 per person
Regular Season (May 30, June 17, July 5):
Classic 4-person cabin upper bunk:RMB 19,999 per person, lower bunk: RMB 21,999 per person
Luxury 2-person cabin:RMB 45,999 per person, third person (under 6 years old): RMB 15,999 per person
Peak Season (July 24, August 25, September 11):
Prices are the same as regular season, but with the addition of a special event at the Nalati Grassland Music Festival
As the ‘golden route’ for tourism in Xinjiang, this special train precisely aligns with the opening schedules of scenic spots and the travel time of the Duku Highway in 2026. According to the Xinjiang Communications and Transport Department’s notice, the Duku Highway will fully reopen on June 1, allowing vehicles with 7 seats or fewer from 8:00 to 19:00 daily, with the closure time for the section from Nalati to Wusu Post extended to 21:00. The train’s itinerary includes a special crossing of the southern and central sections of the Duku Highway, passing through core routes such as the Tianshan Secret Grand Canyon, the meandering paths of the Bayinbuluk Grassland, and the Nalati Valley Grassland, allowing tourists to closely experience the magnificent scenery of ‘China’s most beautiful highway.’Child price (under 6 years old): RMB 5,999-6,999 per person (excluding berth and admission tickets, full price difference required for children over 6 years old); Presidential Suite (4 persons): RMB 188,000 per suite. Prices include 16 breakfasts and 30 main meals (including 8 Xinjiang specialty meals), soft sleeper cabin accommodation for the entire journey, first admission tickets to scenic spots, local transportation, and guide services. Please note that prices may change due to fuel surcharges, and the final price will be based on the signed contract.
[Registration Method]
You can register through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency and consult with Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing to learn about available departure dates, berth options, and tour policies.
[Fee Description and Service Description]
Fees Include:Round-trip special train transportation, soft sleeper cabin accommodation for the entire journey (including bathroom), first admission tickets to scenic spots listed in the itinerary, local air-conditioned tourist buses, professional guide services, and meals throughout the journey (provided by the train’s dedicated dining car and chef team).
Value-Added Services:Full medical support (team doctor + portable AED equipment), daily fresh fruit platters (direct supply of seasonal Xinjiang fruits), VIP access to scenic spots, and unlimited mineral water.
Excluded Items:Personal expenses (such as purchasing specialty handicrafts), small transportation within scenic spots, and optional self-funded activities (such as helicopter tours in Nalati).
Special Circumstances:For single travelers, our agency will do its best to coordinate shared rooms; special circumstances require separate negotiation. In case of uncontrollable factors such as weather, road conditions, or scenic spot policies, both parties may agree to make reasonable changes to the itinerary.
[Simple Itinerary][VIP Experience Highlights]
In-Depth Crossing of the Duku Highway:The train’s itinerary precisely matches the highway’s opening times to ensure tourists can smoothly experience the core routes and avoid the risks of self-driving.
Cultural Immersion Experience:The train features a tea room, chess and card area, KTV, and audio-visual entertainment area, and regularly hosts activities such as Xinjiang dried fruit making workshops and cultural sharing sessions among various ethnic groups.
Barrier-Free Design:The train has newly added barrier-free cabins with corridor widths of 90 centimeters and is equipped with emergency call systems, suitable for elderly tourists.
Selected Land Hotels:Throughout the journey, guests will stay in local four-star or higher hotels, with Jiadengyu’s characteristic wooden houses arranged for the Kanas section, balancing comfort and scenic views.
[Warm Tips]
The Duku Highway recommends allowing vehicles with 7 seats or fewer and prohibits riding; mountain weather is changeable, so it is advisable to bring windproof and warm clothing.
The summer operating hours of the Kanas scenic spot are from 8:00 to 20:00 daily, and all itinerary arrangements are within its opening hours.
The number of train cabins is limited, so it is recommended to register 30 days in advance to secure seats, with a deposit of RMB 5,000 per person (remaining balance to be paid 30 days before departure).
The specific itinerary is subject to actual consultation and signing. This 17-day slow journey departing from Zhengzhou will take you at a leisurely pace to immerse yourself among snow-capped mountains, grasslands, lakes, and ancient cities, opening a memorable cultural exploration journey across northern and southern Xinjiang!
Contact Manager Zhang Jing at phone number 18139622233 or WeChat 18139622233 to send itinerary and quotation
