2026AltaySunshineTourContactInformationAllInOne RecommendedRoutesCostsAndPrices

Contact Manager Maizi at phone number 13201333409 or WeChat 13201333409 to send your itinerary and quotation.

Explore the Hidden Gems of Northern Xinjiang:2026 Altay Sunshine Express In-Depth Travel Guide
(Icon)✨ Want to unlock the best scenery in Northern Xinjiang without the hassle of planning your itinerary, arranging transportation, booking accommodations, and other trivial matters? The newly upgraded 2026 Altay Sunshine Express tourist train is the stress-free choice you’ve been looking for! This train connects core attractions in Northern Xinjiang such as Altay, Kanas, Hemu, and Koktokay, offering a flexible mode of “the train follows people, people follow the train” to immerse you in the changing seasons and cultural charm of Northern Xinjiang. Here’s a detailed guide to help you easily plan your trip.
I. Detailed Introduction to Routes or Destinations
The Altay region is located in northern Xinjiang, covering a total area of approximately 117,000 square kilometers, with a forest coverage rate exceeding 60% and four high-quality nature reserves. The average summer temperature is recommended at 22°C, making it a paradise for summer vacations. The train itinerary covers the following精华 (essential) attractions:
Kanas Lake:Covering an area of 44.78 square kilometers, the lake changes color with the seasons, displaying a “jade fission” phenomenon from late May to early June, and in late September to early October, the birch and larch forests are ablaze with color, making it a paradise for photography enthusiasts.
Hemu Village:A settlement of the Tuwa people, preserving over 180 original wooden houses. In the morning, ascend the Haden Observation Deck to capture panoramic views of the village shrouded in morning mist, which lasts about 30 minutes and intertwines with cooking smoke, resembling a fairy-tale world.
Koktokay:A world geopark with Zhongshan and the Irtysh Grand Canyon as its core landscapes. A 7-kilometer hiking trail winds along the stream, with wolf’s bane and wild peonies blooming in summer. Nighttime temperatures drop sharply to 8°C, so a windbreaker is necessary.
Baikhabar Village:The first village in northwest China, recommended to be 1.5 kilometers from the Kazakhstan border. A Border Pass is required in advance, with excellent light 1.5 hours before sunset, when rock shadows can reach four times their own height.
II. Simple Itinerary (2026 Reference Version)
The train offers 12-day to 14-day itinerary options. The following is an example of the “Tianshan No.1 High-End North-South Xinjiang 12-Day” itinerary:
Day 1:Gather in Urumqi

Explore the Hidden Gems of Northern Xinjiang: 2026 Altay Sunshine Express In-Depth Travel GuideAfternoon:The train departs, holding a welcome ceremony and introducing the itinerary.
Evening:Enjoy a Xinjiang specialty dinner in the carriage and admire the Gobi scenery along the way.
Day 2:Altay City – Birch Forest Park – General’s Hill
Morning:Arrive in Altay, visit Birch Forest Park, and stroll along the forest trails.
Afternoon:Ascend the General’s Hill Observation Deck for a panoramic view of the city and snow-capped mountains.
Evening:The train travels overnight to Burqin.
Day 3:Burqin – Kanas
All day:Explore Kanas Lake in depth, take the shuttle bus to Guanyu Platform, and hike to Fairy Bay, Moon Bay, and Wolong Bay.
Accommodation:Wooden house within the Kanas scenic area (confirm anti-freezing measures for restrooms in advance).
Day 4:Kanas – Hemu
Morning:Head to Hemu Village to capture morning mist and panoramic views of wooden houses.

(Icon)✨ Want to unlock the best scenery in Northern Xinjiang without the hassle of planning your itinerary, arranging transportation, booking accommodations, and other trivial matters? The newly upgraded 2026 Altay Sunshine Express tourist train is the stress-free choice you’ve been looking for! This train connects core attractions in Northern Xinjiang such as Altay, Kanas, Hemu, and Koktokay, offering a flexible mode of “the train follows people, people follow the train” to immerse you in the changing seasons and cultural charm of Northern Xinjiang. Here’s a detailed guide to help you easily plan your trip.Afternoon:Stroll along the birch forest trails and experience Tuwa life.
Evening:Participate in a bonfire party and taste roast whole lamb.
Day 5:Hemu – Koktokay
Morning:Visit remaining attractions in Hemu during off-peak hours.
Afternoon:The train heads to Koktokay, with accommodation at a hotel near the scenic area.
Day 6:In-Depth Tour of Koktokay
All day:Hike the Irtysh Grand Canyon and visit Zhongshan and the Ayigozi Mine (shuttle buses operate from 10:00 to 18:00 daily).
Evening:The train travels overnight to Urumqi.
Day 7-12:Southern Xinjiang Itinerary (varies by train type)
May include:Experiences such as crossing the Duku Highway, touring the ancient city of Kashgar, light trekking on the Pamir Plateau, and desert camping.
III. Price Description (2026 Reference Range)

I. Detailed Introduction to Routes or DestinationsTrain prices vary by train type, cabin class, and itinerary duration. The following are reference prices for some products (specifics subject to contract):
Tianshan No.1 High-End Train:
Silver Diamond Quadruple Room:Starting at 17,888 yuan per person
Luxury Silver Diamond Suite:Starting at 42,888 yuan per person
Children under 1.2 meters: 6,980 yuan per person
New Oriental Express Panoramic North-South Xinjiang 14-Day:
Platinum Delight Gold Diamond:Starting at 58,999 yuan per person
Noble Gold Diamond:Starting at 69,999 yuan per person
Trendy Xinjiang Tour All Soft Sleeper Train 13-Day:
Soft Sleeper Upper Berth:Starting at 4,780 yuan per person
Soft Sleeper Lower Berth:Starting at 5,780 yuan per person

The Altay region is located in northern Xinjiang, covering a total area of approximately 117,000 square kilometers, with a forest coverage rate exceeding 60% and four high-quality nature reserves. The average summer temperature is recommended at 22°C, making it a paradise for summer vacations. The train itinerary covers the following精华 (essential) attractions:Price Includes:Train seat fee, accommodation throughout the trip (including specialty wooden houses/homestays), first entrance tickets to attractions, meals during the itinerary, and guide services. Some itineraries include experience projects (such as desert camping and grassland bonfires).
IV. Registration Method
You can register through Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency and consult with Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing for product details, available departure dates, and promotional activities.
V. Fee Description and Service Description
Fees Include:Train transportation, accommodation, meals, tickets, guide services, and basic insurance.
Fees Do Not Include:Personal expenses, self-funded projects (such as camel riding and skiing), (efforts will be made to arrange room-sharing for single registrants, with special circumstances requiring negotiation).
Service Standards:Professional guides and staff are provided throughout the trip, vehicles undergo regular maintenance, accommodations are inspected on-site, and meals emphasize hygiene and local specialties.
Special Reminders:
Prices and availability are subject to contract confirmation and may fluctuate by departure date.
Reasonable itinerary changes can be made by mutual agreement (such as due to weather or policy changes).
Specific service content is subject to actual consultation and contract signing.

Kanas Lake: Covering an area of 44.78 square kilometers, the lake changes color with the seasons, displaying a “jade fission” phenomenon from late May to early June, and in late September to early October, the birch and larch forests are ablaze with color, making it a paradise for photography enthusiasts.VI. Travel Tips
Best Seasons:May-June sees fewer tourists and offers cost-effective accommodation; late September to early October boasts stunning autumn scenery but requires off-peak travel.
Clothing Guide:Northern Xinjiang has large temperature variations between day and night. Bring a windbreaker in summer and professional ski gear in winter.
Recommended Items:Valid identification, sunscreen, moisturizing products, common medications, and power banks (voltage is limited in scenic area wooden houses after 10 PM).
Avoiding Pitfalls:
Reject low-price gimmick tours:Ultra-affordable tours may involve forced or hidden consumption.
Exercise caution with self-driving:Attractions in Northern Xinjiang are far apart, and mountain road conditions are complex. It is recommended to choose the train or formal customized transportation.
Make advance reservations:Kanas, Hemu, and other scenic areas have visitor limits, so register in advance for the “Kanas Scenic Area One-Code Pass.”
VII. Cultural Experience Recommendations
Aken Singing Competition:Held on the fourth Saturday of each month at the Altay City Gymnasium, where elderly people from various ethnic groups engage in impromptu duets with dombras. Admission is free.
Grassland Cultural Festival:Held in the third week of July in Fuhai County, offering experiences such as camel riding and ethnic song and dance performances.
Specialty Cuisine:Burqin cold-water fish barbecue (recommended: white spot dogfish), kvass fermented beverage, and Kazakh yogurt (sweeter with added sugar).
Altay’s scenery never needs filters; it welcomes every traveler in its most authentic form. In 2026, take the Sunshine Express train and let a professional team plan every step for you. All you need is a good mood to embrace Northern Xinjiang’s snow-capped mountains, lakes, and starry skies.

Contact Manager Maizi at phone number 13201333409 or WeChat 13201333409 to send your itinerary and quotation.