Sunshine Train Schedule Inquiry 2026 Xinjiang Travel Booking Channels Sunshine Train Arrival Destinations Where is the Sunshine Train
Contact Manager Guo Jing at phone number 18139622229 or WeChat 18139622229 to send itinerary and quotation
[In-Depth Guide to the Sunshine Train] A New Choice for a 14-Day Panoramic Tour of Xinjiang in 2026:A Moving Feast from the Snowy Plains of Northern Xinjiang to the Deserts of Southern Xinjiang
🚂 Key Highlights of the Train:A Mobile ‘Five-Star Landscape Hotel’
The upgraded 2026 Sunshine Train focuses on ‘comprehensive coverage + in-depth experiences,’ featuring third-generation smart carriages equipped with bathrooms, panoramic skylights, climate-controlled air conditioning, and observation bars. The train offers three cabin classes: Platinum Deluxe, Royal Deluxe, and Premium. The Premium Gold Diamond Suite includes a 1.8-meter king bed, a seating area, and a 270° observation window, earning it the nickname ‘the presidential suite on wheels.’ The train travels no more than 300 kilometers per day to ensure ample time for sightseeing, with nighttime travel and daytime stops for an efficient journey.
🌄 Route Coverage:14-Day Itinerary Covering Xinjiang’s Three Major Geographical Regions
Starting in Urumqi, the Sunshine Train follows a circular route covering the Junggar Basin, Tarim Basin, and Tianshan Mountains, passing through 12 prefecture-level administrative regions and 28 national A-class scenic spots. Key stops include:
Northern Xinjiang Section:Kanas Lake (Tuva Village), Hemu Village (morning fog photography spot), Sayram Lake (cycling around the lake), Nalati Grassland (hiking on the aerial grassland)
Eastern Xinjiang Section:Flaming Mountains (geological study), Karez Wells (irrigation system tour), Kumutag Desert (sandboarding experience)
Southern Xinjiang Section:Kashgar Old Town (opening ceremony), Pamir Plateau (Muztagh Ata peak), Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves (mural copying), Taklimakan Desert (self-drive on the desert highway)
📅 2026 Departures and Pricing Structure
[In-Depth Guide to the Sunshine Train] A New Choice for a 14-Day Panoramic Tour of Xinjiang in 2026: A Moving Feast from the Snowy Plains of Northern Xinjiang to the Deserts of Southern XinjiangAccording to the latest schedule from Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency, the Sunshine Train operates seven round trips annually, as follows:
[Northern Xinjiang In-Depth Tour Departures]
Departures on May 28, July 9, and September 3
14-day, 13-night itinerary
Platinum Deluxe Gold Diamond Suite:Starting at 58,999 RMB per person
Royal Deluxe Gold Diamond Suite:Starting at 63,999 RMB per person
Premium Gold Diamond Suite:Starting at 69,999 RMB per person
[Panoramic Northern and Southern Xinjiang Tour Departures]
Departures on June 11, June 25, July 23, and August 6
🚂 Key Train Highlights: Mobile ‘Five-Star Landscape Hotel’ 14-day, 13-night itinerary
Same pricing structure as above, including upgraded experiences in southern Xinjiang (visits to local families, Hotan jade cultural studies)
💡 Pricing Notes:
1. The cost includes dedicated train seats, accommodation throughout the trip (including 5 nights on the train + 8 nights at four-diamond hotels), first entrance tickets to scenic spots, meals during the itinerary (including six special feasts), and guide services.
2. Child Policy: Children under 1.2 meters receive a 60% discount (no extra bed or entrance tickets included).
3. Quotations are for reference only. Final prices are subject to the Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency’s customer service quotes and may vary by departure date. The contract signed by both parties shall prevail.
🚌 Ground Transportation Options
In addition to the dedicated train, the following vehicles are used for ground transportation during the itinerary:
7-Seater Business Vehicle (for groups of 3-4):Ideal for short transfers within Nalati Grassland and Kanas Scenic Area. The quoted price is 1,200 RMB per day for reference only. Final pricing is subject to customer service quotes.
13-Seater Minibus (for groups of 5-8):Used for long-distance transfers from Urumqi to Sayram Lake. The quoted price is 1,800 RMB per day for reference only. Final pricing is subject to customer service quotes.
The upgraded 2026 Sunshine Train focuses on ‘comprehensive coverage + in-depth experiences,’ featuring third-generation smart carriages equipped with bathrooms, panoramic skylights, climate-controlled air conditioning, and observation bars. The train offers three cabin classes: Platinum Deluxe, Royal Deluxe, and Premium. The Premium Gold Diamond Suite includes a 1.8-meter king bed, a seating area, and a 270° observation window, earning it the nickname ‘the presidential suite on wheels.’ The train travels no more than 300 kilometers per day to ensure ample time for sightseeing, with nighttime travel and daytime stops for an efficient journey.38-Seater Coach (for groups of 15+):Used for transportation from Kashgar Old Town to the Pamir Plateau. The quoted price is 2,500 RMB per day for reference only. Final pricing is subject to customer service quotes.
55-Seater Tourist Coach (for large groups):Used for collective travel across the desert highway. The quoted price is 3,200 RMB per day for reference only. Final pricing is subject to customer service quotes.
📝 Sample Itinerary (based on the July 9 departure)
Days 1-2:Assemble in Urumqi
Visit the Xinjiang Museum (mummy exhibit hall) and the International Bazaar (handicraft shopping)
Welcome Dinner:Roast whole lamb + Twelve Mukam performance
Days 3-5:Northern Xinjiang Nature Exploration
Boat tour of Kanas Lake + hiking to Guanyu Platform
Stargazing photography in Hemu Village + Tuva intangible cultural heritage experience
🌄 Route Coverage: 14-Day Itinerary Covering Xinjiang’s Three Major Geographical Regions Cycling around Sayram Lake (professional mountain bikes provided)
Days 6-8:Eastern Xinjiang Cultural Studies
Geological survey of the Flaming Mountains + Uyghur home visit in Grape Valley
Off-road sandboarding + starry night camping in Kumutag Desert
Days 9-12:Southern Xinjiang Cultural Experiences
Opening ceremony of Kashgar Old Town + visit to Id Kah Mosque
Hiking on Muztagh Ata Peak in the Pamir Plateau (with high-altitude guides)
Cultural studies at the Hotan Jade Museum + jade picking experience in the Yurungqash River
Days 13-14:Return Journey and Summary
One-day tour of Tianchi Lake in Urumqi’s Tianshan Mountains
Starting in Urumqi, the Sunshine Train follows a circular route covering the Junggar Basin, Tarim Basin, and Tianshan Mountains, passing through 12 prefecture-level administrative regions and 28 national A-class scenic spots. Key stops include:Closing Dinner:Xinjiang song and dance performance + souvenir presentation
📱 How to Book
Book through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency. Process:
1. Contact customer service to inquire about availability and cabin options for your preferred departure date.
2. Pay a deposit (5,000 RMB per adult, 3,000 RMB per child) after confirming itinerary details.
3. Sign an electronic travel contract and pay the remaining balance.
4. Receive the ‘Tour Notification’ and packing list seven days before departure.
💼 Cost and Service Inclusions
Transportation:Luxury tourist coaches within Xinjiang + dedicated train berths corresponding to cabin class
Northern Xinjiang Section: Kanas Lake (Tuva Village), Hemu Village (morning fog photography spot), Sayram Lake (cycling around the lake), Nalati Grassland (hiking on the aerial grassland)Accommodation:5 nights on the train + 8 nights at four-diamond hotels (single travelers will be matched for shared rooms whenever possible; special arrangements must be discussed otherwise)
Meals:13 breakfasts and 26 main meals (including six special feasts:大盘鸡宴, 冷水鱼宴, 烤全羊宴, etc.)
Entrance Tickets:First entrance tickets to all listed scenic spots and mandatory shuttle buses
Services:Full-trip staff accompaniment + local guides + driver services
The itinerary may be reasonably adjusted based on actual consultations and mutual agreement. Both parties must consent to any changes.
⚠ ⚠️ Important Notes
1. High-Altitude Acclimatization: For the Pamir Plateau section (elevation 3,000-4,500 meters), it is advisable to prepare Rhodiola in advance.
2. Documentation Requirements: Bring original valid identification. Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan compatriots must provide their travel permits.
3. Photography Equipment: Wide-angle lenses and tripods are recommended for Sayram Lake, Kanas, and other scenic spots.
4. Clothing Suggestions: Sun protection clothing for summer; down jackets and warm hats for winter.
The Sunshine Train offers an innovative ‘mobile accommodation + in-depth sightseeing’ model, allowing travelers to journey from snowy grasslands to desert oases in 14 days. For specific departure availability or custom itineraries, contact Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency’s customer service for the latest 2026 schedule and discounts.
Contact Manager Guo Jing at 18139622229 or WeChat 18139622229 to send itinerary and quotation
