What is the price of the 2025 Xinjiang Scenic Train Tour – Tianshan Special Train?
Tianshan Special Train Reservation Hotline: 181-39622229 (copy and add as a friend)
[Design Concept] Fulfill a dream of traveling across the Tianshan Mountains and spanning northern and southern Xinjiang, making travel simple and happy; the special train departs in the evening and arrives in the morning, saving you from over 5,000 kilometers of Gobi travel time. It is comfortable and safe, with destinations being Xinjiang’s representative core scenic spots, including snow-capped mountains, plateaus, lakes, deserts, Gobi, oases, grasslands, ancient villages…Fulfilling your dream of spanning northern and southern Xinjiang.
[Customized Special Train] A brand-new panoramic train loop tour across northern and southern Xinjiang, featuring a new route: Urumqi + Altay + Ili + Bozhou + Turpan + Aksu + Alar + Kuqa + Kashgar. The special train arrives at its destination in one stop without any transfers, truly realizing a panoramic special train journey across all of Xinjiang. The train moves with the passengers, without changing berths throughout the journey. This train + car gold route replaces cars with a special train for comfort and safety!
[Dedicated Train] In 2023, the Urumqi Railway Bureau invested 3 million yuan to customize and newly create a bar car, entertainment car, and dining car for the ‘Tianshan’ tourist train. The dedicated train is equipped with hard sleeper cars and soft sleeper cars, providing you with a comprehensive service experience throughout your journey;
[Highlight Attractions] Kanas, Hemu, Koktokay at a glance; Visit Colorful Beach, Tianshan Heavenly Lake, encounter lavender, meet Jinghai – Sayram Lake; Visit the aerial grassland Nalati, the mysterious Tianshan Grand Canyon, Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves, Kuqa Mansion, Desert Gate, Sleeping Poplar Forest, 359 Travel Memorial Hall, Karakul Lake, Kashgar Old Town, Id Kah Mosque, Grape Valley, Kanerjing, Flaming Mountain, and other highlight attractions all covered;
[Quality Assurance] Group departure from Urumqi, ground air-conditioned tourist coach with comfortable seating, enjoy more attentive service, accompanied by an excellent Chinese-speaking guide throughout the trip;
[Selected Hotels] Throughout the journey, locally selected four-star + five-star + high-standard comfortable hotels provide you with a high-quality and comfortable resting environment;
[Exclusive Cuisine] Complimentary Xinjiang – [Big Tray Chicken], Burqin County – [Coldwater Fish Banquet], Tianchi – [Yaochi Banquet], Xinjiang – [Grilled Meat];
[Super Value Complimentary] ★Complimentary men’s ‘Aidilai’ ethnic flower hat: Make you more dazzling during your trip; Women’s Aidilai silk scarf
Clause: Make you a younger and prettier ‘Xinjiang Girl’ during your trip in Xinjiang;
★Complimentary bag of Xinjiang dried fruit snacks worth 198 yuan per person!
★Complimentary Lavender Manor – [Lavender Garden]
[Theme Activity] Kashgar Old Town Opening Ceremony with Songs and Dances
[Thoughtful Service] All tours are seamlessly connected by a professional itinerary planning team, making you feel at home! Professional tour drivers ensure a worry-free trip!
[Exclusive Travel Service] Whether you arrive early or delay your return, we will provide you with free 24-hour airport/station pick-up and drop-off services!!!
Simplified Itinerary
Days Itinerary Meals Lodging
Day 1: Departure — Urumqi (Pick-up and check-in at hotel) Self-care in Urumqi
Day 2: Urumqi — Tianshan Heavenly Lake — Yema Ecological Park — Beitun Breakfast, Lunch Train sleeper
Day 3: Beitun — Koktokay — Beitun — Burqin Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner in Burqin
Day 4: Burqin — Hemu — Jiadengyu Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner in Jiadengyu
Day 5: Jiadengyu — Kanas Lake — Beitun — Jinghe Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Train sleeper
Day 6: Jinghe — Sayram Lake — Khorgos — Yining Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner in Yining
Day 7: Yining — Nalati — Yining — Turpan Breakfast, Lunch Train sleeper
Day 8: Turpan (Grape Valley — Flaming Mountain — Kanerjing) — Kuqa Lunch, Dinner Train sleeper
Day 9: Kuqa — Tianshan Grand Canyon — Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves — Alar Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner in Alar
Day 10: Aral – Gate of the Desert – 359 Brigade Memorial Hall – Kashgar. Meals: Breakfast and Lunch. Train sleeper.
Day 11: Kashgar – Karakul Lake – Kashgar. Meals: Breakfast and Lunch. Kashgar.
Day 12: Kashgar – Old Town – Mosque – Kashgar – Urumqi. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner. Train sleeper.
Day 13: After arriving in Urumqi in the afternoon, check into the hotel. At your own expense. Urumqi.
Day 14: Arrive in Urumqi in the morning and then transfer to the airport/train station according to your return flight/train schedule. Breakfast. Return home with warmth.
D1 Departure – Urumqi. Meals: At your own expense. Accommodation: Urumqi.
Reference hotels: Xiyu Grand Hotel, Daluqiao Hotel, Tuha Petroleum Hotel, Dushanzi Hotel, and equivalents
Depart from your hometown to the airport or train station to take a flight or train to Urumqi, the city farthest from the ocean in the world. It is the geographic center of Asia and also a necessary route on the new northern path of the world-famous "Silk Road". According to your flight/train/hotel information, we will contact you before 20:00 the day before your scheduled departure date (via SMS/phone call). Please ensure your phone is accessible. Local staff will arrange carpooling or pick-up services based on your flight or train arrival time. On the day of pick-up, staff will hold a sign reading "Experience Xinjiang by Train – Tian Shan VIP" at the agreed time and await your arrival at the airport. They will take you to the hotel where you will stay for check-in procedures. There will be no tour guide service on that day, and meals are at your own expense.
[Tips]: When traveling in Xinjiang, due to the long itinerary and significant climatic differences, you may find it difficult to adapt at first and may experience symptoms of climate change. You can bring relevant medications and some commonly used drugs, such as band-aids, cold medicine, or medication for stomach discomfort. Drink plenty of water, maintain a pleasant mood, and embark on a wonderful Xinjiang journey. There is a 2-hour time difference between Xinjiang and the mainland. In Xinjiang, people start work at 9:30 or 10:00 am, have lunch at 2:00 pm, and dinner at 8:00 pm. The nightlife in Xinjiang is also very rich, and group members need to adapt.
D2 Urumqi – Tian Chi (Tian Shan Heavenly Lake) – Urumqi – Beitun. Meals: Breakfast and Lunch. Accommodation: Train sleeper.
Early in the morning, take a vehicle (about 1.5-hour drive) to the [Tian Chi (Tian Shan Heavenly Lake) Scenic Area], which is known as the "Pearl of the Tianshan Mountains". Tian Chi sits at an altitude of 1,980 meters and is a natural alpine glacier-eroded lake shaped like a half-moon. The natural scenery is breathtaking, with majestic snow-capped mountains in the distance and streams and waterfalls scattered throughout the mountains. The profound cultural connotations, such as the ancient myth of the Western Queen Mother of the Jade Pool and unique folk customs, integrate forests, grasslands, snow-capped mountains, and human landscapes, creating a unique landscape. After lunch, take a vehicle to the [Yema International Ancient Ecology Park] (complimentary). The scenic area covers an area of 200 mu (about 33 acres) and has distinct seasons with various wonders. Inside the park, there is China’s largest Akhal-Teke horse exhibition base, the Yema Art Museum, which collects oil paintings by famous artists from home and abroad, as well as the Jurassic Silicified Wood Protection Base, Silk Road Science Museum, Silk Road Historical Figures Memorial Hall, Silk Road Art Museum, and more. It integrates eco-tourism, cultural tracing, and folk customs experiences, gathering rare natural relics of the Western Regions and the cultural essence of the ancient and modern Silk Road.
We visit a garden. Afterwards, we proceed to Urumqi Railway Station (High-speed Railway Station) for gathering and take the train to Beitun.
D3 Beitun – Koktokay – Burqin Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Burqin
Reference Hotels: Burqin County Tourism Hotel, Burqin Friendship Peak Grand Hotel, Xiangjiang Grand Hotel, and other equivalent hotels.
After morning pick-up, we take a car to Koktokay Town, the coldest place in Xinjiang, which receives more snowfall than Mohe in Northeast China. We then proceed to the Koktokay National Geological Park located in the Irtysh Grand Canyon. Along the way, we admire scenic spots such as Turtle-shaped Rock, Birch Forest, Husband and Wife Trees, and Stone Gate. After arriving at the shuttle bus terminal, we visit the landmark attraction of Koktokay – the God’s Bell Mountain. Then, we hike along the Irtysh River (based on one’s physical condition) deep into the Irtysh Grand Canyon (not too far). In the evening, we check into the beautiful riverside town of Burqin. Optionally, you can visit the Sino-Russian Old Dock Folk Street, stroll through the Burqin Riverbank Night Market, taste local cuisine, and experience the unique scenery of this border town.
D4 Burqin – Hemu – Jiadengyu Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Jiadengyu
Reference Hotels: Tianxiayou Mountain Villa, Yuyuan Mountain Villa, Chenyi Mountain Villa, Leihai Mountain Villa, Tuwa Residence, and other equivalent hotels.
After breakfast, we head to Hemu, known as the "God’s Back Garden". The scenic road winds its way up the mountain, with picturesque views on both sides. In the distance, snow-capped mountains can be seen, while nearby, forests, grasslands, blue skies, and white clouds fill the view. Occasionally, cattle and sheep grazing add to the harmonious picture. The beautiful scenery is too much to take in, and we feel the tranquility and beauty of being in a haven away from the hustle and bustle of the world. Upon arriving at the Hemu gate, we board the scenic area shuttle bus for a tour. When we catch sight of a cluster of pointed-roof wooden houses in the distance, that’s Hemu Village. The beauty of Hemu lies in its primitiveness. This is the settlement of the Kanas Tuvas. The pointed-roof wooden houses are unique, with cattle and sheep leisurely pacing around the village, cats and dogs lazily basking in the sun in the yards, and the Hemu River joyfully flowing past the village. Everything seems peaceful and serene. Optionally, you can hike to the Genghis Khan’s Command Platform to overlook the全景 of Hemu Village. Along the way, you’ll be accompanied by the river, wildflowers, and birch forests, creating a breathtakingly beautiful scene. Wander freely around the village along the Hemu River. The murmuring river, pointed-roof wooden houses, and dense birch forests can all be great spots for photo shoots. The village is not big, so you can walk around freely and experience the primitive lifestyle of the locals. After the tour, we head to Jiadengyu and check into the hotel.
D5 Jiadengyu – Kanas – Beitun – Jinghe Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Accommodation: Train sleeper
After breakfast, head to the Kanas scenic area. Upon arrival at the [Kanas scenic area] ticket gate, transfer to a shuttle bus to enter Kanas National Geological Park. Take in the sights along the Kanas River, enjoying the primitive Siberian larch forest, birch forest scenery, Shenxian Bay, Wolong Bay, Moon Bay, and Yaze Lake, as well as a tour of Kanas Lake. Pine forests stretch across the mountains, and with the breeze blowing, the rustling of the pine trees creates a soothing sound. Kanas Lake is a favorite among photographers – the blue sky, white clouds, emerald-green lake, and tranquil birch forest… It is truly a painter’s first choice and a photographer’s paradise. Take a boat tour of Kanas Lake. Enter the "world of wooden houses," the Kanas Village, and wander through the unique wooden cabins while enjoying the beautiful scenery of Kanas Lake. In the afternoon, return to Beitun by car. Along the way, you can optionally visit the [Colorful Beach scenic area] to witness the magic of the colorful riverbank. "A river separates the two banks, yet they resemble two different worlds." Nature has ingeniously combined two distinctly different landscapes here, creating a naturally formed and unique scenery. Arrive in Beitun in the evening.
Depart from [unspecified location], take a special train to Jinghe County.
D6 Jinghe – Sayram Lake – Yining Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Accommodation: Yining City
Reference Hotels: Longxin International Hotel, Zhongya International Hotel, Tumaries Hotel, and equivalents
After breakfast, take an air-conditioned bus to [Sayram Lake, a national AAAA scenic area], where the western shore of the lake is adorned with grasslands and flowers of all colors – yellow, purple, and red, blooming everywhere. The nearby clear water and blue sky shimmer with waves, while the distant snowy peaks blend seamlessly with the sky, forming a picturesque watercolor painting. Later, pass through Asia’s longest cable-stayed bridge across a mountain and take in the scenic views of [Guozigou, the First Pass of Yili] along the way (no stopping due to traffic reasons). After lunch, head to [Horgos Port] (complimentary), one of China’s three major land trade ports, where you can take an electric cart to visit the border gate. Afterwards, visit the [Lavender Garden] (complimentary) to learn about the distribution of aromatic plants worldwide and related products. Continue to [Kazangqi Folk Tourism Area], the only large-scale, original ecological, and culturally rich scenic area dominated by Uyghurs in Northern Xinjiang, which includes Uyghur home visits, homemade ice cream with a secret recipe, horse-drawn carriage rides, singing and dancing performances, and tastings of dried fruits and fresh fruits. This is a true portrayal of Xinjiang’s ethnic customs, encompassing the rich Uyghur culture and unique folk customs. After dinner, check into the hotel.
D7 Yining – Nalati – Yining – Turpan Meals: Breakfast and Lunch Accommodation: Train sleeper
After breakfast, take an air-conditioned bus to one of the world’s four major alpine valley grasslands – [Nalati, a national AAAAA scenic area]. Along the way, enjoy the beautiful scenery on both sides of the Gongnais River. "Three sides are surrounded by green mountains, and the river flows like a jade belt around the waist." Ancient tombs of the Wusun people are located here, presenting breathtaking views of four landscapes within one mountain. After lunch, take the scenic area’s valley shuttle bus to enter the Nalati Valley Grassland scenic area for sightseeing. You can optionally take the Nalati sightseeing bus to admire the scenic viewpoints. In the evening, take a special train to Turpan!
D8 Turpan – Kuqa Meals: Lunch and Dinner Accommodation: Train sleeper
After breakfast, we will take a bus to Turpan, the Fire City, and gather in front of the Unified Marketing Company to purchase tickets. First, we will visit the [Karez Wells], known as the ‘underground canal’ and one of the three great ancient Chinese projects. In the afternoon, we will take a bus to visit the [Grape Manor]. The World Heritage site [Jiaohe Ancient City] is a well-preserved earthen architecture city in the world and also a complete urban relic preserved for more than two thousand years in China. The Anxi Protectorate, the high military and political institution of the Tang Dynasty in the Western Regions, was established early in Jiaohe Ancient City. It was listed as a key national cultural relic protection unit in 1961. At the [Flaming Mountain] photo spot, take photos. A Uyghur family visit is complimentary, where you can taste fruits and melons for free under the grape trellis. After dinner, we will take a train to Kuqa, the ancient country of Qiuci.
D9 Kuqa – Grand Canyon – Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves – Alar Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Accommodation: Alar
Reference Hotels: Alar Tahe Garden Hotel, Alar Grand Hotel, Alar Zajuhua Grand Hotel, and equivalents
After picking up from the train in the morning, we will take a bus to visit the [Tian Shan Mysterious Grand Canyon], praised by Uyghurs as the ‘Red Cliff’ and also the main shooting location for famous films such as ‘Warriors of Heaven and Earth’. The Mysterious Grand Canyon is located in the Kiziliya scenic area, one of China’s nine major film bases today. The huge red mountain range was formed during the Cretaceous period of the Mesozoic era, about 140 million years ago. After hundreds of millions of years of wind and rain erosion and flood erosion, it has formed crisscrossing and orderly ridges and grooves. From afar, it looks picturesque, resembling the ‘Potala Palace’ and fairyland. Up close, it resembles people and objects, like a dream, vivid and full of charm. Afterwards, we will head to Baicheng County to visit the [Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves], one of the four major grottoes in China. ‘Kizil’ is a translation from Uyghur, meaning ‘red’. There are 236 existing caves, about one-third of which have relatively intact cave formations and more mural relics. The grottoes are mainly relics from the 4th to 8th centuries and are typical representatives of the Qiuci grottoes. After the tour, we will head to Alar City, the new city and pearl of the Tarim River, to check into our hotel.
D10 Alar – Aksu – Kashgar Meals: Breakfast and Lunch Accommodation: Train sleeper
After breakfast, we will take a bus to visit the [Sleeping Diverse-leaved Poplar Forest], which is currently the largest, most intact, and uniquely shaped ‘primitive’ diverse-leaved poplar forest in the Tarim River basin. We will then head to the [Gateway to the Desert] scenic area, which is a landmark of the Taklimakan Desert and the starting point of the Rally China. It is also a sacred place for off-road enthusiasts. Afterwards, we will visit the [359th Brigade Memorial Hall] in Alar City. If it is closed, we will instead visit the [Western Regions Cultural Expo Park] at Tarim University. The 359th Brigade is the unit sung in the folk song ‘Nanniwan’, where you can feel the spirit of the Corps: ‘Born in Nanniwan, grew up on Jinggangshan, fought battles across ten thousand miles, and garrisoned in the Tianshan Mountains.’ After that, we will head to Aksu’s ethnic night market to taste local specialty foods at your own expense. In the evening, we will take a train to Kashgar, the living fossil of the Silk Road.
D11 Kashgar – Karakuli Lake – Kashgar. Meals: Breakfast and lunch. Accommodation: Kashgar
Reference hotels: Qiniwake Hotel, Shenye Radisson Hotel, Nanjiang Global Port International Hotel, and equivalents
After arriving by scenic train in the morning, proceed to apply for a border pass. Then depart to visit the plateau lake 【Karakuli Lake】, which means “black sea” in Uyghur. At an altitude of 3600 meters and a depth of 30 meters, with a total area of over 100,000 square kilometers, it is a high-mountain glacier-eroded and moraine lake located at the foot of Muztagh Ata, the “Father of Ices” in the eastern Pamirs. Surrounded by mountains, the lake is lush with water plants and grass, and often frequented by Kyrgyz herdsmen for grazing. On a clear day, the blue water reflects the silver peaks, blending lake scenery with mountain views into a picturesque landscape. The lake is surrounded by icy peaks and snow-capped mountains, especially Kongur, Kongur Tobe Peak, and Muztagh Ata, which add a magical and beautiful charm to the lake. Along the way, enjoy the scenery of the Gez Valley (also known as the Red River Valley) and布伦口Sand Lake (also known as White Sand Lake). After 90 minutes of free time by the lake, return to Kashi city by car and check into the hotel to rest.
Friendly reminder: Kahu Lake is at an altitude of 3700 meters. Pregnant women, the elderly, children, people with high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and high cholesterol, and other special groups are not recommended to participate in tours to Kahu Lake!
Note: Obtain a Kahu Border Pass in advance: Guests from within Xinjiang should apply with their ID at their household registration location, while out-of-state tourists can entrust the travel agency to handle it.
D12 Kashgar – Urumqi. Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Accommodation: Train sleeper
After breakfast, depart for the AAAAA scenic area 【Kashi Old Town】 to watch the opening ceremony. Then visit 【Craftsmen Street – Handicraft Street】, a distinctive cultural attraction in Kashi, Xinjiang. Craftsmen Street, also known as Wusitangboyi Handicraft Street, spans about one kilometer and houses hundreds of workshops and stalls. With a complete range of food and tea drinks, it has become an exhibition area for the finest handicrafts from Kashi and even Central Asia. A stroll down the street allows for shopping, sightseeing, and enjoying local cuisine all at once, truly killing two birds with one stone. Within Craftsmen Street, taste authentic local snacks and tea drinks at your own expense, including a local Kashgar-style Uyghur “【Century-Old Teahouse】”. Enjoy traditional Uyghur musical instrument performances while sipping Uyghur black tea, and savor the leisurely atmosphere. Visit 【Aitikar Mosque】. Afterwards, enjoy lunch, and then visit the 【Kashi Nephrite Exhibition Hall】 (AA scenic area). Have dinner in the urban area and return to Urumqi by scenic train with a sense of fulfillment.
D13 Urumqi. Meal: On your own. Accommodation: Urumqi
Reference hotels: Xiyu Grand Hotel, Daluqiao Hotel, Tuha Petroleum Hotel, Dushanzi Hotel, and equivalents
Arrive in Urumqi in the afternoon, check into the hotel after pickup, and have free time.
D14 Urumqi – Various destinations. Meal: Breakfast. Accommodation: Warm home
Reservation phone number for Tianshan scenic train: 181-39622229