[Tianshan] 14-Day Tour of the North and South of Tianshan Mountains by Dedicated Tourist Train (Standard Version)
Product Highlights:
[Recommendation Reason] Round-trip by dedicated train, departing in the evening and arriving in the morning, shortening the gobi journey by over 5,000 kilometers. The destinations are all the most representative core scenic spots in Xinjiang.
The Xinjiang Tourism Train Center provides you with high-quality services. Welcome to inquire by phone: 180 95969599; Inquiry: xjwf10086 (copy and add as a friend for free consultation and detailed route information);
Including snow-capped mountains, plateaus, lakes, deserts, gobies, oases, grasslands, ancient villages… Fulfilling your dream of traveling through both northern and southern Xinjiang;
[Customized Train] A brand new train route traversing the panoramic landscapes of both northern and southern Xinjiang. Exclusive berths, the train moves with you, no need to carry large luggage;
[Dedicated Train] In 2025, the Urumqi Railway Bureau invested 3 million yuan to customize and brand newly build a bar car, entertainment car, and dining car for the ‘Tianshan’ tourist train. The train is equipped with hard sleeper carriages and soft sleeper carriages, providing you with a comprehensive service experience throughout your journey;
[Highlight Attractions] Tianshan Heavenly Lake, Koktokay, Kanas Lake, Hemu Village, Sayram Lake, Nalati Grasslands, Lavender Manor, Kanerjing, Flaming Mountain, Grape Valley, Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon, Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves, Gateway to the Desert, Sleeping Hu Yang, 359th Brigade Memorial Hall, Kashgar Old Town, Aytigar Mosque, Karakul Lake, and other highlight attractions. Enjoy the unique landscapes of both northern and southern Xinjiang in one trip;
[Selected Hotels] Carefully selected local comfortable hotels; providing you with a high-quality rest environment;
[Gourmet Feast] Nine bowls in three rows, Burqin cold-water fish banquet, Xiangfei banquet, pigeon soup + pigeon noodles, etc.;
[Special Gift] Free Adles ethnic style silk scarf for ladies/flower hat for gentlemen; one bag of Xinjiang dried fruit snacks per person;
[Exclusive for Travelers] Free 24-hour pick-up/drop-off service at train stations and airports for groups of 2 or more;
In 2025, the Tianshan Train tourist train will travel around scenic routes in northern and southern Xinjiang
Silk Road Tianshan Train
The "Silk Road Tianshan" exclusively customized tourist train is a high-end tourism product operated by our company in Xinjiang. The train marshalling consists of two vehicle types with a seating capacity of 10 or 28 people per vehicle. Each train can accommodate between 50-160 people. The carriages are equipped with small meeting rooms, dining rooms, public or private restrooms and showers. According to customer needs, customized vehicle types, marshalling, and travel routes can be selected freely. It is a multifunctional tourist train integrating tourism, business negotiations, and mobile meetings. It is the best choice for group tours, company annual meetings, and class reunions.
The Xinjiang Tourism Train Center provides you with quality services. Welcome to inquire by phone: 1809 5969599; Consultation: xjwf10086 (copy and add as a friend for free consultation and detailed route information)
2-person booth: upper bunk width 0.7m, lower bunk width 0.78m
Four-person booth: upper bunk width 0.62m, lower bunk width 0.64m, bed spacing 0.55m, table can be pulled out and extended, table length 0.72m when not pulled out, and 1.25m when pulled out
The New Oriental Express · Silk Road Tianshan Train is sometimes composed of a mixed marshalling of 3 "New Oriental Express" Blue Diamond carriages, 2 dedicated "Silk Road Tianshan" carriages, and 3 double-deck hard sleeper carriages. Among them, the "New Oriental Express" Blue Diamond carriage booths are equipped with extra-wide beds, and Western-style restrooms and public showers are located at both ends of the carriage. The dedicated "Silk Road Tianshan" carriages are 10-person carriages with small meeting rooms. The carriages are equipped with dining rooms, public or private showers, and restrooms. They are multifunctional tourist carriages integrating tourism, business negotiations, and mobile meetings. They are also the best choice for group tours, company annual meetings, and class reunions. The double-deck hard sleeper carriages provide comfortable and clean travel conditions at affordable prices.
In addition to basic accommodation facilities, this tourist train is also equipped with one dining car and one bar car. The dining car can provide breakfast, lunch, and dinner according to the itinerary. The bar car, in addition to providing beverage services, is also equipped with an HD TV, piano, and karaoke audio equipment. Activities such as movie watching, karaoke, and tea parties can be held.
This mixed marshalling tourist train
Satisfying tourists’ varying quality needs from high-end to low-end
Travel options for different needs
Highlights of the new train:
1. Compared with ordinary trains or special trains, its airtightness, stability, and shock absorption have been greatly improved.
2. The noise decibel data of the air-conditioning system meets the standards. The compressor uses a universal train compressor, and the vehicle has undergone strict third-party testing and exceeds standards before leaving the factory. The main air duct design has been updated, adopting a static pressure sealed cavity, with side air outlets and electric ventilation regulators. The air compressor has an independent air supply system that can assist in air supply when there is no generator. The airflow is gentle, and when the vehicle’s air speed reaches a certain level, it automatically releases air pressure. This setting is unique to special service official cars and is not found in ordinary cars. This car has increased power and improved air duct material, providing heat dissipation, insulation, and moisture retention.
3. The entire train has design highlights:
1) It is currently the largest booth with a shower in China; the showers in the entire train are separated into wet and dry areas, and the partition material design is advanced.
2) The original 1064mm vehicle windows are replaced with 25T type 1528mm large viewing windows for corridors and rooms; 3) Each room is equipped with an air volume adjustment switch;
4) Upper berths with damping devices that can be folded up and close to the wall; this is currently the most advanced in China. 5) Each bed head in the compartment is equipped with a 5-pin socket (AC200V/300W, 2 sets in total) for computer and mobile phone charging with USB ports; a 5-pin socket (AC200V/1500W) is provided at the multi-function table, and a 5-pin socket with splash-proof face box (AC200V/1500W) is installed in the toilet.
6) Vacuum waste collection devices in the toilets;
7) Exclusive ceramic toilets throughout the train. 8) The train has undergone special formaldehyde removal procedures, meeting and complying with international standards.
Special services of the high-end luxury dedicated train:
* The itinerary is a high-end customized product, fully meeting customer needs. The train operates mostly at night and stops for sightseeing during the day, ensuring safety, reliability, and comfort.
* VIP reception throughout the journey, with dedicated vehicles. The train waits locally at each destination.
* The soft sleeper compartment occupied by each person on the dedicated train remains unchanged throughout the journey, equipped with private or public showers and toilets.
* VIP treatment throughout the journey, with large luggage handled hands-free (except at airports).
* Chinese cuisine throughout the journey. The dining car seats four people per table, with eight dishes and one soup per table for main meals. Each passenger receives one bottle of mineral water upon boarding at each stop.
* Each carriage has a dedicated attendant who tidies up regularly every day to maintain neatness and beauty. Rooms are supplied with mineral water, hot tea, and fruit. Laundry services are also provided at an additional cost.
* The bar car is equipped with coffee seats, TVs, audio equipment, karaoke, and pianos, providing beverages and mahjong tables.
The dining car and comfortable bar car accompanying the New Oriental Express enable guests to enjoy comfort akin to being at home and various entertaining services. Train travel can also be this comfortable – whether having a drink in the dining car, resting in the compartment, or playing the piano, watching movies, enjoying afternoon tea, singing karaoke, or participating in art lectures in the bar car.
The interior decoration of the new carriages is mainly dark wood, with a calm and unified style, which has received praise from domestic and foreign customers. It is suggested that the soft decoration of the New Oriental Express continue with a soft and concise style, with high-quality pure white bedding as the main feature, maintaining the simple and elegant style of high-end luxury trains.
Answers to frequently asked questions about the New Oriental Express:
Q1. What are the carriage configurations of the New Oriental Express train?
A: ①Golden Diamond: A total of 8 carriages, with 4 two-person compartments in each carriage, totaling 64 berths.
②Blue Diamond: A total of 5 carriages, with 7 four-person compartments in each carriage. Our Blue Diamond product has been upgraded to accommodate 2 people in one four-person compartment.
Q2. Are the Golden Diamond carriages interconnected with the Blue Diamond carriages?
A: Passengers can walk between every carriage of the entire train.
Q3. What are the configurations of the Golden Diamond carriage compartments?
A: Each suite measures approximately 10 square meters; with a 1.5M*2M double bed;
Desks, wardrobes, safes, and showers with dry and wet separation toilets;
Air volume adjustment switches, USB ports, and 5-pin sockets are provided at each bed head.
The Xinjiang Tourism Train Center provides you with quality services. Welcome to inquire by phone: 1809 5969599; Consultation: xjwf10086 (copy and add as a friend for free consultation and detailed route information)
Q4. What are the configurations of the Blue Diamond carriage compartments?
A: The lower bunk measures 0.9M*1.95M and the upper bunk measures 0.7M*1.82M; there are air volume adjustment switches, and each bed head has a USB port and a 5-pin socket.
Q5. Can the windows in the carriages be opened?
A: They cannot be opened; they are sealed scenic windows.
Q6. How many dining cars are there on the train, and what is their configuration?
A: There are a total of 2 dining cars, with 12 tables in each car and seating for 4 people per table, accommodating 48 people at the same time. Q7. What is the dining standard on the train?
A: Four people per table, with a dining standard of 80 yuan/person for main meals (six dishes and one soup) and 50 yuan/person for breakfast, with a fixed portion of food for each person.
Q8. Are toiletries provided on the train?
A: The train advocates environmental protection, so disposable toiletries are not provided. Please bring your own!
Q9. Are there smoking areas on the train?
A: For driving safety, there are no smoking areas on the train. Sorry for any inconvenience caused!
Q10. If a guest prefers to stay on the train during the journey rather than take the land itinerary, is that possible?
A: No, because the train needs to enter the garage, where power and water are cut off, and there are no staff members.
Q11. What is the staff configuration for each group on the train?
A: Each group is equipped with an excellent full-time guide [starting and ending in Urumqi, accompanying throughout the journey (including the landing itinerary)], without segmentation or interruption, providing 24/7 service.
Q12. What is the staff configuration for each group during the landing itinerary?
A: Each group is equipped with an excellent full-time guide [starting and ending in Urumqi, accompanying throughout the journey (including on the train)], without segmentation or interruption, providing 24/7 service.
Each group is equipped with a driver and a local guide (responsible for explaining attractions) for each segment.
Booking and registration process for Xinjiang tourist trains:
First: The Xinjiang tourist train is a tourism + train product that is not sold on the 12306 official railway website but through designated official travel agency channels authorized by the railway bureau.
Second: How far in advance should I book a Xinjiang tourist train? Xinjiang tourist trains generally release their specific schedule, itinerary, and fees from January to March each year, and bookings can be made that same month. Since Xinjiang tourist trains do not depart daily but operate on a regular monthly schedule, bookings must be made in advance. If you plan to join a tourist train at the last minute, there may not be any seats available.
Third: Xinjiang tourist train products mainly include panoramic views of both northern and southern Xinjiang (around 13 days), southern Xinjiang only (around 10 days), or northern Xinjiang only (around 8 days), with Urumqi Station as both the starting and ending point. The departure dates are generally from May to November, with different departure dates, plans, and products each month.
Fourth: You can learn about the Xinjiang tourist train schedules, national trains, tourist trains, and Xinjiang Eastern Express travel products through the Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency Train Center to choose the appropriate tour date.
Fifth: After selecting the travel date and product, you can confirm the booking and registration; first, provide ID information (name + ID number), and then pay the deposit for the Xinjiang Eastern Express train ticket, with the balance to be paid around 30 days before departure.
Sixth: After booking a Xinjiang tourist train, sign an electronic travel contract. Arrive in Urumqi according to the departure time, and our company provides 24/7 pick-up services. After arriving in Urumqi, our journey on the Xinjiang tourist train begins.
Seventh: Reservation and inquiry hotline of the Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency’s Train Tour Center: 180 95969599 (← Click to copy) (Add as a friend for free consultation) to obtain the latest tourist train schedules and itineraries.
What are the specific advantages of Xinjiang tourist trains, and are they suitable for middle-aged and elderly people to participate in?
First: Safety guarantees for the magnificent Xinjiang tourist trains. The berths on the trains are stable, reducing the need for transfers during the journey. Passengers’ regular luggage can be placed on the train without needing to be moved back and forth! In addition, professional staff with years of practical service experience, healthcare workers, and other service teams accompany passengers throughout the journey.
Second, the magnificent Xinjiang tourist trains provide worry-free and smooth travel experiences. The Xinjiang tourist trains depart and arrive in Urumqi, with a tour guide accompanying the group from start to finish, providing attentive service throughout. There is no need to worry about transfers, and all passengers on the train are tourists. Everyone, whether on the train or visiting scenic spots, is in a joyful atmosphere. Especially for middle-aged and elderly travelers, their children can have peace of mind.
Third, the magnificent Xinjiang tourist trains save money and are comfortable. Xinjiang is vast in territory and rich in resources, with large distances between scenic areas and cities (if compared to other provinces, Xinjiang is equivalent to 9 Guangdongs, 10 Jiangxis, 11 Shangdongs, 12 Anhuis, 15 Zhejiangs, 16 Jiangsus, or 46 Taiwans). If traveling by car, the journey time would be long, and the number of days would increase, making the travel expenses higher. However, traveling by train allows you to complete a tour of North and South Xinjiang in just 12 to 15 days, while it would take at least 20 days by car. Therefore, traveling by train is more comfortable and cost-saving. Especially for our middle-aged and elderly friends, long car rides can take a toll on their bodies and energy.
Fourth, the magnificent Xinjiang tourist trains are inclusive of all age groups. As long as you do not have serious sudden illnesses such as heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, cerebral thrombosis, etc., and are in good health, you can participate in the tourist train activities. However, it should be noted that insurance companies have a maximum payout limit for people over 75 years old (including 75). For people over 75, their children need to accompany them to complete the trip, and a health declaration must be filled out truthfully.
Fifth, diverse choices of carriages for the magnificent Xinjiang tourist trains. 1. The New Oriental Express is currently China’s newest luxury tourist train; 2. Xinjiang national train tourist carriages; 3. Tianshan Silk Road tourist train; 4. Xinjiang tourist train carriages. You can choose various tourist train products according to your needs.
Xinjiang Train Tour: Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency’s Train Tour Center provides the latest quotes and prices for Xinjiang train tour routes, the magnificent Xinjiang tourist trains, national trains for Xinjiang tourism, reservations and inquiries for the Tianshan Silk Road and New Oriental Express train tour routes. 180 95969599
The Xinjiang tourist train has upgraded its carriages. The entire journey of the northern and southern Xinjiang train uses national train carriages. The Northern Xinjiang Circular Train, Southern Xinjiang Taklamakan Circular Train, and other cross-regional tourist trains provide a unique experience. Throughout the journey, enjoy the distinctive landscapes of both Northern and Southern Xinjiang. In the Altay direction, there are the Eastern Swiss-like Kanas Lake, God’s Own Land – Hemucun Village, and the Shepherds of Koktokay; the region south of the Great Wall – Ili has the alpine meadow of Nalati, the famous highland lake Sayram Lake; the Turpan region, known as the Fire Valley, has the wise water conservancy project of Karez Wells, vast deserts, and the famous kilometer-long Grape Corridor of Grape Valley, as well as the alpine lake of Tian Chi; the mysterious and ethnically unique Southern Xinjiang has the Tajik people, the guests from the ice mountains, and even the ancient Uyghur folk customs, leaving you dazzled and fully immersing you in the beauty of Xinjiang.
The tourist train takes a deep circular route along the Tian Shan, Kunlun, Altay Mountains, the Junggar Basin, and the Tarim Basin, making it ideal for a slow and leisurely journey by train.
Vast deserts, endless gobies, expansive grasslands, lush oases, winding snow-capped mountains, azure lakes, ancient Silk Road routes, ethnic customs… These unique tourist labels of Xinjiang make countless people look forward to and yearn for it. The most beautiful scenery in China is hidden in Xinjiang’s summer. The Tian Shan Mountains divide the vast Xinjiang into northern and southern parts. The area north of the mountains is called Northern Xinjiang, and the area south is Southern Xinjiang. Connected by three mountains, two basins, and one route, "Traveling to Xinjiang by Train" has become a beautiful scenic route in Xinjiang tourism.
Enjoy scenery in Northern Xinjiang and culture in Southern Xinjiang. The tourist train circles around the Taklamakan Desert into Southern Xinjiang. In the remaining Kizil Grottoes, you can glimpse the ancient history of the ancient Kingdom of Kucha. Stepping into the Kuqa王府 (王府 means王府, but here it’s likely referring to a historical mansion or palace), you can witness the former glory of the prince’s family. The mysteriously grand Tianshan Mystic Grand Canyon is filled with a desolate atmosphere that makes one tremble. The city of Kuqa is also the endpoint of the "Heroic Landscape Avenue," the Duku Highway. As a strategic hub on the ancient Silk Road, Kashgar retains a strong Uyghur folk customs in its architecture, culture, and urban landscape. Be sure to slow down and stroll through the old town; the soul of Kashgar is concentrated here.
In the evening, witness a grand prayer at Aitikaer Mosque and head along the China-Pakistan Friendship Highway to the Pamir Plateau. The Karakul Lake at the foot of Mount Muztagh, known as the "Father of Icebergs", may inspire awe for life in you. There’s also Baisha Lake and Xiangfei Garden, both worth visiting. The unique charm of Southern Xinjiang will make you feel like you’ve traveled back in time to Aladdin’s lamp.
The Xinjiang Tourism Train Center provides you with quality services. Welcome to inquire by phone: 1809 5969599; Consultation: xjwf10086 (copy and add as a friend for free consultation and detailed route information)
✅Kanas: Autumn colors are everywhere! Golden yellow 🍂, fiery red 🍎, a sapphire blue sky 🌈, and mirror-like lakes 🌊 create a mesmerizing beauty.
✅Hemucun Village: The autumn atmosphere is thick, with wooden houses 🏠 perfectly blending with snowy mountains ⛰️, forests 🌲, meadows 🌱, blue skies, and white clouds ☁️.
✅ Sayram Lake: The lake surface is as calm as a mirror, reflecting the blue sky.
✅ Koktokay: Granite peaks stand tall, with dense forests of yellow leaves.
✅ Primitive Populus Euphratica Forest: Large areas of Populus Euphratica forests are integrated with rivers, deserts, gobies, oases, sand lakes, ancient roads, and desert grasslands.
✅ Colorful Beach: This is a typical Yadan landform in northern Xinjiang, a rare colorful world in the vast Gobi desert, full of magnificent colors.
✅ Kashgar Old City: The old city has a long history, rich culture, and unique customs.
Northern Xinjiang Autumn Feast Route
D1 All parts of the country – Urumqi
D2 Urumqi – Koktokay
D3 Koktokay Town – Hemu
D4 Hemu – Kanas – Jiadenyu
D5 Jiadenyu – Colorful Beach – World Devil City – Kuitun
D6 Kuitun – Sayram Lake – Wusu/Dushanzi
D7 Wusu/Dushanzi – Tianshan Heavenly Lake – Urumqi
D8 Urumqi – All parts of the country –
Southern Xinjiang Cultural and Folk Customs Route
D1 All parts of the country – Urumqi
D2 Urumqi – Korla – Lop Nur Village
D3 Korla – Luntai Populus Euphratica Forest
D4 Luntai – Kuqa – Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon
D5 Kuqa – Kashgar Old Town – Century-old Teahouse – Kashgar
D6 Kashgar – White Sand Lake – Pamir Tourist Area – Taxkorgan
D7 Taxkorgan – Wakha盘龙古道 – Karakul Lake – Kashgar
D8 Kashgar – All parts of the country
Recommended Routes in Xinjiang in October:
Day 1: Urumqi – Koktokay – Irtysh Grand Canyon – Shenzhong Mountain. Depart from Urumqi for Koktokay. The Irtysh Grand Canyon and Shenzhong Mountain in Koktokay are both spectacular attractions. The canyon in autumn is colorful and very beautiful.
Day 2: Koktokay – Colorful Beach – Ahe Highway – Hemu. In the morning, visit Colorful Beach to admire the colorful Yadan landform. Then travel along the Ahe Highway to Hemu, with picturesque scenery along the way.
Day 3: Kanas Lake – Three Bays – Tuwa People’s Visit – Qibaroyi. Spend the whole day in Kanas, enjoying the beautiful scenery of Kanas Lake, visiting the Three Bays (Fairy Bay, Moon Bay, Wolong Bay), and also visiting the Tuwa people to understand their lifestyle and customs.
Day 4: Qibaroyi – World Devil City – Primitive Populus Euphratica Forest – Urho. In the morning, visit the World Devil City to experience the wonders of nature. Then head to the Primitive Populus Euphratica Forest to admire the golden hues of the trees. Arrive in Urho in the evening.
Day 5: Urho – Duku Highway – Dushanzi Grand Canyon – Urumqi. Return to Urumqi along the Duku Highway, enjoying the spectacular views of Dushanzi Grand Canyon along the way
More tourism consultation (Panda Special Train, New Oriental Express, Silk Road Dream Train, Lindu Train, Yichun Train, Gobi Cruise, New Western Train, New National Train, Tianyuan Train, Tianshan Train) Special Train Booking Center: 180-9596-9599 (Copy and add as a friend for free consultation and detailed route information)