Xinjiang Tianshan Train Tourism Express Reservation Phone/Official Website/Ticket Booking
Tianshan Train Express Reservation Phone: 181-39622229 (same as WeChat)
Travel Xinjiang by Train: Tianshan Train Tourism Express
Urumqi – Altay – Ili – Bozhou – Turpan – Kuqa – Aksu – Kashgar – Urumqi, 14 days
[Design Concept] Fulfill a dream of traveling across the Tianshan Mountains and throughout northern and southern Xinjiang, making travel simple and joyful; the train departs in the evening and arrives in the morning, saving you from a 5,000+ kilometer Gobi Desert drive. It’s comfortable and safe. The destinations are all representative core scenic spots in Xinjiang, encompassing snow-capped mountains, plateaus, lakes, deserts, Gobi Deserts, oases, grasslands, ancient villages, etc.… Fulfill your dream of traveling across northern and southern Xinjiang.
[Customized Train] A new panoramic train tour throughout northern and southern Xinjiang, featuring a new route: Urumqi + Altay + Ili + Bozhou + Turpan + Aksu + Alar + Kuqa + Kashgar. The train arrives at the destination in one stop without any transfers, truly realizing a panoramic train journey across all parts of Xinjiang. The train follows you, and there is no need to change berths throughout the journey. It’s a golden route combining train and bus travel. The train replaces the bus, providing comfort and safety!
[Dedicated Train] In 2023, the Urumqi Railway Bureau invested 3 million yuan to customize and brand 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 a comprehensive service experience for your journey;
[Highlight Attractions] Enjoy a one-time overview of Kanas, Hemu, Koktokay; visit Colorful Beach, Tianshan Heavenly Lake, encounter lavender, meet Jinghai – Sayram Lake; visit Aerial Grassland Nalati, Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon, Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves, Kuqa Mansion, Desert Gate, Sleeping Hu Yang, 359 Travel Memorial Hall, Karakul Lake, Kashgar Old Town, Id Kah Mosque, Grape Valley, Kanerjing, Flaming Mountain, and other must-see attractions;
[Quality Assurance] Group forms in Urumqi, ground air-conditioned tourist buses with comfortable seating, more attentive service, and excellent Chinese-speaking tour guides accompanying throughout the journey;
[Selected Hotels] Throughout the journey, locally selected four-star, five-star, and high-standard comfortable hotels provide you with a high-quality and comfortable resting environment;
[Exclusive Cuisine] Complimentary Xinjiang – [Big Plate Chicken], Burqin County – [Coldwater Fish Feast], Tianchi – [Jade Pool Feast], Xinjiang – [Grilled Meat];
[Super Value Gift] ★Complimentary men’s ‘Aidilai’ ethnic floral hat: Let you shine more brightly during your trip; women’s Aidilai silk scarf
Item: Let you become a younger and prettier ‘Xinjiang girl’ during your trip to Xinjiang;
★Complimentary bag of Xinjiang dried fruit snacks worth 198 yuan per person!
★Complimentary visit to Lavender Manor – [Lavender Garden]
[Themed Activity] Kashgar Old Town Opening Dance Ceremony
[Thoughtful Service] All teams are seamlessly connected by a professional scheduling team to make you feel at home! Professional tour drivers ensure a worry-free trip for you!
[Exclusive Travel Service] Whether you arrive early or delay your return, we will provide you with free 24-hour early airport/station pick-up service and delayed airport drop-off service.
Station service!!!
Simplified Itinerary
Days, Itinerary, Meals, Lodging
Day 1: Departure – Urumqi (airport/station pick-up and hotel check-in). At your own expense in Urumqi.
Day 2: Urumqi – Tianshan Heavenly Lake – Yema Ecological Park – Beitun. Breakfast and lunch. Train sleeper.
Day 3: Beitun – Koktokay – Beitun – Burqin. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner in Burqin.
Day 4: Burqin – Hemu – Jiadengyu. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner in Jiadengyu.
Day 5: Jiadengyu – Kanas Lake – Beitun – Jinghe. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Train sleeper.
Day 6: Jinghe – Sayram Lake – Horgos – Yining. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner in Yining.
Day 7: Yining – Nalati – Yining – Turpan. Breakfast and lunch. Train sleeper.
Day 8: Turpan (Grape Valley – Flaming Mountain – Kanerjing) – Kuqa. Dinner. Train sleeper.
Day 9: Kuqa – Tianshan Grand Canyon – Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves – Alar. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner in Alar.
Tenth Day: Alar – Gate of the Desert – 359 Travel Memorial Hall – Kashgar. Meals: Breakfast and Lunch. Sleeper train.
Eleventh Day: Kashgar – Karakul Lake – Kashgar. Meals: Breakfast and Lunch. Kashgar.
Twelfth Day: Kashgar – Old Town – Mosque – Kashgar – Urumqi. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner. Sleeper train.
Thirteenth Day: After arriving in Urumqi in the afternoon, check in to the hotel. At your own expense. Urumqi.
Fourteenth Day: Arrive in Urumqi in the morning and then transfer to the airport/train station according to the return flight/train schedule. Breakfast. Warm Home.
D1 Origin – Urumqi. Meals: At your own expense. Accommodation: Urumqi.
Reference Hotels: Western Regions Grand Hotel, Continental Bridge Hotel, Tuha Petroleum Mansion, Dushanzi Hotel, etc. (same level)
Depart from your origin to the airport or railway station to take a flight or train to Urumqi, the farthest city from the ocean in the world. It is the geographic center of Asia and also a necessary path on the new northern route 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 text message/phone call). Please ensure your phone is reachable. Local staff will arrange carpooling or pick-up services based on your flight or train arrival time. Staff will hold a sign reading "Take the Train to Explore Xinjiang: Tianshan VIP" at the agreed time on the day of pick-up, waiting for your arrival at the airport and escorting you to the hotel where you will stay that day to check in. 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 climate differences, you may find it difficult to adapt at first and may experience symptoms of not being accustomed to the local climate. You can bring relevant medications and some commonly used medications, such as band-aids, cold medicine, or medication for stomach discomfort. Drink plenty of water, keep a pleasant mood, and embark on a wonderful journey in Xinjiang. There is a 2-hour time difference between Xinjiang and the mainland. In Xinjiang, work starts at 9:30 or 10:00, lunch is at 2:00, dinner is at 8:00, and the nightlife in Xinjiang is also very rich. Group members need to adapt.
D2 Urumqi – Tian Chi Scenic Area of Mount Tianshan – Urumqi – Beitun. Meals: Breakfast and Lunch. Accommodation: Sleeper train.
Take a vehicle early in the morning (around 1.5 hours’ drive) to visit the [Tian Chi Scenic Area of Mount Tianshan], which is known as the "Pearl of Mount Tianshan". Tian Chi, located at an altitude of 1980 meters, is a naturally formed alpine glacial lake shaped like a half moon. The natural scenery is beautiful, with a majestic snowy mountain in the distance and numerous streams and waterfalls scattered throughout the mountain. It combines deep cultural connotations such as the ancient myth of the Western Queen Mother’s Jade Pool, unique folk customs, forests, grasslands, snowy mountains, and human landscapes, creating a distinctive landscape. After lunch, take a vehicle to the [Yema International Ancient Ecological Park] (complimentary). The scenic area covers an area of 200 mu, with distinct seasons and various wonders. Inside the park, there is China’s largest display base for Akhal-Teke horses, the Yema Art Museum which collects oil paintings from famous artists both domestically and internationally, as well as a Jurassic silicified wood protection base, a Silk Road Science and Technology Museum, a Silk Road Historical Figures Memorial Hall, a Silk Road Art Museum of Fine Arts, etc. It integrates ecological tourism, cultural tracing, and folk customs experience, gathering rare natural relics of the Western Regions and the essence of human culture along the ancient and modern Silk Road.
Visit a garden. Then proceed to Urumqi Station (High-speed Railway Station) for gathering and take the train to Beitun.
D3 Beitun – Keketohai – Burqin. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. Accommodation: Burqin.
Reference Hotels: Burqin County Tourism Hotel, Burqin Friendship Peak Grand Hotel, Xiangjiang Grand Hotel, and equivalent.
After picking up guests in the morning, take a bus to Keketohai Town, the coldest place in Xinjiang, which has more snowfall than Mohe in Northeast China. Head to the Keketohai National Geopark located in the Irtysh Grand Canyon. Along the way, enjoy scenic spots such as Turtle Rock, Birch Forest, Couple Tree, and Stone Gate. After arriving at the terminal of the shuttle bus, visit the landmark attraction of Keketohai, the God’s Bell Mountain, and then hike along the Irtysh River (depending on your physical condition) into the Irtysh Grand Canyon (not too far). In the evening, stay in the beautiful riverside town of Burqin. You can freely choose to visit the Sino-Russian Old Dock Folk Street, stroll through the Burqin River Embankment Night Market, taste local cuisine, and experience the unique scenery of the border town.
D4 Burqin – Hemu – Jiadengyu. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. Accommodation: Jiadengyu.
Reference Hotels: Tianxiayou Mountain Resort, Yuyuan Mountain Resort, Chenyi Mountain Resort, Leihai Mountain Resort, Tuwa Residence, and equivalent.
After breakfast, head to Hemu, known as the "God’s Backyard". The scenery along the winding road is picturesque, with distant snow-capped mountains, nearby forests, grasslands, blue skies, and white clouds all coming into view, along with cows and sheep grazing occasionally, forming a harmonious picture. The beautiful scenery is endless, and you can feel the tranquility and beauty of being in a haven of peace away from the hustle and bustle of the world. Upon arrival at the Hemu gate, take the scenic area shuttle bus to enter and explore. When you see 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 Tuwa people. The pointed-roof wooden houses are unique, with cows and sheep leisurely pacing around the village, cats and dogs lazily basking in the sun in the yard, and the Hemu River joyfully flowing past the village, creating a serene and peaceful atmosphere. You can take a self-guided hike to the Genghis Khan’s Commanding Platform to overlook the entire village of Hemu. Along the way, you’ll be accompanied by rivers, wildflowers, and birch forests, which are breathtakingly beautiful. Stroll 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 you to pose and take fantastic photos. The village is not big, so you can walk around freely and experience the primitive lifestyle of the locals. After the tour, head to Jiadengyu and check into the hotel.
D5 Jiadengyu–Kanas–Beitun–Jinghe. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner. Accommodation: Train sleeper
After breakfast, proceed to Kanas Scenic Area. Upon arrival at the [Kanas Scenic Area] ticket gate, transfer to a shuttle bus to enter Kanas National Geological Park. Along the Kanas River, enjoy the sights of the original Siberian larch forest, birch forest scenery, Fairy Bay, Wolong Bay, Moon Bay, and Duck Lake. Pine forests cover the mountains, and with the breeze blowing, the rustling of the pine trees can be heard. Kanas Lake is a favorite among photographers—blue skies, white clouds, emerald-green lake water, and leisurely birch forests… It is truly a painter’s first choice and a photographer’s paradise. Take a boat tour of Kanas Lake. Enter the "wooden house world" of Kanas Village and stroll through the unique wooden houses to enjoy the beautiful scenery of Kanas Lake. In the afternoon, return to Beitun by car. Along the way, optionally visit the [Colorful Beach Scenic Area] to marvel at the magical colorful riverbank. "A river separates the two banks, like two worlds." Nature has ingeniously combined two completely different landscapes here, creating a naturally formed and unique scenery. Arrive in Beitun in the evening.
Depart for Jinghe County by special train.
D6 Jinghe–Sayram Lake–Yining. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner. Accommodation: Yining City.
Reference Hotels: Longxin International Hotel, Zhongya International Hotel, Tumaries Hotel, or similar.
After breakfast, take an air-conditioned bus to [Sayram Lake National AAAA Scenic Area]. The western shore of the lake is a grassland covered with flowers—yellow, purple, and red, creating a riot of colors. The clear blue water and sky shimmer with light, while the distant snowy mountains blend with the sky, resembling a watercolor painting. Later, pass through Asia’s longest cable-stayed bridge across the mountain and take in the scenic views along the way of [Guozigou, the First Pass of Yili] (no stopping due to traffic reasons). After lunch, visit [Horgos Port] (complimentary), one of China’s three major land trade ports, and take an electric cart to visit the gateway. Afterwards, visit the [Lavender Garden] (complimentary) to learn about the distribution of aromatic plants worldwide and related products. Then, proceed to [Kazangqi Folk Tourism Area], the only large-scale, original ecological and cultural scenic spot in northern Xinjiang where Uyghurs and other ethnic groups live together. It includes Uyghur home visits, homemade ice cream, horse-drawn carriage rides, singing and dancing performances, and dried fruit and fruit tastings. It truly reflects the ethnic customs of Xinjiang, encompassing rich Uyghur culture and unique folk customs. After dinner, check in at 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 National AAAAA Scenic Area]. Along the way, enjoy the beautiful scenery along both sides of the Gongnais River. "The three sides of the mountain are green, and the river flows in the middle like a jade belt," with ancient Tomon tombs nestled among them. The scenery of four landscapes on one mountain is breathtaking. 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 appreciate the scenic spots. In the evening, take a special train to Turpan!
D8 Turpan – Kuqa Meals: Lunch and Dinner Accommodation: Train sleeper
After breakfast, take a bus to Turpan, the City of Fire, and gather in front of the Unified Marketing Company to purchase tickets. First, visit the [Karez Wells], known as the "underground canal" among the Three Ancient Chinese Projects. In the afternoon, take a bus to visit the [Grape Vineyard]. The World Heritage Site [Jiaohe Ancient City] is a well-preserved earthen city and also China’s most complete urban relic dating back more than two thousand years. The Anxi Protectorate, the high military and administrative 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. Take photos at the [Flaming Mountain] photography spot. A Uyghur family visit is complimentary, where you can taste fruits and melons for free under the grape trellis. After dinner, take a train to Kuqa, the ancient state 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 Zizyphus Jujube Flower Hotel, and equivalents
After arriving by train in the morning, take a bus to visit the [Tianshan 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 massive 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 washing, it has formed crisscrossed and orderly ridges and grooves. From afar, it looks picturesque and resembles the "Potala Palace", a celestial palace; up close, it resembles people and objects, dreamlike and lifelike, with countless expressions of charm. Afterwards, proceed to Baicheng County to visit [Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves], one of the four major grottoes in China. Kizil is the transliteration of Uyghur for "red". Of the existing 236 caves, about one-third have relatively intact cave formations and many mural remnants. The grottoes are mainly relics from the 4th to 8th centuries and are typical representatives of the Qiuci grottoes. After the tour, proceed to Alar City, the Pearl of the Tarim River and a new city of the Corps, to check into the hotel.
D10 Alar – Aksu – Kashgar Meals: Breakfast and Lunch Accommodation: Train sleeper
After breakfast, take a bus to visit [Sleeping Populus euphratica Forest], which is currently the largest, most intact, and uniquely shaped ‘primitive’ Populus euphratica forest in the Tarim River basin. Then proceed to the [Gate of the Desert] scenic area, which is the landmark of the Taklamakan Desert and the starting point of the Tarim Rally, a sacred place for off-road enthusiasts. Afterwards, visit the city of Alar to see the [359th Brigade Memorial Hall]. If it is closed, instead visit the [Western Regions Cultural Expo Park] at Tarim University. The 359th Brigade is the unit sung about in the folk song "Nanniwan", and experience the Corps spirit of "born in Nanniwan, grew up on Jinggangshan, fought battles tens of thousands of miles away, and settled and reclaimed in the Tianshan Mountains". Afterwards, head to Aksu’s ethnic night market to taste local specialties at your own expense, and in the evening, take a train to Kashgar, the living fossil of the Silk Road.
D11 Kashgar – Karakul Lake – Kashgar. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch. Accommodation: Kashgar
Reference Hotels: Qiniwake Hotel, Shenye Radisson Hotel, Southern Xinjiang Global Port International Hotel, etc. (same level)
After arriving by special train in the morning, proceed to apply for a border pass. Then depart for a visit to the plateau lake [Karakul Lake], which means “Black Sea”. It is located at an altitude of 3600 meters, with a depth of 30 meters and a total area of over 100,000 square kilometers. It is a glacial lake formed by ice erosion and deposition at the foot of Mount Mushtagh, the “Father of Ice Mountains”, in the eastern Pamirs. Surrounded by mountains, the lakeside is rich in water and grass, and often inhabited by Kyrgyz herdsmen. On clear days, the clear water reflects the silver peaks, and the lake scenery merges with the mountains, creating a picturesque view. The lake is surrounded by ice peaks and snowy ridges, especially the Kongur, Kongur Tobe, and Mushtagh peaks, which add a magical and beautiful touch 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 at the lakeside, return to Kashi city by car and check into the hotel to rest.
Friendly Reminder: Kardak Lake is at an altitude of 3700 meters. Pregnant women, the elderly, children, and people with high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and high blood lipids are not recommended to participate in Kardak Lake tours!
Note: Apply for a Kardak Lake Frontier Pass in advance: Guests from within Xinjiang need to apply with their ID at their hometown’s police station, while out-of-Xinjiang tourists can entrust the travel agency to handle it.
D12 Kashgar – Urumqi. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. Accommodation: Train sleeper
After breakfast, depart for the AAAAA scenic area of [Kashi Old Town] to watch the opening ceremony. Then visit [Craftsman Street – Handicraft Street], a unique cultural attraction in Kashi, Xinjiang. Craftsman Street, officially known as Wusitangboyi Handicraft Street, is about one kilometer long and gathers hundreds of handicraft workshops and stalls; it has all kinds of delicious food and drinks, making it a showcase of fine handicrafts from Kashi and even Central Asia. A stroll down the street allows for shopping, visiting, and enjoying food all at once, truly killing three birds with one stone. Taste local authentic snacks and drinks at your own expense in Craftsman Street, including a local Kashgar-style Uyghur “[Century-Old Tea House]” where you can listen to traditional Uyghur musical instrument performances, taste Uyghur black tea, and savor the leisurely atmosphere. Visit the [Id Kah Mosque]. After lunch, visit the [Kashi Hetian Jade Exhibition Hall] (AA scenic area). Have dinner in the urban area and return to Urumqi by special train with full harvests.
D13 Urumqi. Meal: On Your Own. Accommodation: Urumqi
Reference Hotels: Western Regions Grand Hotel, Continental Bridge Hotel, Tuha Petroleum Mansion, Dushanzi Hotel, etc. (same level)
Arrive in Urumqi in the afternoon, check into the hotel after pick-up, and enjoy free time.
D14 Urumqi – Various Destinations. Meal: Breakfast. Accommodation: Warm Home
Tianshan Tourist Train Reservation Tel: 181-39622229