Xinjiang ‘Tianshan’ Tourism Specialized Train inaugural run on May 1st. How to buy tickets for the Tianshan Train?
Tianshan Specialized Train Reservation Hotline: 181-39622229 (same as WeChat)
Experience Xinjiang by Train: Tianshan Tourism Specialized Train (Exclusive)
Urumqi – Altay – Ili – Bozhou – Turpan – Kuqa – Aksu – Kashgar – Urumqi 14 days
[Design Concept] Fulfill a dream of traveling across the Tianshan Mountains and throughout north and south Xinjiang, making travel simple and joyful; the specialized train departs in the evening and arrives in the morning, saving you from more than 5,000 kilometers of Gobi travel time. It is comfortable and safe, with destinations being representative core scenic spots in Xinjiang, encompassing snowy mountains, plateaus, lakes, deserts, Gobi, oases, grasslands, ancient villages……Fulfilling your dream of traveling throughout north and south Xinjiang.
[Customized Train] A brand-new train circular route tour through the panoramic north and south of Xinjiang, featuring a new route: Urumqi + Altay + Ili + Bozhou + Turpan + Aksu + Alar + Kuqa + Kashgar. The specialized train arrives at the destination in one stop without any transfers, truly realizing a panoramic train journey across all directions of Xinjiang. The train follows the passengers, with no need to change berths throughout the journey. The train + car golden route replaces cars with specialized trains for comfort and safety!
[Dedicated Train] In 2023, the Urumqi Railway Bureau invested 3 million yuan to custom-build and brand newly design 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] A comprehensive tour of Kanas, Hemu, Koktokay; visit the Colorful Beach, Tianshan Heavenly Lake, encounter lavender, meet the pure lake – Sayram Lake; visit the aerial grassland Nalati, the mysterious Tianshan Grand Canyon, Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves, Kuqa Wangfu, Desert Gate, Sleeping Populus euphratica, 359 Travel Memorial Museum, Karakul Lake, Kashgar Old Town, Id Kah Mosque, Grape Valley, Kanerjing, Flaming Mountain, and other top attractions;
[Quality Assurance] Group departure from Urumqi, ground air-conditioned tourist bus with comfortable seating, more attentive service, excellent Chinese-speaking tour guide accompanying throughout the journey;
[Selected Hotels] Throughout the journey, we have carefully selected local four-star + five-star + high-standard comfortable hotels to provide you with a high-quality and comfortable resting environment;
[Exclusive Cuisine] Complimentary Xinjiang-style [Big Plate Chicken], Burqin County-style [Coldwater Fish Feast], Tianchi-style [Yaochi Feast], Xinjiang-style [Grilled Meat];
[Special Gift] ★Complimentary men’s "Aidilai" ethnic floral hat: Make you more dazzling during the trip; women’s Aidilai silk scarf
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 visit to Lavender Manor – [Lavender Garden]
[Theme Activity] Kashgar Old Town Opening Dance Ceremony
[Thoughtful Service] All tours are seamlessly connected by a professional itinerary planning team, making you feel at home! Professional tour drivers ensure a hassle-free trip!
[Exclusive Travel Service] Whether you arrive early or depart late, we will provide you with free 24-hour airport/station pick-up service in advance and delayed airport drop-off service.
Station Service!!!
Simplified Itinerary
Days Itinerary Meals Accommodation
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, Lunch Train sleeper
Day 3: Beitun — Koktokay — Beitun — Burqin Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner in Burqin
Day 4: Burqin — Hemu — Jiadenyu Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner in Jiadenyu
Day 5: Jiadenyu — Kanas Lake — Beitun — Jinghe Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Train sleeper
Day 6: Jinghe — Sayram Lake — Horgos — 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 — Aral Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner in Aral
Tenth day: Alar – Desert Gate – 359 Travel Memorial Hall – Kashgar. Meals: Breakfast and Lunch. Train sleeper.
Eleventh day: Kashgar – Karakul Lake – Kashgar. Meals: Breakfast and Lunch. Kashgar.
Twelfth day: Kashgar – Old City – Mosque – Kashgar – Urumqi. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner. Train sleeper.
Thirteenth day: After arriving in Urumqi in the afternoon, check into the hotel. At your own expense. Urumqi.
Fourteenth day: Arrive in Urumqi in the morning and transfer to the airport/train station according to your return flight/train schedule. Breakfast. Warm home.
D1 Departure location – Urumqi. Meals: At your own expense. Accommodation: Urumqi.
Reference Hotels: Xiyu Grand Hotel, Daluqiao 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 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). 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 saying "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 then escort you to the hotel where you will stay for check-in procedures. There will be no tour guide service on the day of arrival, 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水土不服 (discomfort caused by a change in climate or environment). 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, 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, people start work at 9:30 or 10:00, have lunch at 2:00, and dinner at 8:00. The nightlife in Xinjiang is also very rich, and group members need to adapt.
D2 Urumqi – Tianshan Tianchi – Urumqi – Beitun. Meals: Breakfast and Lunch. Accommodation: Train sleeper.
Take a vehicle early in the morning (approx. 1.5-hour drive) to visit the [Tianshan Tianchi Scenic Area], known as the "Pearl of Tianshan". Tianchi sits at an altitude of 1980 meters and is a natural alpine glacier-eroded lake shaped like a half-moon. The natural scenery is breathtaking, with a magnificent snowy mountain in the distance, streams and waterfalls scattered throughout the mountains. It boasts profound cultural connotations such as the ancient myth of the West Queen Mother’s Jade Pool and unique folk customs, integrating forests, grasslands, snowy mountains, and cultural landscapes into one, presenting a unique scenery. After lunch, proceed to the [Yema International Ancient Ecology Park] (complimentary), which spans 200 acres and features distinct seasons with various wonders. The park houses China’s largest Akhal-Teke horse display base, the Yema Art Museum collecting oil paintings by renowned domestic and foreign artists, as well as the Jurassic Silicified Wood Protection Base, Silk Road Science Museum, Silk Road Historical Figures Memorial Hall, Silk Road Art Museum, among others. It integrates eco-tourism, cultural tracing, and folklore experience, gathering rare natural relics of the Western Regions and the cultural essence of the ancient and modern Silk Road.
Visit a park. Then head to Urumqi Station (High-speed Railway Station) for gathering and take a 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 morning pick-up, take a car to Keketohai Town, the coldest place in Xinjiang, which receives more snowfall than Mohe in Northeast China. Head to the Keketohai National Geological Park located in the Irtysh Grand Canyon, enjoying scenic spots such as Turtle Rock, Birch Forest, Couple Tree, and Stone Gate along the way. After arriving at the terminal of the shuttle bus, visit the landmark attraction of Keketohai, the God’s Bell Mountain, and then follow the Irtysh River (based on your physical strength) for a hike deep 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 to 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 equivalent
After breakfast, head to Hemu, known as the ‘God’s Backyard’. The scenic route winds along picturesque highways, with snow-capped mountains in the distance and forests, grasslands, blue skies, and white clouds in the near view, creating a harmonious picture with cows and sheep grazing occasionally. The beautiful scenery along the way is too much to take in, allowing you to feel the tranquility and beauty of this hidden paradise. 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. It is the settlement of the Tuwa people of Kanas. The pointed-roof wooden houses are unique, cows and sheep wander leisurely through the village, cats and dogs lazily bask in the sun in the courtyards, and the Hemu River flows happily beside the village, creating a quiet and peaceful atmosphere. You can take a self-guided hike to Genghis Khan’s Commanding Platform to overlook the entire village. Along the way, you will be accompanied by rivers, wildflowers, and birch forests, creating a breathtaking view. Stroll freely through the village along the Hemu River. The murmuring river, pointed-roof wooden houses, and dense birch forests can all be great spots for taking photos. The village is not big, so you can wander around freely and experience the primitive lifestyle of the locals. After the tour, head to Jiadengyu and check into the hotel.
D5 Jiadenyu – 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 Geopark. Along the Kanas River, enjoy the sights of the primitive Siberian larch forest, birch forest scenery, Shenxian Bay, Wolong Bay, Moon Bay, and Yaze Lake, and visit Kanas Lake. Pine forests cover the mountains, and with the breeze blowing, the sound of pine waves echoes. Kanas Lake is a favorite of photographers – blue sky, 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 "world of wooden houses," the Kanas Village, and wander among the unique wooden houses to enjoy the beauty of Kanas Lake. In the afternoon, return to Beitun by car. Optionally, visit the [Wucaitan Scenic Area] along the way to marvel at the magic of the colorful riverbank. "A river separates the two banks, like two different 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 equivalent
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 everywhere. Yellow flowers, purple flowers, red flowers, a riot of colors; nearby, clear water and blue sky shimmer with waves, while in the distance, snow-capped mountains blend with the sky, resembling a watercolor painting. Later, pass through Asia’s longest cable-stayed bridge across the mountains, and enjoy a scenic drive-by view of [Guozigou, the First Pass of Yili] (no stopping due to traffic reasons). After lunch, head to [Horgos Port] (complimentary), one of China’s three major land trade ports, and optionally 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 aromatic culture products. Then, proceed to [Kazangqi Folk Tourism Area], the only large-scale, original ecological, and multicultural tourist area dominated by Uyghurs in northern Xinjiang. It includes Uyghur home visits, homemade ice cream with secret recipes, horse-drawn carriage rides, song and dance performances, and dried fruit and fresh fruit tastings. It is a true portrayal of Xinjiang’s ethnic customs, encompassing 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 of green mountains and a river winding through like a jade belt", the ancient tombs of the Wusun people are located here, and the scenery of four seasons within 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, 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 Well System], known as the "underground canal" and one of the three great ancient Chinese engineering projects. In the afternoon, we will take a bus to visit the [Grape Vineyard]. 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 administrative organization of the Tang Dynasty in the Western Regions, was early established in Jiaohe Ancient City. It was listed as a national key cultural relic protection unit in 1961. At the [Flaming Mountain] photo spot, you can take photos. As a bonus, we will visit a Uyghur family and taste fruits for free under the grape trellis. After dinner, we will 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 Zajuhua Grand Hotel, and equivalents
After arriving by train in the morning, we will take a bus to visit [Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon], which the Uyghurs praise as the "Red Cliff" and was also the main filming location for blockbusters such as "Hero of Heaven and Earth". The Mysterious Grand Canyon is located in the scenic area of Keziliya, 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 and resembles the "Potala Palace"; up close, it resembles people and objects, dreamlike and vivid, with a myriad of expressions. Afterwards, we will head 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". There are 236 existing caves, with about one-third being relatively intact in form and having more mural remnants. The grottoes are mainly relics from the 4th to 8th centuries and are typical representatives of the Kucha grottoes. After the tour, we will proceed 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 [Sleeping Populus euphratica Forest], which is currently the largest, most intact, and uniquely shaped ‘primitive’ Populus euphratica forest in the Tarim River basin. We will then proceed to the [Gate of the Desert] scenic area, which is the landmark of the Taklamakan Desert and also the starting point of the Taka Ring Rally, a sacred place for off-road enthusiasts. Afterwards, we will head to the city of Alar to visit the [359th Brigade Memorial Hall]. If it is closed, we will instead visit the [Western Regions Cultural Expo Park] at Tarim University. The 359th Brigade is the unit sung about in the folk song "Nanniwan", where you can feel the spirit of the Corps: "born in Nanniwan, grown on Jinggangshan, marched thousands of miles, and garrisoned in the Tianshan Mountains". Afterwards, we will head to Aksu’s ethnic night market to taste local specialty foods at your own expense, and then take a train in the evening 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, Nanjiang Global Port International Hotel, etc. (same level)
After arriving by special train in the morning, proceed to apply for the border pass. Then depart to visit the plateau lake 【Karakul Lake】. “Karakul” 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 in the east of the Pamir Plateau, at the foot of Mushtagh Mountain, the “Father of Glaciers”. Surrounded by mountains, the lakeside is rich in water and grass, and often frequented by Kyrgyz herdsmen. On clear days, the clear water reflects the silver peaks, and the lake scenery merges into one, creating a picturesque view. The lake is surrounded by ice peaks and snowy mountains, especially the Kongur, Kongur Tobe, and Mushtagh peaks, which add a magical and beautiful touch to the lake. Along the way, you can 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 activities by the lake, return to Kashgar city by car and check in to the hotel to rest.
Friendly Reminder: The altitude of Kahu is 3700 meters. Pregnant women, elderly people, children, and people with high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and high blood lipids are not recommended to participate in Kahu tours!
Note: Apply for the Kahu Border Pass in advance: Guests from within Xinjiang should apply with their ID cards at their household registration location, while out-of-state 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 【Old Kashgar City】 to watch the opening ceremony. Then visit 【Craftsman Street – Handicraft Street】, a distinctive cultural attraction in Kashgar, Xinjiang. Craftsman Street, officially known as Wusitangboyi Handicraft Street, is about one kilometer long and gathers hundreds of handicraft workshops and stalls; it has a complete range of gourmet food and tea drinks, and has become an exhibition area for the finest crafts in Kashgar and even Central Asia. Shopping, visiting, and enjoying gourmet food can all be done on this street, which is indeed killing three birds with one stone. Taste local authentic snacks and tea drinks at your own expense in Craftsman Street, including a local Kashgar-style Uyghur “【Century-Old Tea House】”; enjoy Uyghur traditional musical instrument performances while sipping Uyghur red tea; savor the leisurely atmosphere; visit 【Id Kah Mosque】. After lunch, visit the 【Kashgar Nephrite 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: Xiyu Grand Hotel, Daluqiao Hotel, Tuha Petroleum Mansion, Dushanzi Hotel, etc. (same level)
Arrive in Urumqi in the afternoon, check in to the hotel after pick-up, and have free time.
D14 Urumqi – Various Destinations. Meal: Breakfast. Accommodation: Warm Home
Tianshan Train Consultation and Reservation Tel.: 181-39622229