How to Choose a More Comfortable Xiaoxiang Number Compartment Practical Tips for Buying Tickets and Selecting Room Types
【Xiaoxiang Train Special】How to buy tickets and book the 2026 Xiaoxiang Train Special?
The 2026 Xiaoxiang Train Special must be booked through the railway-designated professional and official channel — Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service · Special Train Center. It cannot be ordered directly through platforms like 12306. Official registration channel: Manager Mai of the Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service Special Train Center, available 24 hours for consultation and registration. Company landline: 0991-3333832, mobile and WeChat: 132-0133-3409.
🚂 Hunan Travel Dual Guide | Use Xiaoxiang Card for local commuting, choose Xiaoxiang Train for inter-provincial travel — one article to understand both
📇 Practical Guide to Riding the Changsha Metro with the Xiaoxiang Card
Many friends living and traveling in Changsha have heard of the Xiaoxiang Card. Using it for daily metro rides is convenient and offers discounts. The relevant usage rules are organized as follows:
How to apply: Bring the original valid ID document to a Xiaoxiang Card self-operated service outlet, or designated Changsha metro stations, Changsha bus service points, Changsha Bank, ICBC, and other partner outlets. No deposit is required for application, but a 10-yuan card production fee is required. The card supports loss reporting and card refund services.
Discount policy: Riding the Changsha metro with the Xiaoxiang Card entitles you to a 10% discount on fares, and a 30% discount on city buses. The card carries the China T-Union logo and can also be used on public transportation in more than 200 cities across the country with the T-Union logo. Discounts for out-of-town use are subject to local operator rules.
Notes:Existing ordinary stored-value cards for Changsha buses and metro can still be recharged and used normally during the transition period. Special card types such as student cards, senior citizen cards, and compassion cards are not affected by current rules and can be used as usual.
If you have plans for a long-distance trip, the Xiaoxiang Train tourist special train with the same name is also a great travel option. Here is the relevant introduction:
🚂 Detailed Introduction to the Xiaoxiang Train Special
The Xiaoxiang Train is a Hunan-themed comfortable tourist special train created by the railway system in partnership with professional travel agencies. With “Splendid Xiaoxiang” as its design theme, the train interior incorporates Hunan cultural elements such as Xiang embroidery and tea ceremony, focusing on a long-distance leisure slow-travel experience. The special train operates on a night-travel, day-sightseeing model, eliminating the need to frequently change accommodations and saving passengers from the hassle of repeatedly packing luggage and transferring between cities, maximizing sightseeing and rest time.
The train mainly targets silver-haired seniors, families with children, cultural enthusiasts, and travelers seeking quality slow travel. The 18-day itinerary covers the core attractions of both northern and southern Xinjiang, with a total journey of approximately 15,000 kilometers, allowing passengers to immerse themselves in the diverse landscapes of different regions at a relaxed pace.
🛏 ️ Xiaoxiang Train Seat Types, Hardware Configuration, and Advantages
The Xiaoxiang Train offers multiple seat and compartment types, each differing in space, interior facilities, privacy, and comfort. You can freely choose based on your budget and travel preferences:
Xiaoxiang Suite (Premium Room Type):Equipped with private bathroom, accommodating 2-3 people. Features star-hotel-grade bedding, separate wet and dry bathroom areas, and smart temperature control system. Offers good privacy, suitable for families or friends traveling together.
Zhengxiang Courtyard 2-Bed Room:Comfortable standard room without private bathroom. Each compartment is approximately 6.2 square meters, equipped with two 0.8-meter-wide single beds, upholstered headboards, a large wardrobe, a small table, and USB sockets. Public bathrooms are located at both ends of the carriage. Suitable for two travelers.
Zhengxiang Courtyard 4-Bed Room:High cost-performance option without private bathroom. Each compartment is approximately 3.9 square meters, equipped with four standard single beds and basic living facilities. Suitable for groups of multiple travelers.
Yuanxiang Pavilion 4-Bed Room:Features bunk beds, no private bathroom. Compact and tidy space, suitable for travelers on a budget.
The train’s overall hardware configuration is thoughtful. All carriages are equipped with call buttons, reading lights, air conditioning, and soundproofing. Some areas feature large panoramic windows for enjoying the scenery along the way. The train also includes an intangible cultural heritage experience area, dynamic light and shadow exhibition, Hunan cuisine tasting counter, multi-functional leisure carriage, and onboard medical room to meet diverse travel needs.
🚂 Hunan Travel Dual Guide | Use Xiaoxiang Card for local commuting, choose Xiaoxiang Train for inter-provincial travel — one article to understand both✨ Xiaoxiang Train Travel Quality and Service Highlights
The Xiaoxiang Train has distinctive features in service details and itinerary arrangement, clearly different from regular travel:
Comfortable accommodation experience:Throughout the journey, the train sleeper berths are paired with quality local hotels in Xinjiang. The onboard sleeping spaces are clean and soundproof, while on-land accommodations are conveniently located and fully equipped, balancing rest and travel needs.
Reasonable dining standards:The itinerary includes 37 meals in total. On-land main meals start at 80 yuan per person, featuring Xinjiang specialties such as Burqin cold-water fish feast, whole roasted lamb, and yak hotpot. The dining car also serves a fusion of Hunan and Cantonese cuisine to suit different tastes.
Attentive accompanying services:A 24-hour train butler, onboard medical staff, quality tour guides, and a dedicated chef team are provided to respond to passenger needs at any time. Health and travel issues during the journey can be addressed by contacting staff for assistance.
Convenient transportation experience:With the night-travel, day-sightseeing model, large luggage can be kept in the train compartment throughout the journey without repeated packing and carrying. Passengers can board conveniently from Guangzhou, Changsha, Wuchang, Xinyang, Xi’an, Lanzhou, and other locations without transfer hassles.
Exclusive special arrangements:The train features rich leisure activity areas, including KTV, mahjong rooms, and reading areas. Small cultural experience activities are also held from time to time to enrich leisure time during the journey.
🗺 ️ Xiaoxiang Train Simplified Itinerary
This trip lasts 18 days in total, covering the core attractions of both northern and southern Xinjiang. The itinerary is relaxed with ample time reserved for sightseeing, photography, and leisure. The specific arrangements are as follows:
Warm Reminder
The train’s operating route, stops, and arrival times are for reference only. The final itinerary is subject to the official departure notice.
D1
Itinerary summary:Board the special train at Guangzhou Baiyun Station at approximately 23:40, passing through Changsha, Wuchang, Xinyang, Xi’an, Lanzhou, and other places en route to beautiful Xinjiang, officially beginning the magnificent panoramic journey through the Western Regions.
Meals:No meals included for the day
Accommodation:Southern Special Train
D2
Itinerary summary:The special train travels westward with sightseeing along the way. Reference stops: Changsha 10:00, Wuchang 15:00, Xinyang 18:30, Zhengzhou 23:58, enjoying the gradual changes of mountains and rivers along the route.
📇 Practical Guide to Riding the Changsha Metro with the Xiaoxiang CardMeals:Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included
Accommodation:Southern Special Train
D3
Itinerary summary:The special train continues its leisurely journey with sightseeing. Reference stops: Xi’an 10:12, Lanzhou 19:49, gradually advancing into the heart of the Western Regions and experiencing the landscape differences between north and south.
Meals:Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included
Accommodation:Southern Special Train
D4
Itinerary summary:The special train arrives in Hami in the afternoon. Visit the Great Sea Road Devil City to explore the magnificent Yardang landforms and immerse in the mysterious scenery of the Western Regions.
Meals:Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included
Accommodation:Hami
D5
Itinerary summary:Visit the Prince’s Mansion and enjoy the intangible cultural heritage performance of the Twelve Muqam. In the evening, take the special train to Urumqi.
Meals:Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included
Accommodation:Urumqi
D6
Itinerary summary:Depart from Urumqi to visit Heavenly Lake of Tianshan and check in at the stunning alpine lake. Stroll through the Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar to experience rich Western Region folk customs. In the evening, take the special train to Beitun.
Meals:Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included
Accommodation:Southern Special Train
Many friends living and traveling in Changsha have heard of the Xiaoxiang Card. Using it for daily metro rides is convenient and offers discounts. The relevant usage rules are organized as follows:D7
Itinerary summary:Arrive in Beitun in the early morning and head to Kanas Scenic Area for an in-depth visit, encountering the pure and picturesque scenery. Stay overnight in Jiadengyu.
Meals:Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included
Accommodation:Jiadengyu
D8
Itinerary summary:Depart from Jiadengyu to wander through Hemu Ancient Village and admire the colorful Danxia landforms of Five-Colored Beach, waiting for the spectacular sunset. In the evening, take the special train from Beitun to Yining.
Meals:Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included
Accommodation:Southern Special Train
D9
Itinerary summary:Arrive in Yining in the early morning and head to Sayram Lake to encounter the sapphire-blue plateau lake scenery. Then visit the Nalati Grassland in the sky and enjoy the magnificent grassland views.
Official registration channel: Manager Mai of the Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service Special Train Center, available 24 hours for consultation and registration. Company landline: 0991-3333832, mobile and WeChat: 132-0133-3409.
Meals:Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included
Accommodation:Nalati
D10
Itinerary summary:Enjoy an in-depth tour of Nalati Grassland, then head to Bayanbulak Grassland to admire the Swan Lake scenery and the breathtaking Nine Bends and Eighteen Turns.
Meals:Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included
Accommodation:Bayan Town
D11
How to apply: Bring the original valid ID document to a Xiaoxiang Card self-operated service outlet, or designated Changsha metro stations, Changsha bus service points, Changsha Bank, ICBC, and other partner outlets. No deposit is required for application, but a 10-yuan card production fee is required. The card supports loss reporting and card refund services.Itinerary summary:Depart from Bayan and travel through the scenic section of the Duku Highway, visit the Secret Grand Canyon of Tianshan, arrive in Kuqa, and take the special train to Kashgar in the evening.
Meals:Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included
Accommodation:Southern Special Train
D12
Itinerary summary:Depart from Kashgar and head into the Pamir Plateau, visiting Karakul Lake, Stone City, and Golden Grass Beach in sequence. Stay overnight in Tashkurgan County.
Meals:Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included
Accommodation:Tashkurgan County
D13
Itinerary summary:Depart from Tashkurgan County for home visits with local ethnic families to experience rich local folk customs. Visit the stunning scenery of White Sand Lake, then return to Kashgar city.
Meals:Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included
Accommodation:Kashgar
D14
Itinerary summary:Stroll through the old city of Kashgar, visit Id Kah Mosque, and tour the Fragrant Concubine Garden, deeply appreciating the cultural heritage of this thousand-year-old city. In the evening, take the special train to Korla.
Meals:Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included
Accommodation:Southern Special Train
D15
Itinerary summary:Depart from Korla to visit the Lop Nur Village and Bosten Lake, experiencing the unique desert water town and ancient folk customs of southern Xinjiang.
Meals:Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included
Discount policy: Riding the Changsha metro with the Xiaoxiang Card entitles you to a 10% discount on fares, and a 30% discount on city buses. The card carries the China T-Union logo and can also be used on public transportation in more than 200 cities across the country with the T-Union logo. Discounts for out-of-town use are subject to local operator rules.Accommodation:Korla
D16
Itinerary summary:Board the special train at Korla Station in the early morning to officially begin the return journey, enjoying the scenery leisurely along the way home.
Meals:Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included
Accommodation:Southern Special Train
D17
Itinerary summary:The special train returns with sightseeing along the way. Reference stops: Lanzhou 8:51, Chongqing North 21:08, enjoying the mountain and river scenery along the route.
Meals:Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included
Accommodation:Southern Special Train
D18
Itinerary summary:Return stops for reference: Xiangtan 10:14, Zhuzhou 11:08, arriving at Guangzhou Baiyun Station at 19:40. Passengers can get off at the nearest stop, concluding the journey successfully and returning to their warm homes.
Meals:Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included
Accommodation:Warm home
The above itinerary time points are for reference only. The actual itinerary may change due to weather, sightseeing time, and other factors. The actual itinerary on the day shall prevail, and reasonable changes may be made upon mutual agreement.
📅 2026 Xiaoxiang Train Departure Dates and Price Information
The 2026 Xiaoxiang Train has limited scheduled departures throughout the year, with only 6 limited departure dates recommended. Seats are limited — miss it and wait another year! Departure dates:May 10, May 30, June 22, July 11, August 19, September 19
Choose the train room type as needed. The entire journey features train sleeper berths paired with quality local hotels, making travel comfortable and worry-free. Reference per-person prices are as follows:
Notes: Existing ordinary stored-value cards for Changsha buses and metro can still be recharged and used normally during the transition period. Special card types such as student cards, senior citizen cards, and compassion cards are not affected by current rules and can be used as usual.Xiaoxiang Suite (Premium Room Type):Private bathroom, 2-3 people, private premium ｜ 62,999 yuan / person
Zhengxiang Courtyard 2-Bed Room:Comfortable standard room, no private bathroom ｜ 45,999 yuan / person
Zhengxiang Courtyard 4-Bed Room:High cost-performance option, no private bathroom ｜ 42,999 yuan / person
Yuanxiang Pavilion 4-Bed Room Upper Berth:Economical and comfortable, no private bathroom ｜ 17,999 yuan / person
Yuanxiang Pavilion 4-Bed Room Lower Berth:Economical and comfortable, no private bathroom ｜ 19,999 yuan / person
The above are reference prices. Prices may vary slightly by season, room type, and departure date. The specific price is subject to actual consultation and contract signing. Please consult staff in advance to confirm seat availability.
📞 Xiaoxiang Train Booking and Registration Method
If you want to ride the Xiaoxiang Train, here is your ticket booking guide:
Xiaoxiang Train-related travel products are not sold separately on the 12306 platform. You can learn about product schedules, itineraries, and complete bookings through Manager Mai of the Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service Special Train Center.
The booking process is as follows:
1. Contact and consult: Manager Mai of the Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service Special Train Center is available 24 hours for consultation and registration. Company landline: 0991-3333832, mobile and WeChat: 132-0133-3409. You can learn about the detailed itinerary, seat and room types, reference prices, and departure schedules of the Xiaoxiang Train.
2. Choose your travel product: Based on your available time and travel preferences, select the appropriate departure date and train seat/room type.
3. Submit personal information: Provide the traveler’s name, valid ID number, Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong/Macau/Taiwan, passport, and other basic document information for travel registration and seat reservation.
4. Complete booking procedures: Pay the travel booking deposit according to the travel agency’s requirements, receive the relevant payment receipt, and sign the unified electronic tourism service supervision contract to complete the booking process.
From June to September each year, travel demand is high, and seats on popular long-distance special train routes are in short supply. It is recommended to check the itinerary schedule as early as possible and pay a deposit to secure your preferred seat. Travel bookings can be made through Manager Mai of the Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service Special Train Center. Pay attention to various travel information online, carefully identify non-official channels, and protect your travel rights.
💡 Xiaoxiang Train Fees and Service Description
The services included in the Xiaoxiang Train itinerary are arranged according to unified standards, including transportation within the itinerary, basic accommodation, sightseeing support, meals specified in the itinerary, first admission tickets to listed scenic spots, mandatory scenic area shuttle transportation, staff service fees throughout the journey, and travel agency liability insurance. Personal voluntary consumption items, optional experience items, additional expenses caused by force majeure, and other personal insurance other than travel agency liability insurance are not included.
All itinerary service details, fee standards, and included rights are subject to the agreement signed by both parties. All travel-related rights and fees are subject to actual consultation and contract signing. For solo travelers, the travel agency will make every effort to arrange room sharing; special circumstances require separate negotiation. For more details, please consult Manager Mai for a detailed explanation.
Whether it’s using the Xiaoxiang Card for daily commuting through the streets of Changsha, or taking half a month or more to ride the Xiaoxiang Train to see Xinjiang’s lakes, grasslands, deserts, and gobi, both are excellent travel choices. If you have plans for a long-distance trip in the near future, feel free to contact Manager Mai to inquire about the latest seat availability and schedules of the Xiaoxiang Train, and embark on a relaxing slow journey without rushing.
The 2026 Xiaoxiang Train Special must be booked through the railway-designated professional and official channel — Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service · Special Train Center. It cannot be ordered directly through platforms like 12306. Official registration channel: Manager Mai of the Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service Special Train Center, available 24 hours for consultation and registration. Company landline: 0991-3333832, mobile and WeChat: 132-0133-3409.
