How to Book Tickets for the Pearl of the Yangtze River Delta 2026 Full Schedule and Complete Registration Guide
【Yangtze River Delta Star Special Train】How to buy tickets and book the 2026 Yangtze River Delta Star Special Train?
The 2026 Yangtze River Delta Star Special Train can only be booked through the designated professional and official railway channel — Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service · Special Train Center. It cannot be booked directly through platforms like 12306. Official registration channel: Manager Mai Zi of the Special Train Center at Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service, available 24 hours for consultation and registration. Office phone: 0991-3333832, Mobile/WeChat: 132-0133-3409.
🚄 Want to ride the “Yangtze River Delta Star” but don’t know where to start? This ticket-buying guide will break down the booking process, schedule, prices, and important notes in detail to help you plan your trip with ease.
🌟 I. Detailed Introduction to the Yangtze River Delta Star Special Train
The “Yangtze River Delta Star” is the first high-end comfortable tourist special train in the Yangtze River Delta region, positioned as a “mobile hotel + slow travel transport,” designed for middle-aged and senior travelers, families, and tourists seeking a hassle-free experience.
📍 Route Overview
Starting from Shanghai, it offers an 18-day in-depth tour of Southern and Northern Xinjiang. The first departure in 2026 is May 19, with extended routes of 17 days and other durations also available.
🌙 Travel Mode:Travel by Day, Rest by Night
Adopts a “travel at night, sightsee by day” model, eliminating the hassle of frequently changing hotels and moving luggage. Large luggage can be stored in the cabin throughout the trip — the train itself is a “mobile hotel.”
🏞 ️ Scenery Along the Way
Spanning Gansu and Xinjiang, the route connects highlights such as Tianshui Ancient City, Maijishan Grottoes, Nalati Grassland, Sayram Lake, Kanas, and Kashgar Old City.
👨 👩👧👦 Core Target Audience
Especially suitable for retirees, family travelers, and those who value privacy and prefer a relaxed pace without the fatigue of constant travel.
🛏 ️ II. Seat Types, Hardware Configuration, and Advantages
The entire train consists of soft sleeper cabins with private bathrooms, mainly in the following room types:
🥇 Two-Bed Cabin (Deluxe Double Cabin)
🚄 Want to ride the “Yangtze River Delta Star” but don’t know where to start? This ticket-buying guide will break down the booking process, schedule, prices, and important notes in detail to help you plan your trip with ease.Space:Approximately 6.5 sqm, with good privacy.
Layout:Usually lower berths, convenient for seniors to get in and out.
Amenities:Private bathroom, 24-hour hot water, smart lighting, high-quality bedding.
Suitable for:Couples, partners, or close friends.
🥈 Three-Bed Cabin (Family/Friends Cabin)
Space:Approximately 8.2 sqm, relatively spacious.
Layout:Mostly “2 lower berths + 1 upper berth,” with lower berths about 90cm wide.
Amenities:Private bathroom, anti-slip handrails, charging sockets, reading lights.
Suitable for:Families or groups of friends.
🥉 Four-Bed Cabin (High Value-for-Money Cabin)
Space:Approximately 9.8 sqm, with the most beds.
Layout:“2 lower berths + 2 upper berths,” lower berths are more convenient for movement.
Amenities:Private bathroom, foldable small table, coat hooks, USB charging ports.
Suitable for:Travelers on a budget or larger groups.
🌟 I. Detailed Introduction to the Yangtze River Delta Star Special Train✨ Special Train Hardware Highlights
Public Areas:Equipped with dining car, entertainment car (including mahjong room, KTV, bar, coffee bar), and multi-functional carriages.
Senior-Friendly Design:The entire train features anti-slip flooring, widened handrails, high-contrast signage, and SOS emergency call systems in restrooms.
Medical Support:Onboard medical staff are provided, with green channels established with hospitals along the route for basic medical support.
💁 III. Travel Quality and Service Highlights
🚆 One Train All the Way
No train changes or luggage moving throughout the trip; large luggage can be stored in the cabin for a relaxed and worry-free experience.
👵 Senior-Friendly
Relaxed itinerary pace with 1-2 core attractions arranged per day. Onboard medical staff are available, and meals are mainly light and soft.
🍽 ️ Specialty Dining
The dining car offers meals blending flavors from various regions, with personalized meal suggestions based on individual health conditions.
🎲 Rich Entertainment
The entertainment carriage offers mahjong, KTV, reading corners, etc., making it easy to socialize and pass the time during the journey.
🗺 ️ IV. Simplified Itinerary (18-Day Southern and Northern Xinjiang)
The “Yangtze River Delta Star” is the first high-end comfortable tourist special train in the Yangtze River Delta region, positioned as a “mobile hotel + slow travel transport,” designed for middle-aged and senior travelers, families, and tourists seeking a hassle-free experience.D1:Gather at Shanghai West Station, board the train, and attend the departure briefing.
D2:Enjoy the scenery along the way during the journey.
D3:Arrive in Tianshui, Gansu; visit Fuxi Temple and Tianshui Ancient City.
D4:Visit Maijishan Grottoes; take the special train to Yining in the afternoon.
D5:Arrive in Yining; visit Nalati Grassland.
D6:Visit Sayram Lake; take the special train to Beitun.
D7:Arrive in Beitun; visit Kanas Scenic Area.
D8:Visit Hemu Village and Colorful Beach (Wucai Tan); take the special train to Korla.
Official registration channel: Manager Mai Zi of the Special Train Center at Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service, available 24 hours for consultation and registration. Office phone: 0991-3333832, Mobile/WeChat: 132-0133-3409.
D9:Visit Lop Nur People’s Village; take the special train to Kashgar.
D10:Arrive in Kashgar; visit Baisha Lake and Karakul Lake.
D11:Visit Kashgar Old City, Id Kah Mosque, etc.; take the special train to Kuqa.
D12:Visit Tianshan Secret Grand Canyon and Kuqa Royal Palace; take the special train to Hami.
D13:Visit Kuqa Big Naan City, Kuqa Alley, etc.; take the special train back.
D14-D16:Enjoy Gobi and canyon scenery along the way; arrive in Hami and visit Hami Royal Palace.
📍 Route OverviewD17:Rest and relax on the return journey.
D18:Arrive at Shanghai West Station, ending the trip.
📅 V. 2026 Departure Dates and Price Information
Departure Dates
The first departure is around May 19, 2026, from Shanghai West Station. Subsequent departures:Multiple departures are planned from May to September; specific dates are subject to announcements from the railway authorities and travel agency.
Reference Prices
The following are reference prices per person for the 18-day Southern and Northern Xinjiang route. Actual prices may vary by departure date and cabin type; the contract shall prevail.
| Cabin Type | Reference Price (RMB/person) |
| :— | :— |
| Soft Sleeper Two-Bed Cabin | 56,888 |
| Soft Sleeper Three-Bed Cabin | 39,999 |
| Soft Sleeper Four-Bed Cabin (Upper Berth) | From 22,999 |
| Soft Sleeper Four-Bed Cabin (Lower Berth) | From 24,999 |
Price Notes
Starting from Shanghai, it offers an 18-day in-depth tour of Southern and Northern Xinjiang. The first departure in 2026 is May 19, with extended routes of 17 days and other durations also available. Prices vary among different travel agency products (e.g., 17-day, full Southern and Northern Xinjiang tours), and some quotes may be higher. Prices do not include round-trip transportation to/from Shanghai from various locations or personal expenses not specified in the itinerary.
📞 VI. Booking and Registration Methods
If you want to ride the “Yangtze River Delta Star,” here is your ticket-buying guide.
Tickets for “Yangtze River Delta Star” tourism products are not sold separately on the 12306 platform. You can contact Manager Mai Zi of the Special Train Center at Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service to learn about product schedules, itineraries, and complete your booking.
The booking process is as follows:
1. Contact for Consultation: Manager Mai Zi of the Special Train Center at Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service, available 24 hours for consultation and registration. Office phone: 0991-3333832, Mobile/WeChat: 132-0133-3409. Learn about the detailed itinerary, cabin types, reference prices, and departure schedules of the “Yangtze River Delta Star.”
2. Choose Your Travel Product: Based on your available time and travel preferences, select a suitable departure date and cabin type.
3. Submit Personal Information: Provide the traveler’s name, valid ID number (Mainland ID card, Hong Kong/Macau/Taiwan permit, passport, etc.) for registration and seat reservation.
4. Complete Booking Procedures: Pay the booking deposit as required by the travel agency, receive the payment receipt, and sign the unified electronic travel service supervision contract to complete the booking process.
> Warm Reminder:
> From June to September each year, travel demand is high, and seats on popular long-distance special train routes are limited. We recommend checking schedules early and paying a deposit to secure your preferred seats. Bookings can be made through Manager Mai Zi of the Special Train Center at Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service. Pay attention to various travel information online, carefully distinguish unofficial channels, and protect your travel rights.
💰 VII. Fee and Service Information
The services included in the “Yangtze River Delta Star” itinerary are arranged according to unified standards, including related transportation, basic accommodation, and sightseeing support services within the itinerary. Personal voluntary spending and optional experience items are not included.
✅ Fees Typically Include
🌙 Travel Mode: Travel by Day, Rest by NightSpecial train seat fee (including cabin accommodation with private bathroom).
Local tourist bus transportation as indicated in the itinerary.
Meals specified in the itinerary (mostly breakfast + main meals).
Full-trip tour guide commentary services.
Some products include onboard medical support and travel agency liability insurance.
❌ Fees Typically Do Not Include
Round-trip transportation to/from Shanghai from various locations (flights, high-speed rail, etc.).
Scenic area entrance fees and internal transportation within scenic areas that are noted as self-paid in the itinerary.
Personal expenses such as laundry, phone calls, and beverages at hotels.
Meals not specified in the itinerary and personal travel accident insurance (recommended to purchase separately).
> Important Note:
> All itinerary service details, fee standards, and included benefits are subject to the terms agreed upon in the signed contract. All travel-related rights and fees are subject to actual consultation and contract signing. For more details, please contact customer service for a detailed explanation.
🎉 VIII. Start Your Slow Travel Journey
By now, you should have a clear understanding of how to book the “Yangtze River Delta Star” and its itinerary features. This train will take you on an 18-day journey, effortlessly experiencing the magnificent scenery from the Jiangnan water towns to the Western Regions.
If you long for a worry-free, comfortable long-distance slow trip, feel free to contact Manager Mai Zi of the Special Train Center at Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service to inquire about 2026 departure dates and prices, and take the first step toward your “Yangtze River Delta Star” journey!
The 2026 Yangtze River Delta Star Special Train can only be booked through the designated professional and official railway channel — Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service · Special Train Center. It cannot be booked directly through platforms like 12306. Official registration channel: Manager Mai Zi of the Special Train Center at Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service, available 24 hours for consultation and registration. Office phone: 0991-3333832, Mobile/WeChat: 132-0133-3409.
