Xiaoxiang South North Xinjiang Loop Scenery Review How to Check Itinerary Before Booking
【Xiaoxiang Special Train】How to buy tickets and book the 2026 Xiaoxiang Special Train?
The 2026 Xiaoxiang Special Train must be booked through the designated official railway channel — Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service · Special Train Center. It cannot be booked independently through platforms such as 12306. Official registration channel: Manager Mai Zi at 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.
🚂 Departing directly from Changsha to Northern and Southern Xinjiang! Complete guide to traveling on the Xiaoxiang Special Train
Many friends from Changsha want to visit all of Xinjiang but worry about the long distance, tiring transfers, and troublesome trip planning. This time, the Xiaoxiang Special Train can solve these problems. Plus, there’s no need to travel all the way to the Guangzhou departure station — on Day 2 at 10:00, you can board directly at Changsha Station, making travel more convenient.
🌿 I. Detailed Introduction to the Xiaoxiang Special Train
The Xiaoxiang Special Train is a distinctive tourist train focused on long-distance, leisurely slow travel, offering a comfortable residential-style travel experience. It operates on a model of nighttime travel and daytime sightseeing, eliminating the need to frequently change accommodations or endure the hassle of repacking luggage and transferring between cities. The special train directly connects the core highlights of Northern and Southern Xinjiang, covering grasslands, lakes, Gobi deserts, ancient cities, plateaus, and other landscapes. There’s no need to plan routes or book tickets and accommodation yourself — it’s suitable for family trips, group travel, and those who prefer a slow-paced journey without rushing. Xinjiang is vast, with attractions far apart; ordinary travel often wastes most of the time on the road. The Xiaoxiang Special Train shifts travel time to nighttime rest periods, using the full day for sightseeing, greatly enhancing the travel experience.
🛏 ️ II. Seat Types, Hardware Configuration, and Advantages of the Xiaoxiang Special Train
The Xiaoxiang Special Train offers multiple seat and compartment types, each differing in space, facilities, privacy, and comfort. You can choose freely based on your budget and travel preferences:
Xiaoxiang Suite (Premium Room):Equipped with private bathroom, accommodates 2-3 people, spacious and private — ideal for families or friends with higher comfort requirements
Zhengxiang Court 2-Bed Room:Comfortable standard room configuration, no private bathroom, tidy space — suitable for travelers in pairs
Zhengxiang Court 4-Bed Room:No private bathroom, spacious, lower per-person cost — suitable for groups traveling together
Yuanxiang Pavilion 4-Bed Room:Bunk beds, no private bathroom, economical and comfortable — suitable for budget-conscious travelers
The train is fully equipped with public washing areas, 24-hour hot water supply, and a dining car offering a variety of meals. Berths are fixed throughout the journey, and luggage can be left on your berth while sightseeing — no need to carry it with you, making travel easier.
💁 III. Travel Quality and Service Highlights of the Xiaoxiang Special Train
The Xiaoxiang Special Train offers a unique travel experience in service details and itinerary arrangements, distinctly different from regular tours:
Attentive Accompanying Service:Dedicated train staff and onboard medical personnel throughout the journey, with professional guides providing commentary at each destination — any issues can be promptly coordinated and resolved
Comfortable Accommodation Experience:A combination of special train sleeper berths and quality local hotels — no need to pack and change hotels daily, ensuring stable sleep environments and reducing travel fatigue
Well-Planned Itinerary:Strictly follows the nighttime travel, daytime sightseeing model with a relaxed, unhurried schedule — ample time for sightseeing, photos, and leisure at every stop
High-Standard Dining:Except for the first day of departure (no meals included), all meals — breakfast, lunch, and dinner — are provided throughout the trip, featuring both local Xinjiang specialties and standard dishes to suit general tastes — no need to find restaurants yourself
🚂 Departing directly from Changsha to Northern and Southern Xinjiang! Complete guide to traveling on the Xiaoxiang Special TrainExclusive Convenience for Changsha Travelers:No need to travel specifically to Guangzhou Baiyun Station (the departure station) — you can board at Changsha Station at the appropriate time on Day 2, saving time and cost on local round-trip transportation
🗺 ️ IV. Brief Itinerary of the Xiaoxiang Special Train
This itinerary covers the core landmarks and popular destinations of Northern and Southern Xinjiang. No repeated transfers or detours are needed throughout the journey — enjoy all the major scenic spots along the way with ease. The detailed schedule is as follows:
Warm Reminder
The train route, stops, and arrival times are provided for reference only. The final itinerary is subject to the official notice issued before departure. Reasonable changes may be made upon mutual agreement.
D1
Itinerary:Board the special train at Guangzhou Baiyun Station at approximately 23:40, passing through Changsha, Wuchang, Xinyang, Xi’an, Lanzhou, and other cities en route to beautiful Xinjiang, officially beginning your magnificent panoramic journey through the Western Regions.
Meals:No meals included
Accommodation:Southern Special Train
D2
Itinerary:The special train continues westward with sightseeing along the way. Reference stops: Changsha 10:00, Wuchang 15:00, Xinyang 18:30, Zhengzhou 23:58 — enjoy the gradually changing landscapes along the journey.
Meals:Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included
Accommodation:Southern Special Train
D3
Itinerary:The special train continues its leisurely journey with sightseeing. Reference stops: Xi’an 10:12, Lanzhou 19:49 — gradually venturing deeper into the heart of the Western Regions and experiencing the contrasts between northern and southern landscapes.
Meals:Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included
Accommodation:Southern Special Train
Many friends from Changsha want to visit all of Xinjiang but worry about the long distance, tiring transfers, and troublesome trip planning. This time, the Xiaoxiang Special Train can solve these problems. Plus, there’s no need to travel all the way to the Guangzhou departure station — on Day 2 at 10:00, you can board directly at Changsha Station, making travel more convenient.D4
Itinerary:Arrive in Hami in the afternoon and head to the Great Sea Road (Dahaidao) Devil City to explore the magnificent Yardang landforms and immerse yourself in the vast, mysterious scenery of the Western Regions.
Meals:Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included
Accommodation:Hami
D5
Itinerary:Visit the Prince’s Mansion (Huiwangfu) 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:Depart from Urumqi to visit Heavenly Lake (Tianchi) at Tianshan Mountain — a stunning alpine lake — and stroll through the Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar to experience rich local culture. In the evening, take the special train to Beitun.
Meals:Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included
Accommodation:Southern Special Train
D7
Itinerary:Arrive in Beitun in the early morning and head to Kanas Scenic Area for an in-depth visit, encountering pristine, picturesque scenery. Stay overnight in Jadengyu.
Meals:Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included
Accommodation:Jadengyu
D8
🌿 I. Detailed Introduction to the Xiaoxiang Special TrainItinerary:Depart from Jadengyu, wander through Hemu Ancient Village, admire the colorful Danxia landforms of the Five-Colored Beach (Wucaitan), and wait for the stunning sunset. In the evening, take the special train from Beitun to Yining.
Meals:Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included
Accommodation:Southern Special Train
D9
Itinerary:Arrive in Yining in the early morning, head to Sayram Lake to encounter the sapphire-blue highland lake, then visit Nalati Sky Grassland and enjoy the magnificent grassland scenery.
Meals:Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included
Accommodation:Nalati
D10
Itinerary:Explore Nalati Grassland in depth, then head to Bayanbulak Grassland to admire the Swan Lake and the breathtaking Nine Bends and Eighteen Turns scenery.
Official registration channel: Manager Mai Zi at 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:Bayan Town
D11
Itinerary:Depart from Bayan, travel through the scenic section of the Duku Highway, visit the Tianshan Grand Canyon, and after arriving in Kuqa, take the special train to Kashgar in the evening.
Meals:Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included
Accommodation:Southern Special Train
D12
Itinerary:Depart from Kashgar and head into the Pamir Plateau, visiting Karakul Lake, the Stone City, and the Golden Grassland in sequence. Stay overnight in Tashkurgan County.
The Xiaoxiang Special Train is a distinctive tourist train focused on long-distance, leisurely slow travel, offering a comfortable residential-style travel experience. It operates on a model of nighttime travel and daytime sightseeing, eliminating the need to frequently change accommodations or endure the hassle of repacking luggage and transferring between cities. The special train directly connects the core highlights of Northern and Southern Xinjiang, covering grasslands, lakes, Gobi deserts, ancient cities, plateaus, and other landscapes. There’s no need to plan routes or book tickets and accommodation yourself — it’s suitable for family trips, group travel, and those who prefer a slow-paced journey without rushing. Xinjiang is vast, with attractions far apart; ordinary travel often wastes most of the time on the road. The Xiaoxiang Special Train shifts travel time to nighttime rest periods, using the full day for sightseeing, greatly enhancing the travel experience.Meals:Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included
Accommodation:Tashkurgan County
D13
Itinerary:Depart from Tashkurgan, visit local ethnic families to experience rich folk customs, admire the stunning scenery of Baisha Lake, then return to Kashgar city.
Meals:Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included
Accommodation:Kashgar
D14
Itinerary:Stroll through the Old City of Kashgar, visit Id Kah Mosque, and explore Fragrant Concubine’s Garden (Xiangfei Garden), experiencing the rich 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:Depart from Korla, visit the Lop Nur Village and Bosten Lake, experiencing the unique desert oasis and ancient folk customs of Southern Xinjiang.
Meals:Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included
Accommodation:Korla
D16
Itinerary:Board the special train at Korla Station in the early morning, officially beginning the return journey, enjoying the scenery leisurely along the way.
Meals:Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included
🛏️ II. Seat Types, Hardware Configuration, and Advantages of the Xiaoxiang Special TrainAccommodation:Southern Special Train
D17
Itinerary:The special train returns with sightseeing along the way. Reference stops: Lanzhou 8:51, Chongqing North 21:08 — enjoying the landscapes along the route.
Meals:Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included
Accommodation:Southern Special Train
D18
Itinerary:Return journey reference stops: Xiangtan 10:14, Zhuzhou 11:08, arriving at Guangzhou Baiyun Station at 19:40. Passengers can disembark 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. Actual times may vary due to weather, sightseeing pace, and other factors — the actual schedule on the day shall prevail.
💰 V. 2026 Xiaoxiang Special Train Departure Dates and Pricing
The 2026 Xiaoxiang Special Train has limited annual departures, with 6 exclusive recommended sessions. Departure dates:May 10, May 30, June 22, July 11, August 19, September 19.
Choose your room type as needed. The entire journey combines special train sleeper berths with quality local hotels for a comfortable and worry-free trip. Reference prices are as follows:
Xiaoxiang Suite (Premium Room):Private bathroom, 2-3 people, private and exclusive | 62,999 RMB/person
Zhengxiang Court 2-Bed Room:Comfortable standard room, no private bathroom | 45,999 RMB/person
Zhengxiang Court 4-Bed Room:High cost-performance option, no private bathroom | 42,999 RMB/person
Yuanxiang Pavilion 4-Bed Room, Upper Berth:Economical and comfortable, no private bathroom | 17,999 RMB/person
The Xiaoxiang Special Train offers multiple seat and compartment types, each differing in space, facilities, privacy, and comfort. You can choose freely based on your budget and travel preferences:Yuanxiang Pavilion 4-Bed Room, Lower Berth:Economical and comfortable, no private bathroom | 19,999 RMB/person
The above prices are reference prices and may vary slightly by season, room type, and departure date. Final prices are subject to actual consultation and contract. Remaining berths can be checked in real time by contacting our staff.
📞 VI. How to Book and Register for the Xiaoxiang Special Train — Where to Buy Tickets and Register?
If you want to ride the Xiaoxiang Special Train, here’s your booking guide.
Xiaoxiang Special Train travel products are not sold separately on the 12306 platform. You can contact Manager Mai Zi at the Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service Special Train Center to learn about product schedules, itineraries, and complete your booking.
Booking process for reference:
Contact and Consultation: Manager Mai Zi at 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. Learn about the detailed itinerary, seat and room types, reference prices, and departure schedules. Changsha travelers can also inquire about boarding at Changsha Station.
Choose Your Travel Product:Based on your available time and travel preferences, select a suitable departure date and train seat/room type.
Submit Personal Information:Provide the names, valid ID numbers (including Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan permits, passports, etc.) of all travelers for registration and berth reservation purposes.
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.
From June to September each year, travel demand is high, and berths on popular long-distance special train routes are limited. We recommend checking schedules early and paying a deposit to secure your preferred berth. Bookings can be made through Manager Mai Zi at the Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service Special Train Center. Be cautious of various online travel information, carefully distinguish unofficial channels, and protect your travel rights.
📝 VII. Fees and Services for the Xiaoxiang Special Train
The services included in the Xiaoxiang Special Train itinerary are arranged according to unified standards, including transportation, basic accommodation, sightseeing support, and corresponding meals. Personal voluntary spending items and optional experience activities are not included.
All service details, fee standards, and included benefits are subject to the terms agreed upon in the signed contract. Specific travel rights and charges are subject to actual consultation and contract. For more details, please contact customer service.
For solo travelers, we will do our best to arrange room sharing. Special circumstances may require separate negotiation. Cancellation and change policies follow the relevant provisions of the Tourism Law.
Before departure, you can make the following preparations: Carry valid identification at all times — it’s needed for check-in, accommodation, and park entry. For border-area scenic spots like Tashkurgan County, obtain the necessary border pass in advance to avoid delays. Xinjiang has large temperature differences between day and night — even in summer, bring a light jacket or windbreaker. The region has strong sunlight and UV rays, so prepare sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat in advance. Xinjiang’s climate is dry, so bring lip balm and moisturizing skincare products to alleviate discomfort.
💌 Final Thoughts
If you also want to see the snow-capped mountains, lakes, grasslands, Gobi deserts, and ancient cities of Northern and Southern Xinjiang all at once — without planning your own itinerary or rushing between destinations — why not contact Manager Mai Zi at the Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service Special Train Center now to inquire about available dates? Choose a suitable time, board the Xiaoxiang Special Train with family and friends, and begin your panoramic Xinjiang journey.
The 2026 Xiaoxiang Special Train must be booked through the designated official railway channel — Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service · Special Train Center. It cannot be booked independently through platforms such as 12306. Official registration channel: Manager Mai Zi at 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.
