Arrive Turpan: Karez Well & Flaming Mountain
Chengdu Hao arrives in Turpan, Xinjiang around noon.
- Warmly greeted upon arrival in Turpan.
- Visit Karez Well System (approx. 60 minutes) A special irrigation system unique to Xinjiang, known as one of China’s Three Great Ancient Projects alongside the Great Wall and the Grand Canal.
- Visit Flaming Mountain (approx. 60 minutes) See China’s largest thermometer, experience the extreme surface heat, and enjoy rich Journey to the West culture.
- After the tour, board Chengdu Hao bound for Kashgar.
- Breakfast: Golden Panda Restaurant aboard Chengdu Hao
- Lunch: Xinjiang Local Flavor Meal
- Dinner: Golden Panda Restaurant aboard Chengdu Hao
- Accommodation: Chengdu Hao Luxury Panda Train
Day 4
Arrive Kashgar & Welcome Banquet
Arrive in Kashgar in the afternoon; warm welcome upon arrival. After the welcome dinner, VIP guests check into a hotel in Kashgar.
- Breakfast: Golden Panda Restaurant aboard Chengdu Hao
- Lunch: Golden Panda Restaurant aboard Chengdu Hao
- Dinner: Kashgar Welcome Banquet
- Accommodation: Southern Xinjiang Global Harbor International Hotel, Radisson Hotel, Hampton by Hilton or similar
- (Superior King / Twin Room)
Notice:Today’s route covers special high-altitude terrain where altitude sickness and complications may occur. Tourists over 65 years old or with underlying health conditions are recommended not to join the tour and may choose to rest or explore the city freely.
Day 5
Pamir Plateau: Baisha Lake & Karakul Lake
Breakfast at the hotel. Travel along the China–Pakistan Friendship Highway to the Pamir Plateau, known as the Roof of the World (approx. 3 hours).
- Visit Baisha Mountain & Baisha Lake (altitude ~3,300m, approx. 40 minutes) A pristine landscape of blue sky, white clouds, snow mountains, lakes and sand mountains, with the Kongur Tagh Peaks standing opposite. This is the legendary Liusha River described in Journey to the West.
- Visit Karakul Lake (approx. 1 hour drive, altitude ~3,600m, approx. 40 minutes) “Karakul” means “black sea”. The lake is 30 meters deep and covers 10 km², a rare high-altitude lake surrounded by snow-capped peaks, including three famous peaks over 7,000m: Kongur Tagh (7,719m), Kongur Tiube (7,530m) and Muztagh Ata (7,546m).
- Return to Kashgar and check into the hotel.
- Breakfast: Hotel Breakfast
- Lunch: Xinjiang Local Flavor Restaurant
- Dinner: Xinjiang Local Flavor Restaurant
- Accommodation: Southern Xinjiang Global Harbor International Hotel, Radisson Hotel, Hampton by Hilton or similar
- (Superior King / Twin Room)
Day 6
Kashgar Ancient City & Cultural Sites
Breakfast at the hotel. Visit Kashgar Ancient City (approx. 20 minutes drive, approx. 90 minutes). Known as a “living fossil” for studying ancient Western Regions cities, it is a famous cultural city with over 2,000 years of history. It is an open scenic area and residential area for Uyghur people, showcasing family life, ethnic customs, traditional handicrafts and local cuisine.
- Visit Id Kah Mosque (approx. 60 minutes) One of China’s most famous Islamic mosques, first built in 1442, a masterpiece of Uyghur architectural art with strong ethnic and religious features.
- Visit Gaotai Folk Houses (approx. 60 minutes) A Uyghur residential area on a 40m-high loess cliff over 800m long, with a history of 600 years. You may try handcrafts such as 【pottery making】 or 【block printing】 and wander through the restored ancient dwellings.
- After dinner, proceed to Kashgar Station and board Chengdu Hao bound for Kuqa.
Today’s arrangement: Featured Halal Meal
- Breakfast: Hotel Breakfast
- Lunch: Featured Halal Meal
- Dinner: Kashgar Flavor Restaurant
- Accommodation: Chengdu Hao Luxury Panda Train
Day 7
Kuqa & Duku Highway South: Tianshan Grand Canyon & Bayanbulak
Arrive in Kuqa in the morning; warm welcome upon arrival.
- Visit Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon (approx. 1.5 hours drive, approx. 60 minutes) Named one of China’s Top Ten Most Beautiful Canyons, located on the southern slope of the Tianshan Mountains in an arid inland area with fine sand and clear springs.
- Transfer to exclusive vehicles to cross the Southern Section of Duku Highway From Tianshan Grand Canyon to Bayanbulak (approx. 190km, sightseeing drive approx. 3.5 hours). Enjoy views of the Small and Big Dragon Lakes, Tianshan snow mountains, and photo stops at Tielimaiti Daban.
- Visit Bayanbulak · Swan Lake Scenic Area (approx. 180 minutes) China’s second-largest grassland, surrounded by snow peaks, with lush water and grass. It is home to China’s only national swan nature reserve. Enjoy flocks of swans and terns, and the stunning sunset over the Nine Turns and Eighteen Bends.
- Check into a hotel in Bayanbulak in the evening.
Today’s arrangement: Crossing the Southern Section of Duku Highway
- Breakfast: Golden Panda Restaurant aboard Chengdu Hao
- Lunch: Light Meal Along the Route
- Dinner: Xinjiang Flavor Restaurant
- Accommodation: Bayanbulak Xueyu Hotel, Glory Hotel, Yunshangzun Hotel, C-hotel or similar
- (Superior King / Twin Room)
Day 8
Duku Highway Mid & Nalati Grassland
Breakfast at the hotel. Continue by exclusive vehicle along the Middle Section of Duku Highway from Bayanbulak to Nalati (approx. 70km, sightseeing drive approx. 2 hours).
- Visit Nalati Grassland (approx. 300 minutes) A national 5A-level scenic area known as one of the four great grasslands of Eurasia and praised as “Jiangnan beyond the Great Wall”. Enjoy springs, streams, pine trees, yurts, and flocks of cattle and sheep, while experiencing authentic Kazakh folk customs.
- Check into a hotel inside Nalati Scenic Area in the evening.
Today’s arrangement: Whole Roasted Lamb
- Breakfast: Hotel Breakfast
- Lunch: Xinjiang Flavor Restaurant
- Dinner: Xinjiang Flavor Restaurant
- Accommodation: Nalati Jinling Villa, Nianhua Bay Hainai Resort, HUALUXE Nalati Holiday Inn Express or similar
- (Superior King / Twin Room)
Day 9
Tianshan Flower Sea & Yining Six Star Street
Breakfast at the hotel. Visit Tianshan Flower Sea Scenic Area (approx. 120 minutes). Centered on a 24,000-mu lavender field, it is the world’s largest single lavender planting area. Enjoy seasonal blooms: peonies in May, lavender in June–July, sunflowers in August.
- Travel to Yining City (approx. 1.5 hours drive) and visit Six Star Street. A historic neighborhood famous for its unique hexagonal layout, home to multiple ethnic groups including Han, Kazakh, Hui, Uyghur, Russian and Tatar.
- After dinner, check into the hotel.
Today’s arrangement: Yining Six Star Street
- Breakfast: Hotel Breakfast
- Lunch: Xinjiang Flavor Restaurant
- Dinner: Xinjiang Flavor Restaurant
- Accommodation: Yining Tianyuan International, Yili River Hotel, HUALUXE Yining InterContinental Hotel or similar
- (King / Twin Room)
Day 10
Sayram Lake: The Last Tear of the Atlantic
Breakfast at the hotel. Travel to Sayram Lake.
- Visit Sayram Lake (approx. 2.5 hours drive, approx. 180 minutes) Historically known as the “Western Pure Sea” and hailed as “the last tear of the Atlantic Ocean”. It is Xinjiang’s highest and largest alpine cold-water lake and a national 5A-level scenic area, with clear blue water, blooming flowers and snow-capped mountains in the distance.
- Then proceed to Yining Station or Jinghe South Station and board Chengdu Hao bound for Beitun.
Today’s arrangement: Sayram Lake Whitefish Feast
- Breakfast: Hotel Breakfast
- Lunch: Sayram Lake Whitefish Feast
- Dinner: Xinjiang Flavor Restaurant
- Accommodation: Chengdu Hao Luxury Panda Train
Day 11
Beitun & Hemu Scenic Area
Arrive in Beitun in the morning. Travel to Hemu (approx. 5 hours drive with rest and meal stops as time permits).
- Arrive at Hemu Scenic Area, check in inside the scenic area and explore (approx. 300 minutes). Transfer to scenic shuttle bus, view the Ertix River (China’s only river flowing north to the Arctic Ocean), visit China’s largest birch forest, Hemu River wrapped in mist, Hemu Valley, Jiadengyu alpine grassland, Hemu River wooden bridge, and the Tuwa village with wooden houses.
- Stay in a characteristic wooden chalet inside Hemu Scenic Area.
Today’s arrangement: Hemu Afternoon Tea + Aerial Photography
- Breakfast: Golden Panda Restaurant aboard Chengdu Hao
- Lunch: Beitun Flavor Restaurant
- Dinner: Hemu Flavor Restaurant
- Accommodation: Hemu Villa, Hemu Resort, Hemu Starry Sky Chalet, Shuboruis Homestay or similar
- (Twin Room)
Day 12
Hemu Sunrise & Kanas Scenic Area
Breakfast at the hotel. Travel to Kanas. Suggestion: Wake up early to see morning smoke over Hemu Village or hike to Haden Viewing Platform for the Hemu sunrise.
- Travel to Kanas (approx. 2.5 hours drive).
- Arrive at Kanas Scenic Area, check in inside the scenic area and explore (approx. 300 minutes). Known as “the last pure land on Earth”, “God’s Back Garden” and “Fairy’s Private Land”. Enjoy the combination of northern grandeur and southern elegance. Walk along the wooden paths to view Moon Bay, Fairy Bay and Wolong Bay.
- Experience the unique Kanas Boat Tour for panoramic views of the lake and mountains.
- Stay inside Kanas Scenic Area in the evening.
Today’s arrangement: Kanas Boat Tour
- Breakfast: Hotel Breakfast
- Lunch: Hemu Flavor Restaurant
- Dinner: Kanas Flavor Restaurant
- Accommodation: Yike Lizhi, Youran Villa, Huajianfang, Kunshe, Yike Huaqiu, Liangke Huaqiu, Manyunjian, Golden Lotus Homestay or similar
- (Twin Chalet)
Day 13
Kanas Guanyutai & Burqin Cold-Water Fish Feast
Breakfast at the hotel. Visit Guanyutai (Fish Viewing Platform) (approx. 60 minutes). After morning mist lifts, enjoy a panoramic view of Kanas Lake and the entire scenic area.
- Enjoy local-flavor lunch inside Kanas Scenic Area.
- Continue visiting the Three Bays of Kanas based on actual time.
- Travel to Burqin and taste the featured cold-water fish feast for dinner.
- Proceed to Beitun and board Chengdu Hao at Beitun Station bound for Urumqi.
Today’s specialty: Burqin Cold-Water Fish Feast
- Breakfast: Hotel Breakfast
- Lunch: Kanas Flavor Restaurant
- Dinner: Burqin Cold-Water Fish Feast
- Accommodation: Chengdu Hao Luxury Panda Train
Day 14
Urumqi & Heavenly Lake (Tianchi)
Breakfast aboard Chengdu Hao. Arrive in Urumqi.
- Visit Heavenly Lake (Tianchi) Scenic Area (approx. 1 hour drive, approx. 180 minutes) A world-famous alpine lake and national 5A-level scenic area known as “Jade Pool on Earth”. Take the scenic shuttle bus to view Stone Gate Line, West Mountain Pine View, Longtan Reflecting Moon, Golden Needle Fixing the Sea, and overlook the majestic Bogda Peak.
- Return to Urumqi (approx. 1 hour drive). After dinner, check into the hotel.
Today’s arrangement: Tianchi Jade Pool Grand Feast
- Breakfast: Golden Panda Restaurant aboard Chengdu Hao
- Lunch: Tianchi Jade Pool Grand Feast
- Dinner: Xinjiang Flavor Restaurant
- Accommodation: Urumqi Hilton, Wanda Vista or similar
- (Superior King / Twin Room)
Day 15
Return Journey by Chengdu Hao
After breakfast, proceed to the railway station and board Chengdu Hao for the return journey.
Onboard activities:【Chess & Cards Master】【Werewolf Kill】【Folk Song Concert】
- Breakfast: Hotel Breakfast
- Lunch: Golden Panda Restaurant aboard Chengdu Hao
- Dinner: Golden Panda Restaurant aboard Chengdu Hao
- Accommodation: Chengdu Hao Luxury Panda Train
Day 16
Arrive Lanzhou & Chengdu – Tour Ends
Sightseeing aboard Chengdu Hao. Arrive at stations and farewell VIP guests.
- Stop at Lanzhou Station; some guests disembark and conclude the trip.
- Chengdu Hao arrives at its final destination, Chengdu. See you next time!
Notes: Guests disembarking in Lanzhou include breakfast aboard Chengdu Hao; lunch and dinner are on your own. No dinner provided on Day 16.
- Breakfast: Golden Panda Restaurant aboard Chengdu Hao
- Lunch: Golden Panda Restaurant aboard Chengdu Hao
- Dinner: /
Inclusions & Exclusions
Inclusions
- Dining: 15 breakfasts & 30 main meals throughout the trip.
- Aboard Chengdu Hao: Breakfast ¥68/pax; Main meal ¥158/pax.
- Local meals: Hotel breakfast included. Main meals in Kanas/Hemu/Sayram Lake/Nalati ¥100/pax; regular city meals ¥80/pax; featured meals ¥120–150/pax.
Notes:① Some train meals are excluded for guests boarding/alighting in Lanzhou and Urumqi.② All meals are group arrangements; no refunds for unused meals.
- Accommodation:
- Kashgar, Yining, Urumqi: Ctrip 5-diamond, luxury or international high-end hotels.
- Hemu & Kanas: High-end homestays inside scenic areas.
- Nalati: Ctrip 4-diamond / 5-diamond or high-end hotels.
- Bayanbulak: Ctrip 4-diamond or high-end hotels.
- Tickets: Full coverage of scenic area tickets and shuttle buses within the itinerary. Note: Tickets and shuttles are calculated at group rates; no further discounts apply and no refunds for unused tickets.
- Insurance: One group travel accident insurance policy. Note: Maximum coverage ¥300,000 (¥200,000 for tourists aged 71+). Claims are subject to insurance terms. Accidents not caused by the travel agency require upfront payment by tourists and subsequent reimbursement. Expenses due to pre-existing medical conditions are not covered.
- Guides & Service Staff: Experienced local certified guides (≥3 years), full-time tour leaders, train butlers and on-board healthcare professionals aboard the Chengdu Hao Panda Train.
- Child Service Standard: Excludes train berth, hotel bed and hotel breakfast. Includes train meals, tickets & scenic shuttles, tourist coach seat, meals, driver and guide service.
Seat & Cabin Configuration Overview
- Five-Cabin Carriage (Leisure Residence): Each carriage features 5 cabins, with each cabin measuring 8 m². All cabins are smart-controlled twin rooms, with each bed measuring 75 cm × 200 cm.
- Four-Cabin Carriage (Poetic Residence): Each carriage contains 4 cabins, each measuring 10 m². Among them, twin rooms (bed size: 75 cm × 200 cm), and king-bed rooms (bed size: 180 cm × 200 cm). Each cabin includes a separate sofa, which can be converted into a single bed (maximum extended size approximately 175 cm × 50 cm).
Both cabin types are equipped with private en-suite bathrooms, a mini bar, a dedicated wardrobe area, international premium-brand toiletries, and a smart home control system.
Service Agreement:
- Due to the cross-regional nature of travel, tourists agree that the organizer may entrust reception services to qualified local operators. Details of entrusted agencies are in the contract annex.
- “On-board healthcare” refers to qualified doctors and nurses with rich clinical experience accompanying the train to assist guests.
Frequently Asked Questions (Part 1)
Chengdu Tourist Train to Xinjiang – 16-Day Tour
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