This is not one fixed sightseeing sequence for every guest. Your departure edition and A, B or C route selections determine several destinations and activities. Confirm the exact combination on the written itinerary before booking flights or making other non-refundable plans.
The 18-Day Route at a Glance
- Days 1 to 3: Guangzhou departure and the journey through Chongqing toward Xinjiang.
- Days 4 to 7: one selected northern Xinjiang route, centered on either the Ahe Highway and Hemu or Tianchi and Baihaba.
- Days 8 to 10: one selected Ili to Kuqa route, with Route A, B or C experiences.
- Days 11 to 13: Kuqa, Kashgar and the Pamir area, including Baisha Lake and Karakul Lake in the published program.
- Days 14 to 16: Bosten Lake, the return train journey and Golmud with Qarhan Salt Lake.
- Days 17 to 18: onboard return and arrival in Guangzhou.
The program uses the train as a moving base but also includes destination hotels, coaches, smaller vehicles and scenic-area transport. It should not be planned as 18 consecutive days spent onboard.
Published 2027 Departure Dates
Seven departure dates are currently published for the 18-day journey:
- May 18, 2027
- June 7, 2027
- June 27, 2027
- July 17, 2027
- August 5, 2027
- August 24, 2027
- September 14, 2027
The first four dates are presented as the Tianshan Jinshu edition and the final three as the Jinfeng Huajuan edition. The edition affects the published Route B content in the Ili section. Dates remain subject to final booking confirmation and railway operating arrangements.
Choose One Northern Xinjiang Route
North Route A: Ahe Highway, Hemu and Kanas
The published Route A sequence includes the Xinjiang Museum and Grand Bazaar, then the Ahe Highway, Hemu and a Kanas lake cruise. It suits travelers who prioritize the forest and village landscapes associated with the Altay region.
North Route B: Tianchi, Chonghuer, Baihaba and Kanas
The published Route B sequence begins with Tianchi, then continues toward Chonghuer, Baihaba and Kanas. It provides a different northern approach and should be compared by road time, walking and preferred scenery rather than by route letter alone.
Choose One Ili to Kuqa Route
Route A: Sayram Lake, Nalati and Duku Highway
Route A links Sayram Lake, Nalati, Bayin and the Duku Highway in the published plan. Seasonal road access and weather can affect the Duku segment, so an operational alternative may be required.
Route B: Edition-Specific Grassland Journey
For Tianshan Jinshu departures, Route B publishes Kalajun and Kurdening. For Jinfeng Huajuan departures, it publishes Tianshan Flower Sea and Nalati. This is why the departure edition must be checked before comparing Route B with the other options.
Route C: Yizhao Highway, Xiata and Sayram Lake
Route C publishes the Yizhao Highway, a private sunset cruise, Xiata and Sayram Lake. It carries a CNY 6,000 per-guest supplement in the current program and remains subject to seasonal road and scenic-area conditions.
Kuqa, Kashgar and the Pamir Section
After the route-choice days, the published program continues through Kuqa and Kashgar, then toward the Pamir landscapes of Baisha Lake and Karakul Lake. This section introduces different altitude, road and weather considerations from the northern grassland portion.
Travelers with health, mobility or altitude concerns should discuss the actual day plan with a doctor and the reservations team. An onboard medical room and accompanying doctor do not replace personal medical advice or suitable travel insurance.
Bosten Lake, Golmud and the Return to Guangzhou
The return section includes Bosten Lake in the published itinerary, followed by train travel toward Golmud and a visit associated with Qarhan Salt Lake before the final onboard days to Guangzhou.
Arrival timing and station arrangements can be affected by railway operations. Leave a sensible buffer before any separately booked onward flight or train and follow the final written arrival notice.
How to Choose Your Route Combination
- departure edition checked
- North Route A or B selected
- Ili to Kuqa Route A, B or C selected
- Route C supplement accepted where applicable
- walking and vehicle time compared
- seasonal road alternatives understood
- altitude and health needs reviewed
- room category selected
- final route sheet requested in writing
18-Day Route Questions
Does the train go directly from Guangzhou to every attraction?
No. The program combines the tourist train with destination hotels, road transfers and local transport. Many attractions are reached after leaving the train.
Can the route change after booking?
Weather, railway operations, seasonal roads, scenic-area access and local reception conditions can require changes. Review the written change terms and final pre-departure notice.
Where can I compare the route cards?
The English itinerary page presents the departure editions and route choices together so you can compare them before making an enquiry.
Open the interactive 18-day itinerary