The 1st China-Central Asia tourism train (Xi'an-Almaty) in 2026 sets off

On June 29, Train Y207 carrying 260 tourists slowly departed Xi'an Railway Station bound westward for Almaty, Kazakhstan, marking the official launch of the first China-Central Asia cultural tourism train (Xi'an-Almaty) of 2026.

Co-launched by China Railway Xi'an Bureau Group and Xi'an Culture & Tourism Bureau, the train heads west along the ancient Silk Road, passing the Hexi Corridor and Tianshan Mountains before exiting China via one-stop customs at Khorgos Port for an immersive in-depth Silk Road cultural tour.

This 16-day, 15-night trip uses full 25T and 19K deluxe soft sleeper carriages. Built on premium small-group customization, it offers a unique dedicated train service for the whole tour.

Unlike conventional travel, this train champions "slow travel for deep immersion." Passengers will skip the hassle of transfers and heavy luggage, fully savoring the Silk Road's landscapes and rich cultural heritage.

Tailored for diverse travel needs, two exclusive themed routes are available, featuring cross-border journeys to Central Asia and in-depth exploration of hidden scenery across northern and southern Xinjiang.

Route A links Xinjiang's top sights and crosses Khorgos Port into Almaty, Kazakhstan. Route B loops through northern and southern Xinjiang, showcasing iconic landforms and immersing travelers in the millennia-old history of the Western Regions.

The full route links the Guanzhong Plain(Shaanxi), Hexi Corridor(Gansu), Xinjiang, and Central Asia's heart—unfolding ancient ruins, grassland yurts, lively bazaars, snow peaks, and alpine lakes. It weaves nature, history, and folk culture into one seamless journey.

Featuring a dedicated "Silk Road Parlor" carriage, the train offers en‑route cultural activities: intangible heritage workshops, TCM wellness sessions, calligraphy, folk music, traditional instrument experiences, and ethnic song‑and‑dance performances from along the route.    

Centered on Silk Road culture and cultural tourism, the China‑Central Asia railway train will boost cross‑border exchanges, forging a new channel for deeper cultural‑tourism integration and stronger friendly ties between China and Central Asian nations.