Embark on a 17-Day Luxury Expedition Across Xinjiang's Diverse Landscapes
The STAR EXPRESS invites you on an unparalleled 17-day journey through the mystical and magnificent landscapes of North and South Xinjiang. Designed by Italy's PULINA Architecture & Interior Design Office, this luxury train offers an elegant and warm environment, combining Oriental aesthetics with modern comfort. Discover ancient Silk Road wonders, vibrant ethnic cultures, and breathtaking natural beauty, all while enjoying elite butler service and gourmet dining. This is more than a trip; it's a cultural feast under the starlit skies of the Western Region.
Key Highlights
- Experience the luxury of the STAR EXPRESS, designed by PULINA Architecture & Interior Design Office.
- Journey through North and South Xinjiang, discovering diverse landscapes from towering mountains to vast deserts.
- Immerse yourself in rich local cultures with exclusive performances and authentic home visits.
- Savor unique Xinjiang cuisine, including non-heritage fish banquets and traditional Kazakh meals.
- Enjoy unparalleled comfort and 24-hour elite butler service onboard.
- Explore Hami Haidao Scenic Area, the only legally crossed no-man's land in China, often described as 'Mars on Earth.'
Available Services
- Starlight Train accommodation for 8 nights onboard the luxurious STAR EXPRESS.
- Hotel accommodation for 8 nights in selected high-end hotels (as per itinerary, equivalent level guaranteed).
- 16 breakfasts and 31 main meals throughout the journey (Train breakfasts: ~$8.30 USD/person; Train main meals: ~$16.60 USD/person; Local main meals: ~$13.80-$20.70 USD/person).
- Special air-conditioned tourist vehicles for all tourism destinations and transfers.
- All entrance tickets and scenic spot transportation buses as listed in the itinerary.
- One group travel accident insurance (maximum coverage ~$41,380 USD).
- Services of an excellent local tour guide, full-time accompanying service staff, train steward, and professional medical staff.
Excluded Services
- All other expenses not explicitly listed in the 'What's Included' section (e.g., personal shopping, optional activities, additional drinks).
- Additional expenses caused by unexpected events such as traffic delays, cancellations, or force majeure events like war, strikes, or natural disasters.
- Expenses resulting from guests' own illnesses (not covered under the insurance policy).
- Single room supplement (if you prefer a private room when traveling solo or if a single occupancy results from uneven group numbers).
- Tips for guides, drivers, and service staff (optional, at your discretion).
Choose Your Journey
Select the package that best fits your travel style and group size
Standard Luxury Package
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Detailed Itinerary
Gather at your chosen starting station (Kunming, Guiyang, Chongqing, or Lanzhou) and board the luxurious STAR EXPRESS. Begin your exciting journey across China.
- Gather at designated station (Kunming/Guiyang/Chongqing/Lanzhou)
- Board the STAR EXPRESS luxury train
- Begin journey towards Urumqi
About the STAR EXPRESS Designer
The 'STAR EXPRESS' train was meticulously designed by PULINA Architecture & Interior Design Office, an esteemed architectural interior design firm headquartered in Pisa, Italy, with branches in Shanghai and Dubai. PULINA provides exclusive interior design solutions for global luxury yachts, private residences, high-end hotels, and other prestigious projects.
Led by Chief Designer Federico Benvenuti, the firm brings together a diverse design team dedicated to exploring new forms and materials. Their collaboration with top Italian craftsmen and world-class brands ensures exceptional quality.
For the STAR EXPRESS, PULINA combined Oriental aesthetics with modern luxury design, drawing inspiration from Central Asian aesthetics and nature. Each carriage is a masterpiece, featuring exquisite materials like walnut, genuine leather, and silk, with Venice Glass lights inlaid in the dome. This attention to detail showcases regional customs and cultural depth, making the space rich in modern design while retaining the warmth of traditional elements.
Unforgettable Xinjiang Experiences
Our journey is crafted to break tradition and offer a deep, authentic experience of Xinjiang's great beauty. Beyond the iconic landscapes, you'll engage with the heart of its diverse cultures:
Intimate Cultural Encounters: Witness the non-heritage 'Samawal' dance performed by inheritor 'Uncle Kali' under a grape rack. Visit traditional Kazakh dwellings, feel their genuine enthusiasm, and share an authentic Kazakh meal, blending into their vibrant atmosphere of singing and dancing.
Culinary Delights: Savor landmark non-legacy foods like the exquisite 'Kanas Fish Banquet,' a true taste of the region. Indulge in distinctive flavors, from street-side grilled chicken skewers to the rich Yak meat hot pot in Tashkurgan and a grand Xinjiang Roasted Whole Sheep banquet.
Exclusive Adventures: Go off the beaten path with a four-wheel drive off-road excursion deep into the core of Dahaidao, discovering the surreal 'Mars on Earth' landscape. Cap off this unique adventure with a magical Starlight Dinner within the Dahaidao scenic spot.
Xinjiang's Scroll of Scenic Wonders
Every step praises nature, every glance honors the stunning beauty of the West. This journey unveils Xinjiang's most primitive and awe-inspiring landscapes:
Tianshan's Bright Pearl: Tianchi Lake, a pristine alpine gem.
Brilliant Yadan Landscape: Wucaiwan, a colorful geological marvel.
Jingguan Boulevard: Experience parts of the Duku Highway, a scenic engineering feat.
Mystical Canyon: Tianshan Secret Grand Valley, one of China's most beautiful canyons.
The Sacred Snowland: Lake Karakule, a high-altitude lake reflecting majestic peaks.
The Garden of God: Kanas Lake, a hidden paradise often compared to Switzerland.
Fairyland: Hemu Village, with its charming wooden houses nestled in verdant valleys.
Sapphire Lake: Sailimu Lake, the 'last tear of the Atlantic Ocean,' glistening blue.
Emerald Grassland: Nalati Prairie, a vast expanse of green where herds roam free.
Arcadia: Bayinbuluke grassland, another stunning prairie offering panoramic views.
Exotic Planet: Hami Sea Road
Embark on a journey to the Hami Sea Road, a place of natural wonders that feels truly exotic and mysterious. This ancient Silk Road route between Dunhuang, Hami, and Turpan is unique as it is the only legally crossed no-man's land in China.
Here lies a vast desert, boasting unique Yadan landforms and remnants of the ancient Silk Road. The scenery is desolate yet profoundly mysterious, as if transporting you to another world. Far removed from the hustle and bustle of typical travelers, whether it's the golden sands at sunrise or the tranquil silence beneath the starry night, the desert evokes a profound sense of awe and serenity in the soul. Prepare to hear its whispers and feel its enchanting charm.
Live in the Landscape: Select Accommodations
Throughout your journey, whether on the train or in hotels, your accommodation is selected to enhance your experience, allowing you to 'live in the landscape.' Expect comfort and quality, surrounded by the natural beauty of Xinjiang.
Our chosen hotels, such as the Hilton Hotel and Wanda Vista Hotel in Urumqi, Ili River Hotel and Yili Hotel in Yining, Radisson Hotel and Hilton Huanpeng Hotel in Kashgar, and specialized lodges in scenic areas like Hemu Holiday, Manyunjian/Golden Lotus Hotel in Kanas, and Yunjing Hotel/Pamir Hotel/Panoramic Star Hotel in Tashkurgan, are designed to provide a restful retreat.
Each stay is curated to offer picturesque views and a seamless connection with the stunning environments of Xinjiang, ensuring every scene is as beautiful from your window as it is up close.
Frequently Asked Questions
The STAR EXPRESS is a luxury tourist train designed by Italy's PULINA Architecture & Interior Design Office. It features elegant interiors combining Oriental aesthetics with modern luxury, including walnut, genuine leather, silk, and Venice Glass lights. It offers comfortable Luxury (Big Bed) and Elegant (Double Bed) rooms, both with independent bathrooms, smart controls, and advanced amenities.
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