First China-Central Asia cultural tourism train of 2026 exits via Xinjiang

Shiliuyun-Xinjiang Daily (Reporter Lu Fengbao) news: On July 3, 2026, the first China-Central Asia cultural tourism train for 2026, operating on the Xi'an-Almaty route, left China smoothly through the Horgos Railway Port Station that day at 1:22 p.m.

The train operates under a segmented transport model that includes both domestic and overseas legs. The Horgos-Almaty segment is handled by Kazakhstan, with railway authorities from both countries coordinating closely to ensure a seamless "one-stop customs clearance" experience for travelers.

This year's first China-Central Asia cultural tourism train (Xi'an-Almaty) departs from Horgos Railway Port in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region on July 3, 2026. (Photo by Li Xiaokun)

The journey began on June 29 at 9:39 a.m. when the train departed from Xi'an Station. It traveled west along the Lanzhou-Xinjiang Railway and reached Yining Station on July 2 at 11:19 a.m. Passengers then took buses to visit Sayram Lake and other scenic spots. On July 3, they proceeded to Horgos Railway Port Station for outbound procedures and boarded Kazakhstani trains to leave the country. The return trip departs Almaty at 11:00 a.m. on July 6 (8:00 a.m. Astana time) and arrives at Horgos at 6:19 p.m. that day. From there, the tour continues to Kuqa, Kashi, Altay, and other destinations across northern and southern Xinjiang, before arriving back at Xi'an at 6:00 a.m. on July 14. The entire round trip spans 16 days.

"It was my first time traveling abroad by train. The outbound procedures were quick and boarding was easy, and I am really looking forward to the rest of the trip," said passenger Li Qiwei.

To ensure the smooth operation of this train, railway authorities from both China and Kazakhstan have worked in close coordination. They formulated a tailored support plan, meticulously planned the train routing, and made comprehensive arrangements for transport operations and passenger services, all with the goal of ensuring the train's safe and punctual departure from China.

A passenger poses for a photo at Horgos Station in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region on July 3, 2026. (Photo by Li Xiaokun)

"The overseas segment's passenger transport and ticketing are managed by the Kazakh side. We collected and submitted passenger information ahead of time and coordinated with them on ticketing and distribution. We also set up a 'Tianshan Snow Lotus' volunteer service team to help with luggage and created dedicated waiting areas and channels to make boarding and customs clearance easier for passengers," said Reyhangul Rehman, duty officer at the Operations Workshop of Horgos Station, China Railway Urumqi Group Co., Ltd.

The China-Central Asia cultural tourism train was first launched in 2025 and has drawn considerable public interest. This year, three such trains are planned. The Xinjiang railway department will continue to enhance its service support and contribute actively to the high-quality development of the Belt and Road Initiative.

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