Anyi Express ยท 15 Days

Xinjiang Frontier

Aboard the Anyi Express, China's newest large-capacity specialist tourist train. A 15-day Xinjiang deep dive from Chengdu, designed for travellers who prioritise the route experience and group atmosphere over private-suite luxury.

The Anyi Express launched in May 2025 from Chengdu West Station. A 332-seat specialist tourist train operated by Sichuan China Youth Travel Service (CYTS). Its inaugural Xinjiang expedition sold out two months in advance, 92 percent domestic, 8 percent inbound. This is the value-oriented gateway to Xinjiang on rails.

Duration15 Days
TrainAnyi Express
Capacity332 seats
RouteChengdu to Xinjiang
SeasonMay to October
StyleSpecialist tourist

Route Map

ChengduTianshan TianchiKanasSayram LakeNalatiKashgar Old CityHami Sea Passage

Itinerary

01
Day 1

Chengdu West Station, Departure

Board the Anyi Express at Chengdu West Station. Cabin allocation and orientation. Evening departure with a Sichuan-style welcome dinner in the dining car. The journey west begins.

02
Day 2-3

Transit Days, Sichuan to Gansu

Two days crossing from Sichuan's subtropical basin through Gansu province. Onboard: shared lounge spaces, dining car, and the rhythm of long-distance rail travel. The landscape transitions from green mountains to the arid expanses of China's northwest.

03
Day 4-5

Urumqi & Tianshan Tianchi

Arrive in Urumqi. Day trip to Heavenly Lake (Tianchi) at 1,980 metres. Explore the Xinjiang Regional Museum and the Grand Bazaar. Overnight in Urumqi hotel.

04
Day 6-7

Kanas Lake & Altay

Two days in Xinjiang's far north. Kanas Lake, Hemu Village, Tuvan culture. The 'Switzerland of Xinjiang' at its greenest. Hotel nights in the Altay region.

05
Day 8-9

Sayram Lake & Nalati Grasslands

Two days in the Tianshan heartland. Sayram Lake, 'the last tear of the Atlantic'. Nalati's rolling alpine meadows. Kazakh yurt visits. Return to train between destinations.

06
Day 10-12

Kashgar & The Old City

Three days in Kashgar. The Sunday Grand Bazaar, Id Kah Mosque, old-city exploration, Abakh Khoja Tomb. Tea houses, craft workshops. Hotel nights in Kashgar.

07
Day 13-14

Hami & The Sea Passage

Two days at Hami's 'Sea Passage', a dramatic desert canyon landscape of wind-carved rock formations. One of Xinjiang's most photogenic but least-visited destinations. Farewell dinner onboard.

08
Day 15

Return to Chengdu

Train arrives back at Chengdu West Station. Journey ends.

Photo Gallery

What's Included

Included

  • Anyi Express cabin for rail segments
  • Hotels on non-train nights
  • All meals throughout the journey
  • All listed excursions with guide
  • Scenic transfers and entrance fees
  • Group travel accident insurance

Not Included

  • ×Flights to/from Chengdu
  • ×Chinese tourist visa
  • ×Personal travel insurance (mandatory)
  • ×Single supplement (where available)
  • ×Personal expenses
  • ×Gratuities

Dates & Pricing Reference

Pricing note: All prices are reference rates in USD or RMB per person, double occupancy. Final price is confirmed in your journey proposal. Availability changes daily.
Suite TierPer Person (RMB)Notes
Tourist Cabin (Reference)EnquireOperator has not released detailed room-type specifications and bathroom configurations. Pricing pending official 2026 release.

Aboard the Anyi Express

China's newest large-capacity specialist tourist train. 332 seats. Operated by Sichuan CYTS. Group-oriented pricing and atmosphere. Note: detailed room specifications and bathroom configurations are pending official release from the operator.

View Train Details

Who This Journey Suits

Best For

  • Group-oriented travellers who enjoy a social atmosphere
  • Value-conscious travellers prioritising route coverage over suite luxury
  • Chinese-speaking groups (92% domestic on inaugural run)
  • Travellers who want the Anyi Express's debut-season pricing advantage

Consider If

  • Travellers requiring private en-suite bathrooms (verify with operator before booking)
  • Solo travellers seeking quiet privacy (this is a lively, social train)
  • Those seeking ultra-luxury. This is a specialist tourist train, not a luxury product.

Questions About This Journey

No. The Anyi Express is classified as a 'specialist tourist train'. It offers comfortable group-oriented accommodation and covers the same Xinjiang destinations as our luxury trains, but at a lower price point with fewer private amenities. This is a value-oriented product, we are transparent about this distinction.
The operator has not yet released detailed bathroom configurations for the Anyi Express. We recommend you confirm this with your journey designer before booking, as bathroom arrangements (private en-suite vs. shared facilities) significantly affect the experience.
We include the Anyi Express because it covers Xinjiang destinations that no other train serves in a single 15-day journey, and it represents a genuine value option for travellers who prioritise route coverage and group atmosphere over suite luxury. We classify it separately so you can make an informed choice.

Your journey starts here. Our journey designers respond within 24 hours with a personalised proposal.