International Tourist Train Arrived in Almaty
A train from Xi'an reached Almaty, marking the second service operated this year along the Great Silk Road route.
Updated on Sept. 20, 2026 in Asia
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An international tourist train departed from Xi'an, China, and successfully reached Almaty, Kazakhstan. The journey crossed the China-Kazakhstan border at Khorgos to further develop rail tourism between the two nations.
Why it matters
The route aims to expand tourism connections by utilizing historic transit corridors. This service highlights ongoing efforts to integrate regional travel logistics and promote cross-border rail exploration.
The rail service traveled from Xi'an through the Xinjiang region, passing the Khorgos border crossing. The train completed its route to Almaty, where passengers began visiting local landmarks, including the 28 Panfilov Guardsmen Park.
The players
Passenger Transportation JSC
This organization serves as the primary entity responsible for passenger rail carriage within Kazakhstan.
The details
The tourist route follows the path of the Great Silk Road, requiring precise coordination for border formalities and rail service logistics. This connection is designed to bolster tourist ties, following the initial route launch by Chinese operators in 2025 and the first Kazakh service in June 2026.
Timeline
The route was first launched by the Chinese side in 2025.
Kazakhstan's national carrier operated its first service in June 2026.
The train departed from Xi'an on September 14, 2026.
The train arrived in Almaty on September 20, 2026.
Travel Outlook
This rail route modernizes travel along the historic Great Silk Road, adapting ancient trade corridors for contemporary international tourism. It represents a shift toward rail-based transit to facilitate deeper cultural exchange and cross-border connectivity between China and Kazakhstan.
Travelers interested in this route should note that service remains limited, with only two trips completed by the carrier this year. Prospective passengers must account for complex border formalities at the Khorgos crossing when planning their travel itinerary.
The takeaway
The development of this rail link demonstrates an increasing preference for long-distance scenic travel over traditional air transit in Central Asia. Prospective rail tourists should monitor official carrier announcements for future service expansion as the route matures.
Further reading
Learn more about travel developments across the region by visiting our Asia section.
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