New Oriental Express Old Car Body vs. Xuelian Number Comparison Xinjiang Special Train Price, How to Choose
Many middle-aged and elderly tourists inquire: Where to book the New Oriental Express, how to book the New Oriental Express, and which is the official booking agency for the New Oriental Express? Unified explanation: The New Oriental Express Xinjiang luxury tourist train is a railway-customized packaged cultural tourism product (including train private carriage seats + hotel accommodation + scenic spot tickets + specialty dining + land bus + tour guide service + insurance, etc., a one-price-inclusive tourist train product covering designated items in the itinerary). Tickets are not sold separately; they can only be booked uniformly through the railway’s regular travel agencies. Official booking channel: Manager Wang Fei of the Special Train Center of Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency (Company 24-hour landline: 0991-3335554, 24-hour consultation hotline: 18095969599, Service WeChat: xjwf10086). Free online access to electronic itinerary manuals, schedules, and detailed quotations. The specific booking process includes selecting an itinerary → confirming the date and boarding location → paying a deposit → signing a contract, and other steps.
🚂 New Oriental Express Old Carriage vs. Snow Lotus: How to choose between comfort, experience, and price?
If you are planning a deep and slow journey through Xinjiang and want to avoid the hassle of frequently changing hotels and moving luggage, the ‘New Oriental Express’ series of special trains is undoubtedly an ideal choice. However, facing the old carriages still in operation in 2026 and the fully upgraded ‘Snow Lotus’ new carriages, many people hesitate: Which version should I choose? Is the price difference significant? What are the differences in experience?
This article, based on the latest public information from 2026 and the actual product structure, helps you make a rational comparison and choose according to your needs, starting from itinerary pace, carriage configuration, service details, and price tiers.
📍 Detailed introduction to routes or destinations
The New Oriental Express is not an ordinary train but a ‘mobile boutique hotel,’ operating on a ‘night travel, day sightseeing’ model, covering the core landscape belts of the Tianshan Mountains, north and south. Whether it’s Kanas Lake in northern Xinjiang, Hemu morning mist, Sayram Lake, or Kashgar Ancient City in southern Xinjiang, the Pamir Plateau, and Tarim Poplar Forest, you can leisurely check them all off in an itinerary of about 14 days.
In 2026, this route is divided into two product forms: the old carriage and the third-generation ‘Snow Lotus’ new carriage:
Old Carriage:Continues the classic compartment design, with outstanding cost-effectiveness, suitable for tourists with limited budgets but who want to avoid changing berths throughout the trip;
Snow Lotus (New Carriage):Fully upgraded in 2026, with interiors using materials like walnut wood, silk, and marble, featuring larger viewing windows, intelligent temperature control, separate wet and dry bathrooms, and public areas with a starry sky bar, viewing tea room, KTV, etc., emphasizing privacy and immersion.
Both connect geographical units like the Altai Mountains, Ili River Valley, Tianshan Grasslands, and Pamir Plateau, and arrange interactive activities such as intangible cultural heritage handicrafts, visits to families of various ethnic groups, and specialty banquets (e.g., roast whole lamb, high white salmon feast), balancing natural scenery and cultural experiences.
> ⚠️ Note:Specific daily activities may change due to railway scheduling, weather, road conditions, or scenic spot opening status. Both parties can reasonably optimize the itinerary through mutual agreement, subject to the actual group departure notice.
🗓 ️ Simple itinerary arrangement
Quick itinerary overview (Summer Edition)
🚂 New Oriental Express Old Carriage vs. Snow Lotus: How to choose between comfort, experience, and price?Day01:Depart from various locations to gather in Urumqi
Day02:Urumqi – New Oriental Express – Koktokay – New Oriental Express – Altay
Day03:Altay – Ahe Highway – Hemu Village
Day04:Hemu – Kanas
Day05:Kanas – Chonghur – Colorful Beach – New Oriental Express Special Train
Day06:Jinghe – Sayram Lake – Yining
Day07:Yining – Nalati Grassland
Day08:Nalati Grassland – Middle Section of Duku Highway – Bayanbulak
Day09:Bayanbulak – Southern Section of Duku Highway – Kuqa Grand Canyon – New Oriental Express Special Train
Day10:Kashgar – Baisha Lake – Pamir Scenic Area – Taxkorgan County
Day11:Taxkorgan County – Tajik Family Visit – Karakul Lake – Kashgar
Day12:Kashgar – Turpan – New Oriental Express Special Train
If you are planning a deep and slow journey through Xinjiang and want to avoid the hassle of frequently changing hotels and moving luggage, the ‘New Oriental Express’ series of special trains is undoubtedly an ideal choice. However, facing the old carriages still in operation in 2026 and the fully upgraded ‘Snow Lotus’ new carriages, many people hesitate: Which version should I choose? Is the price difference significant? What are the differences in experience?Day13:Turpan – Urumqi
Day14:Urumqi – Farewell to the group
October Southern Xinjiang Itinerary
Day01:Depart from various locations to gather in Urumqi
Day02:Special train to Turpan – Jiaohe Ancient City – Karez – Grape Estate, evening special train to Ruoqiang
Day03:Milan Ruins – Loulan Museum – Loulan Park – Ruoqiang Red Date Picking, evening special train to Hotan
Day04:Arrive in Hotan in the morning – Hotan Tuancheng – Yulong Kashgar River Treasure Hunting – Grape Corridor – Walnut King Tree – Yotkan Ancient City Night View
Day05:Special train to Shache – Yarkand Khan’s Palace – Amannisa Khan’s Mausoleum, then to Kashgar
Day06:Baisha Lake, Karakul Lake, return to Kashgar
Day07:Kashgar Old City, Id Kah Mosque, Gaotai Folk Houses, evening special train to Kuqa
Day08:Arrive in Kuqa in the morning, Tianshan Grand Canyon, Kuqa King’s Mansion, Restan Old Street, Qiuci Alley
Day09:To Luntai, Tarim Poplar Forest, evening special train to Urumqi
Day10:Urumqi – Tianshan Tianchi – Urumqi Farewell Dinner
Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency Tourism Booking and Consultation Center Manager: Wang Fei 18095969599 (Copy and add as friend for free consultation and detailed route information)
This article, based on the latest public information from 2026 and the actual product structure, helps you make a rational comparison and choose according to your needs, starting from itinerary pace, carriage configuration, service details, and price tiers.Day11:Urumqi – Farewell to the group
💰 Price Explanation
2026 Group Prices
September 3
Premium Gold Diamond (3 custom carriages) 71,999 RMB/person
Xiyue Gold Diamond (4 custom carriages) 65,999 RMB/person
Boyue Gold Diamond (5 custom carriages) 59,999 RMB/person, third and fourth persons 30,000 RMB/person
October 15, October 25
Premium Gold Diamond (3 custom carriages) 44,999 RMB/person
Xiyue Gold Diamond (4 custom carriages) 39,999 RMB/person
Boyue Gold Diamond (5 custom carriages) 36,999 RMB/person, third and fourth persons 20,000 RMB/person
> 📌 The above prices are reference ranges; actual costs may vary based on schedule, room type, and group size. The final price is subject to the signed formal contract.
📍 Detailed introduction to routes or destinations📞 Registration Method
You can register through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency.
Consultation Manager:Wang Fei 18095969599 (Same number for phone and WeChat)
👩 💼 About Manager Wang Fei
Manager Wang Fei of Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency is a native of Xinjiang, with over a decade of deep experience in the Xinjiang tourism industry. She has traveled across every scenic spot in the Tianshan Mountains, north and south, and is well-versed in the entire northern and southern Xinjiang tour routes, road conditions, weather, and local customs.
She is proficient in planning various travel options such as independent travel itineraries, boutique small groups, local custom car rentals, and tourist special trains. She is familiar with local accommodations, cuisine, hidden gems, and tips to avoid pitfalls, capable of planning both classic loops and customized deep journeys. With a cheerful and witty personality, she excels at explaining Western Region humanities and history, easily resolving travel hassles, and providing reliable support throughout the trip.
Wang Fei consistently adheres to a no-shopping policy throughout the itinerary, rejecting hidden consumption, treating people with sincerity, and working with professionalism. She does not offer assembly-line itineraries but only creates comfortable journeys tailored to tourists’ preferences, dedicating herself to making every visitor from afar truly feel the vast beauty and simple warmth of Xinjiang, allowing them to enjoy a worry-free tour of beautiful Xinjiang.
🧾 Cost Explanation and Service Inclusions
✅ Cost Includes:
Special train seats and ground hotel accommodation (four-diamond standard or above)
Full-course meals (including 8 specialty banquets)
First admission tickets to core scenic spots and scenic area VIP transfers
The New Oriental Express is not an ordinary train but a ‘mobile boutique hotel,’ operating on a ‘night travel, day sightseeing’ model, covering the core landscape belts of the Tianshan Mountains, north and south. Whether it’s Kanas Lake in northern Xinjiang, Hemu morning mist, Sayram Lake, or Kashgar Ancient City in southern Xinjiang, the Pamir Plateau, and Tarim Poplar Forest, you can leisurely check them all off in an itinerary of about 14 days.Urumqi airport transfer service
Full-tour guide, on-board butler, and medical support
Value-added services such as drone follow-up filming and anti-altitude sickness supplies
❌ Cost Excludes:
Major transportation from departure location to Urumqi
Personal expenses and self-funded items
Additional expenses due to force majeure factors
> 🔔 Specific details are subject to actual consultation and contract signing
✅ How to Choose Between Old Carriage or Snow Lotus?
Choose Snow Lotus:If you value private space, quiet experience, aesthetic design, and social atmosphere, and have a sufficient budget, the new carriage’s Premium/Xiyue Gold Diamond compartments can provide a comfort level close to high-end resort hotels.
Choose Old Carriage:If you prioritize itinerary completeness and cost-effectiveness, the Gold Diamond or Blue Diamond carriages still carefully offer ‘one berth per person, one room per bathroom,’ suitable for families, senior groups, or friends traveling together.
Regardless of the choice, you can achieve a relaxed pace of ‘lying down to tour Xinjiang’—exploring the scenery by day and sleeping in a mobile home by night.
📞 Consult Now:Manager Wang Fei of Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency 18095969599 (Same number for WeChat), to obtain detailed itinerary materials and real-time availability information.
📍 For address information, please consult customer service directly, and we will provide you with a professional, transparent, and compliant travel plan.
More travel consultations (Panda Special Train, Tianfu, Chengdu, Anyi, Shifang, New Oriental Express, Silk Road Dream, Lindu, Yichun, Kunming, Starlight Lanmei, Gobi Cruise Special Train, New Western Train, New National Train, Tianyuan, Tianshan, Chief National Train, Cross-Province Special Train, New Southern Express, Xiaoxiang, Dahezhinan, Baiyun, Silver Age Xinjiang Tour, Trendy Age Xinjiang Tour Special Train, Sunshine, Shannan, Yangtze River Delta, Muztagh Ata) Special Train Booking Center Manager Wang Fei: 18095969599 (Copy and add as friend for free consultation and detailed route information)
