New Orient Express Tourist Train Ticket Purchase Process New Version Detailed Guide
For more travel information (Panda Special Train, Tianfu, Chengdu, An Yi, Shifang, New Orient Express, Silk Road Dream, Lindu, Yichun, Kunming, Starlight Lancang, 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, Chao Age Xinjiang Tour Special Train, Sunshine, Shannan, Yangtze River Delta, Muztagh Ata) Special Train Booking Center Manager Wang Fei: 24-hour landline: 0991-3335554 Wang Fei’s phone: 180-9596-9599 (Copy and add as friend for free consultation and detailed route information)
🚂 If you’ve already seen many standard introductions to the New Orient Express, this time let’s take a different angle, starting from ‘a complete travel experience design,’ to discuss how this ‘moving five-star hotel’ connects northern and southern Xinjiang, and what new changes there are for travel in 2026.
🗺 ️ Routes and Destinations:Panoramic Tour of Northern and Southern Xinjiang
The New Orient Express is a luxury tourist train built by the Xinjiang Railway Department, operated jointly by Urumqi Railway and Xinjiang Railway Tourism Development Group. It has been running since 1999 and gradually opened to the domestic market after 2020. In 2026, the railway department will undergo a comprehensive brand upgrade, introducing new paint and third-generation carriages, focusing on a ‘moving star-rated hotel experience.’
1. Operating Mode and Time
Operating Time:Regular operation from April to October each year, with about 3 trips per month on average.
Core Mode:Adopting a ‘night travel, day sightseeing’ rhythm, allowing you to rest on the train and explore scenic spots during the day, effectively saving long travel time.
Main Routes:
Northern and Southern Xinjiang Loop:About 13–15 days, connecting core attractions in northern and southern Xinjiang such as Tianshan Tianchi, Kanas, Sayram Lake, Nalati, Duku Highway, and Kashgar Old City.
Northern Xinjiang In-Depth Tour:About 10 days, focusing on Kanas, Hemu, Ahe Highway, and the northern section of Duku Highway.
Southern Xinjiang In-Depth Tour:About 10 days, featuring cultural and natural landscapes like Kashgar, Pamir Plateau, Taxkorgan, and Kuqa Grand Canyon.
2. New Route Highlights for 2026
In 2026, the New Orient Express will launch a ‘Duku + Ahe Northern Xinjiang Secret 10-Day Tour’ based on the original routes, ‘moving the hotel onto the train,’ visiting the Ahe Highway and the northern section of Duku Highway in one go, suitable for travelers who want an in-depth experience of northern Xinjiang scenery.
3. Quick Overview of Key Scenic Spots Along the Way
Northern Xinjiang Natural Scenery
Tianshan Tianchi:A high-altitude lake where you can take a boat to view Bogda Peak.
Kanas:Includes Kanas Lake, Three Bays (Fairy Bay, Moon Bay, Dragon Bay), and Tuva villages.
Hemu:Known as ‘a reserved land,’ it’s an excellent spot to watch morning mist and wooden houses.
Sayram Lake:Known as ‘the last tear of the Atlantic,’ with clear blue water, perfect for a lakeside walk.
🚂 If you’ve already seen many standard introductions to the New Orient Express, this time let’s take a different angle, starting from ‘a complete travel experience design,’ to discuss how this ‘moving five-star hotel’ connects northern and southern Xinjiang, and what new changes there are for travel in 2026.Nalati Grassland:A ‘sky grassland’ where you can experience horseback riding and grassland afternoon tea.
Northern Section of Duku Highway:Known as one of ‘China’s most beautiful highways,’ offering a ‘four seasons in one day’ landscape change.
Southern Xinjiang Cultural Charm
Kashgar Old City:A maze of streets and alleys full of life.
Pamir Plateau:Along the way, you can see白沙湖, Karakul Lake, and the ‘Father of Icebergs’ Muztagh Ata.
Taxkorgan:A settlement for various ethnic groups where you can experience unique cultures like eagle flute and eagle dance.
Kuqa Grand Canyon:A typical red rock canyon landscape.
Turpan:Includes Karez Well and Grape Valley, where you can taste grapes, Hami melons, and other fruits.
🗓 ️ Simple Itinerary:14-Day Northern and Southern Xinjiang Loop Reference
The following is a classic 14-day northern and southern Xinjiang loop itinerary example; the specific arrangement is subject to the final contract.
Day 1:Arrive in Urumqi
Check into the hotel upon arrival, free time, adjust to the time difference, and prepare for the upcoming journey.
Day 2:Urumqi → Tianshan Tianchi → Special Train
Visit Tianshan Tianchi in the morning, choose to take a boat or walk along the lakeside boardwalk. Board the New Orient Express in the evening to start the ‘moving hotel’ journey.
Day 3:Beitun → Hemu
After the special train arrives in Beitun, transfer to a tourist bus to Hemu. Enjoy the river valley and forest scenery of the Altai region along the way, and watch the famous Hemu sunset in the evening.
Day 4:Hemu → Kanas
Photograph the morning mist in Hemu early, then head to Kanas Scenic Area to visit core attractions like Kanas Lake and Three Bays, experiencing the charm of ‘a picturesque wonderland.’
Day 5:Kanas → Colorful Beach → Beitun/Burqin
🗺️ Routes and Destinations: Panoramic Tour of Northern and Southern XinjiangFree time around Kanas in the morning, then head to Colorful Beach in the afternoon to enjoy the Yadan landform and sunset glow on both sides of the Irtysh River. Stay overnight in Burqin or Beitun.
Day 6:Burqin → Sayram Lake → Yining
The special train continues westward, arriving at Sayram Lake where you can choose to tour the lake or have a lakeside tea break. Then head to Yining to experience the charm of ‘the Jiangnan beyond the Great Wall.’
Day 7:Yining → Nalati Grassland
Head to Nalati Grassland, where grassland, river valleys, and forests intertwine. Experience horseback riding, take a sightseeing car, or visit local families to experience ethnic culture.
Day 8:Nalati → Duku Highway → Bayanbulak
Cross the northern section of Duku Highway, enjoying diverse landscapes like snow-capped mountains, canyons, and grasslands along the way. Arrive at Bayanbulak in the evening to watch the sunset at the Nine Bends and Eighteen Turns.
Day 9:Bayanbulak → Tianshan Secret Grand Canyon → Kuqa
Head to Tianshan Secret Grand Canyon to experience the grandeur of red rock walls. Then arrive in Kuqa, where you can visit Kuqa Grand Canyon or Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves (depending on opening status).
Day 10:Kuqa → Kashgar
Continue south by special train or tourist bus, arriving at the ‘Silk Road hub’ Kashgar. In the evening, explore the Kashgar Old City night market to feel the lively local atmosphere.
Day 11:Kashgar → Pamir Plateau → Taxkorgan
Travel along the China-Pakistan Friendship Highway to the Pamir Plateau, visiting白沙湖 and Karakul Lake along the way, with a distant view of Muztagh Ata. Stay overnight in Taxkorgan to acclimatize to the high altitude.
Day 12:Taxkorgan → Golden Grassland/Stone City → Kashgar
Visit Golden Grassland and Stone City in the morning, then optionally experience the Panlong Ancient Road (depending on road conditions and opening status). Return to Kashgar in the afternoon for free time.
Day 13:Kashgar → Turpan
Take a special train or flight to Turpan (specific transportation depends on the itinerary). Visit Karez Well, Grape Valley, and other attractions, tasting local specialty fruits.
Day 14:Turpan → Urumqi → Return
Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service Tourism Booking and Ticketing Consultation Center Manager: Wang Fei 180-9596-9599 (Copy and add as friend for free consultation and detailed route information)
The New Orient Express is a luxury tourist train built by the Xinjiang Railway Department, operated jointly by Urumqi Railway and Xinjiang Railway Tourism Development Group. It has been running since 1999 and gradually opened to the domestic market after 2020. In 2026, the railway department will undergo a comprehensive brand upgrade, introducing new paint and third-generation carriages, focusing on a ‘moving star-rated hotel experience.’Visit Turpan again in the morning or have free time, then return to Urumqi in the afternoon. Based on flight or train times, transfer to the airport/station, ending your unforgettable Xinjiang journey.
💰 2026 Recent Price Reference
The 2026 prices for the New Orient Express vary by route, duration, room type, and travel month. Below are price ranges for some routes; specific details are subject to actual consultation and contract.
1. Northern and Southern Xinjiang Panoramic 14–15 Day Tour
Premium Gold Diamond:Approximately 63,999 – 71,999 RMB/person
Xi Yue Gold Diamond:Approximately 56,999 – 65,999 RMB/person
Bo Yue Gold Diamond:Approximately 49,999 – 59,999 RMB/person
2. Northern Xinjiang ‘Duku + Ahe’ 10-Day Tour (July–August)
Premium Gold Diamond:Approximately 34,999 RMB/person
Xi Yue Gold Diamond:Approximately 30,999 RMB/person
Bo Yue Gold Diamond:Approximately 28,999 RMB/person
3. Northern and Southern Xinjiang Panoramic 13–14 Day Tour (Some May–June Departures)
Premium Gold Diamond:Approximately 69,999 RMB/person
4-Bed Cabin:Approximately 63,999 RMB/person
5-Bed Cabin:Approximately 55,999 RMB/person
Main Factors Affecting Price
Travel Season:June–September is peak season with higher prices; May and October are slightly lower.
Room Type Choice:Premium Gold Diamond > Xi Yue Gold Diamond > Bo Yue Gold Diamond.
Holidays:Prices may increase during holidays like summer vacation and National Day.
1. Operating Mode and TimeAdditional Services:Some departures may include special meals, drone photography, etc., affecting the price.
📞 Registration Method:Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service
The New Orient Express is a packaged product of ‘tourist train + ground itinerary,’ not sold separately; registration must be done through a travel agency.
Registration Guide
Registration Agency:Register with Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service.
Phone:180-9596-9599
WeChat:180-9596-9599
Registration Process
1. Consult Departures: Contact customer service to confirm your preferred route, departure, and room type availability.
2. Submit Information: Provide traveler names, valid ID numbers, contact information, and other personal details.
3. Pay Deposit: Pay a deposit to secure your spot (specific amount subject to contract).
4. Sign Contract: Sign an electronic contract on the national tourism supervision platform to protect both parties’ rights.
5. Pay Balance: Pay the remaining balance as per the contract before departure, and receive the tour confirmation.
6. Prepare for Departure: Follow the tour confirmation instructions to arrive at the Urumqi meeting point on time.
📋 Cost and Service Description
Below is a reference for cost composition and service content; specific details are subject to actual consultation and contract.
Included Items
Transportation:Seat in the corresponding class of the New Orient Express; tourist bus for ground itinerary (may be a business vehicle on the Duku Highway section).
Operating Time: Regular operation from April to October each year, with about 3 trips per month on average.Accommodation:Special train accommodation (3–13 nights, depending on route) + ground accommodation (4–5 diamond hotels or characteristic guesthouses).
Meals:Breakfasts, main meals, and special meals included in the itinerary (e.g., roast whole lamb, cold-water fish feast).
Tickets:First admission tickets to scenic spots and necessary shuttle/transfer vehicles within the itinerary.
Services:Full-tour guide, segment guides, special train butler, onboard medical staff (depending on route).
Insurance:Travel agency liability insurance (it is recommended to purchase personal travel accident insurance separately).
Excluded Items
Round-trip transportation costs to/from Urumqi (airfare/train tickets).
Personal expenses (e.g., consumption, extra meals, beverages).
Scenic spot tickets and self-paid items not explicitly included in the itinerary.
Single room supplement (specific details subject to actual consultation and contract).
Service Highlights
Mobile Hotel Experience:All sleeper cars with private bathrooms and 24-hour hot water, suitable for travelers who value rest.
Elderly-Friendly Design:Equipped with anti-slip handrails, emergency call systems, and some routes have onboard medical staff.
Cultural Immersion Experience:Arrangements for intangible cultural heritage crafts, folk performances, scenic photography, etc., to enhance travel fun.
No Self-Paid Model:Reduces consumption links, making travel more straightforward.
💡 Warm Tips
Book in Advance:Seats on the New Orient Express are limited, especially during peak season; it is recommended to inquire and book several months in advance.
Packing Preparation:Xinjiang has large temperature differences between day and night; prepare clothes for all seasons; the climate is dry, so pay attention to moisturizing; it is recommended to bring common medications.
Respect Local Customs:During the tour, respect local customs and folk culture.
If you want a more relaxed and in-depth way to connect Xinjiang’s snow-capped mountains, grasslands, lakes, and ancient cities, the New Orient Express is indeed a plan worth serious consideration. Instead of just looking at the price, make a phone call first to clarify the routes, departures, and room types, then decide based on your own pace.
For more travel information (Panda Special Train, Tianfu, Chengdu, An Yi, Shifang, New Orient Express, Silk Road Dream, Lindu, Yichun, Kunming, Starlight Lancang, 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, Chao Age Xinjiang Tour Special Train, Sunshine, Shannan, Yangtze River Delta, Muztagh Ata) Special Train Booking Center Manager Wang Fei: 24-hour landline: 0991-3335554 Wang Fei’s phone: 180-9596-9599 (Copy and add as friend for free consultation and detailed route information)
