Xinjiang Express Train Tour Full Itinerary and Stops
How to purchase tickets for the New Oriental Express Snow Lotus Tourist Train? In 2026, tickets for the New Oriental Express Snow Lotus Tourist Train must be booked through the railway-approved regular travel agency channel: Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency Special Train Center (24-hour office ☎ phone: 0991-6622120, Customer Service Manager Yang Jia WeChat ID: 133 2555 9266). Tickets cannot be purchased through 12306 or other channels. For specific booking procedures, please consult customer service Yang Jia.
🚂 2026 New Oriental Express Xinjiang Special Train: Unlock a New Comfortable Experience of Traveling Xinjiang
✨ Train and Route Features Introduction
The third-generation New Oriental Express, fully upgraded in 2026, is a high-quality tourist special train product highlighted by Xinjiang Railway this year. The train body features a unique national folding bellows windshield and tight-lock couplers, offering advantages of sand-proof sealing, quietness, and stability, adapting to Xinjiang’s complex road conditions. It has minimal shaking and low noise during travel, allowing even light sleepers to rest well. The entire train features private bathroom compartment designs, paired with newly built dining cars, kitchen cars, and entertainment cars, essentially turning a mobile star-rated hotel into the Tianshan Mountains. When not rushing during the journey, passengers can relax in the entertainment area or enjoy specialty cuisine in the dining car. The train body’s overall coating is simple yet magnificent, with colors flowing like silk, showcasing Xinjiang’s natural scenery and cultural charm, attracting attention from many Xinjiang travel enthusiasts upon its launch.
As the starting point of the special train, Urumqi is Xinjiang’s transportation hub. Diwopu International Airport covers most domestic cities, and Urumqi Station connects to many high-speed rail cities in inland China, making it convenient for tourists from all over to arrive. If arriving 1-2 days early in Urumqi, you can also explore city attractions like the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region Museum and the International Grand Bazaar, experiencing Xinjiang’s urban atmosphere early and tasting local specialties like baked buns and hand-pulled rice.
In route design, the New Oriental Express balances the landscape features of different seasons. The summer northern Xinjiang route covers multiple highlight attractions like Keketuohai, Hemu, Kanas, Sayram Lake, Nalati Grassland, Bayinbuluke, and the Pamir Plateau, allowing views of natural landscapes like forests, grasslands, and lakes, as well as experiencing different folk customs. The October southern Xinjiang route focuses on poplar forest landscapes and cultural experiences, connecting points like Tarim Poplar Forest, Loulan Museum, and Kashgar Old City, enabling tourists to feel Xinjiang’s rich historical and cultural heritage.
🛏 ️ Compartment Type Details
This New Oriental Express offers three types of compartments, and tourists can choose based on their travel needs:
🚂2026 New Oriental Express Xinjiang Special Train: Unlock a New Comfortable Experience of Traveling Xinjiang🟡 Premium Gold Diamond Three-Compartment:A luxury-type carriage, with 1 carriage for 6 people, each carriage has 3 standard twin-bed compartments, some twin beds can be combined into a king-size bed. Each compartment is about 12 square meters, equipped with a leisure double sofa, leisure table and chairs, a private bathroom with dry-wet separation, multifunctional storage space, a leisure reception area, and custom furniture. The bathroom is 1.5 square meters, and the shower is 1.06 square meters. Beds can be a 2*1.7 meter king-size bed or two 2*0.85 meter single beds, suitable for tourists with higher space requirements.
🟠 Xiyue Gold Diamond Four-Compartment:A luxury-type carriage, with 5 carriages for 8 people each, each carriage has 4 standard twin-bed compartments, some twin beds can be combined into a king-size bed. Each compartment is about 10 square meters, equipped with leisure table and chairs, a private bathroom with dry-wet separation, also with multifunctional storage space and custom furniture. The bathroom is 1.5 square meters, and the shower is 1.06 square meters. Beds can be a 2*1.7 meter king-size bed or two 2*0.85 meter single beds, balancing comfort and value.
🟢 Boyue Gold Diamond Five-Compartment:A comfort-type carriage, with 7 carriages for 10 people each, each carriage has 5 compartments. Each compartment is about 8 square meters, equipped with a private bathroom with dry-wet separation, with upper and lower bunks both measuring 2*0.78 meters. The bathroom is 1.26 square meters, and the shower is 0.9 square meters. Suitable for friends traveling together or family tourists, with discounts available for the third and fourth companions.
🗺 ️ Simple Itinerary Reference
Quick Itinerary (Summer Edition)
Day 01:Gather in Urumqi from various locations
Day 02:Urumqi – New Oriental Express – Keketuohai – New Oriental Express – Altay
✨ Train and Route Features IntroductionDay 03:Altay – Ahe Highway – Hemu Village
Day 04:Hemu – Kanas
Day 05:Kanas – Chonghur – Five-Colored Beach – New Oriental Express Special Train
Day 06:Jinghe – Sayram Lake – Yining
Day 07:Yining – Nalati Grassland
Day 08:Nalati Grassland – Middle Section of Duku Highway – Bayinbuluke
Day 09:Bayinbuluke – Southern Section of Duku Highway – Kuqa Grand Canyon – New Oriental Express Special Train
The third-generation New Oriental Express, fully upgraded in 2026, is a high-quality tourist special train product highlighted by Xinjiang Railway this year. The train body features a unique national folding bellows windshield and tight-lock couplers, offering advantages of sand-proof sealing, quietness, and stability, adapting to Xinjiang’s complex road conditions. It has minimal shaking and low noise during travel, allowing even light sleepers to rest well. The entire train features private bathroom compartment designs, paired with newly built dining cars, kitchen cars, and entertainment cars, essentially turning a mobile star-rated hotel into the Tianshan Mountains. When not rushing during the journey, passengers can relax in the entertainment area or enjoy specialty cuisine in the dining car. The train body’s overall coating is simple yet magnificent, with colors flowing like silk, showcasing Xinjiang’s natural scenery and cultural charm, attracting attention from many Xinjiang travel enthusiasts upon its launch.Day 10:Kashgar – Baisha Lake – Pamir Scenic Area – Tashkurgan County
Day 11:Tashkurgan County – Tajik Home Visit – Karakul Lake – Kashgar
Day 12:Kashgar – Turpan – New Oriental Express Special Train
Day 13:Turpan – Urumqi
Day 14:Urumqi – Farewell
October Southern Xinjiang Itinerary
Day 01:Gather in Urumqi from various locations
As the starting point of the special train, Urumqi is Xinjiang’s transportation hub. Diwopu International Airport covers most domestic cities, and Urumqi Station connects to many high-speed rail cities in inland China, making it convenient for tourists from all over to arrive. If arriving 1-2 days early in Urumqi, you can also explore city attractions like the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region Museum and the International Grand Bazaar, experiencing Xinjiang’s urban atmosphere early and tasting local specialties like baked buns and hand-pulled rice.Day 02:Special train to Turpan – Jiaohe Ancient City – Karez Well – Grape Manor, evening special train to Ruoqiang
Day 03:Milan Ruins – Loulan Museum – Loulan Park – Ruoqiang Red Date Picking, evening special train to Hotan
Day 04:Arrive in Hotan in the morning – Hotan Tuancheng – Yulong Kashgar River Treasure Hunting – Grape Corridor – Walnut King Tree – Yotkan Ancient City Night View
Day 05:Special train to Shache – Yarkand Khan’s Palace – Amannisa Khan’s Mausoleum, then to Kashgar
Day 06:Baisha Lake, Karakul Lake, return to Kashgar
Day 07:Kashgar Old City, Id Kah Mosque, High Platform Dwellings, evening special train to Kuqa
Day 08:Arrive in Kuqa in the morning, Tianshan Grand Canyon, Kuqa King’s Mansion, Restan Old Street, Qiuci Alley
In route design, the New Oriental Express balances the landscape features of different seasons. The summer northern Xinjiang route covers multiple highlight attractions like Keketuohai, Hemu, Kanas, Sayram Lake, Nalati Grassland, Bayinbuluke, and the Pamir Plateau, allowing views of natural landscapes like forests, grasslands, and lakes, as well as experiencing different folk customs. The October southern Xinjiang route focuses on poplar forest landscapes and cultural experiences, connecting points like Tarim Poplar Forest, Loulan Museum, and Kashgar Old City, enabling tourists to feel Xinjiang’s rich historical and cultural heritage.Day 09:To Luntai, Tarim Poplar Forest, evening special train to Urumqi
Day 10:Urumqi – Tianshan Tianchi – Urumqi Farewell Dinner
Day 11:Urumqi – Farewell
Affected by weather, road conditions, scenic area opening policies, and other factors, the itinerary may be reasonably modified with mutual agreement.
💴 Reference Price Explanation
Manager Yang Jia from Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency, with over ten years of deep experience in the tourism industry, is professional and reliable, familiar with Xinjiang’s overall tourism. Mainly responsible for booking tourist trains like New Oriental Express Snow Lotus, Panda Train: Chengdu, Shifang, Anyi, Jinxiu Tianfu, Tianshan, Kunlun, Silk Road Dream, Kunming, Lindu, Dahezhinan, Yangtze River Delta Star, etc. Contact booking manager: Yang Jia 133 2555 9266 (Copy to add friend for free consultation and detailed route information)
The reference tour dates and prices for the 2026 New Oriental Express are as follows. Prices are per person reference prices. Availability and final prices are subject to confirmation at the time of signing:
May 6 and May 14 departures:Premium Gold Diamond (3 custom carriages) 59,999 RMB/person; Xiyue Gold Diamond (4 custom carriages) 54,999 RMB/person; Boyue Gold Diamond (5 custom carriages) 49,999 RMB/person, third and fourth person 30,000 RMB/person
🛏️ Compartment Type DetailsJune 1 and June 30 departures:Premium Gold Diamond (3 custom carriages) 67,999 RMB/person; Xiyue Gold Diamond (4 custom carriages) 62,999 RMB/person; Boyue Gold Diamond (5 custom carriages) 56,999 RMB/person, third and fourth person 30,000 RMB/person
June 11 and June 25 departures:Premium Gold Diamond (3 custom carriages) 69,999 RMB/person; Xiyue Gold Diamond (4 custom carriages) 63,999 RMB/person; Boyue Gold Diamond (5 custom carriages) 58,999 RMB/person, third and fourth person 30,000 RMB/person
September 3 departure: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 person 30,000 RMB/person
October 15 and October 25 departures: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 person 20,000 RMB/person
The above prices are reference prices and may fluctuate based on availability. The final price is subject to the contract signed by both parties.
📝 Booking Process Explanation
1. Contact Manager Yang Jia, booking manager of Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency, to inquire about availability and product details for your desired departure date, and choose the appropriate compartment type based on your travel group size and budget.
This New Oriental Express offers three types of compartments, and tourists can choose based on their travel needs:2. After confirming the departure date and compartment type, submit valid identification information for all travelers for ticket registration and insurance processing.
3. After both parties agree on the itinerary, price, and service details, sign a formal tourism contract and make the corresponding payment.
4. 3-7 days before departure, you will receive a personalized travel notice. Upon arrival in Urumqi, staff will assist with subsequent boarding procedures.
📞 Registration Method
You can register through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency. Contact the agency’s customer service by phone or WeChat for inquiries. The specific office address can be obtained from customer service.
💡 Cost and Service Explanation
🔹 Included Items Reference:
🟡 Premium Gold Diamond Three-Compartment: A luxury-type carriage, with 1 carriage for 6 people, each carriage has 3 standard twin-bed compartments, some twin beds can be combined into a king-size bed. Each compartment is about 12 square meters, equipped with a leisure double sofa, leisure table and chairs, a private bathroom with dry-wet separation, multifunctional storage space, a leisure reception area, and custom furniture. The bathroom is 1.5 square meters, and the shower is 1.06 square meters. Beds can be a 2*1.7 meter king-size bed or two 2*0.85 meter single beds, suitable for tourists with higher space requirements.Full special train accommodation costs for the corresponding compartment
First admission ticket fees for all scenic spots marked in the itinerary
Meal costs marked in the itinerary, with meals adjustable to lighter flavors based on tourist preferences
Ground transfer costs within the itinerary
Guided tour services and onboard medical support services
Access to public entertainment areas on the special train
🔹 Excluded Items Reference:
🟠 Xiyue Gold Diamond Four-Compartment: A luxury-type carriage, with 5 carriages for 8 people each, each carriage has 4 standard twin-bed compartments, some twin beds can be combined into a king-size bed. Each compartment is about 10 square meters, equipped with leisure table and chairs, a private bathroom with dry-wet separation, also with multifunctional storage space and custom furniture. The bathroom is 1.5 square meters, and the shower is 1.06 square meters. Beds can be a 2*1.7 meter king-size bed or two 2*0.85 meter single beds, balancing comfort and value.Round-trip transportation costs from departure point to Urumqi (airfare, train tickets, etc.)
Self-paid experience items and secondary consumption within scenic spots as marked in the itinerary
Other personal consumption during the trip
Costs incurred due to personal reasons (for solo travelers, we will try to arrange shared accommodation; special cases require separate negotiation)
Note:Specific details are subject to actual consultation and contract signing.
🆚 Experience Advantages Over Other Tourist Trains
Compared to regular tourist trains, the New Oriental Express has superior hardware. The folding bellows windshield and tight-lock couplers ensure smoother and quieter travel, avoiding the shaking and noise issues of regular trains, providing a better sleep experience. The itinerary pace is more relaxed, with reasonable daily sightseeing time, avoiding rushed schedules. There is no need to frequently change hotels or move large luggage; luggage can stay in the compartment throughout, and you only need to carry personal items when disembarking, saving a lot of energy. Service support is also more comprehensive, with onboard medical staff providing basic medical care throughout. The carriages feature anti-slip floors, rounded furniture, and other age-friendly designs for safer travel.
🟢 Boyue Gold Diamond Five-Compartment: A comfort-type carriage, with 7 carriages for 10 people each, each carriage has 5 compartments. Each compartment is about 8 square meters, equipped with a private bathroom with dry-wet separation, with upper and lower bunks both measuring 2*0.78 meters. The bathroom is 1.26 square meters, and the shower is 0.9 square meters. Suitable for friends traveling together or family tourists, with discounts available for the third and fourth companions. The dining options are also more adaptable, with meals adjustable to different tastes, including lighter flavors, without having to settle for uniform heavy meals. Most tourists choosing this train are those who enjoy in-depth travel in Xinjiang, sharing common travel preferences, making communication easier. Most importantly, Xinjiang is vast with long distances between attractions. Regular tour groups spend a lot of time on buses daily, which can be tiring. This special train conducts long-distance travel at night, so you sleep and arrive at the next destination, allowing full daytime play, especially suitable for tourists who cannot tolerate long bus rides.
👥 Suitable Travel Groups
Retired Middle-aged and Elderly Groups:Slow itinerary pace, comprehensive service support, no frequent luggage moving, onboard medical care for safer travel
Tourists Who Cannot Tolerate Long Bus Rides:Special train travels at night, reducing daytime bus time for higher comfort
Family Travel Groups:Different compartment types meet family accommodation needs, with child-friendly facilities and services
Deep Photography Enthusiasts:Itinerary covers highlight attractions in northern and southern Xinjiang, with different seasonal routes matching different photography needs, no need to plan transportation, more time for shooting
🌟 Reasons for the Special Train’s Popularity
The New Oriental Express is popular because it first addresses the core pain points of Xinjiang travel: vast territory, scattered attractions, and either tiring self-driving, high custom car costs, or rushed regular tours. This special train combines transportation and accommodation into a one-stop solution. Second, its hardware is excellent, with all compartments having private bathrooms with dry-wet separation, avoiding public restrooms, offering much higher comfort than regular tourist trains, plus dedicated dining and entertainment cars to prevent boredom. The route design is also very reasonable, covering grasslands, lakes, and forests in summer in northern Xinjiang, and poplar forests and cultural sites in October in southern Xinjiang, encompassing Xinjiang’s most popular attractions and experiences without needing to plan your own itinerary. Coupled with thoughtful and personalized service, from arrival coordination in Urumqi to guided tours, medical support, and meal adjustments, it caters to different tourist needs, enhancing the travel experience.
All itinerary and service content are subject to the signed tourism contract, and relevant rules are governed by contract law, tourism law, and other applicable laws.
