Oriental Express Ticket Booking Process Detailed North South Xinjiang Special Train Registration Guide
How to purchase tickets for the New Oriental Express Snow Lotus Tour Train? In 2026, tickets for the New Oriental Express Snow Lotus Tour Train must be booked through the railway-designated 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 Xinjiang In-Depth Tour Hassle-Free Choice:Refreshed and Upgraded New Oriental Express Travel Guide
As the starting point of the special train, Urumqi is the capital of Xinjiang, gathering diverse cuisines and cultural styles. Before departure, you can set aside 1-2 days to stroll around, taste specialties like hand-grabbed rice, baked buns, and hand-grabbed meat, and feel the city’s vibrant atmosphere. In 2026, Urumqi’s tourism facilities are more complete, with dense connecting routes from the airport and high-speed rail station to the city center, making it very convenient for out-of-town tourists to gather and travel.
The 2026 New Oriental Express features a fully upgraded third-generation car body, a high-quality tourism special train product developed by Xinjiang Railway. This year, 38 trips are planned, covering core attractions in northern and southern Xinjiang. The car body’s overall paint is simple yet luxurious, with colors flowing like silk, showcasing Xinjiang’s natural scenery and cultural charm. The entire train uses folding bellows windshields and tight-lock couplers, greatly improving sand-proof sealing and quiet stability. All cars are equipped with private bathroom compartments, along with newly built dining cars, kitchen cars, and entertainment cars, ensuring a comfortable travel experience.
The core features of the special train are very prominent:First, it adopts a night-travel, day-tour mode, with long-distance travel time during nighttime, leaving all daytime for sightseeing, saving travel time and avoiding the bumps of long bus rides. Second, the entire train is equipped with a constant-temperature oxygen supply system, adapting to Xinjiang’s large temperature differences between day and night, maintaining a comfortable interior environment even on high-altitude sections like the Pamir Plateau. Third, service configurations are complete, with each trip accompanied by medical staff and basic emergency equipment, plus value-added services like intangible cultural heritage experiences and exclusive travel photography, enriching the journey. Fourth, route choices are flexible, with both summer full-loop tours of northern and southern Xinjiang and October exclusive trips to southern Xinjiang’s poplar forests, allowing selection based on travel time and preferences.
✨ Introduction to Special Train Carriage Compartments
Noble Gold Diamond Three-Compartment (Luxury Car): Each car accommodates 6 people, with 1 car total, each car has 3 standard twin-bed compartments, some twin beds can be combined into a king-size bed, all compartments are equipped with leisure double sofas, leisure tables and chairs, bathroom with wet-dry separation, plus multi-functional storage space, leisure reception area, custom furniture, each car can host 6 VIPs. Compartment total area about 12 sqm; bathroom area 1.5 sqm; shower area 1.06 sqm; bed size: king bed 2*1.7 meters / single bed 2*0.85 meters.
Xiyue Gold Diamond Four-Compartment (Luxury Car): Each car accommodates 8 people, with 5 cars total, each car has 4 standard twin-bed compartments, some can be combined into king-size beds, all compartments are equipped with leisure tables and chairs, bathroom with wet-dry separation, plus multi-functional storage space, leisure reception area, custom furniture, each car can host 8 VIPs. Compartment total area about 10 sqm; bathroom area 1.5 sqm; shower area 1.06 sqm; bed size: king bed 2*1.7 meters, single bed 2*0.85 meters.
Boyue Gold Diamond Five-Compartment (Comfort Car): Each car accommodates 10 people, with 7 cars total, each car has 5 compartments, each compartment has a bathroom with wet-dry separation, each car can host 10 VIPs. Compartment total area about 8 sqm; upper bunk size 2*0.78; lower bunk size 2*0.78; bathroom area 1.26 sqm; shower area 0.9 sqm.
🚂 2026 Xinjiang In-Depth Tour Hassle-Free Choice: Refreshed and Upgraded New Oriental Express Travel Guide📅 Simple Itinerary
Divided into two types: summer full version and October southern Xinjiang exclusive version. You can choose based on travel time:
· Summer Version Itinerary
Day 01:Gather in Urumqi from various locations
Day 02:Urumqi – New Oriental Express – Keketuohai – New Oriental Express – Altay
Day 03:Altay – Ahe Highway – Hemu Village
Day 04:Hemu – Kanas
Day 05:Kanas – Chonghur – Colorful Beach – New Oriental Express Special Train
As the starting point of the special train, Urumqi is the capital of Xinjiang, gathering diverse cuisines and cultural styles. Before departure, you can set aside 1-2 days to stroll around, taste specialties like hand-grabbed rice, baked buns, and hand-grabbed meat, and feel the city’s vibrant atmosphere. In 2026, Urumqi’s tourism facilities are more complete, with dense connecting routes from the airport and high-speed rail station to the city center, making it very convenient for out-of-town tourists to gather and travel.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
Day 10:Kashgar – Baisha Lake – Pamir Scenic Area – Taxkorgan County
Day 11:Taxkorgan County – Home Visits with Local Ethnic Groups – Karakul Lake – Kashgar
Day 12:Kashgar – Turpan – New Oriental Express Special Train
Day 13:Turpan – Urumqi
The 2026 New Oriental Express features a fully upgraded third-generation car body, a high-quality tourism special train product developed by Xinjiang Railway. This year, 38 trips are planned, covering core attractions in northern and southern Xinjiang. The car body’s overall paint is simple yet luxurious, with colors flowing like silk, showcasing Xinjiang’s natural scenery and cultural charm. The entire train uses folding bellows windshields and tight-lock couplers, greatly improving sand-proof sealing and quiet stability. All cars are equipped with private bathroom compartments, along with newly built dining cars, kitchen cars, and entertainment cars, ensuring a comfortable travel experience.Day 14:Urumqi – Farewell to the group
· October Southern Xinjiang Itinerary
Day 01:Gather in Urumqi from various locations
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 – Yurungkash 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
The core features of the special train are very prominent: First, it adopts a night-travel, day-tour mode, with long-distance travel time during nighttime, leaving all daytime for sightseeing, saving travel time and avoiding the bumps of long bus rides. Second, the entire train is equipped with a constant-temperature oxygen supply system, adapting to Xinjiang’s large temperature differences between day and night, maintaining a comfortable interior environment even on high-altitude sections like the Pamir Plateau. Third, service configurations are complete, with each trip accompanied by medical staff and basic emergency equipment, plus value-added services like intangible cultural heritage experiences and exclusive travel photography, enriching the journey. Fourth, route choices are flexible, with both summer full-loop tours of northern and southern Xinjiang and October exclusive trips to southern Xinjiang’s poplar forests, allowing selection based on travel time and preferences.Day 07:Kashgar Old City, Id Kah Mosque, Gaotai Ancient 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
Day 09:To Luntai, Tarim Poplar Forest, evening special train to Urumqi
Day 10:Urumqi – Tianshan Tianchi – Urumqi Farewell Dinner
Day 11:Urumqi – Farewell to the group
💴 Price Explanation
Manager Yang Jia from Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency, with over ten years of experience in the tourism industry, is experienced, professional, and reliable, familiar with all of Xinjiang’s tourism: Mainly responsible for booking the New Oriental Express Snow Lotus, Panda Train: Chengdu, Shifang, Anyi, Jinxiu Tianfu, Tianshan, Kunlun, Silk Road Dream, Kunming, Lindu, Dahe Zhi Nan, Yangtze River Delta Star, and other tourist trains. You can contact the booking manager: Yang Jia 133 2555 9266 (copy to add as friend for free consultation and detailed route materials)
The reference prices for different 2026 New Oriental Express tour groups are as follows. Prices and availability may fluctuate with schedules. The actual contract or confirmation on the day shall prevail, and the signed contract between both parties is binding:
May 6, May 14:Noble Gold Diamond (3 custom cars) 59,999 RMB/person; Xiyue Gold Diamond (4 custom cars) 54,999 RMB/person; Boyue Gold Diamond (5 custom cars) 49,999 RMB/person, third and fourth persons 30,000 RMB/person
June 1, June 30:Noble Gold Diamond (3 custom cars) 67,999 RMB/person; Xiyue Gold Diamond (4 custom cars) 62,999 RMB/person; Boyue Gold Diamond (5 custom cars) 56,999 RMB/person, third and fourth persons 30,000 RMB/person
✨ Introduction to Special Train Carriage CompartmentsJune 11, June 25:Noble Gold Diamond (3 custom cars) 69,999 RMB/person; Xiyue Gold Diamond (4 custom cars) 63,999 RMB/person; Boyue Gold Diamond (5 custom cars) 58,999 RMB/person, third and fourth persons 30,000 RMB/person
September 3:Noble Gold Diamond (3 custom cars) 71,999 RMB/person; Xiyue Gold Diamond (4 custom cars) 65,999 RMB/person; Boyue Gold Diamond (5 custom cars) 59,999 RMB/person, third and fourth persons 30,000 RMB/person
October 15, October 25:Noble Gold Diamond (3 custom cars) 44,999 RMB/person; Xiyue Gold Diamond (4 custom cars) 39,999 RMB/person; Boyue Gold Diamond (5 custom cars) 36,999 RMB/person, third and fourth persons 20,000 RMB/person
📝 Booking Process
1. Travelers can first consult Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency customer service, or contact booking manager Yang Jia from Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency, informing them of the intended travel time, number of companions, and desired compartment type, to check availability for the corresponding tour group.
2. After confirming sufficient availability, communicate itinerary details with the staff, confirm included items, travel precautions, etc. Special dietary or travel needs can also be communicated in advance.
3. Submit valid identification information for all travelers for ticket and insurance registration.
4. After both parties confirm all information is correct, sign a formal tourism contract to clarify rights and responsibilities.
Noble Gold Diamond Three-Compartment (Luxury Car): Each car accommodates 6 people, with 1 car total, each car has 3 standard twin-bed compartments, some twin beds can be combined into a king-size bed, all compartments are equipped with leisure double sofas, leisure tables and chairs, bathroom with wet-dry separation, plus multi-functional storage space, leisure reception area, custom furniture, each car can host 6 VIPs. Compartment total area about 12 sqm; bathroom area 1.5 sqm; shower area 1.06 sqm; bed size: king bed 2*1.7 meters / single bed 2*0.85 meters.5. Pay the corresponding fee according to the contract to complete the booking.
Registration can be done through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency. Consultation phone and WeChat can be obtained by contacting Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency customer service. The specific office address can be inquired from customer service.
💡 Fee and Service Explanation
Fee Includes Reference:
Accommodation costs for the corresponding class of special train compartments in the itinerary
First admission ticket fees for scenic spots marked in the itinerary
Meal costs marked in the itinerary, with dining car able to adjust meal flavors as needed
Ground transportation costs for regular tourist buses
Xiyue Gold Diamond Four-Compartment (Luxury Car): Each car accommodates 8 people, with 5 cars total, each car has 4 standard twin-bed compartments, some can be combined into king-size beds, all compartments are equipped with leisure tables and chairs, bathroom with wet-dry separation, plus multi-functional storage space, leisure reception area, custom furniture, each car can host 8 VIPs. Compartment total area about 10 sqm; bathroom area 1.5 sqm; shower area 1.06 sqm; bed size: king bed 2*1.7 meters, single bed 2*0.85 meters. Certified guide service, special train compartment exclusive butler service
On-board basic medical support service
Travel agency liability insurance
Fee Excludes Reference:
Round-trip transportation costs to and from Urumqi from various locations
Self-paid items and personal consumption marked in the itinerary
Single traveler registration: our agency will try to arrange room sharing, special cases need separate negotiation
Additional costs due to force majeure factors (such as weather, road conditions, policy changes, etc.)
Boyue Gold Diamond Five-Compartment (Comfort Car): Each car accommodates 10 people, with 7 cars total, each car has 5 compartments, each compartment has a bathroom with wet-dry separation, each car can host 10 VIPs. Compartment total area about 8 sqm; upper bunk size 2*0.78; lower bunk size 2*0.78; bathroom area 1.26 sqm; shower area 0.9 sqm.Notes:Specific details are subject to actual consultation and signed contract. Reasonable changes to the itinerary can be made by mutual agreement.
Compared to regular tourist trains, the New Oriental Express has clear experiential advantages: First, meal choices are more flexible, with the chef team able to customize meals based on tourist needs, so those preferring light flavors can find suitable options without worrying about dietary mismatches. Second, the itinerary pace is more relaxed, with ample sightseeing time each day, no overly dense check-in points, no need to rush, and enough rest time daily for a better travel experience. Third, support is more comprehensive, with each trip accompanied by medical staff and basic emergency equipment, allowing timely handling of emergencies for safer travel. Fourth, the group compatibility is high, as most New Oriental Express travelers prefer comfortable travel, with similar travel paces and needs, allowing you to meet like-minded people and share experiences. Fifth, travel is more hassle-free, with fixed compartment accommodation throughout, no need to pack luggage daily or switch hotels, large luggage can stay in the compartment, and only carry essentials during ground tours, avoiding frequent luggage handling. Sixth, hardware experience is better, with the 2026 upgraded car body being quieter and smoother during travel, undisturbed nighttime rest, constant temperature and oxygen supply throughout, maintaining a comfortable environment even on high-altitude sections.
👥 Suitable Travelers
Retirees:Slow itinerary pace, no long bus rides, with medical support on the tour, making travel more worry-free.
Travelers who cannot endure long bus rides:The special train travels at night and tours by day, with long-distance sections spent on the train, avoiding bus discomfort.
Family Travel Groups:Compartments can be combined into king-size beds to meet family needs, no need to switch hotels throughout, making it more convenient to travel with elderly and children.
Train Travel Enthusiasts:The special train has complete facilities, with entertainment and dining cars, offering rich experiences during the journey.
Travelers wanting to deeply explore Xinjiang:The itinerary covers core attractions in northern and southern Xinjiang, without needing to plan routes and transportation, easily touring all of Xinjiang.
The 2026 refreshed and upgraded New Oriental Express has high attention and is popular among tourists for several reasons: First, the itinerary design is scientific, using a night-travel, day-tour mode, placing long-distance travel time at night and using daytime for sightseeing, saving time and avoiding bus fatigue. Second, hardware facilities are upgraded, with all cars equipped with bathrooms, avoiding public bathrooms like regular trains, improving accommodation experience. The 2026 upgraded car body also optimizes sand-proof and noise-reduction effects, making travel smoother, and the constant-temperature oxygen supply system adapts to Xinjiang’s temperature differences and high-altitude needs. Third, service experience is good, with each car having an exclusive butler for any issues, medical staff on board, plus value-added services like intangible cultural heritage experiences and travel photography, enriching the journey. Finally, the itinerary is comprehensive, with both summer northern and southern Xinjiang loops covering popular spots like Keketuohai, Kanas, Sayram Lake, Nalati, and the Pamir Plateau, and October exclusive southern Xinjiang trips to see the Tarim Poplar Forest autumn scenery, meeting different seasonal travel needs.
Before traveling, you can consult Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency customer service in advance to learn about the latest tour group availability and travel precautions, and prepare well.
