2026NewOrientExpressNorthSouthXinjiang14DayTourTrainTicketPriceOfficialWebsite
For more consultation on the New Oriental Express: Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency 0991-8585456. To sign up for the New Oriental Express: Manager Guo Jing 181 3962 2229 (copy and add as friend for free consultation and detailed itinerary materials)
🚂 2026 New Oriental Express North-South Xinjiang Special Train Travel Guide
As one of the comfortable options for an in-depth Xinjiang tour, the New Oriental Express special train allows tourists to avoid frequent accommodation changes and reduce fatigue from long-distance travel, connecting multiple unique scenic spots in northern and southern Xinjiang. It is suitable for tourists who want to visit multiple Xinjiang attractions in one trip. The 2026 special train products cover seasonal landscapes, with itineraries for both the summer grasslands and lakes of northern Xinjiang and the October poplar forests and cultural scenery of southern Xinjiang.
✅ Key Highlights of the Route
The entire route covers various types of landscapes in northern and southern Xinjiang, including natural scenery and cultural relics, offering different experiences depending on the season.
The summer route focuses on northern Xinjiang scenery. The first stop is Keketuohai, where you can see the canyon at the source of the Irtysh River and granite landforms. Then, take the Ahe Highway to Hemu Village to experience the leisurely atmosphere of a forest village, passing through vast forests and mountain grasslands. Next, visit Kanas Scenic Area to see the lake and Three Bays. After leaving Kanas, head to Colorful Beach to see the unique landscape where Yadan landforms meet the river. Then, take the special train to Jinghe and go to Sayram Lake. From mid-May to the end of July 2026, you can see snow-capped mountains, grasslands, flower seas, and the lake together at Sayram Lake. The entrance fee is 70 yuan per person, and you can book in advance via a mini-program. Tourists can take the scenic area shuttle bus around the lake or buy a self-drive ticket to stop and take photos at will. The temperature difference between day and night by the lake is significant, so even in summer, it is recommended to bring a thick jacket for warmth. After leaving Sayram Lake, go to Yining, then to Nalati Grassland. From April 1, 2026, Nalati Grassland enters the peak season, open from 8:30 to 20:00, with an entrance fee of 95 yuan per person, valid for 48 hours for a second entry. The sky grassland route offers wide views, suitable for stopping and taking photos. The scenic area allows self-driving but with daily limits; tourists who need to drive can book in advance via the corresponding mini-program. Then, take the middle section of the Duku Highway to Bayanbulak, and then the southern section to Kuqa Grand Canyon. After that, take the special train to Kashgar and go to Baisha Lake in the Pamir Scenic Area. The Pamir region is a border area, so you need to apply for a border pass in advance. Tourists can apply at their household registration location or consult travel agency staff for assistance. After staying in Taxkorgan, return to Kashgar, then go to Turpan, and finally return to Urumqi to end the trip.
The October southern Xinjiang route combines cultural and autumn natural scenery. After arriving in Urumqi, go to Turpan to visit the Jiaohe Ruins and Karez Well. Then, take the special train to Ruoqiang to visit the Milan Ruins and Loulan Museum, and participate in Ruoqiang jujube picking activities to experience local agricultural landscapes. Next, take the special train to Hotan, visit Hotan Tuancheng, experience stone picking at the Yurungkash River, and enjoy the night view of Yotkan Ancient City. After leaving Hotan, go to Shache to visit the Yarkand Khan Palace and Amannisa Khan Mausoleum. Then, go to Kashgar to visit Baisha Lake and Karakul Lake. After returning to Kashgar, explore the Kashgar Old City, Id Kah Mosque, and Gaotai Folk Houses. Then, take the special train to Kuqa to visit the Tianshan Grand Canyon and Kuqa Palace, stroll along Restan Old Street and Kucha Alley. After that, go to Luntai to see the Tarim Poplar Forest. October is when the poplar leaves turn yellow, creating a unique landscape with the Tarim River. Finally, return to Urumqi to visit Tianchi Lake and attend a farewell dinner before ending the trip.
✅ Simplified Itinerary
▫️ Itinerary at a Glance (Summer Edition)
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
🚂 2026 New Oriental Express North-South Xinjiang Special Train Travel GuideDay 04:Hemu – Kanas
Day 05:Kanas – Chonghur – Colorful 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 – Bayanbulak
Day 09:Bayanbulak – Southern Section of Duku Highway – Kuqa Grand Canyon – New Oriental Express Special Train
Day 10:Kashgar – Baisha Lake – Pamir Scenic Area – Taxkorgan
Day 11:Taxkorgan – 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
As one of the comfortable options for an in-depth Xinjiang tour, the New Oriental Express special train allows tourists to avoid frequent accommodation changes and reduce fatigue from long-distance travel, connecting multiple unique scenic spots in northern and southern Xinjiang. It is suitable for tourists who want to visit multiple Xinjiang attractions in one trip. The 2026 special train products cover seasonal landscapes, with itineraries for both the summer grasslands and lakes of northern Xinjiang and the October poplar forests and cultural scenery of southern Xinjiang.Day 01:Gather in Urumqi from various locations
Day 02:Special train to Turpan – Jiaohe Ruins – Karez Well – Grape Manor, then special train to Ruoqiang in the evening
Day 03:Milan Ruins – Loulan Museum – Loulan Park – Ruoqiang Jujube Picking, then special train to Hotan in the evening
Day 04:Arrive in Hotan in the morning – Hotan Tuancheng – Treasure hunting at Yurungkash River – Grape Corridor – Walnut King Tree – Night view of Yotkan Ancient City
Day 05:Special train to Shache – Yarkand Khan Palace – Amannisa Khan Mausoleum, then to Kashgar
Day 06:Baisha Lake, Karakul Lake, return to Kashgar
Day 07:Kashgar Old City, Id Kah Mosque, Gaotai Folk Houses, then special train to Kuqa in the evening
Day 08:Arrive in Kuqa in the morning – Tianshan Grand Canyon – Kuqa Palace – Restan Old Street – Kucha Alley
Day 09:Go to Luntai – Tarim Poplar Forest, then special train to Urumqi in the evening
Day 10:Urumqi – Tianchi Lake – Farewell Dinner in Urumqi
Day 11:Urumqi – Farewell
✅ Key Highlights of the Route✅ Price Description
Contact Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency Manager Guo Jing at 181 3962 2229, add as friend to receive itinerary and pricing
May 6, May 14
Premium Gold Diamond (3 custom carriages) 59,999 yuan/person
Xiyue Gold Diamond (4 custom carriages) 54,999 yuan/person
Boyue Gold Diamond (5 custom carriages) 49,999 yuan/person, third and fourth person 30,000 yuan/person
June 1, June 30
Premium Gold Diamond (3 custom carriages) 67,999 yuan/person
Xiyue Gold Diamond (4 custom carriages) 62,999 yuan/person
Boyue Gold Diamond (5 custom carriages) 56,999 yuan/person, third and fourth person 30,000 yuan/person
June 11, June 25
Premium Gold Diamond (3 custom carriages) 69,999 yuan/person
Xiyue Gold Diamond (4 custom carriages) 63,999 yuan/person
The entire route covers various types of landscapes in northern and southern Xinjiang, including natural scenery and cultural relics, offering different experiences depending on the season. Boyue Gold Diamond (5 custom carriages) 58,999 yuan/person, third and fourth person 30,000 yuan/person
September 3
Premium Gold Diamond (3 custom carriages) 71,999 yuan/person
Xiyue Gold Diamond (4 custom carriages) 65,999 yuan/person
Boyue Gold Diamond (5 custom carriages) 59,999 yuan/person, third and fourth person 30,000 yuan/person
October 15, October 25
Premium Gold Diamond (3 custom carriages) 44,999 yuan/person
Xiyue Gold Diamond (4 custom carriages) 39,999 yuan/person
Boyue Gold Diamond (5 custom carriages) 36,999 yuan/person, third and fourth person 20,000 yuan/person
The above prices are for reference only. Prices and availability may fluctuate based on schedules and booking conditions. The specific details are subject to the signed contract and real-time confirmation from customer service.
✅ Registration Method
The summer route focuses on northern Xinjiang scenery. The first stop is Keketuohai, where you can see the canyon at the source of the Irtysh River and granite landforms. Then, take the Ahe Highway to Hemu Village to experience the leisurely atmosphere of a forest village, passing through vast forests and mountain grasslands. Next, visit Kanas Scenic Area to see the lake and Three Bays. After leaving Kanas, head to Colorful Beach to see the unique landscape where Yadan landforms meet the river. Then, take the special train to Jinghe and go to Sayram Lake. From mid-May to the end of July 2026, you can see snow-capped mountains, grasslands, flower seas, and the lake together at Sayram Lake. The entrance fee is 70 yuan per person, and you can book in advance via a mini-program. Tourists can take the scenic area shuttle bus around the lake or buy a self-drive ticket to stop and take photos at will. The temperature difference between day and night by the lake is significant, so even in summer, it is recommended to bring a thick jacket for warmth. After leaving Sayram Lake, go to Yining, then to Nalati Grassland. From April 1, 2026, Nalati Grassland enters the peak season, open from 8:30 to 20:00, with an entrance fee of 95 yuan per person, valid for 48 hours for a second entry. The sky grassland route offers wide views, suitable for stopping and taking photos. The scenic area allows self-driving but with daily limits; tourists who need to drive can book in advance via the corresponding mini-program. Then, take the middle section of the Duku Highway to Bayanbulak, and then the southern section to Kuqa Grand Canyon. After that, take the special train to Kashgar and go to Baisha Lake in the Pamir Scenic Area. The Pamir region is a border area, so you need to apply for a border pass in advance. Tourists can apply at their household registration location or consult travel agency staff for assistance. After staying in Taxkorgan, return to Kashgar, then go to Turpan, and finally return to Urumqi to end the trip.You can register through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency. Contact number:181-3962-2229, same as WeChat: 181-3962-2229. For specific offline store addresses, consult customer service.
✅ Fee and Service Description
1. For specific items included in the fee and service standards, consult customer service for a detailed list. The specifics are subject to actual consultation and contract signing.
2. Details such as scenic area entrance fees, shuttle bus costs, accommodation arrangements, meal standards, and special train cabin types involved in the itinerary can be confirmed with staff during booking to avoid subsequent complaints or suggestions.
3. If force majeure or objective factors such as weather changes, road condition changes, scenic area policy adjustments, or public transportation schedule changes occur during the trip, both parties can agree to make reasonable changes to the itinerary to ensure smooth progress.
4. Cancellation and modification rules follow relevant laws and regulations such as the Tourism Law of the People’s Republic of China and the Civil Code of the People’s Republic of China, fully protecting the legal rights of both supply and demand parties.
✅ Travel Tips
1. Xinjiang has a vast territory with significant temperature differences between day and night and varying temperatures at different altitudes. It is recommended to dress in layers to adjust to temperature changes. In high-altitude and lakeside areas, temperatures are lower, so even in summer, bring a windproof and warm jacket.
2. Most areas of Xinjiang have high UV intensity. Prepare sunscreen, sunglasses, sun hats, and sun-protective clothing. The climate is dry, so carry moisturizing skincare products and plenty of water to stay hydrated.
3. Carry valid identification documents at all times, as they are needed for hotel check-in, transportation ticket purchase, and scenic area entry. Keep an electronic copy of your ID on your phone for emergencies.
4. For itineraries involving border areas, prepare a border pass in advance. Tourists can apply at their household registration police station or consult travel agency staff for assistance to avoid affecting the trip due to document issues.
5. Scenic area opening hours and reservation policies may change based on operations. Check scenic area notices before traveling or confirm the latest entry requirements with travel agency staff to prepare in advance.
6. Xinjiang is large, with long distances between some scenic spots. Carry portable snacks to alleviate hunger on the road. Dining options within scenic areas are relatively limited, so prepare suitable food based on your dietary habits.
For inquiries about the New Oriental Express ‘Snow Lotus’ train, feel free to contact the New Oriental Express Department Manager: Guo Jing: 181 3962 2229 (copy and add as friend for free consultation and detailed route materials)
