New Oriental Express Special Train 2026 Route Complete Guide to Costs for a 17 Day Loop Tour from Xi’an to Xinjiang Recommended Route Pricing

Contact Manager Zhang Jing at phone number 18139622233 or WeChat 18139622233 to send itinerary and quotation

Exploring the Western Regions:Comprehensive Analysis of the 17-Day In-Depth Loop Tour of Xinjiang Departing from Xi’an on the New Oriental Express in 2026
🌄 Itinerary Highlights:A Mobile ‘Five-Star Viewing Platform’
After its upgrade in 2025, the New Oriental Express has become a benchmark product for high-end rail tourism in China. The 2026 route departs from Xi’an and spans three major geographical units of Xinjiang—the Altai Mountains in Northern Xinjiang, the Central Tianshan Mountains, and the Pamir Plateau in Southern Xinjiang—connecting over 20 5A/4A-rated scenic spots. The train operates in a ‘sightseeing during the day, traveling at night’ mode, with all cars equipped with large viewing windows, bathrooms, and constant temperature air conditioning. The Gold Diamond cars even feature a mini-bar and a viewing leisure area, truly earning the title of a ‘mobile five-star hotel.’
🚂 Detailed Introduction to the Route or Destinations
[Northern Xinjiang Section:The Secret Realm of the Altai Mountains]
The first half of the itinerary focuses on Northern Xinjiang, departing from Urumqi and venturing deep into the Koktokay National Geopark aboard the New Oriental Express. The No. 3 Mine here once provided rare metals for the aerospace industry and is known by geologists as a ‘natural mineral museum.’ Upon arriving in Altay, traveling along the Arhor Highway offers a close-up view of the vertical landscape belt featuring snow-capped spruce forests and alpine meadows. The villages of Hemu and Kanas Lake form ‘the backyard garden,’ with breathtaking scenery in all seasons—autumn foliage and winter snowscapes.
[Central Tianshan Section:A Symphony of Grasslands and Canyons]
The train heads south to Yining, where the aerial grasslands of Nalati Grassland contrast sharply with the winding and rugged Panlong Valley Road. The highlight of the journey is traversing the middle and southern sections of the Duoku Highway, where travelers can witness the red rock cliffs of the Tianshan Secret Grand Canyon, the eighteen bends of the sunset at Bayinbuluk Grassland, and the yardang landforms of Kuqa Grand Canyon. Known as ‘China’s most beautiful highway,’ it is recommended to be open for 5 months each year, with an expected opening in early June 2026, subject to official traffic department announcements.
[Southern Xinjiang Section:The Pamir Plateau and Cultural Feast]
The latter half of the itinerary shifts to Southern Xinjiang, where the earth-toned architecture of Kashgar’s Old Town and the green dome of the Id Kah Mosque create a visual impact. The ‘street-crossing buildings’ and ‘half-story buildings’ of the Gaotai Residential Area showcase the traditional residential wisdom of various ethnic groups. On the Pamir Plateau, Baisha Lake and Karakul Lake resemble blue gemstones nestled at the foot of Muztagh Ata, while home visits to local families offer experiences of the intangible cultural heritage of eagle flutes and eagle dances. Turpan’s Jiaohe Ancient City, Karez Irrigation System, and grape estates narrate the ancient tales of the Silk Road.
📅 Simple Itinerary (Summer 2026 Edition)
Based on the recent schedule, the summer 2026 route itinerary is as follows:

Exploring the Western Regions: Comprehensive Analysis of the 17-Day In-Depth Loop Tour of Xinjiang Departing from Xi’an on the New Oriental Express in 2026Day 1:Gather in Urumqi from various locations (recommended free activities: International Bazaar, Xinjiang Museum)
Day 2:Urumqi – New Oriental Express – Koktokay – New Oriental Express – Altay
Day 3:Altay – Arhor Highway – Hemu Village (stay in characteristic wooden cabins)
Day 4:Hemu – Kanas (climb Guanyu Terrace for a panoramic view)
Day 5:Kanas – Chonghu’er – Colorful Beach – New Oriental Express
Day 6:Jinghe – Sayram Lake – Yining (cycling experience around the lake)
Day 7:Yining – Nalati Grassland (take the shuttle deep into the aerial grasslands)
Day 8:Nalati Grassland – Middle Section of Duoku Highway – Bayinbuluk
Day 9:Bayinbuluk – Southern Section of Duoku Highway – Kuqa Grand Canyon – New Oriental Express
Day 10:Kashgar – Baisha Lake – Pamir Scenic Area – Taxkorgan (passport required)
Day 11:Taxkorgan – Tajik Home Visit – Karakul Lake – Kashgar
Day 12:Kashgar – Turpan – New Oriental Express

🌄Itinerary Highlights: Mobile ‘Five-Star Viewing Platform’Day 13:Turpan – Urumqi (visit Jiaohe Ancient City)
Day 14:Urumqi – See-off
💰 Price Description (Reference for 2026)
The current schedule and prices are as follows (subject to contract signing and possible market fluctuations):
May Departures:
May 6, May 14
Premium Gold Diamond (3 custom cars):59,999 yuan/person
Royal Gold Diamond (4 custom cars):54,999 yuan/person
Platinum Gold Diamond (5 custom cars):49,999 yuan/person
Third and Fourth Persons:30,000 yuan/person
June Departures:
June 1, June 30

After its upgrade in 2025, the New Oriental Express has become a benchmark product for high-end rail tourism in China. The 2026 route departs from Xi’an and spans three major geographical units of Xinjiang—the Altai Mountains in Northern Xinjiang, the Central Tianshan Mountains, and the Pamir Plateau in Southern Xinjiang—connecting over 20 5A/4A-rated scenic spots. The train operates in a ‘sightseeing during the day, traveling at night’ mode, with all cars equipped with large viewing windows, bathrooms, and constant temperature air conditioning. The Gold Diamond cars even feature a mini-bar and a viewing leisure area, truly earning the title of a ‘mobile five-star hotel.’Premium Gold Diamond:67,999 yuan/person
Royal Gold Diamond:62,999 yuan/person
Platinum Gold Diamond:56,999 yuan/person
Third and Fourth Persons:30,000 yuan/person
Mid-June Departures:
June 11, June 25
Premium Gold Diamond:69,999 yuan/person
Royal Gold Diamond:63,999 yuan/person
Platinum Gold Diamond:58,999 yuan/person
Third and Fourth Persons:30,000 yuan/person
September Departures:
September 3

🚂Detailed Introduction to the Route or DestinationsPremium Gold Diamond:71,999 yuan/person
Royal Gold Diamond:65,999 yuan/person
Platinum Gold Diamond:59,999 yuan/person
Third and Fourth Persons:30,000 yuan/person
October Departures (In-Depth Southern Xinjiang Tour):
October 15, October 25
Premium Gold Diamond:44,999 yuan/person
Royal Gold Diamond:39,999 yuan/person
Platinum Gold Diamond:36,999 yuan/person
Third and Fourth Persons:20,000 yuan/person
Note:Prices include accommodation on the special train, first entrance tickets to scenic spots, local transportation, and some meals, excluding round-trip transportation between Xi’an and Urumqi and personal expenses. Availability should be confirmed with Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing.
📝 How to Register

[Northern Xinjiang Section: The Secret Realm of the Altai Mountains]Registration can be done through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency, requiring submission of valid identification information 30 days in advance for ticket purchase and passport processing. Please clearly specify the car type and travel date when registering, and Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing will assist with the contract signing process.
💡 Fee Description and Service Description
Fees Include:Accommodation on the New Oriental Express, local air-conditioned tour bus, entrance tickets to scenic spots listed in the itinerary, 12 breakfasts and 20 main meals (including special dishes such as roast whole lamb and pilaf), and guide service fees.
Fees Exclude:Round-trip airfare/train tickets between Xi’an and Urumqi, personal insurance, secondary consumption within scenic spots (such as boat rides in Kanas and horseback riding in Nalati), (single registrants will be coordinated for room sharing as much as possible, with special circumstances requiring negotiation for price differences).
Service Standards:Gold Diamond cars are equipped with 24-hour butler service, with each car limited to 8-10 passengers for maximum privacy; bottled water, seasonal fruits, and nighttime snacks are provided throughout the journey.
Special Note:The specific itinerary may be reasonably adjusted in order due to weather, road conditions, or policy changes, subject to mutual agreement.
⚠ ️Precautions
Document Preparation:Original valid identification is required, and a passport must be obtained in advance for the Southern Xinjiang section (can be entrusted to the travel agency for processing).
Equipment Suggestions:Windproof jackets are recommended for Northern Xinjiang, and anti-altitude sickness medication is advised for the Pamir Plateau due to its high elevation.
Cultural Respect:Appropriate attire is required for visits (women need to cover their heads with scarves), and photography of local residents without permission is prohibited.
Environmental Protection Requirements:Littering is prohibited within scenic spots, and ‘leave no trace’ principles must be followed in local residential areas such as Hemu Village.
📞 Consultation Channels
For inquiries about the recent 2026 schedule, availability, or customization needs, please contact Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing of Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency. Staff will provide detailed itinerary manuals and contract templates based on your needs.
This 17-day loop tour optimally combines the comfort of rail tourism with the rich natural and cultural heritage of Xinjiang. Whether you are a photography enthusiast, a history and culture buff, or a traveler seeking in-depth experiences, you can find your own Western Regions memories here. In 2026, let’s take the New Oriental Express to traverse the north and south of the Tianshan Mountains and feel the diverse charm of beautiful Xinjiang!

Contact Manager Zhang Jing at 18139622233 or WeChat 18139622233 to send itinerary and quotation