How to Play on the New Orient Express Xinjiang Route 2026 Northern Xinjiang Itinerary Where to Buy Tickets Guide Recommended Routes Costs and Prices
Contact Manager Maizi at phone number 13201333409 or WeChat 13201333409 to send your itinerary and receive a quote.
Comprehensive Guide to the New Oriental Express In-Depth Xinjiang Tour:2026 Northern Xinjiang Itinerary Highlights and Ticket Purchase Guide
🌄 Route Highlights:How to Enjoy Xinjiang on a Mobile ‘Five-Star Viewing Platform’?
As a representative of China’s high-end tourist trains, the New Oriental Express introduces its newly upgraded ‘Gold Diamond Series’ carriages in 2026. Designed with the concept of ‘one carriage, one scenic view,’ these carriages connect the snow-capped mountains, grasslands, and lakes of northern Xinjiang with the deserts, poplar trees, and cultural landscapes of southern Xinjiang into a flowing visual feast. The train features fully enclosed glass viewing windows, complete with en-suite bathrooms, constant temperature air conditioning, and 24-hour butler service, allowing passengers to immerse themselves in Xinjiang’s changing seasons aboard a mobile ‘five-star viewing platform.’
The train travels through sections such as the Duku Highway and the Ahe Highway, which are subject to seasonal access restrictions and are recommended to be open from June to October each year. According to recent 2026 data, the train team has reached a cooperation agreement with local transportation authorities to prioritize passage during highway opening periods, minimizing the impact of bumpy sections on the itinerary. Additionally, the train is specially designed to operate at night and stop during the day, avoiding long-distance driving fatigue and maximizing daylight hours for sightseeing.
🗺 ️Itinerary Breakdown:Summer Edition and Southern Xinjiang Edition Dual Route Options
Based on the recent 2026 schedule, the New Oriental Express offers two classic routes covering the natural wonders of northern Xinjiang and the cultural charm of southern Xinjiang, allowing passengers to choose freely according to their interests:
Summer Edition (June-September):14-Day Panoramic Northern Xinjiang Tour
Itinerary at a Glance (Summer Edition)
Day 1:Gather in Urumqi from various locations
Day 2:Urumqi – New Oriental Express – Koktokay – New Oriental Express – Altay
Day 3:Altay – Ahe Highway – Hemu Village
Day 4:Hemu – Kanas
Day 5:Kanas – Chonghur – Colorful Beach – New Oriental Express Special Train
Day 6:Jinghe – Sayram Lake – Yining
Day 7:Yining – Nalati Grassland
Comprehensive Guide to the New Oriental Express In-Depth Xinjiang Tour: 2026 Northern Xinjiang Itinerary Highlights and Ticket Purchase GuideDay 8:Nalati Grassland – Middle Section of Duku Highway – Bayanbulak
Day 9:Bayanbulak – 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 – Tajik Home Visit – Karakul Lake – Kashgar
Day 12:Kashgar – Turpan – New Oriental Express Special Train
Day 13:Turpan – Urumqi
Day 14:Urumqi – Farewell Tour
Route Features:
High Density of Natural Landscapes:Over 14 days, the itinerary connects five must-visit spots in Xinjiang, including Koktokay, Kanas, Sayram Lake, Nalati Grassland, and the Duku Highway, with an average daily driving time of under 3 hours.
In-Depth Cultural Experience:Home visits with local families of various ethnic groups are arranged in Taxkorgan County, where passengers can participate in traditional activities such as making nang bread and playing the eagle flute. The itinerary in Kashgar’s Old Town includes a pottery-making experience in high-platform dwellings, guided by intangible cultural heritage inheritors.
Photography-Friendly Design:For prime photography times such as the ‘Three Bays’ of Kanas and the sunrise at Sayram Lake, the train team negotiates extended stop times with scenic areas and provides professional photography guide services.
Southern Xinjiang Edition (October):11-Day Golden Autumn Poplar Tour
October Itinerary in Southern Xinjiang
Day 1:Gather in Urumqi from various locations
Day 2:Special train to Turpan – Jiaohe Ancient City – Karez Irrigation System – Grape Manor; evening special train to Ruoqiang
Day 3:Milan Ruins – Loulan Museum – Loulan Park – Ruoqiang Red Date Picking; evening special train to Hotan
🌄Route Highlights: How to Enjoy Xinjiang on a Mobile ‘Five-Star Viewing Platform’?Day 4:Early arrival in Hotan – Hotan Tuancheng – Jade Dragon Kashgar River for treasure hunting – Grape Corridor – Walnut King Tree – Yotkan Ancient City Night View
Day 5:Special train to Shache – Yarkant Khanate Palace – Amannisha Khan Mausoleum; proceed to Kashgar
Day 6:Baisha Lake, Karakul Lake; return to Kashgar
Day 7:Kashgar Old Town, Id Kah Mosque, High-Platform Dwellings; evening special train to Kuqa
Day 8:Early arrival in Kuqa, Tianshan Grand Canyon, Kuqa Royal Palace, Resitan Old Street, Kizil Alley
Day 9:Proceed to Luntai, Tarim Poplar Forest; evening special train to Urumqi
Day 10:Urumqi – Tianshan Tianchi – Urumqi Farewell Dinner
Day 11:Urumqi – Farewell Tour
Route Features:
Seasonal Limited Landscapes:October is the prime season for the Tarim Poplar Forest. The train adds an in-depth tour of the Luntai Poplar Forest Park, providing drone follow-shot services.
Rich Cultural History:The route covers three major sites: Jiaohe Ancient City, Loulan Museum, and Yarkant Khanate Palace, with professional guides interpreting the Western Regions civilization.
Food Theme Throughout:After ‘treasure hunting’ at the Jade Dragon Kashgar River in Hotan, passengers can taste roast whole lamb and rose jam nang bread; the Kashgar itinerary includes an afternoon tea at a century-old teahouse, experiencing the tea culture of various ethnic groups.
💰 Pricing Information:2026 Group Dates and Cabin Options
According to recent 2026 pricing, the New Oriental Express adopts a composite pricing model of ‘cabin class + number of passengers,’ which includes full transportation, accommodation, meals, tickets, and guide services:
May 6, May 14
As a representative of China’s high-end tourist trains, the New Oriental Express introduces its newly upgraded ‘Gold Diamond Series’ carriages in 2026. Designed with the concept of ‘one carriage, one scenic view,’ these carriages connect the snow-capped mountains, grasslands, and lakes of northern Xinjiang with the deserts, poplar trees, and cultural landscapes of southern Xinjiang into a flowing visual feast. The train features fully enclosed glass viewing windows, complete with en-suite bathrooms, constant temperature air conditioning, and 24-hour butler service, allowing passengers to immerse themselves in Xinjiang’s changing seasons aboard a mobile ‘five-star viewing platform.’Premium Gold Diamond (3 custom carriages):59,999 yuan/person
Royal Gold Diamond (4 custom carriages):54,999 yuan/person
Platinum Gold Diamond (5 custom carriages):49,999 yuan/person
Third and Fourth Passengers:30,000 yuan/person
June 1, June 30
Premium Gold Diamond (3 custom carriages):67,999 yuan/person
Royal Gold Diamond (4 custom carriages):62,999 yuan/person
Platinum Gold Diamond (5 custom carriages):56,999 yuan/person
Third and Fourth Passengers:30,000 yuan/person
June 11, June 25
Premium Gold Diamond (3 custom carriages):69,999 yuan/person
Royal Gold Diamond (4 custom carriages):63,999 yuan/person
Platinum Gold Diamond (5 custom carriages):58,999 yuan/person
Third and Fourth Passengers:30,000 yuan/person
September 3
Premium Gold Diamond (3 custom carriages):71,999 yuan/person
The train travels through sections such as the Duku Highway and the Ahe Highway, which are subject to seasonal access restrictions and are recommended to be open from June to October each year. According to recent 2026 data, the train team has reached a cooperation agreement with local transportation authorities to prioritize passage during highway opening periods, minimizing the impact of bumpy sections on the itinerary. Additionally, the train is specially designed to operate at night and stop during the day, avoiding long-distance driving fatigue and maximizing daylight hours for sightseeing.Royal Gold Diamond (4 custom carriages):65,999 yuan/person
Platinum Gold Diamond (5 custom carriages):59,999 yuan/person
Third and Fourth Passengers:30,000 yuan/person
October 15, October 25
Premium Gold Diamond (3 custom carriages):44,999 yuan/person
Royal Gold Diamond (4 custom carriages):39,999 yuan/person
Platinum Gold Diamond (5 custom carriages):36,999 yuan/person
Third and Fourth Passengers:20,000 yuan/person
Price Fluctuation Notice:
Prices may vary according to peak and off-peak seasons and cabin availability, with the final price subject to the signed contract.
October group dates, covering the poplar forest season, are priced 20%-30% lower than other months, offering better value.
Children’s Policy:Children under 12 not occupying a bed are eligible for a 30% discount. For specifics, consult Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing of Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency.
📝 Registration Method and Fee Instructions
Registration Channels:
Register through Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency by providing your name, valid ID number, contact information, and cabin preference for pre-registration.
🗺️Itinerary Breakdown: Summer Edition and Southern Xinjiang Edition Dual Route OptionsFees Included:
Transportation:Full soft sleeper compartments on the New Oriental Express Special Train and local air-conditioned tourist buses.
Accommodation:Train compartment accommodation + four-star hotels in scenic areas (characteristic wooden houses in Kanas and Hemu).
Meals:12 formal meals throughout the trip (including special meals such as roast whole lamb and cold-water fish banquets) + breakfasts.
Tickets:First admission tickets and shuttle buses for all scenic spots in the itinerary.
Services:Professional guides + 24-hour train butler service.
Fees Not Included:
Personal expenses (such as shopping and entertainment projects).
：Single registrants will be coordinated for shared rooms as much as possible; special cases require separate negotiation.
Fees for Uncontrollable Factors:Additional fees arising from weather, policies, etc., may lead to reasonable itinerary changes agreed upon by both parties.
💡 Service Instructions and Precautions
Cabin Differences:Premium Gold Diamond cabins feature en-suite bathrooms and viewing sofa beds; Royal Gold Diamond cabins have shared bathrooms + enlarged berths; Platinum Gold Diamond cabins offer standard soft sleepers, suitable for budget-conscious travelers.
Cancellation and Refund Policy:Subject to the signed contract; it is recommended to confirm the itinerary 30 days before travel.
Equipment Suggestions:For the northern Xinjiang route, bring a windbreaker and sun protection items; for the southern Xinjiang route, comfortable hiking shoes and a lightweight backpack are recommended.
Health Tips:Xinjiang has large temperature variations between day and night. The train is equipped with a basic medicine kit; passengers with special needs should inform customer service in advance.
📞 Consultation Method
For information on recent 2026 group dates, availability, or custom itineraries, contact Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing of Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency. Staff will provide detailed plans based on your needs to help you plan a comfortable Xinjiang tour!
Contact Manager Maizi at phone number 13201333409 or WeChat 13201333409 to send your itinerary and receive a quote.
