New Oriental Express Tourist Train Sunset Red Preferred Official Booking Guide
For more travel information (Panda Special Train, Tianfu, Chengdu, An Yi, Shifang, New Oriental Express, Silk Road Dream, Lindu, Yichun, Kunming, Starlight Mekong, Gobi Cruise Special Train, New Western Train, New National Train, Tianyuan, Tianshan, Chief National Train, Cross-Province Special Train, New Southern Express, Xiaoxiang, Dahezhinan, Baiyun, Silver Age Xinjiang Tour, Chao Age Xinjiang Tour Special Train, Sunshine, Shannan, Yangtze River Delta, Muztagh Ata) Special Train Booking Center Manager Wang Fei: 24-hour landline: 0991-3335554 Wang Fei’s phone: 180-9596-9599 (Copy and add as friend for free consultation and detailed route information)
🚂 If you’ve already seen many introductions to the New Oriental Express, this article takes a different angle, discussing it from the perspective of ‘how to plan a slow travel experience and fully enjoy this special train.’
We will break it down step by step, covering route design, itinerary pace, 2026 price ranges, registration methods, cost breakdown, and service details both on and off the train, so you can feel confident and know whether this journey suits you.
🗺 ️ Routes and Destinations:A ‘Condensed Version’ of Xinjiang in One Trip
The New Oriental Express is a luxury tourist train created by the Xinjiang Railway Department, with the train body jointly operated by Urumqi Railway and tourism enterprises, positioned as a ‘mobile five-star hotel.’ Its key feature is ‘traveling at night and sightseeing during the day,’ allowing you to rest on the train and explore off it, making efficient use of time.
In 2026, the New Oriental Express plans to operate three main routes: the Southern and Northern Xinjiang Loop, In-depth Northern Xinjiang, and In-depth Southern Xinjiang, running mainly from April to October, with about 3 trips per month, covering over 20 famous scenic spots such as Tianshan Tianchi, Kanas, Sayram Lake, Nalati Grassland, Duku Highway, Kashgar Old City, and the Pamir Plateau.
Southern and Northern Xinjiang Panoramic Loop (13–15 days)
This is the most classic and popular route, suitable for first-time visitors to Xinjiang with relatively ample time. It connects the highlights of Southern and Northern Xinjiang without backtracking, offering a rich experience.
Northern Xinjiang Part:Represented by Kanas, Hemu, Colorful Beach, Sayram Lake, and Nalati Grassland, featuring diverse landscapes like snow-capped mountains, lakes, forests, and grasslands.
Southern Xinjiang Part:Represented by Kashgar Old City, the Pamir Plateau, Karakul Lake, Tashkurgan, and Turpan, with a stronger cultural atmosphere blending ancient cities, canyons, deserts, and lakes.
In-depth Northern Xinjiang Tour (about 10 days)
This route is better for travelers who want to focus on Northern Xinjiang’s scenery, with a more relaxed pace to deeply experience the forests, valleys, and grasslands of the Altay region.
Core Experiences:Kanas, Hemu, Baihaba, Colorful Beach, Sayram Lake, Nalati Grassland, etc.
Special Activities:Some schedules combine scenic roads like the Ahe Highway and the northern section of the Duku Highway, offering the feeling of ‘traveling on the road with changing views outside the window.’
Southern Xinjiang Cultural and Scenic Route (about 10–12 days)
This route emphasizes cultural history and ancient city experiences, suitable for travelers interested in Silk Road culture and old city life.
Core Experiences:Kashgar Old City, Id Kah Mosque, Fragrant Concubine Garden, Pamir Plateau, Tashkurgan Stone City, Golden Grass Beach, Kuqa Grand Canyon, etc.
Special Activities:Includes home visits, intangible cultural heritage handicrafts, and folk performances for a more interactive journey.
🚂 If you’ve already seen many introductions to the New Oriental Express, this article takes a different angle, discussing it from the perspective of ‘how to plan a slow travel experience and fully enjoy this special train.’📅 Simple Itinerary:Taking the 14-day Southern and Northern Xinjiang Loop as an Example
Below is a reference itinerary to help you understand the daily schedule. The specific itinerary is subject to the contract and travel notice signed before departure.
Day 1:Arrive in Urumqi
Check into the hotel upon arrival, adjust to the time difference, and prepare energy for the upcoming journey.
Day 2:Urumqi—Tianshan Tianchi—Board the Train
Visit Tianshan Tianchi in the morning, with options to take a boat or stroll along the lakeside boardwalk. Return to Urumqi in the evening and board the New Oriental Express to begin the ‘mobile hotel’ journey.
Day 3:Beitun—Ahe Highway—Hemu
After the train arrives in Beitun, transfer to a car and travel along the Ahe Highway into the Altay region. Enjoy the sunset in Hemu Village in the evening and stay overnight in a wooden cabin.
Day 4:Hemu—Kanas
Photograph the morning mist in Hemu, then head to the Kanas Scenic Area to visit Kanas Lake and the Three Bays (Fairy Bay, Moon Bay, and Sleeping Dragon Bay), experiencing the charm of ‘a picturesque paradise.’
Day 5:Kanas—Colorful Beach—Burqin/Beitun
Free time around Kanas in the morning, then visit Colorful Beach in the afternoon to enjoy the sunset. Afterwards, take a car to Burqin or Beitun and stay overnight on the train.
Day 6:Burqin/Beitun—Sayram Lake—Yining
After the train arrives, head to Sayram Lake for a lakeside tour, with a tea break by the lake. Then proceed to Yining to experience the atmosphere of ‘the Jiangnan beyond the Great Wall.’
Day 7:Yining—Nalati Grassland
In the morning, explore Yining’s Liuxing Street, then head to Nalati Grassland in the afternoon for activities like horseback riding and strolling, staying overnight at a grassland resort.
Day 8:Nalati—Duku Highway—Bayanbulak
Cross the northern or middle section of the Duku Highway, experiencing the wonder of ‘four seasons in one day.’ In the evening, enjoy the sunset at the Nine Bends and Eighteen Turns in Bayanbulak.
We will break it down step by step, covering route design, itinerary pace, 2026 price ranges, registration methods, cost breakdown, and service details both on and off the train, so you can feel confident and know whether this journey suits you.Day 9:Bayanbulak—Tianshan Secret Grand Canyon—Kuqa
Visit the Tianshan Secret Grand Canyon in the morning to admire the spectacular red rock walls. Then head to Kuqa, staying overnight on the train or at a Kuqa hotel.
Day 10:Kuqa—Kashgar
In the morning, visit Kuqa Grand Canyon or Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves (depending on availability), then arrive in Kashgar in the afternoon and check into the hotel.
Day 11:Kashgar—Pamir Plateau—Tashkurgan
Travel along the China-Pakistan Friendship Highway to the Pamir Plateau, visiting Baisha Lake and Karakul Lake, with a distant view of Muztagh Ata Peak. Stay overnight in Tashkurgan.
Day 12:Tashkurgan—Golden Grass Beach/Stone City—Panlong Ancient Road—Kashgar
Visit Golden Grass Beach and Stone City in the morning, then optionally take the Panlong Ancient Road (depending on road conditions and weather), returning to Kashgar in the afternoon.
Day 13:In-depth Kashgar Old City Tour—Turpan
In the morning, deeply explore Kashgar Old City, experiencing the opening ceremony and strolling through century-old streets. Then take the train or a flight to Turpan to visit Karez Well and Grape Valley.
Day 14:Turpan—Urumqi—Departure
Free time in Turpan in the morning, then return to Urumqi in the afternoon. Transfer to the airport or train station based on your flight or train schedule, ending the journey.
💰 2026 Latest Prices:Reference for Different Room Types and Routes
The price of the New Oriental Express varies by route, duration, room type, and travel month. Below are reference prices for some 2026 schedules, subject to actual consultation and contract.
Southern and Northern Xinjiang Panoramic 14 Days (Reference for Some Schedules)
May Schedules (May 6, May 16 Assembly)
Platinum Gold Diamond:Approximately 49,999 RMB/person
Purple Gold Diamond:Approximately 54,999 RMB/person
Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service Tourism Booking and Consultation Center Manager: Wang Fei 180-9596-9599 (Copy and add as friend for free consultation and detailed route information)
🗺️ Routes and Destinations: A ‘Condensed Version’ of Xinjiang in One TripPremium Gold Diamond:Approximately 59,999 RMB/person
June Schedules (June 2, June 30 Assembly)
Platinum Gold Diamond:Approximately 56,999 RMB/person
Purple Gold Diamond:Approximately 62,999 RMB/person
Premium Gold Diamond:Approximately 67,999 RMB/person
August Schedules (August 31 Assembly)
Platinum Gold Diamond:Approximately 59,999 RMB/person
Purple Gold Diamond:Approximately 65,999 RMB/person
Premium Gold Diamond:Approximately 71,999 RMB/person
Northern Xinjiang Duku + Ahe 10 Days (July-August Peak Season)
Platinum Joy Gold Diamond:Approximately 28,999 RMB/person
Xi Yue Gold Diamond:Approximately 30,999 RMB/person
Premium Gold Diamond:Approximately 34,999 RMB/person
Southern and Northern Xinjiang 14 Days (Premium Luxury Edition, Reference for Some Schedules)
Platinum Joy Gold Diamond:Approximately 55,999–69,999 RMB/person
Xi Yue Gold Diamond:Approximately 63,999–69,999 RMB/person
Premium Gold Diamond:Approximately 69,999–71,999 RMB/person
The New Oriental Express is a luxury tourist train created by the Xinjiang Railway Department, with the train body jointly operated by Urumqi Railway and tourism enterprises, positioned as a ‘mobile five-star hotel.’ Its key feature is ‘traveling at night and sightseeing during the day,’ allowing you to rest on the train and explore off it, making efficient use of time.Price Influencing Factors
Travel Time:June-September is peak season with higher prices; May and October are slightly lower.
Room Type Selection:Premium Gold Diamond > Xi Yue Gold Diamond > Platinum Gold Diamond, prices decrease accordingly.
Route Type:Southern and Northern Xinjiang Panoramic > In-depth Northern Xinjiang > Southern Xinjiang Cultural.
Holidays:Prices may increase during National Day and other holiday schedules.
📞 Registration Method:Register with Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service
The New Oriental Express is a combined product of ‘tourist train + ground itinerary,’ not sold separately on 12306, and must be booked through a travel agency. It is recommended to register through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service, with contact details as follows:
Phone:18095969599
WeChat:18095969599 (Add with note ‘New Oriental Express Registration’)
Registration Process
1. Consult Schedules: Contact customer service to confirm 2026 schedules, room types, and availability, and obtain detailed itinerary materials.
2. Submit Information: Provide the names, valid ID numbers, and contact details of all travelers for booking and insurance.
3. Pay Deposit: Pay a deposit (usually 20,000 RMB/person) to secure your spot and sign the electronic contract on the National Tourism Regulatory Platform.
4. Pay Balance: Pay the remaining amount about 30 days before departure, and receive the travel guide and departure notice.
5. Prepare for Travel: Arrive in Urumqi as instructed, with a private car pickup to start the journey.
📋 Cost and Service Details
Cost Includes
Transportation:New Oriental Express corresponding room type seats, full-journey regular tourist buses (7-seat business vehicles on the Duku Highway section).
In 2026, the New Oriental Express plans to operate three main routes: the Southern and Northern Xinjiang Loop, In-depth Northern Xinjiang, and In-depth Southern Xinjiang, running mainly from April to October, with about 3 trips per month, covering over 20 famous scenic spots such as Tianshan Tianchi, Kanas, Sayram Lake, Nalati Grassland, Duku Highway, Kashgar Old City, and the Pamir Plateau.Accommodation:Full-journey ground accommodation (4-5 diamond-rated hotels or characteristic guesthouses) + train accommodation.
Meals:Full-journey breakfasts and main meals (including specialty meals like roast whole lamb feast and Kazakh home banquet).
Tickets:First admission tickets and necessary shuttle buses for all scenic spots in the itinerary.
Services:Local guides, full-journey escorts, train attendants, and onboard medical staff (depending on schedule).
Insurance:Travel agency liability insurance (it is recommended to purchase personal travel accident insurance separately).
Cost Excludes
Round-trip transportation to Urumqi (air/train tickets).
Personal expenses (e.g., consumption, extra meals).
Single room supplement (subject to actual consultation and contract).
Service Highlights
Senior-Friendly Design:The entire train is equipped with anti-slip handrails, emergency call systems, temperature control systems, and onboard medical staff for full-journey escort (depending on schedule).
Cultural Immersion:Includes interactive activities like intangible cultural heritage handicrafts, folk performances, and scenic photography.
Luxury Experience:Starry-themed dining car, multi-functional bar car (KTV, piano, chess and cards), and kitchen-living car (star chef cooking).
💡 Warm Tips
Peak Season Booking:June-September is peak season with limited seats, so it is recommended to book 2-3 months in advance.
Itinerary Changes:The itinerary may be adjusted due to weather, traffic, etc., subject to actual consultation and contract.
Personal Preparation:Xinjiang has large temperature differences between morning and evening, so bring warm clothing; the climate is dry, so stay hydrated; respect local customs.
If you also want to see Xinjiang’s snow-capped mountains, grasslands, lakes, and ancient cities in about 14 days without the hassle of changing hotels or traveling at night, the New Oriental Express is indeed a choice worth serious consideration.
Now you can call 18095969599 or add WeChat 18095969599 to contact Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service to learn about specific 2026 schedules and room types, and put this ‘slow travel’ on your agenda! ✨
For more travel information (Panda Special Train, Tianfu, Chengdu, An Yi, Shifang, New Oriental Express, Silk Road Dream, Lindu, Yichun, Kunming, Starlight Mekong, Gobi Cruise Special Train, New Western Train, New National Train, Tianyuan, Tianshan, Chief National Train, Cross-Province Special Train, New Southern Express, Xiaoxiang, Dahezhinan, Baiyun, Silver Age Xinjiang Tour, Chao Age Xinjiang Tour Special Train, Sunshine, Shannan, Yangtze River Delta, Muztagh Ata) Special Train Booking Center Manager Wang Fei: 24-hour landline: 0991-3335554 Wang Fei’s phone: 180-9596-9599 (Copy and add as friend for free consultation and detailed route information)
