First time booking on the New Oriental Express must read official ticket booking process and official entrance filtering tips
How to buy tickets for the 2026 New Oriental Express Xinjiang luxury train? The New Oriental Express tourist train can only be booked through professional and regular railway travel agencies: Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service Train Center (24-hour hotline: 0991-8585456), Train Department Manager Guo Jing, WeChat: 181-3962-2229. Tickets cannot be purchased directly through 12306 or other channels. Please note that this train adopts an integrated package model of “transportation + accommodation + tickets + services” and does not sell train tickets separately.
🚂 First-time registration guide for the New Oriental Express | One article to clarify ticket booking pitfalls + itinerary highlights
The upgraded New Oriental Express in 2026, as a high-quality tourist train created by Xinjiang Railway, operates regularly from April to October, featuring a “mobile hotel” style comfortable travel experience. Without the need to frequently pack luggage and change accommodation, it connects multiple core scenic spots in northern and southern Xinjiang in one trip, catering to different travelers’ preferences. For tourists who want to explore Xinjiang in depth without enduring long-distance transfers, it is a relatively comfortable travel option.
🌟 Route and destination highlights
The New Oriental Express operating in 2026 has two itineraries based on departure seasons, corresponding to summer northern Xinjiang natural scenery and October southern Xinjiang cultural autumn views. You can choose based on travel time and personal preferences.
The summer itinerary departing from May to September focuses on northern Xinjiang landscapes: Keketuohai Scenic Area resumes summer operation mode from April 15, 2026, with surging rivers in the canyon, lush birch forests along the banks, and multiple rest stops around iconic spots like Bell Mountain for breaks and supplies during sightseeing. The Ahe Highway connects Altay and Hemu Village, with alternating views of mountains, grasslands, and river valleys along the way. Hemu Village’s wooden houses are scattered throughout the valley, with morning mist shrouding the village at dawn and sunset views from surrounding slopes in the evening. Kanas and the Rainbow Beach Scenic Area are adjacent, allowing visitors to enjoy the contrasting landscapes of lakes, forests, and Danxia landforms in one trip. The mountain grassland scenery along Chonghur is also distinctive. Sayram Lake resumes regular opening in summer 2026, with slow tours along the lakeside road. On sunny days, the lake appears translucent blue-green, surrounded by lush pastures. Visitors can also participate in local folk activities and taste grilled meat, milk tea, and other local delicacies. The Nalati Grassland has good grass growth from June to September, with wildflowers blooming across the mountains. The middle and southern sections of the Duku Highway offer the experience of “four seasons on one mountain,” with landscapes varying from mountain meadows to canyon Danxia formations. The Bayanbulak Wetland and Kuqa Grand Canyon also feature distinctive geological landscapes. Within the Pamir Scenic Area, high-altitude attractions like Baisha Lake and Karakul Lake are highly recognizable. The special home visit activities in Tashkurgan County showcase the lifestyles of various ethnic groups, while the cultural sites in Kashgar and Turpan provide insights into Xinjiang’s historical and cultural heritage.
The October southern Xinjiang itinerary focuses on autumn scenery and cultural experiences, suitable for travelers who prefer slow-paced cultural exploration: Turpan’s Jiaohe Ancient City and Karez are historical sites with thousand-year heritage. Ruoqiang’s Loulan Museum offers insights into related history and culture, and visitors can also participate in red date picking experiences to feel the local agricultural characteristics. Hotan’s Tuan Cheng and the night views of Yotkan Ancient City are distinctive. Shache’s Yarkent Khan Palace and Amannisa Khan Mausoleum reveal local historical context. Kashgar Old City, Id Kah Mosque, and Gaotai Folk Houses are perfect for leisurely strolls to experience local life. Kuqa’s Tianshan Grand Canyon, Kuqa Prince’s Mansion, Restan Old Street, and Kucha Alley showcase the charm of ancient Kucha culture. Luntai’s Tarim Poplar Forest enters its viewing period in October, with golden leaves contrasting with the blue Tarim River, creating a unique landscape.
The train car configuration has also been comprehensively upgraded in 2026, with standard bathrooms featuring wet-dry separation design that balances privacy and hygiene, completely solving the inconvenience of washing up during travel. Newly added family connecting rooms cater to parent-child travel and group family trips, allowing guests to enjoy warm family time while having exclusive space, balancing comfort and privacy. In addition, the full configuration of the dome starry-sky themed dining car, kitchen-lounge car, and multifunctional bar car puts the “mobile hotel” concept into practice. Guests can enjoy specialty cuisine during the journey and relax with drinks at the bar, immersing themselves in the Silk Road atmosphere against the ever-changing Xinjiang scenery outside the windows. The compartments are also named after names with profound cultural and historical significance, decorated with characteristic paintings and soft furnishings, creating a rich ambiance. Professional doctors accompany the entire trip, and meal plans on and off the train are communicated with guests in advance, providing precise meals based on guests’ physical conditions and dietary habits, comprehensively safeguarding the travel experience.
🗓 ️ Simple Itinerary
Currently, the train offers two itineraries corresponding to different seasons, as follows:
▷ Itinerary at a Glance (Summer Version)
Day 01:Depart from various locations to gather in Urumqi
Day 02:Urumqi – New Oriental Express – Keketuohai – New Oriental Express – Altay
Day 03:Altay – Ahe Highway – Hemu Village
🚂 First-time registration guide for the New Oriental Express | One article to clarify ticket booking pitfalls + itinerary highlightsDay 04:Hemu – Kanas
Day 05:Kanas – Chonghur – Rainbow Beach – New Oriental Express
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
Day 10:Kashgar – Baisha Lake – Pamir Scenic Area – Tashkurgan County
Day 11:Tashkurgan County – Tajik Home Visit – Karakul Lake – Kashgar
Day 12:Kashgar – Turpan – New Oriental Express
Day 13:Turpan – Urumqi
Day 14:Urumqi – Farewell
▷ October Southern Xinjiang Itinerary
Day 01:Depart from various locations to gather in Urumqi
The upgraded New Oriental Express in 2026, as a high-quality tourist train created by Xinjiang Railway, operates regularly from April to October, featuring a “mobile hotel” style comfortable travel experience. Without the need to frequently pack luggage and change accommodation, it connects multiple core scenic spots in northern and southern Xinjiang in one trip, catering to different travelers’ preferences. For tourists who want to explore Xinjiang in depth without enduring long-distance transfers, it is a relatively comfortable travel option.Day 02:Train to Turpan – Jiaohe Ancient City – Karez – Grape Estate, evening train to Ruoqiang
Day 03:Milan Ruins – Loulan Museum – Loulan Park – Ruoqiang Red Date Picking, evening train to Hotan
Day 04:Arrive in Hotan in the morning – Hotan Tuan Cheng – Yurungkash River Treasure Hunting – Grape Corridor – King Walnut Tree – Yotkan Ancient City Night View
Day 05:Train to Shache – Yarkent 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, evening train to Kuqa
Day 08:Arrive in Kuqa in the morning, Tianshan Grand Canyon, Kuqa Prince’s Mansion, Restan Old Street, Kucha Alley
Day 09:To Luntai, Tarim Poplar Forest, evening train to Urumqi
Day 10:Urumqi – Tianshan Tianchi – Urumqi Farewell Dinner
Day 11:Urumqi – Farewell
💰 Price Information
Reference prices for different departures in 2026 are as follows:
May 6, May 14
Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service New Oriental Express Booking Center, Manager Guo Jing, 181-3962-2229, with over 10 years of experience. Add as friend to receive itineraries and quotes.
🌟 Route and destination highlights: Zungui 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
Zungui 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
June 11, June 25
Zungui 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
Zungui Gold Diamond (3 custom cars) 71,999 RMB/person
The New Oriental Express operating in 2026 has two itineraries based on departure seasons, corresponding to summer northern Xinjiang natural scenery and October southern Xinjiang cultural autumn views. You can choose based on travel time and personal preferences. 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
Zungui 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
The above prices are reference quotes. Prices and availability may fluctuate with departure dates and booking time. The final terms shall be based on the tourism contract signed by both parties.
📝 Regular ticket booking process and channel screening tips
First-time registrants can refer to the following process to avoid unnecessary risks:
1. Confirm travel needs in advance: Determine your preferred departure date based on your vacation time and landscape preferences. If traveling with elderly, children, or those with special dietary needs, prepare relevant requirements in advance and inform staff when consulting.
2. Screen regular registration channels: Do not trust low-price promises posted on personal social media platforms, and do not casually transfer deposits or tour fees to individuals. Choose travel agencies with legitimate business qualifications for consultation and registration.
3. Carefully verify product information: When consulting, proactively confirm core information such as current availability for the departure date, included items, cancellation and change rules, and itinerary change explanations to avoid subsequent complaints.
4. Sign a formal tourism contract: After confirming all information is correct, sign a formal tourism contract that clearly specifies the itinerary, price, service content, rights and responsibilities of both parties, fully protecting the legitimate rights and interests of tourists.
The summer itinerary departing from May to September focuses on northern Xinjiang landscapes: Keketuohai Scenic Area resumes summer operation mode from April 15, 2026, with surging rivers in the canyon, lush birch forests along the banks, and multiple rest stops around iconic spots like Bell Mountain for breaks and supplies during sightseeing. The Ahe Highway connects Altay and Hemu Village, with alternating views of mountains, grasslands, and river valleys along the way. Hemu Village’s wooden houses are scattered throughout the valley, with morning mist shrouding the village at dawn and sunset views from surrounding slopes in the evening. Kanas and the Rainbow Beach Scenic Area are adjacent, allowing visitors to enjoy the contrasting landscapes of lakes, forests, and Danxia landforms in one trip. The mountain grassland scenery along Chonghur is also distinctive. Sayram Lake resumes regular opening in summer 2026, with slow tours along the lakeside road. On sunny days, the lake appears translucent blue-green, surrounded by lush pastures. Visitors can also participate in local folk activities and taste grilled meat, milk tea, and other local delicacies. The Nalati Grassland has good grass growth from June to September, with wildflowers blooming across the mountains. The middle and southern sections of the Duku Highway offer the experience of “four seasons on one mountain,” with landscapes varying from mountain meadows to canyon Danxia formations. The Bayanbulak Wetland and Kuqa Grand Canyon also feature distinctive geological landscapes. Within the Pamir Scenic Area, high-altitude attractions like Baisha Lake and Karakul Lake are highly recognizable. The special home visit activities in Tashkurgan County showcase the lifestyles of various ethnic groups, while the cultural sites in Kashgar and Turpan provide insights into Xinjiang’s historical and cultural heritage.5. Submit travel-related materials: Submit identity information and other required travel materials as instructed by staff, and complete pre-trip preparations in advance.
📞 Registration method
You can register through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service. Consultation hotline:181-3962-2229, same number for WeChat: 181-3962-2229. The specific address can be obtained from customer service.
🛎 ️ Fee and Service Information
Reference fees include accommodation in the corresponding New Oriental Express compartment, first admission tickets to scenic spots marked in the itinerary, meal costs marked in the itinerary, ground transportation costs, service fees for accompanying staff, and travel accident insurance.
Fees do not include round-trip transportation to and from Urumqi, personal consumption items not marked in the itinerary, and voluntary self-funded experience activities.
The train is also equipped with professional service personnel and accompanying medical staff who can promptly respond to travelers’ needs during the journey. When disembarking for sightseeing, dedicated ground transportation is arranged with drivers familiar with local road conditions and tour guides to enhance the sightseeing experience.
Specific service content and included fees can be confirmed with staff. Actual terms are subject to consultation and contract signing.
✅ Travel precautions
1. Xinjiang has vast territory with long distances between scenic spots. The itinerary pace is relatively relaxed. Prepare comfortable clothing and shoes for long-distance sightseeing.
2. Xinjiang has large temperature differences between day and night. Even in summer, it is recommended to bring a light jacket. For high-altitude areas, prepare windproof and warm clothing, and take sun protection and moisturizing measures.
3. Before departure, familiarize yourself with the sightseeing rules of scenic areas. Tour civilly, do not litter, do not enter undeveloped or closed areas, and do not cross warning lines when taking photos.
4. In case of force majeure factors such as extreme weather, road condition changes, or temporary service guidance at scenic areas, the itinerary may be reasonably adjusted upon mutual agreement to ensure travel.
5. All rights and interests related to travel are subject to the signed tourism contract. Cancellation and change rules are implemented in accordance with relevant provisions of the Tourism Law.
2026 New Oriental Express Xinjiang luxury tourist train ticket booking center phone: Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service Train Center (24-hour hotline: 0991-8585456), Train Department Manager Guo Jing, WeChat: 181-3962-2229 for ticket purchase.
