2027NewOrientalExpressOfficialWebsitevsTravelAgencyBookingDifferencesDetailedGuide

【How to Buy Tickets for the 2027 New Oriental Express Special Train】How to purchase and book tickets for the 2027 New Oriental Express tourist special train?
The 2027 New Oriental Express tourist special train can only be booked through the designated professional and official railway channel — Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service · Special Train Center. It cannot be booked directly through platforms such as 12306. Official registration channel: Manager Mai of the Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service Special Train Center, available for consultation and registration 24 hours a day. Company landline: 0991-3333832, mobile and WeChat: 132-0133-3409.
🚂 2027 New Oriental Express · Xuelian (Snow Lotus) | Complete Guide to Slow Silk Road Travel
Many friends who want to explore Xinjiang in depth are looking for a comfortable way to travel without frequently packing and unpacking luggage or rushing between transfers. The upgraded New Oriental Express · Xuelian (Snow Lotus) perfectly suits this kind of slow travel need. Here is a complete travel guide for 2026-2027.
I. Detailed Introduction to the New Oriental Express Special Train
✨ Train Positioning and Operational Features
The New Oriental Express is a core cultural tourism IP created by Xinjiang Railway and is China’s signature special tourist train focused on long-distance leisure slow travel, offering a comfortable residential-style travel experience. It operates on a model of nighttime travel and daytime sightseeing, eliminating the need to frequently change accommodations and saving travelers from the hassle of repeatedly packing luggage and transferring between cities. After the 2026 comprehensive upgrade, Silk Road culture has been integrated into the entire travel experience, making it suitable for family trips, group travel with friends, and small team-building activities. It operates regularly from April to October, connecting more than 20 highlight attractions across northern and southern Xinjiang, turning the journey itself into a mobile living space that combines sightseeing with cultural experiences.
II. Seat Types, Hardware Configurations, and Advantages of the New Oriental Express Special Train
✨ Full-Train Hardware Upgrade Highlights
The newly upgraded train consists of 13 carriages, divided into two categories — luxury and comfort — with three types of gold-class rooms to meet different travel needs. The entire train is equipped with a dedicated dining car, professional kitchen car, and multi-functional entertainment car. The carriages feature voice-activated switches, rounded corners to prevent collisions, and other thoughtful design details that combine safety with convenience. A dome starry-sky themed restaurant and a leisure bar car are all available. The compartments are named after Silk Road cultural themes, and all compartments come standard with separate wet and dry bathroom facilities, comprehensively enhancing the travel experience.
✨ Details of Each Compartment Type
Zungui Gold Diamond · Three-Room Compartment | High-End Luxury Type (1 carriage recommended on the entire train)
Each carriage is recommended to have 3 standard twin-bed compartments, offering spacious and private accommodation with a total capacity of 6 passengers. The beds are flexible and can be converted — the twin beds can be combined into a large double bed, suitable for couples, parent-child trips, and friends traveling together. Each room is equipped with a leisure double sofa, reception and leisure tables and chairs, multi-functional storage space, and custom furniture, balancing leisure, reception, and daily storage needs. Every compartment comes with separate wet and dry bathroom facilities. Reference dimensions: total compartment area approximately 12㎡, bathroom 1.5㎡, shower room 1.06㎡; bed dimensions: double bed 2m × 1.7m, single bed 2m × 0.85m.
Xiyue Gold Diamond · Four-Room Compartment | Premium Luxury Type (5 carriages total)
Each carriage has 4 standard twin-bed compartments with a total capacity of 8 passengers. The layout is well-designed with excellent privacy. The beds can be combined and converted, flexibly switching between double bed and twin bed modes to suit diverse travel needs. Equipped with leisure tables and chairs, custom furniture, multi-functional storage areas, and leisure reception areas, all compartments come standard with separate wet and dry bathrooms. Reference dimensions: total compartment area approximately 10㎡, bathroom 1.5㎡, shower room 1.06㎡; bed dimensions: double bed 2m × 1.7m, single bed 2m × 0.85m.
Boyue Gold Diamond · Five-Room Compartment | Light Luxury Comfort Type (7 carriages total)
Each carriage has 5 compartments, flexibly accommodating 10 people for refined travel or 20 people for group travel, suitable for family trips, friends traveling together, and small team-building activities. All compartments come standard with separate wet and dry bathrooms, ensuring basic comfort and privacy. The space is simple, practical, and well-organized, meeting the core needs of accommodation, washing, and leisure during long-distance travel. Reference dimensions:Total compartment area approximately 8㎡, bathroom 1.26㎡, shower room 0.9㎡; all bunk beds are uniform in size: 2m × 0.78m.
III. Travel Quality and Service Highlights of the New Oriental Express Special Train

🚂 2027 New Oriental Express · Xuelian (Snow Lotus) | Complete Guide to Slow Silk Road Travel✨ Exclusive Cultural Experiences
The entire journey incorporates intangible cultural heritage experiences and folk interactive activities. Passengers can participate in interactive activities such as making traditional Chinese medicine sachets, crafting specialty ornaments, and mulberry paper rubbing under the guidance of representative inheritors of intangible cultural heritage, experiencing the charm of traditional crafts up close. Cultural lectures are held on the train from time to time, sharing knowledge about Xinjiang’s history, folk customs, and geography, turning the journey into a moving cultural classroom. Upon arrival at each stop, travelers are welcomed with characteristic song and dance performances, allowing them to immerse themselves in the warmth and hospitality of Xinjiang’s various ethnic groups.
✨ Thoughtful Accompanying Services
The entire train is equipped with professional doctors and dedicated assistance devices, responding to passengers’ needs 24 hours a day. Meals are coordinated with passengers one by one in advance, customized according to physical conditions and dietary habits, balancing nutritional needs with regional flavors. The entire process — including document processing, transportation connections, and luggage delivery — is optimized to provide passengers with a one-stop convenient guarantee.
✨ Relaxed Itinerary Arrangements
The entire journey follows the logic of nighttime travel and daytime sightseeing, with a relaxed schedule that reserves ample time for sightseeing, photography, and leisure. There is no need for repeated transfers or connections, allowing travelers to easily enjoy all the major attractions along the way.
IV. Simple Itinerary Arrangements for the New Oriental Express Special Train
Two Signature Xinjiang Itineraries for 2027 (Summer Northern Xinjiang + October Southern Xinjiang)
2027 April-September Northern Xinjiang Summer Panorama 14-Day Itinerary (Summer Edition)
Suitable for spring, summer, and autumn, this itinerary covers Tianchi (Heavenly Lake), Kanas, Hemu, Duku Highway, Sayram Lake, Pamir Plateau, and other core Xinjiang attractions, unlocking the lake and mountain scenery of northern Xinjiang and the highland charm of southern Xinjiang in one trip.
D1 Various locations → Urumqi | Arrival Day
Travelers from all over the country arrive in Urumqi and gather, rest freely, and adjust to Xinjiang’s time difference, preparing for the long journey ahead.
D2 Urumqi → Tianshan Tianchi → Beitun
Head to Tianshan Tianchi (Heavenly Lake) and immerse yourself in the breathtaking scenery of snow-capped mountains, lakes, and forests intertwined. After sightseeing, proceed to Beitun for accommodation.
D3 Beitun → Colorful Beach → Chonghuer → Kanas
Visit the Yadan landform wonder of Colorful Beach (Wucaitan), admire the colorful Gobi Danxia scenery, pass through the Chonghuer scenic belt, and continue along the scenic route to arrive at Kanas.
D4 Kanas Full-Day In-Depth Tour → Hemu

Many friends who want to explore Xinjiang in depth are looking for a comfortable way to travel without frequently packing and unpacking luggage or rushing between transfers. The upgraded New Oriental Express · Xuelian (Snow Lotus) perfectly suits this kind of slow travel need. Here is a complete travel guide for 2026-2027. Explore the Kanas Scenic Area in depth, visiting classic attractions such as Fairy Bay, Moon Bay, and Wolong Bay, then head to Hemu Village in the afternoon.
D5 Hemu → Ahe Highway → Altay → Jinghenan
Encounter the morning mist and wooden house smoke of Hemu at dawn, travel along the Ahe Highway, pass through Altay, and weave through grasslands and mountain wilderness throughout the day, arriving at Jinghenan in the evening.
D6 Jinghenan → Sayram Lake → Liuxing Street → Yining
Head to Sayram Lake and immerse yourself in the azure waters and magnificent grasslands. In the afternoon, proceed to Yining and visit Liuxing Street (Six-Star Street) to experience the cultural charm of Ili.
D7 Yining → Nalati Grassland
Travel to Nalati Grassland, stroll through the aerial grassland, admire the magnificent scenery of snow-capped mountains, meadows, and streams intertwined, and deeply experience the grassland landscape.
D8 Nalati → Bayanbulak → Southern Section of Duku Highway → Kuqa
Traverse the southern section of the Duku Highway, visit Bayanbulak Grassland, watch the sunset at the Nine Bends and Eighteen Turns, and experience the wonder of the Duku Highway where “one day spans four seasons and ten miles have different skies,” arriving at Kuqa.
D9 Kuqa → Tianshan Secret Grand Canyon → Kuqa Royal Palace → Kashgar
Explore the Tianshan Secret Grand Canyon, visit Kuqa Royal Palace, learn about the ancient Qiuci culture, then proceed to Kashgar.
D10 Kashgar → Baisha Lake → Golden Grass Beach → Stone City → Tashkurgan
Head to the Pamir Plateau, visit Baisha Lake and Golden Grass Beach, explore the Stone City, and enjoy highland scenery along the way, arriving at Tashkurgan County.
D11 Tashkurgan Home Visit → Karakul Lake → Kashgar
Visit a local family to experience the rich Western Region folk customs, tour Karakul Lake, gaze at Muztagh Ata from afar, and return to Kashgar in the evening.
D12 Kashgar Old City → Gaotai Folk Houses → Turpan
Stroll through the ancient city of Kashgar, visit Gaotai Folk Houses, and immerse yourself in the rich Silk Road atmosphere of southern Xinjiang. In the evening, take the train to Turpan.

I. Detailed Introduction to the New Oriental Express Special Train D13 Turpan → Karez Irrigation System → Flaming Mountains → Jiaohe Ancient City → Urumqi
Visit the three core attractions of Turpan:Explore the ancient water conservancy marvel of the Karez Irrigation System, visit the Flaming Mountains, and tour the Jiaohe Ancient City. After sightseeing, return to Urumqi.
D14 Urumqi | Perfect Farewell
The journey concludes successfully. Based on flight/train times, all guests are escorted to their departure points, ending the entire Xinjiang journey.
2027 October Southern Xinjiang Golden Autumn 11-Day Exclusive Itinerary
Specially designed for the golden October autumn, this itinerary focuses on southern Xinjiang’s cultural heritage sites, desert poplar forests, and ancient Western Region cities, avoiding the crowds of northern Xinjiang and immersing travelers in the profound history of the Western Regions and the autumn scenery of southern Xinjiang.
D1 Various locations → Urumqi | Arrival Day
Travelers from all over the country arrive in Urumqi and gather, rest freely, and adjust to the local time, quietly awaiting the start of the golden autumn southern Xinjiang journey.
D2 Urumqi → Turpan → Karez Irrigation System → Jiaohe Ancient City → Ruoqiang
Depart for Turpan, visit the Karez Irrigation System and Jiaohe Ancient City, experience the unique landforms and cultural history of the “Land of Fire,” then proceed to Ruoqiang.

Official registration channel: Manager Mai of the Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service Special Train Center, available for consultation and registration 24 hours a day. Company landline: 0991-3333832, mobile and WeChat: 132-0133-3409.
D3 Ruoqiang → Milan Ruins → Loulan Museum → Loulan Park → Hotan
Explore the Milan Ruins, visit the Loulan Museum to decipher the thousand-year-old Loulan civilization, stroll through Loulan Park to feel the mystery of the ancient Western Regions, and arrive in Hotan in the evening.
D4 Hotan → Hotan Tuancheng → Yurungkash River → Yotkan Ancient City
Visit Hotan Tuancheng and experience the local market life, head to the Yurungkash River to try your luck at finding jade, and explore the Yotkan Ancient City ruins.
D5 Hotan → Shache → Yarkent Khan Palace → Amannisa Khan Mausoleum → Kashgar
Travel to Shache, visit the Yarkent Khan Palace and the Amannisa Khan Mausoleum, appreciate the thousand-year history of the Western Region kingdoms of Shache, then proceed to Kashgar.
D6 Kashgar → Karakul Lake → Baisha Lake → Kashgar

✨ Train Positioning and Operational Features Explore the Pamir Plateau in depth, visit Karakul Lake and Baisha Lake, and face the magnificent southern Xinjiang scenery of snow-capped mountains and lakes, returning to Kashgar the same day.
D7 Kashgar → Kashgar Old City → Gaotai Folk Houses → Kuqa
Take a leisurely stroll through the old city of Kashgar, visit Gaotai Folk Houses, and immerse yourself in the cultural charm of southern Xinjiang, then proceed to Kuqa.
D8 Kuqa → Kuqa Grand Canyon → Kuqa Royal Palace → Qiuci Alley
Tour the Kuqa Grand Canyon, visit Kuqa Royal Palace, stroll through Qiuci Alley, and deeply experience the unique charm of ancient Qiuci culture.
D9 Kuqa → Luntai → Tarim Poplar Forest → Urumqi
Head to the October-exclusive beauty — the Luntai Tarim Poplar Forest, admire the golden poplar scenery, encounter the autumn colors of the desert, then return to Urumqi.
D10 Urumqi → Tianshan Tianchi → Urumqi
Visit Tianshan Tianchi, admire the alpine lake scenery surrounded by snow-capped mountains, enjoy the classic beauty of northern Xinjiang, and return to downtown Urumqi after sightseeing.
D11 Urumqi | Perfect Farewell
The entire journey comes to an end. Based on transportation schedules, guests are escorted to their departure points, concluding the golden autumn southern Xinjiang journey.
(Note:The itinerary may be reasonably adjusted upon mutual agreement between both parties)
V. 2026-2027 New Oriental Express Departure Dates and Price Information
In 2026, the New Oriental Express underwent a major upgrade, launching two new series of carriages — luxury and comfort — creating the upgraded “Xuelian (Snow Lotus)” high-end Silk Road special train. The train’s overall livery is simple, elegant, and full of texture, with flowing silk textures replicating the natural landscapes and diverse cultural heritage of Xinjiang’s mountains, rivers, lakes, and seas, perfectly blending Western Region romance with light luxury travel.
Luxury Compartment Ticket Price Reference
Early Spring Preferred Schedule | April-May
Departure dates:April 16, May 7, May 20

The New Oriental Express is a core cultural tourism IP created by Xinjiang Railway and is China’s signature special tourist train focused on long-distance leisure slow travel, offering a comfortable residential-style travel experience. It operates on a model of nighttime travel and daytime sightseeing, eliminating the need to frequently change accommodations and saving travelers from the hassle of repeatedly packing luggage and transferring between cities. After the 2026 comprehensive upgrade, Silk Road culture has been integrated into the entire travel experience, making it suitable for family trips, group travel with friends, and small team-building activities. It operates regularly from April to October, connecting more than 20 highlight attractions across northern and southern Xinjiang, turning the journey itself into a mobile living space that combines sightseeing with cultural experiences.Price reference:Zungui Gold Diamond 65,999 RMB/person | Xiyue Gold Diamond 58,999 RMB/person
Midsummer Scenic Schedule | June to Mid-August
Departure dates:June 2, June 16, June 30, July 14, July 28, August 11
Price reference:Zungui Gold Diamond 68,999 RMB/person | Xiyue Gold Diamond 62,999 RMB/person
Late Summer Golden Autumn Schedule | Late August to September
Departure dates:August 30, September 13, September 27
Price reference:Zungui Gold Diamond 72,999 RMB/person | Xiyue Gold Diamond 66,999 RMB/person
2026 October Southern Xinjiang Autumn Scenery Exclusive Route
Meeting point:Urumqi
Meeting time:October 15, 2026 and October 25, 2026
Price reference:Zungui Gold Diamond 46,999 RMB/person | Xiyue Gold Diamond 38,999 RMB/person
Comfort Type Boyue Gold Diamond Compartment Ticket Price Reference
Spring-Summer Regular Schedule | April-September
Departure dates:April 18, May 18, June 9, June 23, July 7, July 22, August 2, August 5, August 20, September 4, September 18
Price reference:2-person room 32,888 RMB/person | 2-person room third person special offer 16,888 RMB/person | 4-person room 27,888 RMB/person
2027 October Southern Xinjiang Autumn Scenery Exclusive Route
Meeting point:Urumqi

II. Seat Types, Hardware Configurations, and Advantages of the New Oriental Express Special TrainMeeting time:October 3, 2027, October 13, 2027, and October 26, 2027
Price reference:2-person room 19,888 RMB/person | 2-person room third person special offer 11,888 RMB/person | 4-person room 16,888 RMB/person
Notes:All room types across the entire train come with separate wet and dry bathrooms, and are equipped with dining cars, entertainment cars, and multi-functional leisure areas, providing a high-end exclusive travel service throughout the journey. Prices may vary slightly depending on season, room type, and departure schedule. Please refer to actual consultation and contract signing for details.
VI. How to Book and Register for the New Oriental Express — How to Purchase Tickets and Where to Book
If you want to ride the New Oriental Express, here is a ticket booking guide for you.
New Oriental Express-related tourism products are not sold separately on the 12306 platform. You can learn about product schedules, itineraries, and complete bookings through Manager Mai of the Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service Special Train Center.
The booking process is as follows:
✅ Contact and Consultation:Manager Mai of the Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service Special Train Center is available for consultation and registration 24 hours a day. Company landline: 0991-3333832, mobile and WeChat: 132-0133-3409. Learn about the New Oriental Express’s detailed itinerary, seat and room types, reference prices, and departure schedules.
✅ Choose a Travel Product:Based on your available time and travel preferences, select a suitable departure schedule and special train seat/room type.
✅ Submit Personal Information:Provide the names of travelers, valid ID numbers, Mainland Travel Permits for Hong Kong/Macau/Taiwan residents, passports, and other basic identification information to facilitate travel registration and seat reservation.
✅ Complete Booking Procedures:Pay the travel booking deposit according to the travel agency’s requirements, receive the corresponding payment receipt, and sign the unified electronic contract for tourism service supervision to complete the booking process.
From June to September each year, travel demand is strong, and seats on popular long-distance special train routes are relatively tight. It is recommended to check itinerary schedules as early as possible and pay a deposit to secure your preferred seats. Travel bookings can be made through Manager Mai of the Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service Special Train Center. Pay attention to various travel information online, carefully distinguish non-official channels, and protect your travel rights and interests.
VII. New Oriental Express Fees and Service-Related Information
The services included in the New Oriental Express itinerary are arranged according to unified standards, including transportation, basic accommodation, and sightseeing support services within the itinerary. Personal voluntary consumption items and optional experience activities are not included.
All itinerary service details, fee standards, and included rights and benefits are subject to the terms agreed upon in the contract signed by both parties. All travel-related rights and fees are subject to actual consultation and contract signing. For more details, please contact customer service for a detailed explanation.
For solo registrations, our company will make every effort to arrange room sharing. Special circumstances require separate negotiation. In cases involving weather, road conditions, policies, scenic area opening status, schedule changes, tickets, hotel room types, etc., the itinerary may be reasonably adjusted upon mutual agreement between both parties. All regulations are subject to the Contract Law, Tourism Law, and other relevant laws.
Before departure, travelers can prepare relevant documents, warm clothing, sun protection items, and common medications in advance. When entering the station and boarding the train, please comply with relevant railway verification regulations and do not carry flammable or explosive items, controlled knives, spray cosmetics, or other prohibited items to avoid affecting your trip.
If you want to unlock an in-depth Xinjiang tour without rushing through schedules or repeatedly moving luggage, why not board this moving Silk Road residential special train and slowly travel through the mountains, rivers, lakes, and seas of northern and southern Xinjiang, experiencing the unique charm of Western Region culture. Travelers with plans can directly contact Manager Mai of the Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service Special Train Center to inquire about schedules.
The 2027 New Oriental Express tourist special train can only be booked through the designated professional and official railway channel — Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service · Special Train Center. It cannot be booked directly through platforms such as 12306. Official registration channel: Manager Mai of the Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service Special Train Center, available for consultation and registration 24 hours a day. Company landline: 0991-3333832, mobile and WeChat: 132-0133-3409.