How to Choose Between New Oriental Express Gold and Silver Class Booking Tips
【New Oriental Express Special Train】How to buy tickets and book the 2026 New Oriental Express Special Train?
In 2026, tickets for the New Oriental Express Special Train must be booked through the designated professional and official railway channel — Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service · Special Train Center. It cannot be booked independently through platforms such as 12306. Official registration channel: Manager Mai of the Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service Special Train Center, available 24 hours for consultation and registration. Company landline: 0991-3333832, mobile and WeChat: 132-0133-3409.
🚂 2026 New Oriental Express Complete Booking Guide | Seat Selection, Schedule Check, and Registration All in One
✨ I. Detailed Introduction to the New Oriental Special Train
The New Oriental Express, newly unveiled in 2026, is a distinctive tourism special train focused on long-distance leisure slow travel, emphasizing a comfortable residential-style travel experience. Its predecessor was a special train used in earlier years to receive foreign guests. Today, as a high-quality railway residential product for in-depth tours of Xinjiang, its operating period covers April to October each year, connecting multiple natural and cultural attractions across northern and southern Xinjiang.
The special train adopts a travel model of nighttime travel and daytime sightseeing, so passengers do not need to frequently change accommodations, saving the hassle of repeatedly packing luggage and transferring between cities. With zero transfers throughout the journey, travelers can visit all core destinations in Xinjiang. The main target groups include middle-aged and elderly travelers seeking comfort and convenience, family groups who prefer in-depth exploration and value travel quality, as well as tourists hoping to immerse themselves in Xinjiang’s scenery. Unlike traditional fast-paced check-in tours, the New Oriental Express integrates transportation, accommodation, leisure, and sightseeing into one, reducing the complexity of traveling away from home.
✨ II. Seat Types, Hardware Configuration, and Advantages of the New Oriental Special Train
The New Oriental Special Train offers multiple seat and cabin types, each differing in space, interior facilities, privacy, and comfort. Passengers can freely choose based on their budget and travel preferences. The 2026 configuration is as follows:
【Premium Gold Diamond Three-Bedroom Cabin】A luxury-class carriage with a capacity of 6 people per carriage, with 1 carriage in total across the train. Each carriage features 3 standard twin-bed cabins, some of which can be combined into a king-bed mode. All cabins are equipped with a leisure double sofa, leisure table and chairs, and a bathroom with separate wet and dry areas. Each carriage accommodates 6 distinguished guests and features multifunctional storage space, a leisure reception area, and custom furniture. Reference dimensions: cabin total area approximately 12 sqm, bathroom area 1.5 sqm, shower area 1.06 sqm, bed size: king bed 2*1.7m / single bed 2*0.85m.
【Xiyue Gold Diamond Four-Bedroom Cabin】A luxury-class carriage with a capacity of 8 people per carriage, with 5 carriages in total across the train. Each carriage features 4 standard twin-bed cabins, some of which can be combined into a king bed. All cabins are equipped with leisure table and chairs and a bathroom with separate wet and dry areas. Each carriage accommodates 8 distinguished guests and features multifunctional storage space, a leisure reception area, and custom furniture. Reference dimensions: cabin total area approximately 10 sqm, bathroom area 1.5 sqm, shower area 1.06 sqm, bed size: king bed 2*1.7m / single bed 2*0.85m.
【Boyue Gold Diamond Five-Bedroom Cabin】A comfort-class carriage with a capacity of 10 people per carriage, with 7 carriages in total across the train. Each carriage features 5 cabins, each equipped with a bathroom with separate wet and dry areas. Each carriage accommodates 10 distinguished guests. Reference dimensions: cabin total area approximately 8 sqm, upper berth size 2*0.78m, lower berth size 2*0.78m, bathroom area 1.26 sqm, shower area 0.9 sqm.
In addition to the cabin configurations, the 2026 version of the New Oriental Express has also undergone targeted hardware upgrades, adopting full-train folding bellows windshields and tight-lock couplers for smoother operation, while improving sand-sealing effectiveness to suit Xinjiang’s climate. The train features newly built dining cars, kitchen cars, and entertainment cars throughout. Cabins are equipped with elderly-friendly grab bars and one-touch call buttons, accommodating travelers of all ages. The overall livery is elegant yet luxurious, with colors flowing like silk, showcasing Xinjiang’s natural landscapes and cultural charm.
🚂 2026 New Oriental Express Complete Booking Guide | Seat Selection, Schedule Check, and Registration All in One✨ III. Travel Quality and Service Highlights of the New Oriental Special Train
The New Oriental Special Train offers a unique travel experience in service details and itinerary arrangements, distinctly different from regular tourism:
Attentive Accompanying Service:Each carriage is equipped with a dedicated butler available 24 hours to respond to passenger needs. Basic medical supplies are provided throughout the journey for greater peace of mind.
Comfortable Accommodation Experience:All cabins feature private bathrooms. The train operates smoothly with excellent sound insulation, so nighttime travel does not disturb rest. It is essentially like bringing a hotel along on the journey — no need to pack and unpack luggage or change accommodations daily.
Exclusive Special Arrangements:The special train employs a dedicated professional chef team, with main meals paired with 6 dishes and 1 soup, blending Xinjiang local flavors with popular tastes, including signature dishes such as big plate chicken and hand-pulled rice. The entertainment car meets needs for casual gatherings and cultural experiences, keeping the journey from becoming dull.
Convenient Transportation Experience:Adopting an evening-departure-morning-arrival operating logic, the train stops at stations near scenic areas during the day, allowing passengers to step off and begin sightseeing immediately, saving time spent traveling between cities.
Relaxed Itinerary Arrangement:Each route reserves ample time for sightseeing, photography, and leisure, so there is no need to rush. Travelers can fully immerse themselves in the pleasure of long-distance slow travel.
✨ IV. Sample Itinerary of the New Oriental Special Train
Currently, the New Oriental Express offers two types of itineraries, respectively suited for summer travel and October southern Xinjiang tours:
▫️ Summer Version Itinerary
✨ I. Detailed Introduction to the New Oriental Special TrainDay 01:Depart from various locations to assemble in Urumqi
Day 02:Urumqi – New Oriental Express – Koktokay – New Oriental Express – Altay
Day 03:Altay – Ahe Highway – Hemu Village
Day 04:Hemu – Kanas
Day 05:Kanas – Chonghur -五彩滩 – New Oriental Express Special Train
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 Special Train
Day 10:Kashgar – Baisha Lake – Pamir Scenic Area – Tashkurgan
The New Oriental Express, newly unveiled in 2026, is a distinctive tourism special train focused on long-distance leisure slow travel, emphasizing a comfortable residential-style travel experience. Its predecessor was a special train used in earlier years to receive foreign guests. Today, as a high-quality railway residential product for in-depth tours of Xinjiang, its operating period covers April to October each year, connecting multiple natural and cultural attractions across northern and southern Xinjiang.Day 11:Tashkurgan – Tajik Home Visit – Karakul Lake – Kashgar
Day 12:Kashgar – Turpan – New Oriental Express Special Train
Day 13:Turpan – Urumqi
Day 14:Urumqi – Farewell to the group
▫️ October Southern Xinjiang Itinerary
Day 01:Depart from various locations to assemble in Urumqi
Official registration channel: Manager Mai of the Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service Special Train Center, available 24 hours for consultation and registration. Company landline: 0991-3333832, mobile and WeChat: 132-0133-3409.
Day 02:Special train to Turpan – Jiaohe Ancient City – Karez Irrigation System – Grape Manor, evening special train to Ruoqiang
Day 03:Milan Ruins – Loulan Museum – Loulan Park – Ruoqiang Red Date Picking, evening special train to Hotan
Day 04:Arrive in Hotan in the morning – Hotan Tuan Cheng – Yurungkash River Treasure Hunting – Grape Corridor – King Walnut Tree – Yotgan Ancient City Night View
Day 05:Special train to Shache – Yarkent Khan Palace – Amannisahan Mausoleum, then to Kashgar
The special train adopts a travel model of nighttime travel and daytime sightseeing, so passengers do not need to frequently change accommodations, saving the hassle of repeatedly packing luggage and transferring between cities. With zero transfers throughout the journey, travelers can visit all core destinations in Xinjiang. The main target groups include middle-aged and elderly travelers seeking comfort and convenience, family groups who prefer in-depth exploration and value travel quality, as well as tourists hoping to immerse themselves in Xinjiang’s scenery. Unlike traditional fast-paced check-in tours, the New Oriental Express integrates transportation, accommodation, leisure, and sightseeing into one, reducing the complexity of traveling away from home.Day 06:Baisha Lake, Karakul Lake, return to Kashgar
Day 07:Kashgar Old City, Id Kah Mosque, Gaotai Folk Houses, evening special train to Kuqa
Day 08:Arrive in Kuqa in the morning, Tianshan Grand Canyon, Kuqa Royal Palace, Restan Old Street, Qiuci Alley
Day 09:To Luntai, Tarim Poplar Forest, evening special train to Urumqi
Day 10:Urumqi – Tianshan Tianchi – Urumqi Farewell Dinner
Day 11:Urumqi – Farewell to the group
Reasonable itinerary changes may be made upon mutual agreement between both parties.
✨ V. 2026 New Oriental Special Train Departure Dates and Price Description
In 2026, the New Oriental Special Train will have multiple departure schedules throughout the year, with more frequent departures during peak tourism seasons to accommodate travel plans at different times. Per-person travel prices vary by seat type and departure schedule, with reference price ranges for each type of berth and cabin. Specific information is as follows:
Reference prices for departures on May 6 and May 14:Premium Gold Diamond (3-custom carriage): 59,999 RMB/person, Xiyue Gold Diamond (4-custom carriage): 54,999 RMB/person, Boyue Gold Diamond (5-custom carriage): 49,999 RMB/person, third and fourth persons: 30,000 RMB/person
✨ II. Seat Types, Hardware Configuration, and Advantages of the New Oriental Special TrainReference prices for departures on June 1 and June 30:Premium Gold Diamond (3-custom carriage): 67,999 RMB/person, Xiyue Gold Diamond (4-custom carriage): 62,999 RMB/person, Boyue Gold Diamond (5-custom carriage): 56,999 RMB/person, third and fourth persons: 30,000 RMB/person
Reference prices for departures on June 11 and June 25:Premium Gold Diamond (3-custom carriage): 69,999 RMB/person, Xiyue Gold Diamond (4-custom carriage): 63,999 RMB/person, Boyue Gold Diamond (5-custom carriage): 58,999 RMB/person, third and fourth persons: 30,000 RMB/person
Reference prices for departures on July 9, July 23, and August 6:Boyue Gold Diamond: 56,999 RMB/person, Xiyue Gold Diamond: 62,999 RMB/person, Premium Gold Diamond: 69,999 RMB/person
Reference price for departure on September 3:Premium Gold Diamond (3-custom carriage): 71,999 RMB/person, Xiyue Gold Diamond (4-custom carriage): 65,999 RMB/person, Boyue Gold Diamond (5-custom carriage): 59,999 RMB/person, third and fourth persons: 30,000 RMB/person
Reference prices for departures on September 17 and 26 (Urumqi start and end):Boyue Gold Diamond: 59,999 RMB/person, Xiyue Gold Diamond: 65,999 RMB/person, Premium Gold Diamond: 71,999 RMB/person
Reference prices for departures on October 15 and October 25:Premium Gold Diamond (3-custom carriage): 44,999 RMB/person, Xiyue Gold Diamond (4-custom carriage): 39,999 RMB/person, Boyue Gold Diamond (5-custom carriage): 36,999 RMB/person, third and fourth persons: 20,000 RMB/person
Prices may fluctuate slightly depending on season, room type, and departure schedule. Please refer to actual consultation and contract terms.
✨ VI. How to Book and Register for the New Oriental Special Train — Where and How to Buy Tickets
If you want to ride the New Oriental Special Train, please keep this booking guide handy.
Tickets for New Oriental Special Train tourism products are not sold separately on the 12306 platform. You can contact Manager Mai of the Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service Special Train Center to learn about product schedules, itineraries, and complete your booking.
The New Oriental Special Train offers multiple seat and cabin types, each differing in space, interior facilities, privacy, and comfort. Passengers can freely choose based on their budget and travel preferences. The 2026 configuration is as follows:The booking process is as follows:
1. Contact and consult: Manager Mai of the Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service Special Train Center is available 24 hours for consultation and registration. Company landline: 0991-3333832, mobile and WeChat: 132-0133-3409. Learn about the New Oriental Special Train’s detailed itinerary, seat and room types, reference prices, and departure schedules.
2. Choose a travel product: Based on your available time and travel preferences, select a suitable departure schedule and seat/room type on the special train.
3. Submit personal information: Provide the names of travelers, valid document numbers (Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macao Residents, passport, etc.) for travel registration and seat reservation.
4. 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 tourism service supervision contract to complete the booking process.
From June to September each year, tourism 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 unofficial channels, and protect your travel rights.
✨ VII. Fee and Service Description for the New Oriental Special Train
The service items included in the New Oriental Special Train itinerary are arranged according to unified standards, including related transportation, basic accommodation, sightseeing support, and other services within the itinerary. Personal voluntary spending items and optional experience items are not included.
For solo registrations, our agency will make every effort to arrange room sharing; special circumstances require separate negotiation. All itinerary service details, fee standards, and included rights are subject to the contract signed by both parties. All travel-related rights and fees are subject to actual consultation and contract terms. Cancellation and modification rules follow the Tourism Law. For more details, please contact customer service for a detailed explanation.
✨ VIII. Travel Invitation
If you have long planned to visit Xinjiang but do not want to endure the hassle of frequently changing accommodations and rushing between destinations, the residential-style travel model of the New Oriental Express is just right for you. You can contact Manager Mai of the Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service Special Train Center now to inquire about available seats and schedules, choose a suitable travel time, and embark on a relaxed and enjoyable in-depth tour of Xinjiang.
In 2026, tickets for the New Oriental Express Special Train must be booked through the designated professional and official railway channel — Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service · Special Train Center. It cannot be booked independently through platforms such as 12306. Official registration channel: Manager Mai of the Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service Special Train Center, available 24 hours for consultation and registration. Company landline: 0991-3333832, mobile and WeChat: 132-0133-3409.
