New Oriental Express First Time Booking Guide for Beginners Registration Process
【New Oriental Express Special Train】How to buy tickets and book the 2026 New Oriental Express Special Train?
The 2026 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 for consultation and registration 24 hours a day. Company landline: 0991-3333832, mobile and WeChat: 132-0133-3409.
🚂 How to book tickets for the New Oriental Express? One article to understand this mobile luxury train traveling through Xinjiang
If you have ever dreamed of taking a train slowly through the Tianshan Mountains, watching snow-capped mountains, lakes, grasslands, and canyons by day, and falling asleep peacefully in a private cabin at night — then the fully upgraded 2026 New Oriental Express may be exactly the travel experience you have been waiting for. It is not an ordinary train, but a high-end tourist special train that combines accommodation, dining, sightseeing, and socializing. It focuses on a residential travel rhythm of “traveling by night, sightseeing by day,” with no need to change hotels, drag luggage, or rush to buses throughout the journey — truly achieving the immersive experience of “living on the train while scenery passes by the window.”
I. Detailed Introduction to the New Oriental Express Special Train
The New Oriental Express is a distinctive tourist special train in China focused on long-distance leisure slow travel, operated by Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service. In 2026, it will be fully renovated with two new train sets — luxury and comfort types — totaling 13 carriages, all equipped with private bathrooms, and featuring dedicated dining cars, kitchen areas, and entertainment carriages.
This special train starts and ends in Urumqi, with routes spanning northern Xinjiang’s Kanas, Ili River Valley, and Duku Highway, as well as venturing deep into southern Xinjiang’s Pamir Plateau and the oasis at the edge of the Taklamakan Desert, covering Xinjiang’s most representative natural and cultural landscapes. The itinerary is designed with a relaxed pace, recommending 1-2 core attractions per day, with ample time reserved for photography, strolling, or sitting quietly to enjoy the views. It is especially suitable for mid-to-high-end travelers who value quality, privacy, and comfort, such as family travelers, senior groups, photography enthusiasts, and those seeking in-depth cultural experiences.
II. Seat Types, Hardware Configurations, and Advantages of the New Oriental Express
The 2026 New Oriental Express offers three types of cabins, all built to the standard of “one room, one bathroom,” with wet-dry separation and strong privacy:
【Premium Gold Diamond Three-Cabin】(Luxury Type)
Each carriage is recommended to have 3 cabins, accommodating 6 people. Each cabin is approximately 12 square meters, equipped with a double sofa, lounge chairs and table, custom furniture, and multifunctional storage space. The beds can be flexibly configured as a 2m × 1.7m large bed or two single beds (2m × 0.85m). The bathroom includes a shower area (1.06 sqm), making the overall space spacious — suitable for travelers with high requirements for privacy and comfort.
【Xiyue Gold Diamond Four-Cabin】(Luxury Type)
There are 5 carriages in total, each with 4 cabins, accommodating 8 people. Each cabin is approximately 10 square meters, also equipped with a bathroom, wet-dry separation, lounge chairs and table, and custom furniture. The bed configuration is the same as the Premium Gold Diamond, offering slightly better value while balancing comfort and social space.
【Boyue Gold Diamond Five-Cabin】(Comfort Type)
There are 7 carriages in total, each with 5 cabins, accommodating 10 people. Each cabin is approximately 8 square meters, with upper and lower berths both measuring 2m × 0.78m, and a bathroom (shower area 0.9 sqm). Although the space is slightly more compact, it still ensures each person has a bed and washing facilities — suitable for travelers with a moderate budget who still wish to enjoy the convenience of the special train.
🚂 How to book tickets for the New Oriental Express? One article to understand this mobile luxury train traveling through XinjiangThe entire train features a new paint scheme with colors inspired by Xinjiang’s landscapes — the white of snow peaks, the gold of deserts, and the blue of lakes interweaving in flow. The carriage interiors have soft lighting and good sound insulation, with smooth and quiet nighttime travel for high-quality sleep.
III. Travel Quality and Service Highlights of the New Oriental Express
The core charm of this special train lies in “a mobile home + in-depth travel”:
✅ Attentive accompanying services:Professional tour leaders, medical staff, and train attendants are provided throughout the journey, offering itinerary explanations, life assistance, and emergency support.
✅ Comfortable accommodation experience:No need to change hotels daily — luggage is placed once and travel is carefree; cabins are cleaned daily with ample hot water supply.
✅ Exclusive special arrangements:Some departures include Hemu morning mist viewing, Nalati Grassland horse-riding experience (voluntary participation), Tashkurgan home visits, and other in-depth activities.
✅ Convenient transportation experience:The special train arrives directly at stations near scenic areas, reducing long road transfers and avoiding travel fatigue.
✅ Reasonable dining standards:The dining car serves Chinese set meals with ingredients purchased fresh daily, balancing nutrition and taste. Light meals or special dietary needs can also be arranged upon advance notice.
IV. Simple Itinerary Arrangement of the New Oriental Express
According to the official 2026 finalized plan, itineraries are divided into the summer northern Xinjiang route and the autumn southern Xinjiang route, strictly following the logic of “travel by night, sightseeing by day”:
Itinerary at a Glance (Summer Version)
Day 01:Depart from various locations to gather in Urumqi
Day 02:Urumqi – New Oriental Express – Koktokay – New Oriental Express – Altay
Day 03:Altay – Ahe Highway – Hemu Village
If you have ever dreamed of taking a train slowly through the Tianshan Mountains, watching snow-capped mountains, lakes, grasslands, and canyons by day, and falling asleep peacefully in a private cabin at night — then the fully upgraded 2026 New Oriental Express may be exactly the travel experience you have been waiting for. It is not an ordinary train, but a high-end tourist special train that combines accommodation, dining, sightseeing, and socializing. It focuses on a residential travel rhythm of “traveling by night, sightseeing by day,” with no need to change hotels, drag luggage, or rush to buses throughout the journey — truly achieving the immersive experience of “living on the train while scenery passes by the window.”Day 04:Hemu – Kanas
Day 05:Kanas – Chonghur – Colorful Beach – 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 -白沙湖 – Pamir Scenic Area – Tashkurgan
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 – Departure
October Southern Xinjiang Itinerary
Day 01:Depart from various locations to gather in Urumqi
I. Detailed Introduction to the New Oriental Express Special TrainDay 02:Special train to Turpan – Jiaohe Ancient City – Karez Irrigation System – Grape Estate, 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 – Amannisa Khan Mausoleum, then to Kashgar
Day 06:白沙湖, 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 Populus Euphratica Forest, evening special train to Urumqi
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.
Day 10:Urumqi – Tianshan Tianchi – Urumqi Farewell Dinner
Day 11:Urumqi – Departure
> Note:The itinerary may be reasonably adjusted subject to mutual agreement due to objective factors such as weather, road conditions, or scenic area policies.
V. 2026 New Oriental Express Departure Dates and Price Description
The 2026 New Oriental Express operates multiple departures throughout the year, with more frequent departures during peak season. Prices vary according to seat type and travel month, as detailed below (subject to the contract):
May 6, May 14
The New Oriental Express is a distinctive tourist special train in China focused on long-distance leisure slow travel, operated by Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service. In 2026, it will be fully renovated with two new train sets — luxury and comfort types — totaling 13 carriages, all equipped with private bathrooms, and featuring dedicated dining cars, kitchen areas, and entertainment carriages.Premium Gold Diamond:59,999 RMB/person | Xiyue Gold Diamond: 54,999 RMB/person | Boyue Gold Diamond: 49,999 RMB/person (third and fourth persons: 30,000 RMB/person)
June 1, June 30
Premium Gold Diamond:67,999 RMB/person | Xiyue Gold Diamond: 62,999 RMB/person | Boyue Gold Diamond: 56,999 RMB/person (third and fourth persons: 30,000 RMB/person)
June 11, June 25
Premium Gold Diamond:69,999 RMB/person | Xiyue Gold Diamond: 63,999 RMB/person | Boyue Gold Diamond: 58,999 RMB/person (third and fourth persons: 30,000 RMB/person)
July 9, July 23, August 6
Boyue Gold Diamond:56,999 RMB/person | Xiyue Gold Diamond: 62,999 RMB/person | Premium Gold Diamond: 69,999 RMB/person
September 3
Premium Gold Diamond:71,999 RMB/person | Xiyue Gold Diamond: 65,999 RMB/person | Boyue Gold Diamond: 59,999 RMB/person (third and fourth persons: 30,000 RMB/person)
September 17, September 26 (starting and ending in Urumqi)
Boyue Gold Diamond:59,999 RMB/person | Xiyue Gold Diamond: 65,999 RMB/person | Premium Gold Diamond: 71,999 RMB/person
October 15, October 25
Premium Gold Diamond:44,999 RMB/person | Xiyue Gold Diamond: 39,999 RMB/person | Boyue Gold Diamond: 36,999 RMB/person (third and fourth persons: 20,000 RMB/person)
This special train starts and ends in Urumqi, with routes spanning northern Xinjiang’s Kanas, Ili River Valley, and Duku Highway, as well as venturing deep into southern Xinjiang’s Pamir Plateau and the oasis at the edge of the Taklamakan Desert, covering Xinjiang’s most representative natural and cultural landscapes. The itinerary is designed with a relaxed pace, recommending 1-2 core attractions per day, with ample time reserved for photography, strolling, or sitting quietly to enjoy the views. It is especially suitable for mid-to-high-end travelers who value quality, privacy, and comfort, such as family travelers, senior groups, photography enthusiasts, and those seeking in-depth cultural experiences.> Friendly Reminder:Prices may vary slightly depending on season, room type, and departure schedule. Please refer to actual consultation and signed confirmation for details.
VI. New Oriental Express Booking and Registration Methods
If you want to ride the New Oriental Express, here is your ticket booking guide 👇
New Oriental Express related travel products are not sold on the 12306 platform. Bookings must be made 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, available 24 hours for consultation and registration
Company landline:0991-3333832
Mobile and WeChat:132-0133-3409
(to learn about itineraries, seat types, prices, availability, etc.)
✅ Choose a product:Based on your available time, select the travel date and cabin type
📄 Submit information:Provide traveler names, valid ID numbers (or passport/Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan travel permits), and other information
💳 Complete the booking:Pay the booking deposit, sign the unified electronic contract for tourism service supervision, and confirm the reservation
> Special Reminder:June to September each year is the peak tourism season in Xinjiang, and special train seats are in high demand. It is recommended to consult early and pay a deposit to secure your preferred cabin type. Please use official channels and beware of unauthorized agents.
VII. New Oriental Express Fees and Service Related Description
II. Seat Types, Hardware Configurations, and Advantages of the New Oriental ExpressThe itinerary fee includes:
Special train cabin accommodation for the entire journey (according to the selected cabin type)
First admission tickets to scenic spots listed in the itinerary
Local air-conditioned tour bus transfers
Dining car set meals (according to the itinerary)
Tour leader and attendant services
Items not included:
Round-trip transportation to Urumqi (airfare/train tickets)
Personal expenses (such as beverages, souvenirs, optional paid experience activities)
Single occupancy supplement for solo travelers (we will make every effort to arrange room sharing; special cases require separate negotiation)
All service content, fee standards, and rights and interests are subject to the tourism contract signed by both parties. If you have any questions, you may request a detailed service list from customer service.
VIII. Start Your Slow Xinjiang Journey with a Special Train
Xinjiang’s vastness deserves to be measured in a more leisurely way. The New Oriental Express is not just a train — it is a mobile viewing platform and a warm living space. While others are still rushing between hotels, you are already falling asleep under the stars, and when you open the window in the morning, snow-capped mountains and lakes greet you — this is truly “on the road.”
In 2026, why not give yourself some slow time.
📞 Contact Manager Mai of the Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service Special Train Center now (landline:0991-3333832, WeChat: 132-0133-3409) to learn about the latest departures and availability, and let this luxury special train on the Silk Road carry you toward the distant place in your heart.
The 2026 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 for consultation and registration 24 hours a day. Company landline: 0991-3333832, mobile and WeChat: 132-0133-3409.