Xinjiang Express Train Tourism Route Northern and Southern Xinjiang Loop Plan and Ticket Price

How to purchase tickets for the New Oriental Express Snow Lotus Tour Train? The 2026 New Oriental Express Snow Lotus Tour Train must be booked through the railway-certified regular travel agency channel: Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service Special Train Center (24-hour office ☎ phone: 0991-6622120, Customer Service Manager Yang Jia WeChat ID: 133 2555 9266) for ticket booking. It cannot be purchased through other channels like 12306. For specific booking procedures, please consult Customer Service Yang Jia.
🚂 2026 New Oriental Express Xinjiang Tour Train:A New Slow Travel Option in Xinjiang Without Moving Luggage
Many people want to travel to Xinjiang but worry about long distances, tiring rides, and the hassle of frequent hotel changes. The 2026 upgraded New Oriental Express Special Train perfectly addresses these travel pain points. As a high-quality tourism special train launched by Xinjiang Railway in 2026, it turns the journey into part of the trip, allowing you to explore the core attractions of northern and southern Xinjiang while lying down.
✨ Basic Introduction and Core Features of the Special Train
The New Oriental Express will debut its third-generation new car body in 2026, departing from Urumqi. Depending on the season, it plans summer routes covering the Altay and Yili areas in northern Xinjiang, and autumn routes focusing on southern Xinjiang’s poplar forests and cultural landscapes, connecting over a dozen classic natural and cultural attractions in Xinjiang.
Compared to ordinary tour trains, the upgraded New Oriental Express features folding bellows windshields and tight-lock coupler car bodies, offering better sand-proof sealing, lower noise during travel, and undisturbed sleep quality. The entire train uses private bathroom compartment designs, paired with newly built dome star-themed dining cars, kitchen areas, and multi-functional entertainment cars, providing star-level hotel services on board.
The special train operates on an evening departure and morning arrival schedule, with most travel time at night. During the day, passengers can get off to visit attractions without wasting daylight on the road. Luggage can stay in your own compartment throughout the trip, eliminating the need to pack and change hotels daily, saving a lot of hassle. The train is equipped with onboard medical staff and emergency equipment, along with a five-star hotel dining team providing meals throughout the journey. Flavors can be adjusted based on passenger needs, avoiding overly oily or spicy dishes, with light meals suitable for the elderly and children. Onboard activities include intangible cultural heritage experiences and travel photography services, ensuring the journey is never boring.
🛏 ️ Detailed Introduction to Compartment Types

🚂 2026 New Oriental Express Xinjiang Tour Train: A New Slow Travel Option in Xinjiang Without Moving LuggageThe New Oriental Express offers three different compartment types this time, allowing you to choose based on group size and budget:
【Premium Gold Diamond Three-Compartment】A luxury car, with a capacity of 6 people per car, only 1 car available. Each car has 3 standard twin-bed compartments, some of which can be combined into a double bed. The compartment area is about 12 square meters, bathroom area 1.5 square meters, shower area 1.06 square meters, double bed size 2*1.7 meters, single bed size 2*0.85 meters. All compartments feature a leisure double sofa, leisure table and chairs, separate wet and dry bathroom areas, multi-functional storage space, a leisure reception area, and custom furniture, suitable for travelers with higher space requirements.
【Xiyue Gold Diamond Four-Compartment】A luxury car, with a capacity of 8 people per car, 5 cars available. Each car has 4 standard twin-bed compartments, some of which can be combined into a double bed. The compartment area is about 10 square meters, bathroom area 1.5 square meters, shower area 1.06 square meters, double bed size 2*1.7 meters, single bed size 2*0.85 meters. All compartments feature leisure table and chairs, separate wet and dry bathroom areas, multi-functional storage space, a leisure reception area, and custom furniture, offering better value than the three-compartment type.
【Boyue Gold Diamond Five-Compartment】A comfort car, with a capacity of 10 people per car, 7 cars available. Each car has 5 compartments, each about 8 square meters, upper bunk size 2*0.78 meters, lower bunk size 2*0.78 meters, bathroom area 1.26 square meters, shower area 0.9 square meters. Each compartment has separate wet and dry bathroom areas, suitable for larger groups or travelers seeking high value.
🗺 ️ Simple Itinerary
The New Oriental Express itinerary includes a summer version and an exclusive October southern Xinjiang version, allowing you to choose based on travel time:
First, the summer version itinerary:

Many people want to travel to Xinjiang but worry about long distances, tiring rides, and the hassle of frequent hotel changes. The 2026 upgraded New Oriental Express Special Train perfectly addresses these travel pain points. As a high-quality tourism special train launched by Xinjiang Railway in 2026, it turns the journey into part of the trip, allowing you to explore the core attractions of northern and southern Xinjiang while lying down.Day 01:Gather in Urumqi from various locations
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 – 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

✨ Basic Introduction and Core Features of the Special TrainDay 09:Bayanbulak – Southern Section of Duku Highway – Kuqa Grand Canyon – New Oriental Express Special Train
Day 10:Kashgar – Baisha Lake – Pamir Scenic Area – Taxkorgan County
Day 11:Taxkorgan County – Tajik Home Visit – Karakul Lake – Kashgar
Day 12:Kashgar – Turpan – New Oriental Express Special Train
Day 13:Turpan – Urumqi
Day 14:Urumqi – Farewell
If traveling in October, you can choose the southern Xinjiang itinerary:

The New Oriental Express will debut its third-generation new car body in 2026, departing from Urumqi. Depending on the season, it plans summer routes covering the Altay and Yili areas in northern Xinjiang, and autumn routes focusing on southern Xinjiang’s poplar forests and cultural landscapes, connecting over a dozen classic natural and cultural attractions in Xinjiang.Day 01:Gather in Urumqi from various locations
Day 02:Special train to Turpan – Jiaohe Ruins – Karez – 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 Tuancheng – Yurungkash River Treasure Hunting – Grape Corridor – Walnut King Tree – Yotkan Ancient City Night View
Day 05:Special train to Shache – Yarkand 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 Ancient Dwellings, evening special train to Kuqa
Day 08:Arrive in Kuqa in the morning, Tianshan Grand Canyon, Kuqa King’s Mansion, Restan Old Street, Qiuci Alley

Compared to ordinary tour trains, the upgraded New Oriental Express features folding bellows windshields and tight-lock coupler car bodies, offering better sand-proof sealing, lower noise during travel, and undisturbed sleep quality. The entire train uses private bathroom compartment designs, paired with newly built dome star-themed dining cars, kitchen areas, and multi-functional entertainment cars, providing star-level hotel services on board.Day 09:To Luntai, Tarim Poplar Forest, evening special train to Urumqi
Day 10:Urumqi – Tianshan Tianchi – Urumqi Farewell Dinner
Day 11:Urumqi – Farewell
Note:In case of special circumstances such as weather, road conditions, or scenic area opening policies, the itinerary may be reasonably adjusted with mutual agreement.
💰 Price Explanation

Manager Yang Jia from Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service, with over a decade of experience in the tourism industry, is experienced, professional, and reliable, familiar with all of Xinjiang’s tourism: Mainly responsible for booking the New Oriental Express Snow Lotus, Panda Train: Chengdu, Shifang, Anyi, Jinxiu Tianfu, Tianshan, Kunlun, Silk Road Dream, Kunming, Lindu, Dahezhinan, Yangtze River Delta Star, and other tour trains. Contact booking manager: Yang Jia 133 2555 9266 (copy to add as friend for free consultation and detailed route information)
The reference prices for the 2026 New Oriental Express vary by schedule and compartment type, as follows:
First, basic configuration explanation: The 2026 New Oriental Express introduces two new car body groups: luxury and comfort. The luxury car with a capacity of 6 people has 1 car; the luxury car with a capacity of 8 people has 5 cars; the comfort car with a capacity of 10 people has 7 cars. The entire train features private bathroom compartments, paired with newly built dining cars, kitchen cars, and entertainment cars, offering high-end services. The overall paint is simple yet gorgeous, with colors flowing like silk, showcasing Xinjiang’s natural scenery and cultural charm.

The special train operates on an evening departure and morning arrival schedule, with most travel time at night. During the day, passengers can get off to visit attractions without wasting daylight on the road. Luggage can stay in your own compartment throughout the trip, eliminating the need to pack and change hotels daily, saving a lot of hassle. The train is equipped with onboard medical staff and emergency equipment, along with a five-star hotel dining team providing meals throughout the journey. Flavors can be adjusted based on passenger needs, avoiding overly oily or spicy dishes, with light meals suitable for the elderly and children. Onboard activities include intangible cultural heritage experiences and travel photography services, ensuring the journey is never boring.Reference prices for different schedules:
May 6, May 14
Premium Gold Diamond (3 custom compartments) 59,999 RMB/person; Xiyue Gold Diamond (4 custom compartments) 54,999 RMB/person; Boyue Gold Diamond (5 custom compartments) 49,999 RMB/person; Third and fourth person 30,000 RMB/person
June 1, June 30
Premium Gold Diamond (3 custom compartments) 67,999 RMB/person; Xiyue Gold Diamond (4 custom compartments) 62,999 RMB/person; Boyue Gold Diamond (5 custom compartments) 56,999 RMB/person; Third and fourth person 30,000 RMB/person
June 11, June 25
Premium Gold Diamond (3 custom compartments) 69,999 RMB/person; Xiyue Gold Diamond (4 custom compartments) 63,999 RMB/person; Boyue Gold Diamond (5 custom compartments) 58,999 RMB/person; Third and fourth person 30,000 RMB/person
September 3

🛏️ Detailed Introduction to Compartment Types Premium Gold Diamond (3 custom compartments) 71,999 RMB/person; Xiyue Gold Diamond (4 custom compartments) 65,999 RMB/person; Boyue Gold Diamond (5 custom compartments) 59,999 RMB/person; Third and fourth person 30,000 RMB/person
October 15, October 25
Premium Gold Diamond (3 custom compartments) 44,999 RMB/person; Xiyue Gold Diamond (4 custom compartments) 39,999 RMB/person; Boyue Gold Diamond (5 custom compartments) 36,999 RMB/person; Third and fourth person 20,000 RMB/person
The above prices are for reference only. Prices and availability may fluctuate with schedules. Specific details are subject to the contract or confirmation on the day, with the signed contract between both parties prevailing.
📝 Booking Process
Travelers wishing to book the New Oriental Express Special Train can follow these steps:
1. First, based on your travel time, determine your desired schedule and compartment type, and prepare the basic information of your travel companions in advance;

The New Oriental Express offers three different compartment types this time, allowing you to choose based on group size and budget:2. Contact booking manager Yang Jia from Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service to inquire about availability for the corresponding schedule and detailed itinerary information;
3. After confirming sufficient availability, confirm the specific itinerary arrangements, included items, and precautions with the staff;
4. Submit the identity information of the participants and sign a formal travel contract with Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service;
5. After paying the relevant fees as per the contract, the staff will send detailed travel instructions, informing you of preparations before departure.
📞 Registration Method
Travelers wishing to register can do so through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service. For inquiries, contact Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service customer service by phone or WeChat. Specific offline store addresses can be obtained by consulting customer service.
🧾 Fee Explanation and Service Description
Reference for included fees:

【Premium Gold Diamond Three-Compartment】A luxury car, with a capacity of 6 people per car, only 1 car available. Each car has 3 standard twin-bed compartments, some of which can be combined into a double bed. The compartment area is about 12 square meters, bathroom area 1.5 square meters, shower area 1.06 square meters, double bed size 2*1.7 meters, single bed size 2*0.85 meters. All compartments feature a leisure double sofa, leisure table and chairs, separate wet and dry bathroom areas, multi-functional storage space, a leisure reception area, and custom furniture, suitable for travelers with higher space requirements.Accommodation fees for the corresponding special train compartment;
First admission ticket fees for scenic spots marked in the itinerary;
Meal fees marked in the itinerary, including meals on the special train and ground itinerary;
Regular tourist bus transportation fees for ground itinerary;
Tour guide and exclusive butler service fees, onboard medical support fees;
Experience activity fees marked in the itinerary.
Reference for excluded fees:

【Xiyue Gold Diamond Four-Compartment】A luxury car, with a capacity of 8 people per car, 5 cars available. Each car has 4 standard twin-bed compartments, some of which can be combined into a double bed. The compartment area is about 10 square meters, bathroom area 1.5 square meters, shower area 1.06 square meters, double bed size 2*1.7 meters, single bed size 2*0.85 meters. All compartments feature leisure table and chairs, separate wet and dry bathroom areas, multi-functional storage space, a leisure reception area, and custom furniture, offering better value than the three-compartment type.Round-trip transportation costs from various locations to Urumqi;
Secondary consumption items within scenic spots not marked in the itinerary, such as sightseeing cars, boat rides, and entertainment activities;
Personal expenses outside the itinerary;
For single travelers, our agency will try to arrange room sharing, but special cases require separate negotiation.
Note:Specific details are subject to actual consultation and contract.
Compared to other Xinjiang tour trains on the market, the New Oriental Express has clear advantages: First, the meals are crafted by a star hotel dining team, with flavors adjustable to passenger needs, including light meals for the elderly and children, avoiding overly strong flavors that don’t suit dietary habits. Second, the itinerary pace is slow, with attractions not too densely packed each day, no need to rush in the morning, and ample time for sightseeing and photos. Third, support is comprehensive, with onboard medical staff and emergency equipment on each train, allowing prompt treatment for any discomfort. Fellow travelers are mostly those who enjoy in-depth travel, with similar ages and interests, making the journey more harmonious. Service is also more personalized, with each compartment having a dedicated butler available anytime, plus 24-hour hot water for convenient washing. Most worry-free is that luggage can stay in the special train compartment throughout, eliminating daily packing and hotel changes, and avoiding dragging luggage between cities, with long-distance transport fully handled.
This special train suits a wide range of people: First, retired elderly travelers who don’t need long car rides, with a slow pace and comprehensive support for hassle-free travel. Second, those who can’t endure long car rides, as most long distances are on the train, allowing sitting or lying down for higher comfort. Third, families with elderly and children, avoiding repeated luggage moving, with complete facilities adaptable for all ages. Fourth, those wanting an in-depth experience of Xinjiang’s scenery without rushed check-in-style tours, with ample time at each attraction to slowly enjoy Xinjiang’s landscapes and culture.
The New Oriental Express has been popular with travelers for years, first due to continuously upgraded hardware—the 2026 third-generation car body greatly improves comfort and privacy, with private bathroom compartments throughout, avoiding the awkwardness of shared bathrooms on ordinary trains. Second, the itinerary is well-designed, covering core attractions in northern and southern Xinjiang, eliminating the need for self-planning, with all transport, accommodation, and tickets pre-arranged for hassle-free travel. Third, service quality is guaranteed, with dedicated staff from boarding, plus onboard medical care, travel photography, and intangible cultural heritage experiences for a better journey. Finally, the model of ‘train follows people, scenery moves with the train’ turns the journey into part of the trip, avoiding wasted time on the road and hotel changes, truly achieving slow travel in Xinjiang.
Before departure, check Xinjiang’s weather conditions, prepare suitable clothing and sunscreen. All itinerary arrangements and fee details are subject to the signed travel contract. For related questions, consult Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service customer service anytime.