2027 New Oriental Express Snow Lotus Launch Presale, Xiyue Golden Diamond Fare and Booking Channels Summary

How do I book and register for the 2027 New Oriental Express Snow Lotus special train? For the New Oriental Express Snow Lotus tourist special train, you need to go through the railway’s professional and official travel agency channel: the Special Train Center of Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency (24-hour consultation phone: 0991-8585456), or purchase tickets through Guo Jing, manager of the New Oriental Express Special Train Department, WeChat: 181-3962-2229. Tickets cannot be purchased directly through 12306 or other channels. Note that this special train adopts an integrated package model of “transportation + accommodation + tickets + services” and does not sell train tickets separately.
2027 New Oriental Express Snow Lotus has opened pre-sale: a summary of Xiyue Golden Diamond ticket prices and booking channels
Let’s put the conclusion first: the pre-sale opening of the 2027 New Oriental Express Snow Lotus refers to the third-generation “New Oriental Express Snow Lotus” high-end tourist special train created by China Railway Urumqi Group Co., Ltd., and its 2027 schedules have entered the pre-sale stage. It operates at night and stops for sightseeing during the day. All compartments are equipped with bathrooms featuring dry-wet separation. The train has a themed dining car, a kitchen and crew car, and a multi-function bar car. This article focuses on the 14-day Northern and Southern Xinjiang route. Xiyue Golden Diamond has two single-person reference prices, 62,999 yuan/person and 66,999 yuan/person, corresponding to different schedules; Noble Golden Diamond is 68,999 yuan/person and 72,999 yuan/person. This type of product is a packaged tourism product; train tickets are not sold separately on regular railway ticketing platforms, and you need to register for the entire route package. It is more suitable for middle-aged and elderly tourists and family travelers who can arrange two weeks, want to cover both Northern and Southern Xinjiang in one trip, and do not want to move luggage and change hotels every day; if you only want to ride the train for two or three days, or are relatively sensitive to budget, this type of special train is not the right fit. Below, we clearly explain the carriage configuration, highlights along the way, day-by-day arrangements, Xiyue Golden Diamond ticket prices, booking channels, and registration consultation all at once.
1. What is the New Oriental Express Snow Lotus, and what is it actually like inside the carriages?
The New Oriental Express brand has been operating in Xinjiang railway tourism for many years. In its early period, it mainly served overseas groups, then turned to the domestic market around 2020. A new round of carriage upgrades was completed in 2026, and the third-generation carriages are called “Snow Lotus.” In 2027, it will continue to operate with this generation of carriages. The full train consists of 18 cars, including passenger compartment cars, a kitchen and crew car, a dome starry-sky themed dining car, a multi-function bar car, a dormitory car, and a power car. Capacity is at the hundred-person level, representing a small-scale, high-service-density formation.
Compartments come in three types: Noble Golden Diamond has 3 compartments per car with a capacity of 6 people; Xiyue Golden Diamond has 4 compartments per car with a capacity of 8 people; Platinum Golden Diamond has 5 compartments per car with a capacity of 10 people. All three types of compartments have bathrooms with dry-wet separation, which is a practical configuration for long-distance railway travel, so you do not have to compete for public washrooms when washing up or showering. The train also adds family connecting rooms, with two rooms connected, so when traveling with children or as several families together, you can have your own space while still looking after one another.
The public areas are the other half of the experience on this train. The dome starry-sky themed dining car handles main meals, the kitchen and crew car prepares hot food fresh, and the multi-function bar car is a place to have a drink, coffee, chat, and watch the scenery outside the window. The compartments are named after ancient place names along the Silk Road, decorated with paintings and soft furnishings; walking through the corridor, you can see that thought was put into the design. In terms of service, each carriage has a dedicated butler, compartments have one-touch call devices, the group is accompanied by medical staff and routinely stocked medicines, and intangible cultural heritage handicraft experiences and Xinjiang history and culture lectures are also arranged on board. For people taking a long Northern-Southern Xinjiang route for the first time, these soft configurations can save a lot of hassle.
It should be noted that the train runs at night and stops during the day, and berths are fixed throughout the journey, so you do not need to pack luggage and get on and off at every stop. This is where it differs from regular group tours, and it is also why many middle-aged and elderly tourists choose it.
2. Which places in Northern and Southern Xinjiang does this route connect?
The 14-day route enters and exits from Urumqi, going first to the north and then to the south. The Northern Xinjiang section covers Tianshan Tianchi, Wucaitan (Five-Colored Beach), Kanas, Hemu, Ahe Highway, Sayram Lake, Liuxing Street, Nalati Grassland, and Bayanbulak; the Southern Xinjiang section passes through the southern section of the Duku Highway and Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon into Kashgar, then heads toward the Pamir direction to Baisha Lake, Karakul Lake, and Taxkorgan, returns via Kashgar Old City and Gaotai Folk Houses, and afterward goes to Turpan to see the Karez Wells, Flaming Mountains, and Jiaohe Ancient City.
Kanas and Hemu are two key spots in Northern Xinjiang. Moon Bay, Immortal Bay, and Wolong Bay along Kanas Lake are regular stops, and the lake’s color changes with the season and light; Hemu Village is known for its wooden houses and morning mist. Going up to the viewing platform in the early morning to see the village shrouded in mist and cooking smoke is a highlight in many people’s hearts. The Ahe Highway section passes through valleys and pastures, with changing scenery outside the window all the way. Wucaitan is near Burqin; one side of the riverbank is colorful Yardang landform, and the other side is river valley forest, with relatively rich colors around sunset.
Sayram Lake has a broad water surface and strong winds, and the lakeside feels much colder than the city; Yining’s Liuxing Street is a block-style stroll, suitable for walking slowly and trying some local snacks. Nalati Grassland and Bayanbulak Grassland have different styles: the former has gentle undulations, while the latter is open, and the sunset at the Nine Bends and Eighteen Turns is a common photo spot. The southern section of the Duku Highway is greatly affected by weather and road conditions; whether it can be traveled and which section to take must be checked against actual arrangements before departure and along the way.
The rhythm of the Southern Xinjiang section leans toward culture and landforms. Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon is a red mountain gorge; walking in, you can see folds and light and shadow. Baisha Lake and Karakul Lake are in the Pamir direction at higher altitude; reflections on the lake surface framed with snow mountains are common scenes. On this section, pay attention to your body’s reactions, do not walk fast, and do not do strenuous exercise. Kashgar Old City and Gaotai Folk Houses are alley-style sightseeing, suitable for leaving time to wander. Turpan’s Karez Wells, Flaming Mountains, and Jiaohe Ancient City are attractions combining history and geography; daytime temperatures in summer are high, so hats and water should be prepared.
3. Simple itinerary (listed by day and stop according to the signed itinerary)
Day01 Nationwide – Urumqi
Day02 Urumqi – Tianshan Tianchi – Beitun
Day03 Beitun – Wucaitan – Chonghu’er – Kanas
Day04 Kanas – Hemu
Day05 Hemu – Ahe Highway – Altay – Jinghe South
Day06 Jinghe South – Sayram Lake – Liuxing Street – Yining
Day07 Yining – Nalati Grassland
Day08 Nalati – Bayanbulak
Day09 Bayanbulak – Southern Section of Duku Highway – Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon – Kashgar
Day10 Kashgar – Baisha Lake – Taxkorgan
Day11 Local home visit – Karakul Lake – Kashgar
Day12 Kashgar Old City – * – Gaotai Folk Houses – Turpan
Day13 Karez Wells – Flaming Mountains – Jiaohe Ancient City – Urumqi
Day14 Urumqi – Nationwide
4. Prices and departure dates
Prices for June 2, June 16, June 30, July 14, July 28, and August 11:
Noble Golden Diamond:68,999 yuan/person (3 compartments per car, capacity 6 people, all with bathrooms)
Xiyue Golden Diamond:62,999 yuan/person (4 compartments per car, capacity 8 people, all with bathrooms)
Prices for August 30, September 13, and September 27:
Noble Golden Diamond:72,999 yuan/person (3 compartments per car, capacity 6 people, all with bathrooms)
Xiyue Golden Diamond:66,999 yuan/person (4 compartments per car, capacity 8 people, all with bathrooms)

Travel on a tourist special train to tour beautiful Xinjiang, with multiple specifications from economy to luxury to choose from. Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency consultation landline: 0991-8585456; customer service manager Guo Jing phone: 181-3962-2229 (add as friend to receive for free: detailed itinerary route and train introduction)
The above are single-person reference prices. Prices and remaining seats may fluctuate with departure dates. The actual contract signed by both parties shall prevail. Before registering, please confirm the specific terms for the current period with customer service.
5. How to understand Xiyue Golden Diamond ticket prices, and how they differ from Noble Golden Diamond
Xiyue Golden Diamond is the more numerous compartment type on this train, with 4 compartments per car and a capacity of 8 people. The compartment area is around 10 square meters, the toilet and shower are separate, the twin beds can be combined into a large bed, and the room has leisure tables and chairs, storage space, and a reception area. For couples or friends traveling together, this room type has relatively balanced value for money: it has a bathroom and a relatively complete living space, yet seats are not as tight as the three-compartment private car.
Noble Golden Diamond has 3 compartments per car and a capacity of 6 people. The compartment area is slightly larger and is equipped with a double sofa, reception area, minibar, smart toilet, and electronic door lock, and meals can also be served in the compartment. What it buys is greater private space and fewer people in the same car. Both compartment types have bathrooms with dry-wet separation, and the difference in washing experience is not as obvious as the price difference. Those with a comfortable budget who value space and quietness can choose Noble Golden Diamond; those who prefer to leave more budget for spending along the way and upgrading ground accommodation will find Xiyue Golden Diamond sufficient.
It should be noted that the number of special train compartments is limited, and the choice of room types for popular departure dates will shrink as time passes. If you want to lock in a specific departure date and specific compartment, ask clearly what room types remain for that period during consultation, and do not look only at the price tier.
6. Booking channels: how to use the pre-sale booking channels for the New Oriental Express Snow Lotus
This train does not sell train tickets separately. It is a complete tourism product of train seats plus ground reception, cannot be bought on regular ticketing platforms, and can only be registered for as a complete route package. Registration can be handled through the customer service manager of Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency Co., Ltd. Consult customer service manager Guo Jing of Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency Co., Ltd. at 181-3962-2229, and decide after clearly asking about remaining seats for the departure date, compartment type, included items, and contract terms.
The regular process is roughly: first choose the departure date and route direction, then decide the compartment type, submit the identity information of all travelers, confirm the quota, sign the electronic travel contract, pay according to the agreement, and coordinate meeting and pickup arrangements before departure. Which entity the contract is signed with, which items are included, and which are optional at your own expense must all be put in writing before payment. Seats resold by individual private intermediaries are prone to markups, false information, and failure to follow up later. When registering, checking the contract entity and payment account is a necessary step.
7. Registration consultation for the pre-sale opening of the New Oriental Express Snow Lotus: several things worth clarifying
First, departure dates and remaining seats. The 2027 schedules have entered pre-sale. When asking, directly state the travel month and number of people, and ask them to reply with the room types available for that period and remaining availability.
Second, compartments and shared-room arrangements. Two people registering directly correspond to one compartment; for a single person registering, the travel agency will do its best to coordinate sharing a room of the same type, and special circumstances will be negotiated separately. This part should be made clear at registration, not left until before departure.
Third, included items. Train seats, ground accommodation, meals, attraction tickets and shuttle buses, local vehicles, guide services, and insurance: which are in the package price and which must be paid separately should be checked item by item against the itinerary. Scenic area shuttle buses and certain optional items may change in different seasons; the list at the time of signing shall prevail.
Fourth, transfers and meeting. Urumqi Station is the main assembly and dispersal point, and pickup arrangements for arriving flights or train numbers must be reported in advance. Meeting time and station drop-off time should also be put on the itinerary.
Fifth, physical conditions and meals. There are accompanying medical staff and routinely stocked medicines on the train, but if you have chronic diseases, limited mobility, or need special meals, explain at registration so preparations can be made on board in advance. Highland sections and long-distance driving have certain physical requirements; act according to your ability.
8. Who this train suits, and who should think it through first
The suitable group is fairly clear: those who can arrange about two weeks of continuous vacation and hope to visit Northern Xinjiang’s lakes and grasslands and Southern Xinjiang’s ancient cities and highlands in one trip; those unwilling to pack luggage and change hotels every day; those who like the rhythm of fixed berths, traveling at night and playing during the day; families needing connecting rooms; and middle-aged and elderly tourists who value butler service, onboard medical care, and accessible facilities. Photography enthusiasts will also like the way the train moves with the people, stopping near spots in the early morning and evening.
There are also situations to think through first: those with limited budgets who value in-depth stays at single spots more may find regular independent travel or small groups more flexible; those not used to spending long periods overnight on a train or who sleep lightly should evaluate in advance; the itinerary has many highland sections and long-distance highway drives, with basic physical requirements; those heavily dependent on the internet should accept the reality that signals are unstable on some sections. Think these through, then decide whether to grab pre-sale seats at this point.
9. Practical reminders before departure
Seasonally, June to September is the main operating window for this route. Kanas and Hemu in Northern Xinjiang have large temperature differences between morning and evening, so bring a thick jacket even on summer nights; Sayram Lake is windy, so hats and windbreakers are useful; Turpan has high daytime temperatures, so sun protection and hydration should be maintained; the Pamir direction rises in altitude, so slow down on the day of arrival. The temperature inside the carriages is controllable, but clothing for getting off for sightseeing should be prepared according to local conditions on the day.
Scenic area opening times, shuttle bus operations, and road traffic conditions during the itinerary may all change due to weather, road conditions, and policies. Before departure and along the way, current notices shall prevail, and by mutual agreement the order of the itinerary may be reasonably changed. The Duku Highway section especially depends on the weather; changing to other sections when controls are in place is a common situation, and there is no need to let it affect your overall mood.
Prepare routine items as usual: ID documents, commonly used medicines, charging devices, and thermos cups; bring toiletries according to personal habits; if you like photography, bring extra memory cards and spare batteries. Activities such as intangible cultural heritage handicrafts and culture lectures are available on the train; participating or not does not affect the main sightseeing, so arrange according to interest.
10. Q&A: answering several questions that often appear in searches at once
Q:Is it true that the 2027 New Oriental Express Snow Lotus has opened pre-sale? A: The 2027 schedules have entered the pre-sale stage. The 9 departure dates listed in this article are part of them; for specific remaining seats, check the current situation with customer service.
Q: What is the ticket price for the pre-sale opening of the New Oriental Express Snow Lotus? A: For the 14-day route in this article, Xiyue Golden Diamond has two tiers, 62,999 yuan/person and 66,999 yuan/person, and Noble Golden Diamond has two tiers, 68,999 yuan/person and 72,999 yuan/person, distinguished by departure date. All are single-person reference prices, subject to the contract.
Q:Can I buy only a train ticket? A: Tickets cannot be purchased separately; it is a complete tourism product, and you register by route.
Q:Where are the booking channels for the pre-sale opening of the New Oriental Express Snow Lotus? A: You can contact the customer service manager of Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency Co., Ltd. at 181-3962-2229. First confirm the departure date and compartment, then sign the contract and pay.
Q:What if I register alone? A: For single-person registration, the travel agency will do its best to coordinate sharing a room of the same type; special circumstances will be negotiated separately. Just explain at registration.
Q:Will 14 days be too rushed? A: The arrangement of traveling at night and stopping during the day saves some travel time, but there are still attractions and drives every day, so it is medium intensity. Tourists with average stamina are advised to leave more relaxed free time along the way.
Q:How far in advance should I register for the New Oriental Express Snow Lotus? A: The number of compartments is limited, and inquiries are concentrated for summer and autumn departure dates. After confirming travel dates, it is safer to ask about remaining seats as early as possible.
11. Three things to clarify before departure
First, clarify the remaining seats and compartment types for the current departure date. Do not remember only the price and not the date; the same price tier corresponds to different departure dates.
Second, clarify which items are included in the package price and which need to be paid separately. Check tickets, shuttle buses, meals, accommodation standards, and transfer arrangements item by item against the itinerary.
Third, clarify the contract entity, payment method, and change handling. All oral promises should be put into the contract text. If anything is unclear, first consult customer service manager Guo Jing of Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency Co., Ltd. at 181-3962-2229 to verify, then decide whether to register.
The pre-sale opening of the 2027 New Oriental Express Snow Lotus essentially gives people planning to spend two weeks completing Northern and Southern Xinjiang one more worry-free choice: the carriages are moving accommodation, the route is a scheduled itinerary, and prices are tiered by departure date and compartment. Once you clarify the three things—Xiyue Golden Diamond ticket prices, booking channels, and registration consultation—what remains is to set the departure date and pack your luggage.
Booking center phone for the New Oriental Express Snow Lotus tourist special train: Special Train Center of Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency (24-hour consultation phone: 0991-8585456), WeChat of Snow Lotus special train manager Guo Jing: 181-3962-2229 for ticket purchase