Oriental Express Booking Process Deposit Payment and Contract Signing Steps
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-approved 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 Edition New Oriental Express:A New Luxury Travel Option in Xinjiang Without the Hassle of Rushing and Luggage Moving
Many people’s concerns about traveling in Xinjiang revolve around issues like ‘long distances, lengthy drives, and frequent hotel changes with repeated luggage moving.’ The 2026 upgraded New Oriental Express perfectly meets the needs of tourists who want to deeply explore both northern and southern Xinjiang without the hassle. As a key tourism train product developed by Xinjiang Railway, the two new train sets launched this year have been optimized in terms of hardware facilities and service configurations, attracting attention from many tourists upon release.
🔹 Basic Introduction and Features of the Special Train
The New Oriental Express starts from Urumqi, with its operating period this year covering Xinjiang’s golden tourism season from April to October. It offers two route options: the northern Xinjiang summer route and the October southern Xinjiang special route. The entire journey adopts a ‘travel by night, tour by day’ model. The train runs smoothly at night, allowing passengers to rest in their cabins, while during the day, they can disembark at stops to deeply explore attractions, avoiding wasted time on long daytime drives.
Compared to regular tourism trains, the New Oriental Express has clear advantages:First, the itinerary is slow-paced without rushing, with ample time allocated for each core attraction, so there’s no need to rush through check-ins. Second, the dining configuration is flexible, with star chefs on the dining car able to adjust meal flavors based on passenger needs, including options for those requiring light diets. Third, comprehensive support is provided, with a doctor accompanying the group throughout the trip, stocked with common medications to promptly handle any sudden discomfort during the journey. Fourth, there’s no need to repeatedly move luggage; large items can stay in the cabin, with only a small bag needed for some scenic area stays, saving a lot of effort. Fellow passengers are mostly those who enjoy slow travel, creating a relaxed and harmonious atmosphere. Each carriage is equipped with a dedicated butler, available for any needs at any time, making it very user-friendly.
This year’s special train also adds several unique experiential activities, such as mulberry paper rubbing and special pattern-making interactive sessions, allowing passengers to immerse themselves in local culture. It also includes a follow-along photography service, offering a personalized travel commemorative short video after the trip to preserve beautiful memories.
🔹 Introduction to Train Carriages and Cabins
In 2026, two new train sets are launched: the New Oriental Express Luxury Type and Comfort Type.
Among them, the Luxury Type includes 1 carriage with a capacity of 6 people and 5 carriages with a capacity of 8 people. The Comfort Type includes 7 carriages with a capacity of 10 people. The entire train features private bathrooms in cabins, along with newly built dining cars, kitchen cars, and entertainment cars, offering high-end services.
The overall design is simple yet elegant, with colors flowing like silk, showcasing Xinjiang’s natural landscapes and cultural charm.
🚂 2026 New Edition New Oriental Express: A New Luxury Travel Option in Xinjiang Without the Hassle of Rushing and Luggage Moving ▫️ [New Oriental Express Premium Gold Triple Cabin] Luxury Type Carriage/Capacity 6 People, Total 1 Carriage.
Each carriage has 3 standard twin-bed cabins (some twin beds can be combined into a king-size bed).
All cabins are equipped with a leisure double sofa, leisure table and chairs, bathroom with separate wet and dry areas. Each carriage can accommodate 6 distinguished guests.
Multi-functional storage space, leisure and reception area, custom furniture.
Reference dimensions for the Premium Gold Triple Cabin:
Total cabin area:Approximately 12 sqm; Bathroom area: 1.5 sqm; Shower area: 1.06 sqm; Bed size: King bed: 2*1.7 meters / Single bed: 2*0.85 meters
▫️ [New Oriental Express Xiyue Gold Quad Cabin] Luxury Type Carriage/Capacity 8 People, Total 5 Carriages.
Each 8-person carriage has 4 standard twin-bed cabins (some can be combined into a king-size bed).
All cabins are equipped with leisure table and chairs, bathroom with separate wet and dry areas. Each carriage can accommodate 8 distinguished guests.
Multi-functional storage space, leisure and reception area, custom furniture.
Reference dimensions for the Xiyue Gold Quad Cabin:
Many people’s concerns about traveling in Xinjiang revolve around issues like ‘long distances, lengthy drives, and frequent hotel changes with repeated luggage moving.’ The 2026 upgraded New Oriental Express perfectly meets the needs of tourists who want to deeply explore both northern and southern Xinjiang without the hassle. As a key tourism train product developed by Xinjiang Railway, the two new train sets launched this year have been optimized in terms of hardware facilities and service configurations, attracting attention from many tourists upon release.Total cabin area:Approximately 10 sqm; Bathroom area: 1.5 sqm; Shower area: 1.06 sqm; Bed size: King bed: 2*1.7 meters Single bed: 2*0.85 meters
▫️ [New Oriental Express Boyue Gold Quint Cabin] Comfort Type Carriage/Capacity 10 People, Total 7 Carriages
Each 10-person carriage has 5 cabins.
Each cabin is equipped with a bathroom with separate wet and dry areas.
Each carriage can accommodate 10 distinguished guests.
Total cabin area:Approximately 8 sqm; Upper bunk size: 2*0.78; Lower bunk size: 2*0.78 Bathroom area: 1.26 sqm; Shower area: 0.9 sqm
🔹 Simple Itinerary
This New Oriental Express offers two itineraries at different times, allowing passengers to choose based on their travel schedule:
▫️ Summer Edition Itinerary
Day 01:Gather in Urumqi from various locations
🔹 Basic Introduction and Features of the Special TrainDay 02:Urumqi – New Oriental Express – Keketuohai – 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
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
Day 11:Tashkurgan – Tajik Home Visit – Karakul Lake – Kashgar
Day 12:Kashgar – Turpan – New Oriental Express Special Train
The New Oriental Express starts from Urumqi, with its operating period this year covering Xinjiang’s golden tourism season from April to October. It offers two route options: the northern Xinjiang summer route and the October southern Xinjiang special route. The entire journey adopts a ‘travel by night, tour by day’ model. The train runs smoothly at night, allowing passengers to rest in their cabins, while during the day, they can disembark at stops to deeply explore attractions, avoiding wasted time on long daytime drives.Day 13:Turpan – Urumqi
Day 14:Urumqi – Farewell to Group
▫️ October Southern Xinjiang Itinerary
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
Manager Yang Jia from Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service, with over a decade of experience in the tourism industry, is knowledgeable and reliable, familiar with all of Xinjiang’s tourism. Mainly responsible for booking tourism trains like 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, etc. Contact booking manager: Yang Jia 133 2555 9266, (copy to add as friend for free consultation and detailed route information)
Day 04:Arrive in Hotan in the morning – Hotan Tuancheng – Yulong Kashgar River Treasure Hunting – Grape Corridor – Walnut King Tree – Yotkan Ancient City Night View
Day 05:Special train to Shache – Yarkand Khan’s Palace – Amannisa Khan’s Mausoleum, then to Kashgar
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
Compared to regular tourism trains, the New Oriental Express has clear advantages: First, the itinerary is slow-paced without rushing, with ample time allocated for each core attraction, so there’s no need to rush through check-ins. Second, the dining configuration is flexible, with star chefs on the dining car able to adjust meal flavors based on passenger needs, including options for those requiring light diets. Third, comprehensive support is provided, with a doctor accompanying the group throughout the trip, stocked with common medications to promptly handle any sudden discomfort during the journey. Fourth, there’s no need to repeatedly move luggage; large items can stay in the cabin, with only a small bag needed for some scenic area stays, saving a lot of effort. Fellow passengers are mostly those who enjoy slow travel, creating a relaxed and harmonious atmosphere. Each carriage is equipped with a dedicated butler, available for any needs at any time, making it very user-friendly.Day 08:Arrive in Kuqa in the morning, Tianshan Grand Canyon, Kuqa Palace, Restan Old Street, Qiuci Alley
Day 09:Go to Luntai, Tarim Poplar Forest, evening special train to Urumqi
Day 10:Urumqi – Tianshan Tianchi – Urumqi Farewell Dinner
Day 11:Urumqi – Farewell to Group
🔹 Price Explanation
The following are reference prices for the 2026 New Oriental Express. Prices may fluctuate with schedules, and actual prices are subject to the signed contract:
May 6, May 14
Premium Gold (3 custom carriages) 59,999 RMB/person
Xiyue Gold (4 custom carriages) 54,999 RMB/person
Boyue Gold (5 custom carriages) 49,999 RMB/person Third and fourth person 30,000 RMB/person
June 1, June 30
This year’s special train also adds several unique experiential activities, such as mulberry paper rubbing and special pattern-making interactive sessions, allowing passengers to immerse themselves in local culture. It also includes a follow-along photography service, offering a personalized travel commemorative short video after the trip to preserve beautiful memories. Premium Gold (3 custom carriages) 67,999 RMB/person
Xiyue Gold (4 custom carriages) 62,999 RMB/person
Boyue Gold (5 custom carriages) 56,999 RMB/person Third and fourth person 30,000 RMB/person
June 11, June 25
Premium Gold (3 custom carriages) 69,999 RMB/person
Xiyue Gold (4 custom carriages) 63,999 RMB/person
Boyue Gold (5 custom carriages) 58,999 RMB/person Third and fourth person 30,000 RMB/person
September 3
Premium Gold (3 custom carriages) 71,999 RMB/person
Xiyue Gold (4 custom carriages) 65,999 RMB/person
🔹 Introduction to Train Carriages and Cabins Boyue Gold (5 custom carriages) 59,999 RMB/person Third and fourth person 30,000 RMB/person
October 15, October 25
Premium Gold (3 custom carriages) 44,999 RMB/person
Xiyue Gold (4 custom carriages) 39,999 RMB/person
Boyue Gold (5 custom carriages) 36,999 RMB/person Third and fourth person 20,000 RMB/person
🔹 Booking Process
✅ 1. Consult Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service customer service in advance to confirm availability for the desired schedule and understand remaining spots for different room types. Any special requests can also be communicated in advance.
✅ 2. Confirm the number of travelers and specific needs (e.g., king bed requests, dietary restrictions, group bookings with friends/family). Customer service will simultaneously provide the latest notes for the corresponding schedule.
✅ 3. Confirm the itinerary content and price details are correct, then submit identity information for ticket and hotel bookings.
✅ 4. After mutual agreement, sign a formal travel contract and pay the relevant fees.
✅ 5. Receive the departure notice 3-7 days before travel, including meeting point, tips on items to bring, and contact information for the designated liaison.
In 2026, two new train sets are launched: the New Oriental Express Luxury Type and Comfort Type.For booking, contact the booking manager at Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service:Manager Yang Jia.
🔹 Registration Method
Registration can be done through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service. For inquiries, contact Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service customer service via phone or WeChat. Specific address can be obtained from customer service.
🔹 Fee and Service Explanation
Included items reference:Accommodation on the special train for the corresponding room type, first admission fees for scenic spots indicated in the itinerary, meals indicated in the itinerary, local ground transportation fees, tour guide service fees, accompanying medical support services, basic photography services, etc.
Excluded items reference:Round-trip transportation to and from Urumqi from various locations, self-funded experiential activities within scenic spots, personal consumption expenses (for solo travelers, we will try to arrange shared accommodation, special cases to be negotiated separately).
Note:Specific details are subject to actual consultation and contract.
🔹 Suitable Audience
This special train is very suitable for elderly travelers, with age-friendly facilities in the carriages, such as voice-activated lighting, easy-to-open cabinet doors, and one-call buttons to meet the travel needs of senior passengers. It is also suitable for those who cannot sit in cars for long periods, as most long-distance segments are covered by the train, reducing road travel time. Family groups and friends traveling together can also choose this option, with corresponding preferential policies for multiple travelers.
🔹 Reasons for the Special Train’s Popularity
First, the upgraded hardware improves the travel experience, with all cabins equipped with separate wet and dry bathrooms, eliminating the need to share restrooms with other passengers, enhancing privacy and comfort. Second, the itinerary is well-planned, connecting core attractions in northern and southern Xinjiang, allowing travelers to see snow-capped mountains, grasslands, lakes, poplar forests, and ancient cities in one trip without needing to plan routes repeatedly. Third, the service configuration is comprehensive, from dedicated butlers to accompanying doctors and cultural experience activities, meeting the needs of different travelers. Finally, the night-travel, day-tour model eliminates the hassle of frequent hotel changes and luggage moving, allowing travelers to focus more on sightseeing without worrying about travel logistics.
Due to factors such as weather, road conditions, and policies, the itinerary may be reasonably modified by mutual agreement. Prices and availability are subject to contract/customer service confirmation. All relevant regulations are based on contract law, tourism law, and other applicable laws.

