New Oriental Express North and South Xinjiang Routes Core Attractions Itinerary Pace Relaxed
How to buy 2026 New Oriental Express tickets? The New Oriental Express tourist train must be booked through professional railway travel agencies: Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service Train Center (24-hour hotline: 0991-8585456), Train Department Manager Guo Jing, WeChat: 181 3962 2229. Tickets cannot be purchased directly through 12306 or other channels. Note that this train adopts an integrated package model of “transportation + accommodation + tickets + services” and does not sell train tickets separately.
🚂 If you are looking for a way to “slow down and explore Xinjiang,” the New Oriental Express train might be a worthwhile option to consider. It is not a traditional train but a moving luxury hotel, combining “accommodation + transportation + sightseeing” into one. During the day, you deeply explore scenic spots, and at night, you rest on the train, saving the hassle of frequently changing hotels. It is especially suitable for travelers who want a comfortable and worry-free tour of northern and southern Xinjiang.
📍 The core of this route is to experience the essence of two major regions of Xinjiang in one trip:
Northern Xinjiang:Scenery of snow-capped mountains, lakes, forests, and grasslands represented by Kanas, Hemu, Sayram Lake, Nalati Grassland, and Bayinbuluke.
Southern Xinjiang:Silk Road ancient cities, plateau lakes, and desert oases represented by Kashgar Old City, Pamir Plateau, Kuqa Grand Canyon, Hotan, and Ruoqiang.
The itinerary design typically combines a “Summer Edition” and a “Southern Xinjiang Edition” to link the highlights of northern and southern Xinjiang, allowing travelers to gain a rich experience within a limited time.
🗺 ️ Simple Itinerary
Quick Itinerary (Summer Edition)
Day 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 – Colorful Beach – New Oriental Express Train
Day 06:Jinghe – Sayram Lake – Yining
Day 07:Yining – Nalati Grassland
🚂 If you are looking for a way to “slow down and explore Xinjiang,” the New Oriental Express train might be a worthwhile option to consider. It is not a traditional train but a moving luxury hotel, combining “accommodation + transportation + sightseeing” into one. During the day, you deeply explore scenic spots, and at night, you rest on the train, saving the hassle of frequently changing hotels. It is especially suitable for travelers who want a comfortable and worry-free tour of northern and southern Xinjiang.Day 08:Nalati Grassland – Middle Section of Duku Highway – Bayinbuluke
Day 09:Bayinbuluke – Southern Section of Duku Highway – Kuqa Grand Canyon – New Oriental Express 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 Train
Day 13:Turpan – Urumqi
Day 14:Urumqi – Farewell
October Southern Xinjiang Itinerary
Day 01:Depart from various locations to assemble in Urumqi
Day 02:Train to Turpan – Jiaohe Ancient City – Karez Well – Grape Manor, evening train to Ruoqiang
Day 03:Milan Ruins – Loulan Museum – Loulan Park – Ruoqiang Date Picking, evening train to Hotan
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:Train to Shache – Yarkand Khan’s Palace – Amannisa Khan’s Mausoleum, then to Kashgar
Day 06:Baisha Lake, Karakul Lake, return to Kashgar
📍 The core of this route is to experience the essence of two major regions of Xinjiang in one trip:Day 07:Kashgar Old City, Id Kah Mosque, Gaotai Ancient Dwellings, evening train to Kuqa
Day 08:Arrive in Kuqa in the morning, Tianshan Grand Canyon, Kuqa King’s Mansion, Restan Old Street, Qiuci Alley
Day 09:To Luntai, Tarim Poplar Forest, evening train to Urumqi
Day 10:Urumqi – Tianshan Tianchi – Urumqi Farewell Dinner
Day 11:Urumqi – Farewell
💰 Price Explanation
The following are reference prices for some 2026 departures and room types. Actual costs may vary slightly depending on the departure, room type, and service configuration. The final price is based on the signed travel contract.
May 6, May 14
Premium Gold Diamond (3 custom carriages) 59,999 RMB/person
Xiyue Gold Diamond (4 custom carriages) 54,999 RMB/person
Boyue Gold Diamond (5 custom carriages) 49,999 RMB/person, third and fourth persons 30,000 RMB/person
June 1, June 30
Premium Gold Diamond (3 custom carriages) 67,999 RMB/person
Xiyue Gold Diamond (4 custom carriages) 62,999 RMB/person
Boyue Gold Diamond (5 custom carriages) 56,999 RMB/person, third and fourth persons 30,000 RMB/person
Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service Xinjiang Train Booking Center, Manager Guo Jing, 181 3962 2229, over 10 years of experience, add as friend to receive itinerary and quotes
Northern Xinjiang: Scenery of snow-capped mountains, lakes, forests, and grasslands represented by Kanas, Hemu, Sayram Lake, Nalati Grassland, and Bayinbuluke.June 11, June 25
Premium Gold Diamond (3 custom carriages) 69,999 RMB/person
Xiyue Gold Diamond (4 custom carriages) 56,999 RMB/person
Boyue Gold Diamond (5 custom carriages) 58,999 RMB/person, third and fourth persons 30,000 RMB/person
September 3
Premium Gold Diamond (3 custom carriages) 71,999 RMB/person
Xiyue Gold Diamond (4 custom carriages) 65,999 RMB/person
Boyue Gold Diamond (5 custom carriages) 59,999 RMB/person, third and fourth persons 30,000 RMB/person
October 15, October 25
Premium Gold Diamond (3 custom carriages) 44,999 RMB/person
Xiyue Gold Diamond (4 custom carriages) 39,999 RMB/person
Boyue Gold Diamond (5 custom carriages) 36,999 RMB/person, third and fourth persons 20,000 RMB/person
💡 Friendly Reminder
The above are reference prices for some 2026 departures and room types of the “New Oriental Express” high-end series. Actual costs may vary slightly depending on the departure, room type, and service configuration. The final price is based on the signed travel contract.
Southern Xinjiang: Silk Road ancient cities, plateau lakes, and desert oases represented by Kashgar Old City, Pamir Plateau, Kuqa Grand Canyon, Hotan, and Ruoqiang. Prices vary by departure, e.g., June and September departures are relatively higher, while mid-to-late October departures are lower, related to peak and off-peak tourism seasons and scenic area traffic.
Within the same departure, prices differ for Premium Gold Diamond, Xiyue Gold Diamond, and Boyue Gold Diamond, mainly due to carriage configuration, number of compartments, and privacy. Specific differences can be learned from the travel agency when registering.
📞 Registration Method
You can inquire and register through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service.
Contact Phone/WeChat:181-3962-2229
Inquiry Content:Departure city, assembly point, transfer arrangements, availability, included items, etc.
The travel agency will provide detailed itinerary materials and assist with contract signing and payment.
📋 Cost and Service Explanation
The following is a general reference for cost composition and service content, subject to actual inquiry and contract.
✅ Costs Typically Include
Train Seat:New Oriental Express corresponding room type seat fee (including bathroom, bedding, etc.).
Ground Accommodation:Hotel stays in cities listed in the itinerary (usually local high-standard hotels or special accommodations).
Scenic Spot Tickets:First admission tickets and necessary shuttle buses for listed scenic spots.
Ground Transportation:Local transportation costs such as tour buses.
The itinerary design typically combines a “Summer Edition” and a “Southern Xinjiang Edition” to link the highlights of northern and southern Xinjiang, allowing travelers to gain a rich experience within a limited time.Full Meals:Breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and some special meals within the itinerary.
Guide Service:Chinese-speaking guide and onboard attendant services.
Transfer Service:Pick-up and drop-off services at Urumqi airport/train station.
❌ Costs Typically Do Not Include
Major Transportation:Airfare, train tickets, etc., from departure city to and from Urumqi.
Personal Expenses:Extra consumption in hotels, self-funded items outside the itinerary, etc.
：If you choose single occupancy, please inquire about the supplement plan.
⚠ ️ Friendly Reminder
Information such as weather, road conditions, and scenic area opening hours in the itinerary may change. The travel agency and travelers can negotiate to make reasonable changes to the itinerary.
In case of force majeure (e.g., extreme weather, traffic controls), both parties can negotiate to modify or terminate the contract based on the Tourism Law of the People’s Republic of China and relevant contract terms.
💡 Travel Preparation Suggestions
Clothing:Xinjiang has large temperature differences between day and night. Even in summer, it is recommended to bring a windproof jacket and warm clothing. For higher altitude areas like the Pamir Plateau, prepare warmer clothes.
Sun Protection:Xinjiang has long sunshine hours and strong UV rays. It is recommended to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a sun hat, and lip balm.
Health:Travelers with underlying conditions such as cardiovascular or respiratory diseases should consult a doctor before traveling. Upon arriving in high-altitude areas, avoid strenuous exercise and inform the guide if feeling unwell.
Luggage:Train carriage space is limited. It is recommended to bring a carry-on-sized suitcase and a daypack for daytime tours.
Culture:Xinjiang is a multi-ethnic region. Please respect local customs and folk culture, protect the environment, and travel responsibly.
2026 New Oriental Express Booking Center Phone: Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service Train Center (24-hour hotline: 0991-8585456), Train Department Manager Guo Jing, WeChat: 181 3962 2229 for ticket purchase
