New Oriental Express Snow Lotus Route Introduction and Registration Method
For more details about Xinjiang tourism special trains, please contact Zhang Jing, customer service manager of Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency: 181-3962-2233 (same as WeChat)
✨ 2026 New Oriental Express Xinjiang In-depth Travel Guide
Many travelers planning to visit Xinjiang worry about long-distance transfers and the hassle of packing luggage and changing accommodations daily. Choosing the New Oriental Express in 2026 can effectively solve these pain points. The train operates on a ‘travel at night, stop and explore during the day’ model, eliminating the need to move luggage and change trains every day, allowing for a more relaxed tour of Xinjiang’s unique landscapes.
🔍 Route and Destination Highlights
Currently, the New Oriental Express Xinjiang routes are divided into two types: the Summer Northern Xinjiang Panorama Route and the October Southern Xinjiang In-depth Route, covering most of Xinjiang’s well-known natural and cultural sites. In 2026, all related scenic spots will be open as usual. You can choose based on your travel time and preferences:
Summer Northern Xinjiang Route Highlights
Altay Region: The itinerary includes Koktokay, Hemu Village, Kanas, and Colorful Beach. At Koktokay, you can enjoy unique geological deposits and canyon landscapes. In 2026, the ticket price is 90 yuan/person plus 50 yuan for the shuttle bus. Hemu offers a peaceful mountain village atmosphere, with a 60 yuan ticket, 20 yuan ancient village maintenance fee, and 100 yuan shuttle bus. Kanas features a blend of lakes and primeval forests, with a 185 yuan ticket and 130 yuan shuttle bus allowing two entries. Colorful Beach’s Yadan landforms look stunning under evening light, with a ticket price of 50 yuan/person.
Yili Region: Includes Sayram Lake, Nalati Grassland, and Bayanbulak, passing through the middle and southern sections of the Duku Highway. In 2026, Sayram Lake’s ticket is 70 yuan/person, with multiple viewing spots along the lake for photos. Nalati Grassland offers different routes like Sky Grassland and River Valley Grassland, with a 95 yuan ticket and corresponding shuttle bus options. Bayanbulak’s wetlands and river views are popular among photographers, with a 65 yuan ticket and 90 yuan shuttle bus for in-depth exploration. The Duku Highway’s opening is weather-dependent, and the itinerary will adjust accordingly.
Southern Xinjiang Pamir and Kashgar Region: The latter part of the summer route visits Baisha Lake, Pamir Scenic Area, and Kashgar. In 2026, Baisha Lake’s ticket is 45 yuan/person plus 10 yuan for the electric cart. The Pamir region features striking highland snow mountains and lakes. In Kashgar city, you can experience local cuisine and handicrafts.
October Southern Xinjiang Route Highlights
The October Southern Xinjiang itinerary focuses more on historical and cultural sites, coinciding with the prime viewing period for poplar forests:
Eastern Xinjiang and Ruoqiang Region: Includes Jiaohe Ancient City, Karez Well, and Loulan Museum. Jiaohe Ancient City is a well-preserved raw earth architectural site, the Karez Well is a traditional irrigation system, and the Loulan Museum displays many historical relics. The itinerary also includes a Ruoqiang red date picking experience.
Hotan and Shache Region:Hotan Tuancheng offers a feel of local street styles, the Yurungkash River attracts visitors for stone picking, and there are spots like the Grape Corridor and Walnut King Tree. Shache’s Yarkent Khan’s Palace provides insights into regional history and culture.
✨ 2026 New Oriental Express Xinjiang In-depth Travel GuideKashgar and Kuqa Region:Besides the highland views of Baisha Lake and Karakul Lake, you can visit Kashgar Old City, Kuqa Grand Canyon, and Kuqa King’s Palace. The architectural styles of Restan Old Street and Qiuci Alley are distinctive. In 2026, Kuqa Grand Canyon’s ticket is 45 yuan/person.
Luntai Region:In October, the Tarim Poplar Forest is highly scenic, with golden poplars contrasting with rivers and deserts. A 45 yuan ticket plus 30 yuan shuttle bus and 100 yuan small train allow in-depth exploration.
🚞 Simplified Itinerary
Currently, the New Oriental Express Xinjiang routes are divided into two types, with specific arrangements as follows:
Quick Itinerary (Summer Edition)
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
Many travelers planning to visit Xinjiang worry about long-distance transfers and the hassle of packing luggage and changing accommodations daily. Choosing the New Oriental Express in 2026 can effectively solve these pain points. The train operates on a ‘travel at night, stop and explore during the day’ model, eliminating the need to move luggage and change trains every day, allowing for a more relaxed tour of Xinjiang’s unique landscapes.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 – 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
October Southern Xinjiang Itinerary
Day 01:Gather in Urumqi from various locations
Day 02:Special train to Turpan – Jiaohe Ancient City – Karez Well – 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 early – Hotan Tuancheng – Yurungkash River Treasure Hunting – Grape Corridor – Walnut King Tree – Yotkan Ancient City Night View
Day 05:Special train to Shache – Yarkent Khan’s Palace – Amannisa Khan’s Mausoleum, then to Kashgar
Our agency offers various travel options, including special trains, carpool tours, group tours, and customized car services. For detailed inquiries, call: 181-3962-2233 (add as friend for detailed Xinjiang travel itineraries and prices)
🔍 Route and Destination HighlightsDay 06:Baisha Lake, Karakul Lake, return to Kashgar
Day 07:Kashgar Old City, Id Kah Mosque, Gaotai Ancient Residence, evening special train to Kuqa
Day 08:Arrive in Kuqa early, Tianshan Grand Canyon, Kuqa King’s 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
💰 Price Explanation
Reference prices for different departure dates are as follows. Prices may fluctuate based on availability, and the final price is subject to the signed contract:
May 6, May 14
Premium Gold Diamond (3 custom carriages) 59,999 yuan/person
Xiyue Gold Diamond (4 custom carriages) 54,999 yuan/person
Boyue Gold Diamond (5 custom carriages) 49,999 yuan/person, third and fourth persons 30,000 yuan/person
Currently, the New Oriental Express Xinjiang routes are divided into two types: the Summer Northern Xinjiang Panorama Route and the October Southern Xinjiang In-depth Route, covering most of Xinjiang’s well-known natural and cultural sites. In 2026, all related scenic spots will be open as usual. You can choose based on your travel time and preferences:June 1, June 30
Premium Gold Diamond (3 custom carriages) 67,999 yuan/person
Xiyue Gold Diamond (4 custom carriages) 62,999 yuan/person
Boyue Gold Diamond (5 custom carriages) 56,999 yuan/person, third and fourth persons 30,000 yuan/person
June 11, June 25
Premium Gold Diamond (3 custom carriages) 69,999 yuan/person
Xiyue Gold Diamond (4 custom carriages) 63,999 yuan/person
Boyue Gold Diamond (5 custom carriages) 58,999 yuan/person, third and fourth persons 30,000 yuan/person
September 3
Premium Gold Diamond (3 custom carriages) 71,999 yuan/person
Xiyue Gold Diamond (4 custom carriages) 65,999 yuan/person
Boyue Gold Diamond (5 custom carriages) 59,999 yuan/person, third and fourth persons 30,000 yuan/person
Summer Northern Xinjiang Route HighlightsOctober 15, October 25
Premium Gold Diamond (3 custom carriages) 44,999 yuan/person
Xiyue Gold Diamond (4 custom carriages) 39,999 yuan/person
Boyue Gold Diamond (5 custom carriages) 36,999 yuan/person, third and fourth persons 20,000 yuan/person
The third and fourth person discount applies to travelers in the same order. Please consult customer service for specific rules.
📞 Registration Method
You can register through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency. The consultation phone and WeChat are both 181-3962-2233. For registration procedures and address details, please contact customer service.
📋 Cost and Service Explanation
Services included: Accommodation in the corresponding New Oriental Express cabin, first-entry tickets and shuttle bus fees for scenic spots listed in the itinerary, meal costs as specified, ground transfer and tour transportation, dedicated butler service, and basic entertainment facilities on the train. Details are subject to actual consultation and contract.
Note:For solo travelers, we will try to arrange shared accommodation; special cases require separate negotiation.
Travel Tips:Involving weather, road conditions, policies, scenic spot openings, schedule changes, tickets, train cabin types, etc., the itinerary may be reasonably modified with mutual agreement.
Cancellation and change rules follow relevant laws such as the Tourism Law and Contract Law.
Train Services: Each carriage has a dedicated butler. Gold Diamond cabins have private bathrooms; other cabins have shared bathrooms. 24-hour hot water is available. The dining car serves Chinese and Xinjiang specialties. There are also bar cars and lounge areas. Medical staff accompany the trip for health support.
The New Oriental Express cabins are spacious with panoramic windows for scenic views. The no-daily-luggage-change model saves energy. Travelers with plans can contact customer service early to check availability and book in advance.
For more details about Xinjiang tourism special trains, contact customer service Zhang Jing ☎️: 181 3962 2233 (add as friend for free: detailed itinerary and train introduction)
