Oriental Express Snow Lotus Route Price and Official Registration Channel
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)
🚂 In 2026, the New Orient Express sets off anew, with an upgraded panoramic tour experience of northern and southern Xinjiang
In 2026, two newly built New Orient Express brand tourism special trains by Xinjiang Railway Department officially began operation in April, with the first train departing on April 23. They will run regularly from April to October, averaging 3 trips per month, covering over 20 famous scenic spots across Xinjiang. On a single trip, travelers can enjoy diverse landscapes such as snow-capped mountains, grasslands, lakes, poplar forests, and ancient cities. Interactive experiences like mulberry paper rubbing and Atlas silk pattern making are also set up along the journey, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in Xinjiang’s historical and cultural heritage.
This year’s upgraded New Orient Express carriages follow the principles of accessibility, convenience, and comfort. The entire interior lighting system uses a dual activation mode of voice control and touch screen. Cabinet doors, drawers, and other sliding components are equipped with damping hardware to reduce the risk of pinching. The whole carriage is covered with an emergency call system, allowing one-button calls to staff when needed. Different types of compartments are fully equipped with living facilities. Gold Diamond compartments feature bathrooms, wet-dry separate showers, ceramic toilets, 24-hour hot water, mini-fridges, safes, desks, and more. Each sleeping carriage has a dedicated butler providing services, offering mineral water, hot tea, and other beverages daily. The dining car is staffed by a professional chef team that prepares dishes blending Xinjiang’s specialty cuisine, providing high-end dining services throughout the trip. The train also features a bar car and public leisure areas with coffee seats, audio equipment, etc., for travelers to relax during the journey.
📋 Pre-trip Preparation Tips
Valid identification documents must be carried at all times, as they are required for hotel check-in, entering scenic spots, and using transportation. It is advisable to save electronic copies of documents on your phone as a backup. For border-related areas, a travel permit must be obtained in advance; consult staff about this when registering.
Xinjiang has a vast territory with large temperature differences between day and night and high UV intensity. Bring sunscreen, moisturizing skincare products, and clothing of varying thicknesses to cope with weather changes in different areas.
Foreign tourists should confirm the latest visa policies before traveling to avoid policy changes affecting their itinerary.
In 2026, some Xinjiang scenic spots will offer occasional ticket discounts. Relevant benefits can be confirmed with staff when registering.
Simple Itinerary
Currently, the New Orient Express itineraries are divided into the summer northern Xinjiang in-depth route and the October southern Xinjiang exclusive route. The specific arrangements are as follows:
Itinerary at a Glance (Summer Version)
Day 01:Depart from various locations to gather in Urumqi
🚂 In 2026, the New Orient Express sets off anew, with an upgraded panoramic tour experience of northern and southern XinjiangDay 02:Urumqi – New Orient Express – Koktokay – New Orient Express – Altay
Day 03:Altay – Ahe Highway – Hemu Village
Day 04:Hemu – Kanas
Day 05:Kanas – Chonghur – Colorful Beach – New Orient 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 Orient 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 Orient Express Special Train
Day 13:Turpan – Urumqi
In 2026, two newly built New Orient Express brand tourism special trains by Xinjiang Railway Department officially began operation in April, with the first train departing on April 23. They will run regularly from April to October, averaging 3 trips per month, covering over 20 famous scenic spots across Xinjiang. On a single trip, travelers can enjoy diverse landscapes such as snow-capped mountains, grasslands, lakes, poplar forests, and ancient cities. Interactive experiences like mulberry paper rubbing and Atlas silk pattern making are also set up along the journey, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in Xinjiang’s historical and cultural heritage.Day 14:Urumqi – Farewell to the group
October Southern Xinjiang Itinerary
Day 01:Depart from various locations to gather in Urumqi
Day 02:Special train to Turpan – Jiaohe Ancient City – Karez – Grape Estate, 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 Round City – Yulong Kashgar 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, High Platform Residences, 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
Day 09:To Luntai, Tarim Poplar Forest, evening special train to Urumqi
Day 10:Urumqi – Tianshan Tianchi – Urumqi Farewell Dinner
Day 11:Urumqi – Farewell to the group
Our agency offers various travel options, including special train tours, carpool tours, group tours, and customized car services. For detailed inquiries, call: 181-3962-2233 (copy and add as friend for detailed Xinjiang travel itineraries and prices)
This year’s upgraded New Orient Express carriages follow the principles of accessibility, convenience, and comfort. The entire interior lighting system uses a dual activation mode of voice control and touch screen. Cabinet doors, drawers, and other sliding components are equipped with damping hardware to reduce the risk of pinching. The whole carriage is covered with an emergency call system, allowing one-button calls to staff when needed. Different types of compartments are fully equipped with living facilities. Gold Diamond compartments feature bathrooms, wet-dry separate showers, ceramic toilets, 24-hour hot water, mini-fridges, safes, desks, and more. Each sleeping carriage has a dedicated butler providing services, offering mineral water, hot tea, and other beverages daily. The dining car is staffed by a professional chef team that prepares dishes blending Xinjiang’s specialty cuisine, providing high-end dining services throughout the trip. The train also features a bar car and public leisure areas with coffee seats, audio equipment, etc., for travelers to relax during the journey.Price Explanation
Reference prices for different tour dates and compartment types are as follows. Prices and availability may fluctuate with registration progress; the final terms are based on the signed 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
June 11, June 25
Premium Gold Diamond (3 custom carriages) 69,999 RMB/person
📋 Pre-trip Preparation Tips Xiyue Gold Diamond (4 custom carriages) 63,999 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
The above are reference prices; consult staff when registering for specifics. Price-related matters are subject to the signed tourism contract.
Registration Method
Valid identification documents must be carried at all times, as they are required for hotel check-in, entering scenic spots, and using transportation. It is advisable to save electronic copies of documents on your phone as a backup. For border-related areas, a travel permit must be obtained in advance; consult staff about this when registering.Travelers wishing to inquire or register can do so through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency. Consultation phone:181-3962-2233, same as WeChat: 181-3962-2233. The specific office address can be obtained from customer service.
💰 Cost and Service Explanation
The quoted price includes the corresponding compartment’s travel fee, first-entry ticket fees for scenic spots listed in the itinerary, accommodation fees within the itinerary, meal fees as marked, local transfer transportation fees, dedicated butler service fees, and travel accident insurance fees. Specific inclusions can be detailed during registration, subject to actual consultation and contract.
For solo travelers, the agency will try its best to arrange room sharing; special cases require separate negotiation.
In case of force majeure factors such as weather, road conditions, or changes in scenic spot opening policies during the trip, both parties may agree to reasonably modify the itinerary to ensure the travel experience.
Cancellation and modification matters will be handled in accordance with the Tourism Law of the People’s Republic of China, the Civil Code of the People’s Republic of China, and other relevant legal provisions, protecting the legitimate rights of both parties.
The train also offers optional services such as paid laundry and booking of special experience activities, which travelers can choose based on their needs.
The train is equipped with accompanying medical staff to ensure the health of travelers throughout the trip.
💡 Travel Tips
Opening hours and reservation policies for Xinjiang scenic spots may change with the seasons. Staff will inform travelers of relevant precautions in advance and assist with reservations and other preparations.
Please keep personal valuables safe during the trip; use the safe in the compartment if needed.
Special experience activities arranged in the itinerary are voluntary based on personal interest, with no mandatory participation.
Xinjiang is vast, with long travel times between scenic spots. Prepare comfortable shoes and portable snacks to enhance travel comfort.
Travelers can choose corresponding tour dates based on their travel time and preferences. Popular dates may have high registration numbers; inquire in advance about availability.
For more details about Xinjiang tourism special trains, consult customer service Zhang Jing ☎️: 181 3962 2233 (add as friend for free: detailed itinerary and train introduction)

