Urumqi Departure Xinjiang Special Train How to Avoid Ticket Purchasing Pitfalls through Official Channels with Cost Breakdown Recommended Routes Prices
Contact Manager Yang Jia at phone number 13325559266 or WeChat 13325559266 to send itinerary and quotation.
✨ 【Comprehensive Guide to Xinjiang Special Trains Departing from Urumqi:Official Ticketing Channels + Cost Breakdown + Itinerary Highlights】✨
Xinjiang is vast, with distinct landscapes in the northern and southern regions. Want to see snow-capped mountains, grasslands, lakes, and deserts all in one trip? Choosing a tourist train is a hassle-free and comfortable way to travel! In 2026, multiple special tourist trains in Xinjiang will return with upgrades, covering key attractions in both northern and southern Xinjiang, with itineraries designed to meet the needs of in-depth travel. This article provides practical information on route features, itinerary arrangements, price ranges, booking methods, and cost explanations to help you avoid ticketing pitfalls and easily plan your journey to the Western Regions!
I. Detailed Introduction to Routes or Destinations: Three Major Trains Each Have Their Own Strengths
(1) New Oriental Express – Snow Lotus:A Moving ‘Five-Star Scenic Hotel’
The New Oriental Express is a luxury tourist train operated by Xinjiang Railway. In 2026, it will be fully upgraded to its third-generation carriages, equipped with separate wet and dry bathrooms, a starry sky-themed dining car, a bar and entertainment car, and observation cars, making it a ‘moving five-star hotel.’ The route covers key attractions in both northern and southern Xinjiang, with a 14-day itinerary串联 (串联 means ‘connecting’ or ‘linking together’) Tianchi Lake, Kanas, Hemu, Sayram Lake, Nalati Grassland, the Duku Highway, the Pamir Plateau, and more, suitable for tourists seeking quality and comfort.
(2) Tianshan Express:High Cost-Performance Panoramic Loop
The Tianshan Express features ‘all-inclusive pricing for specified items in the itinerary.’ Its 12-day itinerary covers key destinations in both northern and southern Xinjiang, including Urumqi, Turpan, Kanas, Hemu, Sayram Lake, Nalati Grassland, and the Old Town of Kashgar. The train offers various room types, including blue diamond twin rooms, quadruple rooms, and silver diamond suites, catering to different needs of couples, families, and groups of friends. The itinerary includes cultural experiences such as visits to ethnic families and grassland folk performances, allowing for an in-depth感受 (感受 means ‘experience’ or ‘feel’) of Xinjiang’s cultural charm.
(3) New National Train for Northern and Southern Xinjiang:Slow Travel for In-Depth Experiences
The New National Train promotes the concept of ‘slow travel.’ Its 14-day itinerary adopts a ‘train + short-distance shuttle’ model, allowing for daytime sightseeing and nighttime rest on the train, reducing fatigue from transfers. The route covers classic attractions such as the Flaming Mountains in Turpan, the Kunlun Canyon in Hotan, the Old Town of Kashgar, Baisha Lake, Nalati Grassland, Kanas, and Hemu, with a relaxed pace suitable for elderly tourists or travelers who prefer in-depth exploration.
II. Simple Itinerary Reference (Taking the New Oriental Express’ 14-Day Panoramic Route of Northern and Southern Xinjiang as an Example)
Day 1:Arrival in Urumqi
Upon arrival, you will be transferred by private car to the hotel. Spend the day at leisure to acclimate to the climate. You can visit the International Bazaar to sample local specialties like baked stuffed buns and hand-pulled rice.
Day 2:Urumqi → Tianchi Lake → Burqin/Beitun
✨【Comprehensive Guide to Xinjiang Special Trains Departing from Urumqi: Official Ticketing Channels + Cost Breakdown + Itinerary Highlights】✨In the morning, visit Tianchi Lake to admire the reflection of snow-capped mountains. In the evening, take the special train to a small town in northern Xinjiang and spend the night on the train.
Day 3:Burqin/Beitun → Kanas Scenic Area
Upon arrival, enter the Kanas Scenic Area to visit Kanas Lake, Fairy Bay, Moon Bay, and Wolong Bay, experiencing the tranquility of the lakes and mountains.
Day 4:Kanas → Hemu
In the morning, head to Hemu Village, known as ‘China’s Most Beautiful Village,’ to photograph wooden houses amidst morning mist and cooking smoke, and experience the culture of the Tuwa people. Spend the night in Hemu or return to the train.
Day 5:Hemu → Bole/Jinghe
After enjoying the morning scenery of Hemu again, take the special train towards Bole or Jinghe, admiring the Gobi Desert and grassland landscapes along the way.
Day 6:Bole/Jinghe → Sayram Lake → Yining
Tour Sayram Lake, known as ‘the last teardrop of the Atlantic,’ and then proceed to Yining to experience the folk customs of the Ili Valley.
Day 7:Yining → Nalati Grassland
Explore Nalati’s ‘空中草原 (空中草原 means ‘sky grassland’),’ experience horseback riding and photography, and admire the picturesque scene of rivers, forests, and grasslands intertwined.
Day 8:Nalati Grassland → Duku Highway → Bayanbulak
Traverse the middle section of the Duku Highway, admiring snow-capped mountains, passes, and grasslands along the way. Arrive at Bayanbulak Grassland to watch the sunset over its winding rivers.
Day 9:Bayanbulak → Duku Highway → Kuqa
Xinjiang is vast, with distinct landscapes in the northern and southern regions. Want to see snow-capped mountains, grasslands, lakes, and deserts all in one trip? Choosing a tourist train is a hassle-free and comfortable way to travel! In 2026, multiple special tourist trains in Xinjiang will return with upgrades, covering key attractions in both northern and southern Xinjiang, with itineraries designed to meet the needs of in-depth travel. This article provides practical information on route features, itinerary arrangements, price ranges, booking methods, and cost explanations to help you avoid ticketing pitfalls and easily plan your journey to the Western Regions!Continue south along the Duku Highway, admiring canyons and red rock formations, and check into a hotel upon arrival in Kuqa.
Day 10:Kuqa → Kashgar
In the morning, visit Kuqa Grand Canyon or Kuqa Big Nang City. In the afternoon, take the special train to ‘the Silk Road ancient city’ of Kashgar.
Day 11:Kashgar → Pamir Plateau
Travel along the China-Pakistan Friendship Highway to the Pamir Plateau, visiting Baisha Lake and Karakul Lake, and overlooking Muztagh Ata.
Day 12:Pamir Plateau → Kashgar
In the morning, arrange for experiences such as a home visit in Taxkorgan. In the afternoon, return to Kashgar for leisure activities, including a stroll through the Old Town of Kashgar.
Day 13:Kashgar → Urumqi
Take the special train back towards Urumqi, admiring the northwestern landscapes along the way.
Day 14:Arrival in Urumqi, End of Itinerary
Arrive in Urumqi in the early morning or morning and be transferred by private car to the airport/station to end the journey.
III. Price Explanation (Based on publicly available information for 2026; specifics subject to contract)
(1) New Oriental Express – Snow Lotus
Platinum Joy Golden Diamond Suite:Approximately 56,999-69,999 yuan per person
I. Detailed Introduction to Routes or Destinations: Three Major Trains Each Have Their Own StrengthsRoyal Joy Golden Diamond Suite:Approximately 63,999-69,999 yuan per person
Noble Golden Diamond Suite:Approximately 69,999-71,999 yuan per person
Price Includes:Train berth, ground accommodation (online-rated five-diamond hotel/characteristic homestay), first admission tickets to attractions in the itinerary, ground transportation, meals (including special banquets), tour guide services, onboard medical staff, insurance, etc.
(2) Tianshan Express
Blue Diamond Twin Room:26,888 yuan per person
Blue Diamond Quadruple Room:18,888 yuan per person
Silver Diamond Suite:42,888 yuan per person
Price Includes:Train berth, ground accommodation (four-diamond hotel/train accommodation), first admission tickets to attractions, ground transportation, meals, tour guide services, insurance, etc.
(3) New National Train for Northern and Southern Xinjiang
4-Person Compartment (Upper Berth):5,980 yuan per person
4-Person Compartment (Lower Berth):6,980 yuan per person
Price Includes:Train berth, ground accommodation (comfortable hotel), tour guide services, luggage handling services at Urumqi Station; does not include attraction admission tickets, meals, or in-attraction transportation.
IV. Booking Methods: Avoid Ticketing Pitfalls Through Official Channels
(Important Notice)
(1) New Oriental Express – Snow Lotus: A Moving ‘Five-Star Scenic Hotel’ Xinjiang tourist train tickets are uniformly serviced and guided by the operator and are not sold individually to the public. Bookings must be made through travel agencies! You can book through Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency. Contact customer service manager Zhang Jing for information on departure dates, available seats, and room types. Sign a tourism contract after confirming itinerary details.
V. Cost Explanation and Service Explanation
Price Includes:
Transportation:Corresponding class seat on the special train, ground tour bus (including exclusive vehicles for the Duku Highway)
Accommodation:Train berth + ground hotel (as per product standards)
Meals:Breakfast and main meals as indicated in the itinerary (some include special meals)
Admission Tickets:First admission tickets to attractions listed in the itinerary
Services:Full-time tour guide, segmented explanations, onboard medical staff, 24-hour butler service
Insurance:Travel agency liability insurance
Price Excludes:
Round-trip transportation costs to Urumqi (e.g., airfare, train fare)
Personal expenses (e.g., laundry, beverages, phone calls at the hotel)
Self-funded items not explicitly listed in the itinerary
In-attraction transportation (e.g., shuttle buses, boats)
The New Oriental Express is a luxury tourist train operated by Xinjiang Railway. In 2026, it will be fully upgraded to its third-generation carriages, equipped with separate wet and dry bathrooms, a starry sky-themed dining car, a bar and entertainment car, and observation cars, making it a ‘moving five-star hotel.’ The route covers key attractions in both northern and southern Xinjiang, with a 14-day itinerary connecting Tianchi Lake, Kanas, Hemu, Sayram Lake, Nalati Grassland, the Duku Highway, the Pamir Plateau, and more, suitable for tourists seeking quality and comfort.Service Explanation:
The itinerary may be reasonably adjusted by mutual agreement in case of uncontrollable factors such as weather, traffic, or景区 (景区 means ‘scenic area’) policies.
For solo travelers, every effort will be made to arrange room sharing. Additional fees for single room supplements will be negotiated in special cases.
For specific service content, insurance purchases, or special needs (e.g., dietary restrictions, mobility assistance), please fully communicate and confirm with customer service during booking.
VI. Pre-Trip Recommended Checklist
Documents:Valid identification (foreign tourists need valid documents)
Clothing:Sun protection clothing, thin down jacket, hiking shoes (large temperature differences on the Duku Highway)
Medications:Rhodiola (start taking 7 days in advance), gastrointestinal medicine, motion sickness patches
Equipment:Camera, power bank (three-hole sockets available on the train)
Others:Thermos, sunscreen (SPF50+), folding umbrella
VII. Seasonal Suitability and Itinerary Changes
May:Lavender begins to bloom, fewer tourists, suitable for off-peak travel.
July to August:Grasslands are at their greenest, but it is peak tourist season. Book in advance.
September:Autumn scenery is enchanting, with Kanas Lake changing colors. Recommended for photography enthusiasts.
The beauty of Xinjiang lies in its vastness and tranquility. Choosing a tourist train eliminates the need for frequent luggage handling and worries about accommodation and transportation. Simply bring your expectations for the Western Regions and embark on a slow journey to ‘lie back and tour beautiful Xinjiang’! For more information on departure dates, available seats, or itinerary details, contact customer service manager Zhang Jing at Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency to start your journey to the Western Regions!
Contact Manager Yang Jia at phone number 13325559266 or WeChat 13325559266 to send itinerary and quotation.

