2026 Xinjiang Special Train Tour from Shanghai Quotes + Ticket Purchase + New Oriental Express Itinerary Guide Recommended Routes Cost and Price
Contact Manager Wang Fei at phone number 18095969599 or WeChat 18095969599 to send itinerary and quotation
Exploring the Western Regions:2026 In-Depth Guide to the “New Oriental Express” Special Train from Shanghai to Xinjiang
🌄 Route Highlights:A Mobile ‘Five-Star Scenic Hotel’
In 2026, tourism in Xinjiang continues to soar, and the “New Oriental Express,” representing China’s premium tourist train, has become a popular choice for an in-depth experience of Xinjiang’s landscapes with its unique design of ‘the train moves with the scenery, traveling day and night.’ This train, centered in Urumqi, connects the grasslands and lakes of Northern Xinjiang with the deserts and humanities of Southern Xinjiang. The carriages are equipped with bathrooms, constant temperature air conditioning, large observation windows, and 24-hour butler service, earning it the title of a ‘mobile five-star hotel.’
The train operates on a ‘sightseeing during the day, traveling at night’ model, maximizing time utilization. For example, on the journey from Altay to Kanas, tourists can hike the Three Bays and ascend Guanyu Platform for a panoramic view during the day, while the train traverses the Altai Mountains at night, arriving directly at the Kanas Scenic Area the next morning, eliminating the fatigue of a long drive.
🗺 ️Simple Itinerary:Comprehensive Coverage of Northern and Southern Xinjiang
Based on the latest group schedules for 2026, the itinerary is divided into a summer version and a Southern Xinjiang version in October, both departing from Urumqi:
Summer Version (14 Days)
Day 1:Gather in Urumqi from various locations
Day 2:Urumqi → New Oriental Express → Koktokay → Altay
Day 3:Altay → Ahe Highway → Hemu Village
Day 4:Hemu → Kanas
Day 5:Kanas → Chonghur → Colorful Beach → Special Train
Day 6:Jinghe → Sayram Lake → Yining
Exploring the Western Regions: 2026 In-Depth Guide to the “New Oriental Express” Special Train from Shanghai to XinjiangDay 7:Yining → Nalati Grassland
Day 8:Nalati → Middle Section of Duku Highway → Bayanbulak
Day 9:Bayanbulak → Southern Section of Duku Highway → Kuqa Grand Canyon → Special Train
Day 10:Kashgar → Baisha Lake → Pamir Scenic Area → Taxkorgan
Day 11:Taxkorgan → Tajik Home Visit → Karakul Lake → Kashgar
Day 12:Kashgar → Turpan → Special Train
Day 13:Turpan → Urumqi
Day 14:See off the group in Urumqi
October Southern Xinjiang Version (11 Days)
Day 1:Gather in Urumqi from various locations
Day 2:Special Train → Turpan (Jiaohe Ancient City, Karez Wells) → Ruoqiang
Day 3:Milan Ruins → Loulan Museum → Jujube Picking → Special Train → Hotan
Day 4:Hotan Tuancheng → Treasure Hunting in the Yurungkash River → Yotkan Ancient City Night View
Day 5:Special Train → Shache (Yarkant Khanate Palace) → Kashgar
🌄Route Highlights: A Mobile ‘Five-Star Scenic Hotel’Day 6:Baisha Lake → Karakul Lake → Return to Kashgar
Day 7:Kashgar Old City → Eidgah Mosque → Special Train → Kuqa
Day 8:Kuqa Grand Canyon → Kuqa Royal Palace → Reshtan Old Street
Day 9:Luntai → Tarim Populus Euphratica Forest → Special Train → Urumqi
Day 10:Tianshan Tianchi → Farewell Dinner
Day 11:See off the group in Urumqi
💰 Pricing Information:Pricing varies by cabin type; early bird discounts available upon inquiry
Group schedules and prices for 2026 are as follows (subject to the signed contract and may fluctuate with the market):
May 6, May 14:
Premium Gold Diamond (3-person cabin):59,999 RMB/person
Royal Gold Diamond (4-person cabin):54,999 RMB/person
Platinum Gold Diamond (5-person cabin):49,999 RMB/person
Third and Fourth Persons in Same Cabin:30,000 RMB/person
In 2026, tourism in Xinjiang continues to soar, and the “New Oriental Express,” representing China’s premium tourist train, has become a popular choice for an in-depth experience of Xinjiang’s landscapes with its unique design of ‘the train moves with the scenery, traveling day and night.’ This train, centered in Urumqi, connects the grasslands and lakes of Northern Xinjiang with the deserts and humanities of Southern Xinjiang. The carriages are equipped with bathrooms, constant temperature air conditioning, large observation windows, and 24-hour butler service, earning it the title of a ‘mobile five-star hotel.’June 1, June 30:
Premium Gold Diamond:67,999 RMB/person
Royal Gold Diamond:62,999 RMB/person
Platinum Gold Diamond:56,999 RMB/person
Third and Fourth Persons in Same Cabin:30,000 RMB/person
June 11, June 25:
Premium Gold Diamond:69,999 RMB/person
Royal Gold Diamond:63,999 RMB/person
Platinum Gold Diamond:58,999 RMB/person
Third and Fourth Persons in Same Cabin:30,000 RMB/person
September 3:
Premium Gold Diamond:71,999 RMB/person
Royal Gold Diamond:65,999 RMB/person
Platinum Gold Diamond:59,999 RMB/person
The train operates on a ‘sightseeing during the day, traveling at night’ model, maximizing time utilization. For example, on the journey from Altay to Kanas, tourists can hike the Three Bays and ascend Guanyu Platform for a panoramic view during the day, while the train traverses the Altai Mountains at night, arriving directly at the Kanas Scenic Area the next morning, eliminating the fatigue of a long drive.Third and Fourth Persons in Same Cabin:30,000 RMB/person
October 15, October 25 (Southern Xinjiang Autumn Scenery Special Train):
Premium Gold Diamond:44,999 RMB/person
Royal Gold Diamond:39,999 RMB/person
Platinum Gold Diamond:36,999 RMB/person
Third and Fourth Persons in Same Cabin:20,000 RMB/person
Tips:Prices include accommodation on the special train, scenic area tickets, local transportation, and some meals, excluding round-trip transportation to Urumqi and personal expenses. Availability and discounts must be confirmed by contacting customer service manager Zhang Jing.
📝 Registration Method:Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency
Registration can be done through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency, requiring submission of valid identification information and health certificates 30 days in advance. Customer service manager Zhang Jing will assist with contract signing and itinerary customization.
📋 Fee and Service Description
Fees Include:Accommodation throughout the special train journey, first entrance tickets to scenic areas, local air-conditioned tourist buses, Chinese-speaking guides for groups of 10 or more, and travel agency liability insurance.
Fees Exclude:Round-trip airfare to Urumqi, self-funded items during the itinerary (such as horseback riding, folk performances), and personal expenses.
Note:Single registrants will be coordinated for room sharing as much as possible; if room sharing is not possible, an additional fee will be required, with the specific amount subject to the contract.
🗺️Simple Itinerary: Comprehensive Coverage of Northern and Southern XinjiangService Standards:Fresh fruit platters, mineral water, and basic medical kits are provided daily in the carriages; scenic area停留 (translated as ‘stopover’) times are dynamically adjusted based on actual passenger flow to ensure the best possible experience.
🌍 In-Depth Destination Analysis
Northern Xinjiang:A Symphony of Nature and Humanity
Kanas:In 2026, the scenic area implements a ‘reservation system + timed entry’ policy, requiring tourists to book tickets in advance on the platform. Autumn Kanas is a photographer’s paradise, with layered forests, and the morning mists of the Three Bays (Fairy Bay, Moon Bay, and Wolong Bay) reflecting beautifully on the lake.
Hemu Village:Known as ‘God’s Own Backyard,’ the village limits daily tourist numbers in 2026, requiring entry by shuttle bus. In the morning, ascend the Haden Platform for a panoramic view of the smoking wooden houses, and in the evening, participate in the Tuva people’s bonfire party.
Southern Xinjiang:A Dialogue Between Deserts and Oases
Kashgar Old City:In 2026, the smart scenic area upgrade allows tourists to learn about intangible cultural heritage such as century-old pottery and Aidelai silk through AR guides. Every Friday’s bazaar day offers a lively experience of the local market atmosphere.
Pamir Plateau:A permit is required in advance (can be arranged by the travel agency). Baisha Lake’s waters change color with the light, and Karakul Lake reflects Muztagh Ata, making it a classic route for plateau trekking.
⚠ ️Precautions
Document Preparation:In addition to valid identification, a permit is required for visiting the Pamir Plateau (can be obtained at the place of residence or in Kashgar).
Climate Adaptation:Xinjiang has large temperature variations between day and night; a thin down jacket is necessary in summer, and a windproof sand mask is required for the Southern Xinjiang itinerary in October.
Policy Changes:Scenic area opening hours and ticket policies may change due to weather or policies; reasonable itinerary adjustments can be made after mutual agreement.
📞 Consultation Channels
For details, consult customer service manager Zhang Jing of Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency to obtain the latest group schedules, availability, and contract details. The itinerary arrangement is subject to the contract signed by both parties, ensuring transparency of rights and interests.
Xinjiang in 2026 is welcoming visitors from all directions with more mature tourism services. Board the “New Oriental Express” to experience the grandeur and gentleness of the Western Regions amidst moving scenery, making every stop an unforgettable memory.
Contact Manager Wang Fei at 18095969599 or WeChat 18095969599 to send itinerary and quotation
