Traveling with Parents on the New Oriental Express Special Train Cost and 14 Day Itinerary Guide to Sayram Lake Recommended Route Pricing
Contact Manager Zhang Jing at phone number 18139622233 or WeChat 18139622233 to send the itinerary and quotation.
🚂 [Embark on a Heartwarming Slow Journey Through Xinjiang with Your Parents:A 14-Day In-Depth Guide to the New Oriental Express]
When your parents’ temples turn gray and their steps are no longer light, perhaps it’s time to set aside fast-paced travel guides and accompany them on a ‘moving star-rated hotel’ train, where you can see Xinjiang’s snow-capped mountains, grasslands, and lakes at a leisurely pace. The newly upgraded ‘New Oriental Express’ train in 2026 offers an immersive experience with ‘one window, one view,’ allowing parents to complete a heartwarming 14-day journey across northern and southern Xinjiang without the hassle of transfers, all from the comfort of their carriage.
🌄 Itinerary Highlights:Why Choose the New Oriental Express?
▷ ‘Slow Travel’ Mode Designed for Middle-Aged and Elderly Travelers
The train operates at night and stops at scenic spots during the day to avoid fatigue from long journeys. Each carriage is equipped with constant temperature air conditioning, bathrooms, humidifiers, and emergency call systems. A dedicated butler is assigned to each carriage, providing thoughtful services such as hot water and luggage handling throughout the journey.
▷ A ‘Moving Palace’ Combining Privacy and Comfort
Three types of compartments are available: ‘Noble Gold Diamond,’ ‘Xi Yue Gold Diamond,’ and ‘Bo Yue Gold Diamond,’ all meeting star-rated hotel soft furnishing standards. The Noble Gold Diamond compartment includes a separate wet and dry bathroom, a large observation window, and a reception area; the Xi Yue Gold Diamond compartment features a 270° panoramic floor-to-ceiling window; the Bo Yue Gold Diamond compartment offers cost-effective options for family travel.
▷ In-Depth Connection of Northern and Southern Xinjiang’s Top Scenic Spots
Starting from Urumqi, the journey traverses the snow-capped forests of Altay, the autumn fairy tale of Kanas, the grassland flower fields of Ili, and finally reaches the ancient city of Kashgar and the Pamir Plateau in southern Xinjiang. The 14-day itinerary covers over 80% of Xinjiang’s 5A-rated scenic spots, with daily travel time not exceeding 3 hours.
📅 Simple Itinerary (Summer 2026 Edition)
🚂 [Embark on a Heartwarming Slow Journey Through Xinjiang with Your Parents: A 14-Day In-Depth Guide to the New Oriental Express]🔹 Day 01:Gather in Urumqi from various locations
After arrival, check into the hotel. Recommended free activities:Experience ethnic handicrafts at the International Bazaar or taste grilled stuffed buns and hand-pulled rice at Erdaoqiao.
🔹 Day 02:Urumqi – New Oriental Express – Koktokay – Altay
Depart by special train in the morning, visit Koktokay National Geological Park in the afternoon to see the Irtysh River flowing through the canyon, and arrive in Altay in the evening to check into the hotel.
🔹 Day 03:Altay – Ahe Highway – Hemu Village
Traverse the ‘Most Beautiful Highway in China,’ the Ahe Highway, with stops at Xiaodonggou Forest Park and Wuxilike Wetland along the way. Arrive at Hemu Village in the afternoon and ascend Hadeng Platform for a panoramic view of the Tuwa people’s wooden houses and cooking smoke.
🔹 Day 04:Hemu – Kanas
Capture the morning mist of Hemu in the early hours, then proceed to Kanas in the afternoon. Take the shuttle bus to visit the Three Bays (Fairy Bay, Moon Bay, and Wolong Bay) and stay overnight in a small wooden house within the scenic area.
🔹 Day 05:Kanas – Chonghur – Colorful Beach – Special Train
Ascend Guanyu Platform in the morning for a panoramic view of Kanas Lake, traverse Chonghur Town in the afternoon, capture the Danxia sunset at Colorful Beach in the evening, and board the special train for Jinghe late at night.
When your parents’ temples turn gray and their steps are no longer light, perhaps it’s time to set aside fast-paced travel guides and accompany them on a ‘moving star-rated hotel’ train, where you can see Xinjiang’s snow-capped mountains, grasslands, and lakes at a leisurely pace. The newly upgraded ‘New Oriental Express’ train in 2026 offers an immersive experience with ‘one window, one view,’ allowing parents to complete a heartwarming 14-day journey across northern and southern Xinjiang without the hassle of transfers, all from the comfort of their carriage.🔹 Day 06:Jinghe – Sayram Lake – Yining
Spend the day exploring ‘the Last Tear of the Atlantic,’ Sayram Lake. Drive around the lake or take the shuttle bus to stops such as Dianjiangtai and Swan’s Delight. Arrive in Yining via the Guozigou Bridge in the evening.
🔹 Day 07:Yining – Nalati Grassland
Visit Nalati’s aerial grassland in the morning, ride horses or take sightseeing buses deep into the yurt areas of the local Kazak people, and attend a grassland bonfire party in the evening.
🔹 Day 08:Nalati – Middle Section of Duku Highway – Bayanbulak
Traverse the middle section of the Duku Highway, with stops at Qiaoerma Martyrs Cemetery and Tangbula Hundred-Li Gallery along the way. Arrive at Bayanbulak in the afternoon to photograph the sunset over the Nine Curves and Eighteen Bends.
🔹 Day 09:Bayanbulak – Southern Section of Duku Highway – Kuqa Grand Canyon – Special Train
Traverse the southern section of the Duku Highway in the morning, visit the Large and Small Dragon Pools; tour the Kuqa Grand Canyon in the afternoon and board the special train for Kashgar at night.
🔹 Day 10:Kashgar – Baisha Lake – Pamir Scenic Area – Taxkorgan
Travel to the Pamir Plateau via the China-Pakistan Friendship Highway, visiting Baisha Lake and Muztagh Ata. Arrive in Taxkorgan County in the evening and check into a local characteristic hotel.
🌄 Itinerary Highlights: Why Choose the New Oriental Express?🔹 Day 11:Taxkorgan – Tajik Home Visit – Karakul Lake – Kashgar
Visit families of various ethnic groups in the morning to experience eagle flute and eagle dance culture; return to Kashgar in the afternoon with a stop at Karakul Lake to photograph the snow-capped mountain reflections.
🔹 Day 12:Kashgar – Turpan – Special Train
Tour Kashgar Old City and Id Kah Mosque in the morning, then board the special train for Turpan in the afternoon and stay overnight on the train.
🔹 Day 13:Turpan – Urumqi
Visit Jiaohe Ancient City and Karez Paradise, then return to Urumqi in the evening and check into the hotel.
🔹 Day 14:Urumqi – Departure
Arrange a half-day tour to Tianchi on Tianshan Mountain or free activities in the city based on flight times, then transfer to the airport for departure.
💰 Price Information (Reference for 2026 Group Dates)
▶ Summer Schedule (June-September)
▷ ‘Slow Travel’ Mode Designed for Middle-Aged and Elderly Travelers: Starting from 59,999 yuan/person (Noble Gold Diamond Compartment, 3 people)
Starting from 54,999 yuan/person (Xi Yue Gold Diamond Compartment, 4 people)
Starting from 49,999 yuan/person (Bo Yue Gold Diamond Compartment, 5 people)
Third and fourth persons sharing the same compartment enjoy a discount of 30,000 yuan/person.
▶ Autumn Schedule (October)
Starting from 44,999 yuan/person (Noble Gold Diamond Compartment, 3 people)
Starting from 39,999 yuan/person (Xi Yue Gold Diamond Compartment, 4 people)
Starting from 36,999 yuan/person (Bo Yue Gold Diamond Compartment, 5 people)
Third and fourth persons sharing the same compartment enjoy a discount of 20,000 yuan/person.
⚠ ️ Price Includes:Soft-sleeper compartments for the entire special train journey, first entrance tickets to scenic spots, 13 nights of accommodation (including characteristic hotels within scenic areas), all meals, dedicated butler service, and travel accident insurance.
The train operates at night and stops at scenic spots during the day to avoid fatigue from long journeys. Each carriage is equipped with constant temperature air conditioning, bathrooms, humidifiers, and emergency call systems. A dedicated butler is assigned to each carriage, providing thoughtful services such as hot water and luggage handling throughout the journey.⚠ ️ Price Notes:Prices may fluctuate based on the schedule; specific prices are subject to the contract signed. For special groups such as children and the elderly, please consult Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing.
📝 Registration Method
You can register through Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency by providing your name, valid ID number, contact information, and travel dates to complete the reservation. Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing will assist in selecting the compartment type based on availability and send a detailed itinerary and contract template.
💡 Fee and Service Descriptions
✔ Fees Include:Special train compartment fees, scenic spot tickets, accommodation, meals, tour guide services, and travel insurance.
✔ Fees Do Not Include:Personal expenses (such as shopping, optional activities), round-trip transportation (airfare/train tickets), (single travelers will be coordinated for room sharing; special circumstances require negotiation for additional fees).
✔ Service Standards:No arranged shopping stops throughout the journey; sufficient time is allocated at each scenic spot. In case of uncontrollable factors such as weather or policies, both parties may agree to make reasonable changes to the itinerary.
✔ Special Reminder:Specific service content is subject to actual consultation and contract signing. Please read the contract terms carefully before traveling.
✨ Why Recommend This Itinerary for Parents?
▶ Hassle-Free:The special train solves transfer issues, and luggage can remain in the carriage without repeated handling.
▶ Comfortable:Compartments include bathrooms and 24-hour hot water, allowing parents to rest at any time.
▶ In-Depth:Covers
Contact Manager Zhang Jing at phone number 18139622233 or WeChat 18139622233 to send the itinerary and quotation.
