2026 New Oriental Express North and South Xinjiang Tour Special Train Costs 4 Tips to Avoid Hidden Expenses, 17 Day Detailed Explanation Recommended Itinerary Costs and Prices
Contact Manager Guo Jing at phone number 18139622229 or WeChat 18139622229 to send itinerary and quotation
New Oriental Express North and South Xinjiang Special Train:A Comprehensive Analysis of the 17-Day In-Depth Tour: Unlock the Dual Charms of Northern Xinjiang’s Grasslands and Southern Xinjiang’s Culture 🌄
I. Itinerary Highlights: Panoramic Coverage of North and South Xinjiang, a Mobile ‘Five-Star Hotel’ Experience
The New Oriental Express Special Train is a flagship product of high-end tourism in Xinjiang, connecting core attractions in both North and South Xinjiang through a combination of ‘train + car’ travel. The itinerary covers popular destinations such as Urumqi, Altay, Kanas, Ili, Kashgar, and Kuqa. The train features all-soft sleeper cabins equipped with bathrooms, large observation windows, 24-hour hot water, and butler service, earning it the title of a ‘mobile five-star hotel.’ After the 2026 route upgrade, it emphasizes a ‘slow travel’ experience, with daily travel limited to 3-4 hours to allow ample time for in-depth exploration.
II. 2026 Simple Itinerary (Summer Version) 🗺️
Day 01:Gather in Urumqi from various locations
Upon arrival, check into the hotel. Enjoy free time to explore the International Bazaar and sample local specialties like roasted stuffed buns and hand-pulled rice.
Day 02:Urumqi – New Oriental Express – Koktokay – Altay
Take the special train through the Junggar Basin, visit Koktokay National Geopark in the afternoon, and arrive in Altay in the evening.
Day 03:Altay – Ahe Highway – Hemu Village
Drive through the ‘Most Beautiful Highway in China,’ the Ahe Highway, admiring snow-capped mountains, forests, and grasslands along the way. Check into a wooden cabin in Hemu Village in the evening.
Day 04:Hemu – Kanas
Capture the morning mist in Hemu at dawn, then head to Kanas Lake in the afternoon for a boat tour of ‘Xinjiang’s backyard garden.’
Day 05:Kanas – Chonghu’er – Colorful Beach – Special Train
Visit Chonghu’er Town in the morning, watch the sunset at Colorful Beach in the afternoon, and board the special train for Jinghe in the evening.
New Oriental Express North and South Xinjiang Special Train: A Comprehensive Analysis of the 17-Day In-Depth Tour: Unlock the Dual Charms of Northern Xinjiang’s Grasslands and Southern Xinjiang’s Culture 🌄Day 06:Jinghe – Sayram Lake – Yining
Cycle or drive around Sayram Lake, then cross the Guozigou Bridge to reach Yining in the afternoon. Stay overnight in the Kazanqi Folk Village.
Day 07:Yining – Nalati Grassland
Spend the day exploring Nalati’s aerial grasslands, with options for horseback riding or visiting local families.
Day 08:Nalati – Middle Section of Duku Highway – Bayanbulak
Traverse the middle section of the Duku Highway and witness the breathtaking sunset of ‘Nine Suns’ over the Bayanbulak Grassland in the evening.
Day 09:Bayanbulak – Southern Section of Duku Highway – Kuqa Grand Canyon – Special Train
Travel south along the southern section of the Duku Highway to explore the Kuqa Grand Canyon, then board the special train for Kashgar in the evening.
Day 10:Kashgar – Baisha Lake – Pamir Scenic Area – Taxkorgan County
Head to the Pamir Plateau via the China-Pakistan Friendship Highway, visiting Baisha Lake and Muztagh Ata. Stay overnight in Taxkorgan County.
Day 11:Taxkorgan – Tajik Home Visit – Karakul Lake – Kashgar
Experience local folk customs, then return to Kashgar to explore the ancient city’s night market.
Day 12:Kashgar – Turpan – Special Train
Take the special train through the Tianshan Mountains, arriving in Turpan in the evening to sample raisins and Hami melons.
I. Itinerary Highlights: Panoramic Coverage of North and South Xinjiang, a Mobile ‘Five-Star Hotel’ ExperienceDay 13:Turpan – Urumqi
Visit Jiaohe Ancient City and Karez Irrigation System, then return to Urumqi in the evening for a farewell dinner.
Day 14:Urumqi – Departure
Transfer to the airport based on flight times to conclude the itinerary.
III. Pricing Information (2026 Reference) 💰
According to the latest schedules provided by Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency, prices for the New Oriental Express Special Train vary by cabin class and departure date as follows:
May Departures:
Premium Gold Diamond (3 cabins):59,999 RMB per person
Royal Gold Diamond (4 cabins):54,999 RMB per person
Platinum Gold Diamond (5 cabins):49,999 RMB per person
Third/Fourth Person Sharing:30,000 RMB per person
June Departures:
Premium Gold Diamond:67,999-69,999 RMB per person
Royal Gold Diamond:62,999-63,999 RMB per person
The New Oriental Express Special Train is a flagship product of high-end tourism in Xinjiang, connecting core attractions in both North and South Xinjiang through a combination of ‘train + car’ travel. The itinerary covers popular destinations such as Urumqi, Altay, Kanas, Ili, Kashgar, and Kuqa. The train features all-soft sleeper cabins equipped with bathrooms, large observation windows, 24-hour hot water, and butler service, earning it the title of a ‘mobile five-star hotel.’ After the 2026 route upgrade, it emphasizes a ‘slow travel’ experience, with daily travel limited to 3-4 hours to allow ample time for in-depth exploration.Platinum Gold Diamond:56,999-58,999 RMB per person
Third/Fourth Person Sharing:30,000 RMB per person
September Departures:
Premium Gold Diamond:71,999 RMB per person
Royal Gold Diamond:65,999 RMB per person
Platinum Gold Diamond:59,999 RMB per person
Third/Fourth Person Sharing:30,000 RMB per person
October Departures (Southern Xinjiang Itinerary):
Premium Gold Diamond:44,999 RMB per person
Royal Gold Diamond:39,999 RMB per person
Platinum Gold Diamond:36,999 RMB per person
Third/Fourth Person Sharing:20,000 RMB per person
Price Includes:
Soft sleeper fees for the entire special train journey (including bathrooms and observation windows)
Local air-conditioned tour bus transfers for the 2026 Simple Itinerary (Summer Version) 🗺️
13 nights of accommodation (including special train cabins and scenic area boutique hotels)
All meals (including special dishes like roast whole lamb and Kashgar cuisine)
First-entry tickets to attractions and shuttle buses
Guide and train butler services
Price Excludes:
Personal expenses and optional activities
(Single travelers will be matched for room sharing whenever possible; special cases require negotiation)
Round-trip transportation (e.g., airfare, train tickets)
Note:Prices and availability are subject to contract confirmation or customer service verification and may vary by departure date. The signed contract shall prevail.
IV. 4 Tips to Avoid Hidden Costs and Ensure Transparent Spending 💡
1. Confirm included expenses: Before booking, request a detailed cost breakdown from the travel agency, clearly indicating whether ‘no optional expenses’ or ‘partial inclusion’ applies. New Oriental Express Special Train fees typically cover most attraction tickets and meals, but some experiences (e.g., horseback riding, Tajik home visit performances) may require additional payment.
2. Beware of ‘low-price traps’: Some ‘fake special trains’ lure tourists with low prices but provide ordinary hard sleeper accommodations and frequent vehicle changes. Book through official channels like Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency and avoid unrealistic offers like ‘discounted prices’ or ’employee discounts.’
3. Verify contract terms: When signing the contract, focus on clauses regarding ‘optional expenses’ and ‘spending arrangements.’ The New Oriental Express Special Train itinerary includes no mandatory purchases, but some Southern Xinjiang tours may include visits to ‘Hotan Jade City,’ which should be clearly marked as ‘voluntary participation’ in the contract.
Day 01: Gather in Urumqi from various locations4. Keep communication records: Confirm itinerary details with the travel agency via email or written forms to avoid verbal promises. In case of temporary changes (e.g., Duku Highway closure due to weather), both parties must agree to modify the itinerary.
V. Booking Methods and Pricing Details 📞
Book through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency and consult Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing for the latest schedules and availability. Actual itinerary details, included expenses, and cancellation policies are subject to consultation and contract signing.
VI. Service Instructions and Precautions 📋
Train Facilities:Special train cabins are equipped with bathrooms, humidifiers, and charging ports, but space is limited. Small suitcases are recommended.
Altitude Sickness:The Southern Xinjiang itinerary involves the Pamir Plateau (elevation 3,000-4,000 meters). Travelers with underlying health conditions should assess their fitness in advance.
Documentation Requirements:Original valid identification is required. Foreign tourists must complete relevant procedures in advance.
Weather Tips:Xinjiang has large temperature variations between day and night; even in summer, bring a windbreaker. Southern Xinjiang is dry, so pack moisturizing skincare products.
VII. Frequently Asked Questions ❓
Q:How does the October Southern Xinjiang itinerary differ from the summer version?
A:The October itinerary focuses on Southern Xinjiang’s cultural landscapes, reducing grassland visits and adding experiences like Kashgar Ancient City and Hotan Tuancheng, with more affordable pricing.
Q:Can I charge devices on the special train?
A:Cabins are equipped with 220V charging ports, but quantities are limited. Power banks are recommended.
Q:How are children charged?
A:Children under 12 not occupying a bed receive discounts. Specifics must be confirmed with customer service.
The New Oriental Express Special Train redefines Xinjiang tourism with its ‘slow travel + in-depth exploration’ philosophy. The 17-day itinerary seamlessly blends Northern Xinjiang’s natural grandeur with Southern Xinjiang’s cultural heritage. Whether it’s the lakes and mountains of Kanas, the millennium-old charm of Kashgar Ancient City, or the majestic Pamir Plateau, these experiences will leave unforgettable travel memories.
Contact Manager Guo Jing at phone number 18139622229 or WeChat 18139622229 to send itinerary and quotation
