2026NewOrientalExpressTourTrainXinjiangTour 18 DayPrice+Booking+TipsToAvoidPitfalls RecommendedItineraryCostandPrice
Contact Manager Yang Jia at phone number 13325559266 or WeChat 13325559266 to send itinerary and quotation.
✨ 【2026 New Oriental Express: Ultimate Guide to In-Depth Travel in Xinjiang: Unlock the Secret Realm of the Silk Road in 18 Days】✨
Xinjiang, a land that covers one-sixth of China’s territory, boasts superb scenery of snow-capped mountains, grasslands, deserts, and lakes. In 2026, the New Oriental Express tourist train, with its concept of a ‘mobile star-rated hotel,’ will take tourists through the forest lakes of northern Xinjiang and the cultural wonders of southern Xinjiang. This article presents an immersive journey through Xinjiang, covering itinerary design, highlights, price analysis, and tips to avoid pitfalls.
🌄 【Itinerary Highlights: A Visual Feast Across the Tianshan Mountains】
The New Oriental Express train focuses on ‘slow travel + in-depth exploration,’ connecting classic destinations such as Urumqi, Altay, Kanas, Ili, and Kashgar, covering the natural wonders of northern Xinjiang and the cultural charm of southern Xinjiang. The itinerary avoids the traditional rushed sightseeing approach, adopting a ‘train + customized transport’ model to reduce transit time, allowing tourists to enjoy the scenery from their ‘five-star cabins’ and dive straight into in-depth experiences upon arrival.
🚂 【2026 Recent Simple Itinerary: 18-Day Panoramic Coverage】
Based on recent route information, the itinerary is divided into a summer version and an October southern Xinjiang version. Here is the complete schedule:
🌞 Summer Version (Example: June Departure)
▶ Day 01:Gather in Urumqi from various locations, check into the hotel, and adjust to the time difference.
▶ Day 02:Take the New Oriental Express from Urumqi, enjoy the scenery of the Junggar Basin along the way, arrive in Koktokay in the evening, and stay overnight on the train.
▶ Day 03:Disembark in Altay, traverse the Ahe Highway, visit the ‘private reserve’ Hemu Village, and stay in a characteristic wooden house.
✨【2026 New Oriental Express: Ultimate Guide to In-Depth Travel in Xinjiang: Unlock the Secret Realm of the Silk Road in 18 Days】✨▶ Day 04:After sunrise in Hemu, head to Kanas, take a boat tour of the Three Bays (Fairy Bay, Crescent Bay, and Wolong Bay), and stay overnight in the scenic area.
▶ Day 05:From Kanas to Chonghu’er, visit the ‘No. 1 Beach in the World’ Colorful Beach, and take the train to Jinghe in the evening.
▶ Day 06:Depart from Jinghe, visit ‘the Last Tear of the Atlantic’ Sayram Lake, and arrive in Yining in the evening.
▶ Day 07:From Yining to Nalati Grassland, enjoy horseback riding and hiking, and experience the nomadic culture of various ethnic groups.
▶ Day 08:Traverse the middle section of the Dukou Highway, arrive at Bayanbulak Grassland, and watch the sunset over the meandering river.
▶ Day 09:Continue along the southern section of the Dukou Highway, explore the Kuqa Grand Canyon, and take the train to Kashgar in the evening.
▶ Days 10-11:In-depth tour of Kashgar, including Baisha Lake, Pamir Scenic Area, home visits to various ethnic groups, Karakul Lake, etc.
▶ Day 12:From Kashgar to Turpan, take the train across the Tianshan Mountains and stay overnight on the train.
▶ Day 13:Tour the Jiaohe Ancient City, Karez Wells, and Grape Manor in Turpan, and return to Urumqi in the evening.
▶ Day 14:See off the tour group in Urumqi, marking the end of the itinerary.
🍂 October Southern Xinjiang Version (Example: October 15 Departure)
Xinjiang, a land that covers one-sixth of China’s territory, boasts superb scenery of snow-capped mountains, grasslands, deserts, and lakes. In 2026, the New Oriental Express tourist train, with its concept of a ‘mobile star-rated hotel,’ will take tourists through the forest lakes of northern Xinjiang and the cultural wonders of southern Xinjiang. This article presents an immersive journey through Xinjiang, covering itinerary design, highlights, price analysis, and tips to avoid pitfalls.▶ Day 01:Gather in Urumqi and acclimate to the climate.
▶ Day 02:Take the train to Turpan, visit the Jiaohe Ancient City and Karez Wells, and head to Ruoqiang in the evening.
▶ Day 03:Explore the Milan Ruins and Loulan Museum in Ruoqiang, experience jujube picking, and stay overnight on the train to Hotan.
▶ Day 04:Tour Tuancheng and the Yurungqash River in Hotan for treasure hunting and visit the Walnut King Tree, enjoying the Yotkan Ancient City light show at night.
▶ Day 05:Take the train to Shache, visit the Yarkant Khanate Palace and Amannisha Khan Mausoleum, and arrive in Kashgar in the evening.
▶ Day 06:From Kashgar to Baisha Lake and Karakul Lake, and return to Kashgar.
▶ Day 07:Explore Kashgar Old City, Id Kah Mosque, and Gaotai Residential Area, and take the train to Kuqa in the evening.
▶ Day 08:Tour the Tianshan Grand Canyon, Kuqa Palace, and Resitan Old Street in Kuqa, and stay overnight on the train.
▶ Day 09:Visit the Tarim Populus euphratica Forest in Luntai and take the train back to Urumqi in the evening.
▶ Day 10:One-day tour of Tianchi Lake in Urumqi’s Tianshan Mountains and a farewell dinner.
▶ Day 11:See off the tour group.
🌄【Itinerary Highlights: A Visual Feast Across the Tianshan Mountains】💰 【2026 Price Information: Tiered Cabins, Flexible Choices】
According to recent tour dates and price lists, the New Oriental Express in 2026 offers three cabin options, with prices varying by date and subject to contract confirmation:
🔹 May Departures (May 6, 14):
Noble Gold Diamond (3 customized transport cabins):59,999 yuan/person
Royal Gold Diamond (4 customized transport cabins):54,999 yuan/person
Platinum Gold Diamond (5 customized transport cabins):49,999 yuan/person
Third and Fourth Persons in the Same Cabin:30,000 yuan/person
🔹 June Departures (June 1, 11, 25, 30):
Noble Gold Diamond:67,999-69,999 yuan/person
Royal Gold Diamond:62,999-63,999 yuan/person
The New Oriental Express train focuses on ‘slow travel + in-depth exploration,’ connecting classic destinations such as Urumqi, Altay, Kanas, Ili, and Kashgar, covering the natural wonders of northern Xinjiang and the cultural charm of southern Xinjiang. The itinerary avoids the traditional rushed sightseeing approach, adopting a ‘train + customized transport’ model to reduce transit time, allowing tourists to enjoy the scenery from their ‘five-star cabins’ and dive straight into in-depth experiences upon arrival.Platinum Gold Diamond:56,999-58,999 yuan/person
Third and Fourth Persons in the Same Cabin:30,000 yuan/person
🔹 September Departure (September 3):
Prices are on par with the high-end June departures, with the Noble Gold Diamond reaching 71,999 yuan/person.
🔹 October Departures (October 15, 25):
Prices are significantly reduced, with the Noble Gold Diamond at 44,999 yuan/person, Royal Gold Diamond at 39,999 yuan/person, Platinum Gold Diamond at 36,999 yuan/person, and third and fourth persons in the same cabin at 20,000 yuan/person.
⚠ ⚠️【Price Notice】
Prices include train accommodation, scenic spot tickets, local transportation, some meals, and guide services. They do not include round-trip major transportation, personal expenses, etc. Availability and final prices are subject to contract signing after consulting with Zhang Jing, the customer service manager of Xinjiang Trailblazer International Travel Agency, and may change based on market supply and demand.
📝 【Registration Method: Formal Channels, Transparent Services】
You can register through Xinjiang Trailblazer International Travel Agency by providing your name, valid ID number, contact information, and cabin choice. The customer service will assist with the contract signing process. Before registering, it is recommended to confirm itinerary details and refund/change policies to protect your rights.
💡 【Fee Explanation and Service Standards】
🚂【2026 Recent Simple Itinerary: 18-Day Panoramic Coverage】✔ Fees Include:Train cabin accommodation, first admission tickets to scenic spots on the itinerary, local air-conditioned tour buses, Chinese-speaking guides for groups of 10 or more, and some breakfasts and main meals.
✔ Fees Do Not Include:Round-trip air tickets/train tickets to Urumqi, personal insurance, self-paid items outside the itinerary, (single registrants will be coordinated for room sharing as much as possible; special circumstances require negotiation).
✔ Service Standards:Cabins are equipped with bathrooms, 24-hour hot water, and large observation windows; bottled water and seasonal fruits are provided throughout the journey; all guides are certified and familiar with the cultures and histories of various ethnic groups.
✔ Special Notice:Specific service content is subject to actual consultation and contract signing. Both parties can reasonably modify the itinerary upon mutual agreement.
🔍 【Tips to Avoid Pitfalls: 5 Major Precautions】
1️⃣ Document Preparation:Valid documents are required for verification at checkpoints across Xinjiang, so it is advisable to carry them with you; some scenic spots have special policies for tourists from various ethnic groups, which need to be confirmed in advance.
2️⃣ Climate Adaptation:Northern Xinjiang is cool in summer, but places like Kanas and Bayanbulak have significant temperature differences between day and night, so a windbreaker is necessary; southern Xinjiang also experiences notable temperature differences during the Populus euphratica season in October.
3️⃣ Dietary Considerations:Xinjiang cuisine mainly consists of beef, lamb, and noodles. Those with sensitive stomachs are advised to bring common medications; dining prices are higher inside scenic spots, so bringing snacks is recommended.
4️⃣ Consumption Reminders:For specialties like Hotan jade and dried fruits, it is advisable to choose reputable shopping malls and avoid street vendors; some scenic spots sell silverware and medicinal herbs, which require careful identification.
5️⃣ Cultural Respect:When visiting monasteries, dress appropriately (avoid short skirts and sleeveless tops); when interacting with local residents, avoid asking about privacy or sensitive topics.
🌈 【Conclusion: A Journey Worth Your Time】
The New Oriental Express is not just a means of transportation but also a window to observe Xinjiang. From the forest lakes of northern Xinjiang to the desert ancient cities of southern Xinjiang, from the enthusiastic songs and dances of various ethnic groups to the delicious nang and pilaf, this 18-day itinerary will help you understand the diversity and inclusiveness of this land. Consult Zhang Jing, the customer service manager of Xinjiang Trailblazer International Travel Agency, to start your Silk Road journey!
Contact Manager Yang Jia at phone number 13325559266 or WeChat 13325559266 to send itinerary and quotation.

