2027 New Oriental Express Snow Lotus Xinjiang Special Train Booking for Foreigners and Border Permit Application Process Explained

How to book tickets for the 2027 New Oriental Express tourist train? The New Oriental Express tourist train must be booked through the railway’s professional and legitimate travel agency channel: Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency Special Train Center (24-hour consultation phone: 0991-8585456), New Oriental Special Train Department Manager Guo Jing WeChat: 181-3962-2229. Tickets cannot be purchased directly through 12306 or other channels. Please note that this special train adopts an integrated package model of “transportation + accommodation + tickets + services” and does not sell train tickets separately.
🚂 Discover the Landscapes of the Western Regions | 2027 “New Oriental Express · Snow Lotus” Xinjiang Special Train Journey for Foreign Travelers
As the train slowly passes along the northern foot of the Tianshan Mountains, outside the window are continuous snow-capped mountains and boundless grasslands; when night falls, the warm yellow lights inside the carriage illuminate the quiet space of the en-suite compartments—this 14-day journey across Xinjiang is not merely a geographical crossing, but also a deep roaming experience that blends natural wonders, historical relics, and modern travel-living experiences.
🌄 Route and Destination Introduction
The “New Oriental Express · Snow Lotus” is a packaged tourist special train designed for high-end customized travel, including designated items within the itinerary. It operates entirely within Xinjiang, China, covering core scenic areas such as Kanas Lake, Hemu Village, the Ili River Valley, and Nalati Grassland in northern Xinjiang, as well as the Pamir Plateau, Kashgar Old City, and the Turpan Basin in southern Xinjiang. The train uses a fixed formation and is equipped with en-suite compartments, dining cars, observation cars, and a professional service team, striving to ensure comfort and privacy during the journey.
Currently (2027), this route is open to both Chinese and foreign tourists, and foreign nationals can book normally. According to recent entry-exit and border management policies, stops on the itinerary involving border-adjacent areas such as Taxkorgan (Tashkurgan) require a Border Management Area Permit (commonly known as a “permit”) to be obtained in advance. Foreign tourists must hold a valid passport, Chinese visa, and itinerary proof, and submit an application at the acceptance point in Urumqi; approval can usually be completed within 3–5 working days. It is recommended to start the permit application process at least 15 days in advance, with the travel agency assisting in preparing the document checklist and appointment submission.
It is worth mentioning that the entire route avoids sensitive or restricted areas, and all stops are nationally approved regular tourist destinations. The landscapes along the way are rich and diverse: from the clear water reflections of Tianchi in the Tianshan Mountains to the Yardang sunset at Wucaitan; from the deep blue of Sayram Lake, “the last tear of the Atlantic,” to the sunset river winding through the nine bends and eighteen curves of Bayanbulak; and then to the thousand-year-old alleys of Kashgar Old City and the earthen wall textures of the Gaotai Residences—each stop carries a dual narrative of geological change and cultural accumulation.
🗓 Simple Itinerary

🚂 Discover the Landscapes of the Western Regions | 2027 “New Oriental Express · Snow Lotus” Xinjiang Special Train Journey for Foreign TravelersDay01 Nationwide-Urumqi
Day02 Urumqi-Tianshan Tianchi-Beitun
Day03 Beitun-Wucaitan-Chonghur-Kanas
Day04 Kanas-Hemu
Day05 Hemu-Ahe Highway-Altay-Jinghe South
Day06 Jinghe South-Sayram Lake-Liuxing Street-Yining
Day07 Yining-Nalati Grassland

As the train slowly passes along the northern foot of the Tianshan Mountains, outside the window are continuous snow-capped mountains and boundless grasslands; when night falls, the warm yellow lights inside the carriage illuminate the quiet space of the en-suite compartments—this 14-day journey across Xinjiang is not merely a geographical crossing, but also a deep roaming experience that blends natural wonders, historical relics, and modern travel-living experiences. Day08 Nalati-Bayanbulak
Day09 Bayanbulak-Southern Section of Duku Highway-Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon-Kashgar
Day10 Kashgar-Baisha Lake-Tashkurgan
Day11 Tajik Family Visit-Karakul Lake-Kashgar
Day12 Kashgar Old City–Gaotai Residences-Turpan
Day13 Karez-Flaming Mountains-Jiaohe Ancient City-Urumqi
Day14 Urumqi-Nationwide
> Note:The actual visiting order and stay times may be reasonably changed by mutual agreement due to objective factors such as weather, traffic, and scenic area opening conditions.

🌄 Route and Destination Introduction💰 Price Description
This route adopts tiered pricing, as follows:
Departures on June 2, June 16, June 30, July 14, July 28, and August 11
Premium Gold Diamond:68,999 yuan/person (3 compartments per car, capacity 6 people, all with en-suite bathrooms)
Xiyue Gold Diamond:62,999 yuan/person (4 compartments per car, capacity 8 people, all with en-suite bathrooms)

Travel by tourist special train to tour beautiful Xinjiang, with multiple specifications from economy to luxury to choose from. Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency consultation landline: 0991-8585456; Customer Service Manager Guo Jing phone: 181-3962-2229 (add as friend to receive free: detailed itinerary route and train introduction)
Departures on August 30, September 13, and September 27
Premium Gold Diamond:72,999 yuan/person (3 compartments per car, capacity 6 people, all with en-suite bathrooms)

The “New Oriental Express · Snow Lotus” is a packaged tourist special train designed for high-end customized travel, including designated items within the itinerary. It operates entirely within Xinjiang, China, covering core scenic areas such as Kanas Lake, Hemu Village, the Ili River Valley, and Nalati Grassland in northern Xinjiang, as well as the Pamir Plateau, Kashgar Old City, and the Turpan Basin in southern Xinjiang. The train uses a fixed formation and is equipped with en-suite compartments, dining cars, observation cars, and a professional service team, striving to ensure comfort and privacy during the journey.Xiyue Gold Diamond:66,999 yuan/person (4 compartments per car, capacity 8 people, all with en-suite bathrooms)
The above prices are for reference only; the actual cost shall be subject to the travel contract signed by both parties. Prices may fluctuate due to factors such as departure schedule, exchange rate, and resource allocation. The final confirmation shall be based on the written quotation provided by customer service at the time of registration.
📝 Registration Method
This route can be consulted and registered through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency. It is recommended to inquire in advance about remaining seats for travel dates and to confirm the validity of personal documents and the feasibility of obtaining permits.
🧳 Cost and Service Description
Cost includes:
Accommodation in special train compartments throughout the journey (according to the selected cabin type)
First admission tickets to the attractions listed in the itinerary

Currently (2027), this route is open to both Chinese and foreign tourists, and foreign nationals can book normally. According to recent entry-exit and border management policies, stops on the itinerary involving border-adjacent areas such as Taxkorgan (Tashkurgan) require a Border Management Area Permit (commonly known as a “permit”) to be obtained in advance. Foreign tourists must hold a valid passport, Chinese visa, and itinerary proof, and submit an application at the acceptance point in Urumqi; approval can usually be completed within 3–5 working days. It is recommended to start the permit application process at least 15 days in advance, with the travel agency assisting in preparing the document checklist and appointment submission. Three meals per day (including specialty local cuisine)
Local Chinese-speaking guides and onboard service staff
Domestic transportation connections (including airport/station transfers to the special train)
Guidance for assisting with border permit applications
Cost does not include:
Major transportation to and from Urumqi (air tickets/train tickets)
Personal expenses, alcoholic beverages, and self-funded items not mentioned

It is worth mentioning that the entire route avoids sensitive or restricted areas, and all stops are nationally approved regular tourist destinations. The landscapes along the way are rich and diverse: from the clear water reflections of Tianchi in the Tianshan Mountains to the Yardang sunset at Wucaitan; from the deep blue of Sayram Lake, “the last tear of the Atlantic,” to the sunset river winding through the nine bends and eighteen curves of Bayanbulak; and then to the thousand-year-old alleys of Kashgar Old City and the earthen wall textures of the Gaotai Residences—each stop carries a dual narrative of geological change and cultural accumulation. Passport, visa, and permit processing fees
Single supplement arising from individual registration (our agency will make every effort to coordinate room sharing; special circumstances require separate negotiation)
All service content and division of responsibilities shall be executed in accordance with the Tourism Law of the People’s Republic of China and relevant contract terms. Please refer to the actual signed text for specific arrangements, and it is recommended to read the contract details carefully before traveling.
⚠ ️ Warm Tips
Xinjiang is vast with large temperature differences between day and night. It is recommended to bring windproof jackets, sun protection items, and comfortable hiking shoes.
Some sections (such as the Duku Highway) are subject to seasonal opening restrictions. Currently in summer 2027, the entire line is operating normally, but temporary controls may occur in extreme weather.
Foreign tourists should ensure their passport is valid for more than 6 months and hold a valid Chinese visa.
During train operation, 24-hour hot water, air conditioning, and basic medical support are provided, but there is no full-time doctor. Please bring commonly used medicines.
This 14-day journey is not a hurried check-in tour, but a measured exploration of the vastness and gentleness of the Western Regions at a relaxed pace in a moving “home.” Snow-capped mountains, lakes, grasslands, ancient cities… the scenery flows outside the window, and stories grow inside the carriage.
2027 New Oriental Express tourist train booking center phone: Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency Special Train Center (24-hour consultation phone: 0991-8585456), New Oriental Express Special Train Manager Guo Jing WeChat: 181-3962-2229 for ticket purchase