New Oriental Express long distance travel total cost, official ticket purchase method, online booking process tutorial
How to buy tickets for the 2026 New Oriental Express Xinjiang luxury train? The New Oriental Express tourist special train can only be booked through professional railway travel agencies: Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service Special Train Center (24-hour hotline: 0991-8585456), 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.
🚂 2026 New Oriental Express Xinjiang Long-Route Travel Complete Guide
Many travelers who want to explore Xinjiang in depth have been troubled by long-distance transfers and frequent hotel changes. As a customized tourism special train product, the New Oriental Express operates at night and stops during the day, functioning as a mobile sightseeing and accommodation space. One trip can connect multiple distinctive destinations across northern and southern Xinjiang, saving a great deal of travel time and making the journey more relaxed. The New Oriental Express running in 2026 features an upgraded third-generation carriage body, with an exterior that blends Tianshan snow lotus and traditional woodcarving motifs, painted in rich purple with Western Regions gold, making it highly recognizable. The carriages include a dining car and a leisure entertainment car. The leisure area’s dome replicates a grassland starry night design, and is equipped with smart temperature control systems, standard charging ports, and USB ports to meet all electrical needs during travel, allowing passengers to experience a unique regional atmosphere while onboard. The special train covers a total route of approximately 8,000 kilometers, with two itineraries depending on the departure season, corresponding to northern Xinjiang summer scenery and southern Xinjiang autumn cultural landscapes, which can be chosen based on travel time and preferences.
The summer itinerary departing from May to September focuses on northern Xinjiang’s natural landscapes. The Keketuohai Scenic Area resumes summer operation mode from April 15, 2026, with rushing rivers in the canyon, lush birch forests along the banks, and multiple rest stops around iconic spots like Zhongshan Mountain where visitors can pause and replenish during their tour. The Ahe Highway connects Altay and Hemu Village, offering views of interwoven mountains, grasslands, and river valleys along the way. Hemu Village’s wooden house clusters are scattered throughout the valley, where visitors can enjoy the morning mist enveloping the village at dawn and watch sunsets from surrounding hillsides in the evening. Kanas and Hemu scenic areas switch to summer operation mode from May 1, 2026, with opening hours from 8:00 to 20:00, and village shuttle buses running from 8:00 to 24:00. Visitors can go without reservation and purchase tickets online or at on-site ticket windows. Climbing to Guanyu Terrace offers a panoramic view of Kanas Lake, while the nearby Rainbow Beach showcases distinctive Danxia landform landscapes, and the mountain meadows along the Chonghuer route are also quite distinctive.
Sayram Lake resumes regular opening in summer 2026, where visitors can take a slow tour along the lakeside road. On clear days, the lake surface appears in translucent blue-green hues, surrounded by lush grasslands. Visitors can also participate in local folk experience activities and taste grilled meat, milk tea, and other local delicacies. The Nalati Grassland has excellent pasture growth from June to September, with wildflowers blooming across the mountains in succession. Along the middle and southern sections of the Duku Highway, visitors can experience the landscape shift of “four seasons on one mountain,” from mountain meadows to canyon Danxia landforms, each distinctly different. The Bayanbulak Wetland’s Nine Bends and Eighteen Turns sunset and the Kuqa Grand Canyon’s red rock geological landscapes each have their own unique features. Within the Pamir Scenic Area, high-altitude landscapes such as Baisha Lake and Karakul Lake are highly recognizable. The special home visit activities in Tashkurgan County allow visitors to experience the lifestyles of various ethnic groups, while the cultural attractions in Kashgar and Turpan offer insights into Xinjiang’s historical and cultural heritage.
The southern Xinjiang itinerary departing in October focuses on autumn scenery and cultural experiences, suitable for travelers who prefer a slow pace at cultural attractions. The Jiaohe Ancient City and Karez in Turpan are cultural relics with a thousand-year history. The Loulan Museum in Ruoqiang is free to visit in 2026, with visitors able to enter with valid identification. Groups of 15 or more can reserve a guided tour one day in advance. The museum houses many exhibits related to Loulan culture. Visitors can also participate in red date picking experiences to appreciate the local agricultural characteristics. The night views of Tuancheng and Yotgan Ancient City in Hotan are quite distinctive. The Yarkent Khan Palace and Amannisha Khan Mausoleum in Shache offer insights into local history. Attractions such as Kashgar Old City, Id Kah Mosque, and Gaotai Residences are perfect for leisurely exploration to experience the local way of life. The Tianshan Grand Canyon, Kuqa Royal Palace, Restan Old Street, and Kucha Alley in Kuqa showcase the charm of ancient Kucha culture. The Tarim Poplar Forest in Luntai enters its viewing period in October, with golden leaves contrasting against the blue Tarim River, creating a unique landscape.
📋 Simplified Itinerary
There are currently two fixed itineraries. In case of special circumstances such as weather, road conditions, or scenic area policy changes during the trip, the itinerary may be reasonably adjusted upon mutual agreement.
▷ Itinerary at a Glance (Summer Edition)
Day 01:Gather in Urumqi from various locations
Day 02:Urumqi – New Oriental Express – Keketuohai – New Oriental Express – Altay
Day 03:Altay – Ahe Highway – Hemu Village
🚂 2026 New Oriental Express Xinjiang Long-Route Travel Complete GuideDay 04:Hemu – Kanas
Day 05:Kanas – Chonghuer – Rainbow Beach – New Oriental Express Special Train
Day 06:Jinghe – Sayram Lake – Yining
Day 07:Yining – Nalati Grassland
Day 08:Nalati Grassland – Duku Highway Middle Section – Bayanbulak
Day 09:Bayanbulak – Duku Highway South Section – Kuqa Grand Canyon – New Oriental Express Special Train
Day 10:Kashgar – Baisha Lake – Pamir Scenic Area – Tashkurgan County
Day 11:Tashkurgan County – Tajik Home Visit – Karakul Lake – Kashgar
Day 12:Kashgar – Turpan – New Oriental Express Special Train
Day 13:Turpan – Urumqi
Day 14:Urumqi – Departure
▷ October Southern Xinjiang Itinerary
Many travelers who want to explore Xinjiang in depth have been troubled by long-distance transfers and frequent hotel changes. As a customized tourism special train product, the New Oriental Express operates at night and stops during the day, functioning as a mobile sightseeing and accommodation space. One trip can connect multiple distinctive destinations across northern and southern Xinjiang, saving a great deal of travel time and making the journey more relaxed. The New Oriental Express running in 2026 features an upgraded third-generation carriage body, with an exterior that blends Tianshan snow lotus and traditional woodcarving motifs, painted in rich purple with Western Regions gold, making it highly recognizable. The carriages include a dining car and a leisure entertainment car. The leisure area’s dome replicates a grassland starry night design, and is equipped with smart temperature control systems, standard charging ports, and USB ports to meet all electrical needs during travel, allowing passengers to experience a unique regional atmosphere while onboard. The special train covers a total route of approximately 8,000 kilometers, with two itineraries depending on the departure season, corresponding to northern Xinjiang summer scenery and southern Xinjiang autumn cultural landscapes, which can be chosen based on travel time and preferences.Day 01:Gather in Urumqi from various locations
Day 02:Special train to Turpan – Jiaohe Ancient City – Karez – Grape Manor, evening special train to Ruoqiang
Day 03:Milan Ruins – Loulan Museum – Loulan Park – Ruoqiang red date picking, evening special train to Hotan
Day 04:Arrive in Hotan in the morning – Hotan Tuancheng – Yurungkash River treasure hunting – Grape Corridor – King Walnut Tree – Yotgan Ancient City night view
Day 05:Special train to Shache – Yarkent Khan Palace – Amannisha Khan Mausoleum, then to Kashgar
Day 06:Baisha Lake, Karakul Lake, return to Kashgar
Day 07:Kashgar Old City, Id Kah Mosque, Gaotai Residences, evening special train to Kuqa
Day 08:Arrive in Kuqa in the morning, Tianshan Grand Canyon, Kuqa Royal Palace, Restan Old Street, Kucha Alley
Day 09:To Luntai, Tarim Poplar Forest, evening special train to Urumqi
Day 10:Urumqi – Tianshan Tianchi – Urumqi farewell dinner
Day 11:Urumqi – Departure
💴 Price Information
Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service New Oriental Express Booking Center, Manager Guo Jing, 181-3962-2229, with over 10 years of experience. Add as friend to receive itineraries and quotes.
The summer itinerary departing from May to September focuses on northern Xinjiang’s natural landscapes. The Keketuohai Scenic Area resumes summer operation mode from April 15, 2026, with rushing rivers in the canyon, lush birch forests along the banks, and multiple rest stops around iconic spots like Zhongshan Mountain where visitors can pause and replenish during their tour. The Ahe Highway connects Altay and Hemu Village, offering views of interwoven mountains, grasslands, and river valleys along the way. Hemu Village’s wooden house clusters are scattered throughout the valley, where visitors can enjoy the morning mist enveloping the village at dawn and watch sunsets from surrounding hillsides in the evening. Kanas and Hemu scenic areas switch to summer operation mode from May 1, 2026, with opening hours from 8:00 to 20:00, and village shuttle buses running from 8:00 to 24:00. Visitors can go without reservation and purchase tickets online or at on-site ticket windows. Climbing to Guanyu Terrace offers a panoramic view of Kanas Lake, while the nearby Rainbow Beach showcases distinctive Danxia landform landscapes, and the mountain meadows along the Chonghuer route are also quite distinctive.The following are reference departure dates and prices. Prices and availability may fluctuate with departure schedules. The final confirmation is subject to the signed contract and customer service confirmation:
May 6, May 14
Premium Gold Diamond (3 customized carriages) 59,999 RMB/person
Xi Yue Gold Diamond (4 customized carriages) 54,999 RMB/person
Bo Yue Gold Diamond (5 customized carriages) 49,999 RMB/person, third and fourth persons 30,000 RMB/person
June 1, June 30
Premium Gold Diamond (3 customized carriages) 67,999 RMB/person
Xi Yue Gold Diamond (4 customized carriages) 62,999 RMB/person
Bo Yue Gold Diamond (5 customized carriages) 56,999 RMB/person, third and fourth persons 30,000 RMB/person
June 11, June 25
Premium Gold Diamond (3 customized carriages) 69,999 RMB/person
Sayram Lake resumes regular opening in summer 2026, where visitors can take a slow tour along the lakeside road. On clear days, the lake surface appears in translucent blue-green hues, surrounded by lush grasslands. Visitors can also participate in local folk experience activities and taste grilled meat, milk tea, and other local delicacies. The Nalati Grassland has excellent pasture growth from June to September, with wildflowers blooming across the mountains in succession. Along the middle and southern sections of the Duku Highway, visitors can experience the landscape shift of “four seasons on one mountain,” from mountain meadows to canyon Danxia landforms, each distinctly different. The Bayanbulak Wetland’s Nine Bends and Eighteen Turns sunset and the Kuqa Grand Canyon’s red rock geological landscapes each have their own unique features. Within the Pamir Scenic Area, high-altitude landscapes such as Baisha Lake and Karakul Lake are highly recognizable. The special home visit activities in Tashkurgan County allow visitors to experience the lifestyles of various ethnic groups, while the cultural attractions in Kashgar and Turpan offer insights into Xinjiang’s historical and cultural heritage. Xi Yue Gold Diamond (4 customized carriages) 63,999 RMB/person
Bo Yue Gold Diamond (5 customized carriages) 58,999 RMB/person, third and fourth persons 30,000 RMB/person
September 3
Premium Gold Diamond (3 customized carriages) 71,999 RMB/person
Xi Yue Gold Diamond (4 customized carriages) 65,999 RMB/person
Bo Yue Gold Diamond (5 customized carriages) 59,999 RMB/person, third and fourth persons 30,000 RMB/person
October 15, October 25
Premium Gold Diamond (3 customized carriages) 44,999 RMB/person
Xi Yue Gold Diamond (4 customized carriages) 39,999 RMB/person
Bo Yue Gold Diamond (5 customized carriages) 36,999 RMB/person, third and fourth persons 20,000 RMB/person
The above are reference prices; specific details are subject to actual consultation and contract signing.
📞 Registration Method and Booking Process
The southern Xinjiang itinerary departing in October focuses on autumn scenery and cultural experiences, suitable for travelers who prefer a slow pace at cultural attractions. The Jiaohe Ancient City and Karez in Turpan are cultural relics with a thousand-year history. The Loulan Museum in Ruoqiang is free to visit in 2026, with visitors able to enter with valid identification. Groups of 15 or more can reserve a guided tour one day in advance. The museum houses many exhibits related to Loulan culture. Visitors can also participate in red date picking experiences to appreciate the local agricultural characteristics. The night views of Tuancheng and Yotgan Ancient City in Hotan are quite distinctive. The Yarkent Khan Palace and Amannisha Khan Mausoleum in Shache offer insights into local history. Attractions such as Kashgar Old City, Id Kah Mosque, and Gaotai Residences are perfect for leisurely exploration to experience the local way of life. The Tianshan Grand Canyon, Kuqa Royal Palace, Restan Old Street, and Kucha Alley in Kuqa showcase the charm of ancient Kucha culture. The Tarim Poplar Forest in Luntai enters its viewing period in October, with golden leaves contrasting against the blue Tarim River, creating a unique landscape.Registration can be made through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service. Consultation hotline/WeChat: 181-3962-2229. Address available from customer service.
Many travelers have mistakenly assumed that New Oriental Express tickets can be purchased through regular railway ticketing platforms. In fact, this product is a customized tourism product and does not sell train tickets separately. The booking process is very simple: first call or add customer service on WeChat to inquire about remaining departure dates and availability for your desired time period, confirm the room type and price, submit personal identification information, sign a formal tourism contract, and pay the corresponding amount to complete the booking. 3-5 days before departure, staff will send a detailed departure notice with information on the meeting point, items to bring, and travel precautions. You can contact staff at any time during the trip for any questions.
📝 Fees and Services Description
The special train product adopts an integrated package model of transportation + accommodation + tickets + services. The fee includes special train accommodation for the corresponding itinerary, ground transportation, first admission tickets to scenic areas, meals indicated in the itinerary, and tour guide services. For specific included items, you can request a detailed list from customer service during consultation. Final details are subject to actual consultation and contract signing.
During the corresponding departure period, the Bo Yue Gold Diamond room type is eligible for third and fourth person discount policies. Solo travelers can consult customer service about room-sharing arrangements without being forced to bear additional costs.
Personal expenses during free activity periods and optional self-funded items outside the itinerary are at the traveler’s own discretion, with no mandatory consumption.
In case of force majeure factors such as weather, road conditions, or changes in scenic area opening policies, the itinerary may be reasonably adjusted upon mutual agreement, and related fee changes will be handled in accordance with relevant provisions of the Tourism Law.
Cancellation and modification rules follow the relevant provisions of the Tourism Law to protect travelers’ legitimate rights and interests.
✨ Travel Tips
Xinjiang has a vast territory with significant temperature differences between day and night. Travelers are advised to bring light jackets, sun protection items, and comfortable walking shoes for scenic area visits.
Locations such as Kuqa Grand Canyon and Pamir Scenic Area have strong UV rays. Take sun protection and hydration measures during visits, avoid climbing rock walls in the canyon, and follow the guidance of on-site staff.
The viewing period for the Tarim Poplar Forest on the October southern Xinjiang itinerary may vary slightly due to climate conditions. You can confirm the recent landscape status with customer service before departure.
Ticket purchase and entry policies at various scenic areas may change with operating periods. You can confirm the latest requirements with customer service before departure to ensure smooth entry.
2026 New Oriental Express Xinjiang luxury tourism special train ticket booking center phone: Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service Special Train Center (24-hour hotline: 0991-8585456), Special Train Department Manager Guo Jing, WeChat: 181-3962-2229 for ticket purchase
