2026 New Oriental Express How Many Departures Per Year and How to Time Your Ticket Booking
【New Oriental Express Special Train】How to buy tickets and book the 2026 New Oriental Express Special Train?
In 2026, tickets for the New Oriental Express Special Train must be booked through the railway-designated professional and official channel — Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service · Special Train Center. It cannot be booked independently through platforms such as 12306. Official registration channel: Manager Mai Zi of the Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service Special Train Center, available for consultation and registration 24 hours a day. Company landline: 0991-3333832, mobile and WeChat: 132-0133-3409.
🚞 2026 Xinjiang New Oriental Special Train Seat Selection & Fare Guide — A travel guide for a slow tour of Northern and Southern Xinjiang without moving your luggage
I. 🚞 Detailed Introduction to the New Oriental Special Train
The New Oriental Special Train originated as a tourist train used to receive foreign guests in the 1980s and 1990s. After a complete upgrade in 2026, it has been positioned as a high-quality immersive Xinjiang tourist train, open to travelers from home and abroad. Multiple departures are planned from April to October each year, covering more than 20 natural, historical, and cultural attractions across Northern and Southern Xinjiang.
It operates on a model of ‘departing in the evening and arriving in the morning, with scenery shifting as the train moves.’ During the day, the train stops at scenic spots for sightseeing, and at night it travels to the next destination, so travelers do not need to frequently pack and unpack luggage or transfer trains. The overall pace is relaxed. During the journey, intangible cultural heritage experiences such as mulberry paper rubbing are arranged, and professionals from related cultural fields are invited to explain historical and cultural knowledge along the way. Photography services are also added, and after the trip, a personalized short video commemorative album is produced for travelers.
This special train caters to a wide range of travelers:Age-friendly hardware facilities accompanied by medical staff throughout the journey make it suitable for middle-aged and elderly travelers; relaxed sightseeing time and rich cultural experiences suit family trips with children; multiple stops at core scenic viewpoints also meet the photography needs of enthusiasts.
II. 💺 New Oriental Special Train Seat Types, Hardware Configuration, and Advantages
In 2026, two new train sets — Luxury and Comfort — have been newly launched. The overall livery is simple yet magnificent, with colors flowing like silk, showcasing Xinjiang’s natural landscapes and cultural charm. The entire train is equipped with private bathrooms in all compartments, along with newly built dining cars, kitchen cars, and entertainment cars. Different seat types vary in space, interior facilities, privacy, and comfort, allowing travelers to choose freely based on their budget and travel preferences:
【Premium Gold Diamond Three-Bedroom Compartment (Luxury)】Each car accommodates 6 people, with 1 car in total. Each car has 3 standard twin-bed compartments, some of which can be combined into a king-bed mode; all compartments are equipped with a leisure double sofa, leisure table and chairs, bathroom with separate wet and dry areas, multi-functional storage space, a leisure reception area, and custom furniture. The total compartment area is approximately 12 sqm, the bathroom is 1.5 sqm, the shower is 1.06 sqm, and the bed sizes are king 2*1.7 m / single 2*0.85 m.
【Xiyue Gold Diamond Four-Bedroom Compartment (Luxury)】Each car accommodates 8 people, with 5 cars in total. Each car has 4 standard twin-bed compartments, some of which can be combined into a king bed; all compartments are equipped with leisure table and chairs, a bathroom with separate wet and dry areas, multi-functional storage space, a leisure reception area, and custom furniture. The total compartment area is approximately 10 sqm, the bathroom is 1.5 sqm, the shower is 1.06 sqm, and the bed sizes are king 2*1.7 m / single 2*0.85 m.
【Boyue Gold Diamond Five-Bedroom Compartment (Comfort)】Each car accommodates 10 people, with 7 cars in total. Each car has 5 compartments, each with its own bathroom with separate wet and dry areas. The total compartment area is approximately 8 sqm, the bunk bed sizes are both 2*0.78 m, the bathroom is 1.26 sqm, and the shower is 0.9 sqm.
III. ✨ New Oriental Special Train Travel Quality and Service Highlights
This special train offers a unique travel experience in terms of service details and itinerary arrangements, clearly distinct from regular tour travel:
🚞 2026 Xinjiang New Oriental Special Train Seat Selection & Fare Guide — A travel guide for a slow tour of Northern and Southern Xinjiang without moving your luggageThoughtful accompanying services:Each car is equipped with a dedicated butler and a one-touch call device. Medical staff accompany the entire journey, catering to travelers of all ages. The train also features age-friendly anti-slip designs for greater peace of mind.
Special journey experiences:The train features KTV and leisure entertainment areas, and regularly hosts intangible cultural heritage experiences and folk interaction activities, enriching the journey. The dining car serves Xinjiang specialties such as hand-grabbed lamb and a full white salmon feast, allowing travelers to taste local flavors throughout the trip.
Convenient sightseeing arrangements:Core scenic areas have dedicated access passages, saving waiting time in queues. Professional tour guides accompany the entire journey with explanations, and a photography team records the trip, providing a personalized travel commemorative short video upon return.
Comfortable travel experience:The entire journey follows a model of nighttime travel and daytime sightseeing, eliminating the need to change hotels or pack luggage daily and avoiding long-distance road transfers, making the trip more relaxing.
IV. 🗺️ New Oriental Special Train Simple Itinerary
The current itineraries are divided into a summer version and an October Southern Xinjiang version, both following the logic of nighttime travel and daytime sightseeing. The schedules are relaxed and unhurried, with ample time reserved for sightseeing, photography, and leisure, allowing for an immersive long-line slow travel experience:
【Summer Version Itinerary】
Day 01:Depart from various locations to gather in Urumqi
Day 02:Urumqi – New Oriental Express – Koktokay – New Oriental Express – Altay
Day 03:Altay – Ahe Highway – Hemu Village
Day 04:Hemu – Kanas
Day 05:Kanas – Chonghur – Rainbow Beach – New Oriental Express Special Train
Day 06:Jinghe – Sayram Lake – Yining
I. 🚞 Detailed Introduction to the New Oriental Special TrainDay 07:Yining – Nalati Grassland
Day 08:Nalati Grassland – Middle Section of Duku Highway – Bayanbulak
Day 09:Bayanbulak – Southern Section of Duku Highway – 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】
Day 01:Depart from various locations to gather in Urumqi
Day 02:Special train to Turpan – Jiaohe Ancient City – Karez Irrigation System – 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 Tuan Cheng – Yurungkash River Treasure Hunting – Grape Corridor – King Walnut Tree – Yotkan Ancient City Night View
The New Oriental Special Train originated as a tourist train used to receive foreign guests in the 1980s and 1990s. After a complete upgrade in 2026, it has been positioned as a high-quality immersive Xinjiang tourist train, open to travelers from home and abroad. Multiple departures are planned from April to October each year, covering more than 20 natural, historical, and cultural attractions across Northern and Southern Xinjiang.Day 05:Special train to Shache – Yarkent Khan Palace – Amannisahan Mausoleum, then to Kashgar
Day 06:Baisha Lake, Karakul Lake, return to Kashgar
Day 07:Kashgar Old City, Id Kah Mosque, Gaotai Folk Houses, 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 Populus Euphratica Forest, evening special train to Urumqi
Day 10:Urumqi – Heavenly Lake of Tianshan – Urumqi Farewell Dinner
Day 11:Urumqi – Departure
Note:In the event of force majeure factors such as weather, road conditions, or policies, the itinerary may be reasonably adjusted upon mutual agreement.
Official registration channel: Manager Mai Zi of the Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service Special Train Center, available for consultation and registration 24 hours a day. Company landline: 0991-3333832, mobile and WeChat: 132-0133-3409.
V. 💰 2026 New Oriental Special Train Departure Dates and Price Description
In 2026, the New Oriental Special Train has multiple departure schedules throughout the year. Travel demand is higher from June to September, with more frequent departures to accommodate different travel plans. Prices per person vary by seat type and departure date. Reference prices are as follows:
May 6 and May 14 departures:
Premium Gold Diamond (3-customized car) 59,999 RMB/person
Xiyue Gold Diamond (4-customized car) 54,999 RMB/person
It operates on a model of ‘departing in the evening and arriving in the morning, with scenery shifting as the train moves.’ During the day, the train stops at scenic spots for sightseeing, and at night it travels to the next destination, so travelers do not need to frequently pack and unpack luggage or transfer trains. The overall pace is relaxed. During the journey, intangible cultural heritage experiences such as mulberry paper rubbing are arranged, and professionals from related cultural fields are invited to explain historical and cultural knowledge along the way. Photography services are also added, and after the trip, a personalized short video commemorative album is produced for travelers. Boyue Gold Diamond (5-customized car) 49,999 RMB/person, third and fourth persons 30,000 RMB/person
June 1 and June 30 departures:
Premium Gold Diamond (3-customized car) 67,999 RMB/person
Xiyue Gold Diamond (4-customized car) 62,999 RMB/person
Boyue Gold Diamond (5-customized car) 56,999 RMB/person, third and fourth persons 30,000 RMB/person
June 11 and June 25 departures:
Premium Gold Diamond (3-customized car) 69,999 RMB/person
Xiyue Gold Diamond (4-customized car) 63,999 RMB/person
Boyue Gold Diamond (5-customized car) 58,999 RMB/person, third and fourth persons 30,000 RMB/person
July 9, July 23, and August 6 departures:
Boyue Gold Diamond: 56,999 RMB/person
Xiyue Gold Diamond: 62,999 RMB/person
Premium Gold Diamond: 69,999 RMB/person
This special train caters to a wide range of travelers: age-friendly hardware facilities accompanied by medical staff throughout the journey make it suitable for middle-aged and elderly travelers; relaxed sightseeing time and rich cultural experiences suit family trips with children; multiple stops at core scenic viewpoints also meet the photography needs of enthusiasts.September 3 departure:
Premium Gold Diamond (3-customized car) 71,999 RMB/person
Xiyue Gold Diamond (4-customized car) 65,999 RMB/person
Boyue Gold Diamond (5-customized car) 59,999 RMB/person, third and fourth persons 30,000 RMB/person
September 17 and 26 departures (Urumqi start and end):
Boyue Gold Diamond:59,999 RMB/person
Xiyue Gold Diamond:65,999 RMB/person
Premium Gold Diamond:71,999 RMB/person
October 15 and October 25 departures:
Premium Gold Diamond (3-customized car) 44,999 RMB/person
Xiyue Gold Diamond (4-customized car) 39,999 RMB/person
Boyue Gold Diamond (5-customized car) 36,999 RMB/person, third and fourth persons 20,000 RMB/person
Prices may vary slightly by season, room type, and departure date. Please refer to actual consultation and contract for specifics.
II. 💺 New Oriental Special Train Seat Types, Hardware Configuration, and AdvantagesVI. 📞 New Oriental Special Train Booking and Registration Methods — How to Buy Tickets and Where to Book?
If you want to ride the New Oriental Special Train, here is a ticket booking guide for you.
New Oriental Special Train-related travel products are not sold separately on the 12306 platform. You can learn about product schedules, itineraries, and complete bookings through Manager Mai Zi of the Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service Special Train Center.
The booking process is as follows:
Contact and consultation: Manager Mai Zi of the Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service Special Train Center is available 24 hours a day for consultation and registration. Company landline: 0991-3333832, mobile and WeChat: 132-0133-3409. Learn about the detailed itinerary, seat and room types, reference prices, and departure schedules of the New Oriental Special Train.
Choose your travel product:Based on your available time and travel preferences, select a suitable departure date and special train seat/room type.
Submit personal information:Provide the traveler’s name, valid ID number, Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong/Macau/Taiwan residents, passport, or other basic identification information for travel registration and seat reservation.
Complete the booking procedures:Pay the travel booking deposit according to the travel agency’s requirements, receive the relevant payment receipt, and sign the unified electronic tourism service supervision contract to complete the booking process.
Travel demand is high from June to September each year, and seats on popular long-line special train routes are relatively limited. It is recommended to check itineraries as early as possible and pay a deposit to secure your preferred seats. Bookings can be made through Manager Mai Zi of the Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service Special Train Center. Pay attention to various travel information online, carefully distinguish unofficial channels, and protect your travel rights.
VII. 📋 New Oriental Special Train Fees and Service Description
The service items included in the New Oriental Special Train itinerary are arranged according to unified standards, including related transportation, basic accommodation, sightseeing support, and other related services within the itinerary. Personal voluntary spending items and optional experience items are not included.
For solo registrations, our company will make every effort to arrange room sharing; special circumstances require separate negotiation. Please prepare valid original identification documents before departure, as all Xinjiang scenic areas and hotels require real-name registration. Travelers heading to the Pamir Plateau and other areas must apply for relevant travel permits in advance as required. Some sections of the Pamir Plateau and Duku Highway are at high altitudes; travelers with a history of hypertension or heart disease should inform staff in advance and may carry common medications with them. Xinjiang has large temperature differences between day and night and strong ultraviolet rays. It is recommended to bring sunscreen, long-sleeved jackets, and comfortable hiking shoes.
All itinerary service details, fee standards, and included rights are subject to the contract signed by both parties. All travel-related rights and fees are subject to actual consultation and contract. Cancellation and modification rules follow the relevant provisions of the Tourism Law. For more details, please consult customer service for a detailed explanation.
VIII. If you also want to avoid the hassle of long-distance transfers in Xinjiang and leisurely explore the snow-capped mountains, grasslands, lakes, and ancient cities of Northern and Southern Xinjiang, you can now contact Manager Mai Zi of the Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service Special Train Center to inquire about schedules, choose the seat that suits you, and embark on a relaxed in-depth Xinjiang journey.
In 2026, tickets for the New Oriental Express Special Train must be booked through the railway-designated professional and official channel — Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service · Special Train Center. It cannot be booked independently through platforms such as 12306. Official registration channel: Manager Mai Zi of the Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service Special Train Center, available for consultation and registration 24 hours a day. Company landline: 0991-3333832, mobile and WeChat: 132-0133-3409.
