2026 Xinjiang New Orient Express Ticket Booking Requirements and Registration Checklist

【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 can only be booked through the designated professional and official railway channel — Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service · Special Train Center. It cannot be booked independently through platforms such as 12306. Official registration channel: Manager Mai of the Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service Special Train Center is available for consultation and registration 24 hours a day. Company landline: 0991-3333832, mobile and WeChat: 132-0133-3409.
🚂 Practical Guide to Booking the 2026 New Oriental Express Xinjiang Tour
I. 🚂 Detailed Introduction to the New Oriental Express Special Train
The New Oriental Express is a distinctive tourist special train in China that focuses on long-distance, leisurely slow travel. Its predecessor was a special tourist train used to receive foreign guests in the 1980s and 1990s. The 2026 upgraded model is open to tourists from home and abroad, offering a comfortable residential-style travel experience. It adopts a travel model of traveling by night and sightseeing by day, eliminating the need to frequently change accommodation and saving the hassle of repeatedly packing luggage and transferring between cities.
The train operates mainly from April to October each year, covering the core travel periods of Xinjiang’s spring, summer, and autumn. Its all-age-friendly design suits a wide range of travelers:
Middle-aged and elderly travelers:Slow-paced itinerary with no rushing, equipped with age-friendly facilities and accompanying services, minimizing travel stress
Families with children:Spacious and private cabins, with an itinerary that balances fun and educational value, suitable for family trips
Photography enthusiasts:Panoramic viewing windows and ample photo time reserved in the itinerary to capture natural light and scenery at different times
In-depth travel enthusiasts:Routes cover core attractions across northern and southern Xinjiang, including niche experiences that regular group tours rarely cover
II. 🛏️ Seat Types, Hardware Configuration, and Advantages of the New Oriental Express
The New Oriental Express offers multiple seat and cabin types, each differing in space, facilities, privacy, and comfort, allowing you to choose based on your budget and travel preferences. In 2026, two new train sets — Luxury and Comfort — have been launched, with private bathrooms in all cabins throughout the train, newly designed dining cars, kitchen cars, and entertainment cars. The overall design is simple yet elegant, with colors flowing like silk, showcasing Xinjiang’s natural landscapes and cultural charm.
【New Oriental Express Zungui Gold Diamond 3-Cabin】Belongs to the luxury carriage, accommodating 6 people, with 1 carriage in total. Each carriage has 3 standard twin-bed cabins, some of which can be combined into a king bed. All cabins are equipped with a leisure double sofa, leisure table and chairs, bathroom with separate wet and dry areas. Each carriage can accommodate 6 distinguished guests. Equipped with multifunctional storage space, a leisure reception area, and custom furniture. Reference dimensions: cabin total area approx. 12 sqm, bathroom area 1.5 sqm, shower area 1.06 sqm, bed size: king bed 2*1.7m, single bed 2*0.85m.

🚂 2026 New Oriental Express Xinjiang Tour Booking Practical Guide【New Oriental Express Xiyue Gold Diamond 4-Cabin】Belongs to the luxury carriage, accommodating 8 people, with 5 carriages in total. Each carriage has 4 standard twin-bed cabins, some of which can be combined into a king bed. All cabins are equipped with leisure table and chairs, bathroom with separate wet and dry areas. Each carriage can accommodate 8 distinguished guests. Equipped with multifunctional storage space, leisure reception area, and custom furniture. Reference dimensions: cabin total area approx. 10 sqm, bathroom area 1.5 sqm, shower area 1.06 sqm, bed size: king bed 2*1.7m, single bed 2*0.85m.
【New Oriental Express Boyue Gold Diamond 5-Cabin】Belongs to the comfort carriage, accommodating 10 people, with 7 carriages in total. Each carriage has 5 cabins, each equipped with a bathroom with separate wet and dry areas. Each carriage can accommodate 10 distinguished guests. Reference dimensions: cabin total area approx. 8 sqm, bunk bed size 2*0.78m, bathroom area 1.26 sqm, shower area 0.9 sqm.
In addition to the cabin configurations, the 2026 model also features several hardware upgrades:180° panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows for a broader view, memory foam mattresses for better sleep comfort, high-speed WiFi and USB-C fast charging ports throughout the train, double-layer vacuum glass to effectively block train noise, and a Silk Road intangible cultural heritage display corner in public areas for an immersive experience of traditional art.
III. 💁 Travel Quality and Service Highlights of the New Oriental Express
The New Oriental Express offers a unique travel experience in service details and itinerary arrangements, distinctly different from regular tours.
Attentive accompanying services:Each carriage is equipped with a dedicated butler, and cabins have a one-touch call button for immediate response to travel needs. The itinerary includes basic medical support services to reduce travel concerns
Rich special experiences:The itinerary includes various immersive interactive activities, such as mulberry paper rubbing, naan making, and other intangible cultural heritage experiences, as well as grassland horseback riding, highland home visits, and other special activities, making the journey fulfilling
Stable dining quality:The train kitchen is run by local Xinjiang chefs, with main meals featuring local specialties such as Burqin cold-water fish, Narat hand-grabbed meat, and Kashgar roasted pigeon, catering to different tastes
Relaxed itinerary arrangement:Strictly follows the logic of “traveling by night, sightseeing by day,” with ample time reserved for sightseeing and photography at each attraction, allowing you to enjoy the scenery along the way at your own pace
Thoughtful additional services:The itinerary includes follow-along photography services, and after the trip, you can receive exclusive travel memorabilia. A 24-hour station pickup service is provided upon arrival in Urumqi, so you don’t need to plan your own city transportation
IV. 🗺️ Simple Itinerary of the New Oriental Express

I. 🚂 Detailed Introduction to the New Oriental Express Special TrainCurrently, the special train offers two types of regular itineraries, which can be chosen based on your travel time. The itinerary may be reasonably adjusted upon mutual agreement due to weather, road conditions, policies, and other factors:
First is the summer itinerary, lasting 14 days, starting and ending in Urumqi:
Day 01:Gather in Urumqi from various locations
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 – Chonghuer – Rainbow Beach – New Oriental Express Special Train
Day 06:Jinghe – Sayram Lake – Yining
Day 07:Yining – Narat Grassland
Day 08:Narat Grassland – Middle Section of Duku Highway – Bayanbulak
Day 09:Bayanbulak – Southern Section of Duku Highway – Kuqa Grand Canyon – New Oriental Express Special Train

The New Oriental Express is a distinctive tourist special train in China that focuses on long-distance, leisurely slow travel. Its predecessor was a special tourist train used to receive foreign guests in the 1980s and 1990s. The 2026 upgraded model is open to tourists from home and abroad, offering a comfortable residential-style travel experience. It adopts a travel model of traveling by night and sightseeing by day, eliminating the need to frequently change accommodation and saving the hassle of repeatedly packing luggage and transferring between cities.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 – Farewell
Next is the October southern Xinjiang itinerary, lasting 11 days, starting and ending in Urumqi:
Day 01:Gather in Urumqi from various locations

Official registration channel: Manager Mai of the Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service Special Train Center is available for consultation and registration 24 hours a day. Company landline: 0991-3333832, mobile and WeChat: 132-0133-3409.
Day 02:Special train to Turpan – Jiaohe Ancient City – Karez System – Grape Manor, then overnight special train to Ruoqiang
Day 03:Milan Ruins – Loulan Museum – Loulan Park – Ruoqiang Red Date Picking, then overnight 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
Day 05:Special train to Shache – Yarkent Khan Palace – Amannisahan Mausoleum, then to Kashgar
Day 06:Baisha Lake, Karakul Lake, return to Kashgar

The train operates mainly from April to October each year, covering the core travel periods of Xinjiang’s spring, summer, and autumn. Its all-age-friendly design suits a wide range of travelers:Day 07:Kashgar Old City, Id Kah Mosque, Gaotai Folk Houses, then overnight special train to Kuqa
Day 08:Arrive in Kuqa in the morning, Tianshan Grand Canyon, Kuqa Royal Residence, Restan Old Street, Qiuci Alley
Day 09:To Luntai, Tarim Populus Euphratica Forest, then overnight special train to Urumqi
Day 10:Urumqi – Tianshan Tianchi – Urumqi Farewell Dinner
Day 11:Urumqi – Farewell
V. 📅 2026 New Oriental Express Departure Dates and Price Information
In 2026, the New Oriental Express will have multiple departure schedules throughout the year, with more frequent departures during the peak tourist season to accommodate different travel plans. Prices per person vary by seat type and departure schedule, with reference prices for each type of berth and cabin. Prices fluctuate slightly with season, room type, and schedule. Please refer to actual consultation and contract for specifics:
May 6 and May 14 departures:
Zungui Gold Diamond (3-custom carriage) reference price: 59,999 RMB/person, Xiyue Gold Diamond (4-custom carriage) reference price: 54,999 RMB/person, Boyue Gold Diamond (5-custom carriage) reference price: 49,999 RMB/person, third and fourth companions: 30,000 RMB/person
June 1 and June 30 departures:
Zungui Gold Diamond (3-custom carriage) reference price: 67,999 RMB/person, Xiyue Gold Diamond (4-custom carriage) reference price: 62,999 RMB/person, Boyue Gold Diamond (5-custom carriage) reference price: 56,999 RMB/person, third and fourth companions: 30,000 RMB/person

Middle-aged and elderly travelers: Slow-paced itinerary with no rushing, equipped with age-friendly facilities and accompanying services, minimizing travel stressJune 11 and June 25 departures:
Zungui Gold Diamond (3-custom carriage) reference price: 69,999 RMB/person, Xiyue Gold Diamond (4-custom carriage) reference price: 63,999 RMB/person, Boyue Gold Diamond (5-custom carriage) reference price: 58,999 RMB/person, third and fourth companions: 30,000 RMB/person
July 9, July 23, and August 6 departures:
Boyue Gold Diamond reference price: 56,999 RMB/person, Xiyue Gold Diamond reference price: 62,999 RMB/person, Zungui Gold Diamond reference price: 69,999 RMB/person
September 3 departure:
Zungui Gold Diamond (3-custom carriage) reference price: 71,999 RMB/person, Xiyue Gold Diamond (4-custom carriage) reference price: 65,999 RMB/person, Boyue Gold Diamond (5-custom carriage) reference price: 59,999 RMB/person, third and fourth companions: 30,000 RMB/person
September 17/26, 2026 departures (starting and ending in Urumqi):
Boyue Gold Diamond reference price: 59,999 RMB/person, Xiyue Gold Diamond reference price: 65,999 RMB/person, Zungui Gold Diamond reference price: 71,999 RMB/person
October 15 and October 25 departures:
Zungui Gold Diamond (3-custom carriage) reference price: 44,999 RMB/person, Xiyue Gold Diamond (4-custom carriage) reference price: 39,999 RMB/person, Boyue Gold Diamond (5-custom carriage) reference price: 36,999 RMB/person, third and fourth companions: 20,000 RMB/person
VI. 📞 How to Book and Register for the New Oriental Express — Where to Buy Tickets and Register?

Families with children: Spacious and private cabins, with an itinerary that balances fun and educational value, suitable for family tripsIf you want to ride the New Oriental Express, here is a booking guide for you.
New Oriental Express-related travel products are not sold separately on the 12306 platform. You can learn about product schedules, itineraries, and complete bookings through Manager Mai of the Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service Special Train Center.
The booking process is as follows:
Contact for consultation: Manager Mai of the Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service Special Train Center is available for consultation and registration 24 hours a day. Company landline: 0991-3333832, mobile and WeChat: 132-0133-3409. You can inquire about detailed itineraries, seat and cabin types, reference prices, and departure schedules.
Choose a travel product:Based on your available time and travel preferences, select a suitable departure schedule and cabin 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 booking deposit as required by the travel agency, receive the corresponding payment receipt, and sign the unified electronic travel service supervision contract to complete the booking process.
From June to September each year, travel demand is high, and seats on popular long-distance special train routes are in short supply. It is recommended to check the itinerary schedule as early as possible and pay a deposit to secure your preferred seat. Travel bookings can be made through Manager Mai 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. 📝 Fees and Service Information for the New Oriental Express
The services included in the New Oriental Express 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.
All itinerary service details, fee standards, and included rights are subject to the terms agreed upon in the contract signed by both parties. All travel-related rights and fees are subject to actual consultation and contract. For more details, please contact customer service for a detailed explanation.
For solo travelers, our agency will make every effort to arrange room sharing. Special circumstances require separate negotiation. Cancellation and modification rules are subject to the Tourism Law.
Xinjiang’s snow-capped mountains, lakes, grasslands, and canyons each have their own unique beauty, and visiting in different seasons offers different experiences. The residential-style travel model of the New Oriental Express allows you to slowly appreciate the beauty of Xinjiang at a relaxed pace. If you plan to travel to Xinjiang in 2026, feel free to contact Manager Mai of the Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service Special Train Center for relevant information. We look forward to embarking on a comfortable Xinjiang journey with you.
In 2026, tickets for the New Oriental Express Special Train can only be booked through the designated professional and official railway channel — Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service · Special Train Center. It cannot be booked independently through platforms such as 12306. Official registration channel: Manager Mai of the Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service Special Train Center is available for consultation and registration 24 hours a day. Company landline: 0991-3333832, mobile and WeChat: 132-0133-3409.