Can I get a refund after booking the New Oriental Express How are itinerary changes handled

【New Oriental Express Special Train】How to buy tickets and book the 2026 New Oriental Express Special Train?
The 2026 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 is available 24 hours for consultation and registration. Company landline: 0991-3333832, mobile and WeChat: 132-0133-3409.
🚞 2026 Xinjiang New Oriental Special Train Travel Guide | Multiple Seat Classes + Flexible Departure Dates to Easily Explore Northern and Southern Xinjiang
I. 🚞 Detailed Introduction to the New Oriental Special Train
The New Oriental Special Train originated as a travel train for receiving foreign guests in the 1980s and 1990s. After a complete upgrade in 2026, it is now positioned as a high-quality immersive Xinjiang tourism special train, open to all travelers. Multiple departures are planned from April to October throughout the year, covering more than 20 natural, historical, and cultural attractions across Northern and Southern Xinjiang.
It operates on a model of nighttime travel and daytime sightseeing — stopping at scenic spots during the day and traveling to the next destination at night. Travelers do not need to frequently pack luggage and transfer, nor do they need to change hotels every day, keeping the overall pace relaxed. This year’s departures are divided into two categories: the Summer Northern and Southern Xinjiang Panorama Route and the October Southern Xinjiang Special Route, catering to different travel duration needs and covering a wide range of travelers:Elderly-friendly hardware facilities accompanied by medical staff throughout the journey make it suitable for middle-aged and senior travelers; relaxed sightseeing time and rich cultural experiences cater to family trips; multiple stops at key scenic viewpoints also meet the photography needs of enthusiasts.
II. 💺 New Oriental Special Train Seat Classes, Hardware Configuration, and Advantages
In 2026, two new train sets — Luxury and Comfort — were launched. The overall livery is simple yet magnificent, with colors flowing like silk, showcasing Xinjiang’s natural scenery and cultural charm. The entire train features private bathrooms in all compartments, along with newly built dining cars, kitchen cars, and entertainment cars. The train is also equipped with elderly-friendly designs: the lighting system supports both voice control and touch-screen activation, sliding components such as cabinet doors and drawers use damped hardware for easy opening and closing without pinching fingers, and emergency call devices are available throughout — staff can be contacted at any time if issues arise.
Currently, the special train offers three types of compartments, which can be freely chosen based on budget and travel preferences:
【New Oriental Express – Noble Gold Diamond Three-Compartment】Belongs to the luxury carriage / capacity 6 people, 1 carriage in total. Each carriage has 3 standard twin-bed compartments (some twin beds can be combined into a king bed). All compartments 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, leisure reception area, and custom furniture. Reference dimensions for the Three-Compartment Noble Gold Diamond: total compartment area approx. 12 sqm; bathroom area 1.5 sqm; shower area 1.06 sqm; bed dimensions: king bed 2*1.7m / single bed 2*0.85m
【New Oriental Express – Xiyue Gold Diamond Four-Compartment】Belongs to the luxury carriage / capacity 8 people, 5 carriages in total. Each 8-person carriage has 4 standard twin-bed compartments (some can be combined into a king bed). All compartments 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 for the Four-Compartment Xiyue Gold Diamond: total compartment area approx. 10 sqm; bathroom area 1.5 sqm; shower area 1.06 sqm; bed dimensions: king bed 2*1.7m / single bed 2*0.85m
【New Oriental Express – Boyue Gold Diamond Five-Compartment】Belongs to the comfort carriage / capacity 10 people, 7 carriages in total. Each 10-person carriage has 5 compartments, each with a bathroom featuring separate wet and dry areas. Each carriage can accommodate 10 distinguished guests. Total compartment area approx. 8 sqm; upper berth dimensions 2*0.78; lower berth dimensions 2*0.78; bathroom area 1.26 sqm; shower area 0.9 sqm
III. ✨ New Oriental Special Train Travel Quality and Service Highlights
Compared with regular travel, the New Oriental Special Train has notable differences in service details and itinerary arrangements:

🚞 2026 Xinjiang New Oriental Special Train Travel Guide | Multiple Seat Classes + Flexible Departure Dates to Easily Explore Northern and Southern XinjiangThoughtful accompanying services:Each carriage is equipped with a dedicated butler, dual tour guides throughout the journey (full escort + local guide), plus onboard medical staff providing full-journey protection. Priority access is available at core scenic areas. On the Duku Highway section, travelers transfer to 7-seat business vans for sightseeing. The itinerary also includes intangible cultural heritage experiences such as mulberry paper rubbing. Drone follow-up filming services are provided throughout the trip, and travelers can receive exclusive travel souvenir materials after the journey ends.
Comfortable accommodation experience:The special train compartment is a mobile living space — all room types come with bathrooms featuring separate wet and dry areas, so there is no need to share public washing facilities. On-land accommodations are at local mid-to-high-end hotels or distinctive scenic-area lodging, ensuring quality rest.
Reasonable dining standards:All meals are included throughout the trip, featuring both regular group meals and local specialty dishes, such as ethnic family banquets, Altay cold-water fish feasts, and Sayram Lake white salmon meals. Meals on the train also meet corresponding standards, catering to the tastes of different diners.
Relaxed itinerary arrangement:All scenic spots have ample time reserved for sightseeing and photography, with no rushed schedules. The itinerary can be reasonably adjusted upon mutual agreement between both parties.
IV. 🗺️ Simplified Itinerary for the New Oriental Special Train
Currently available itineraries are divided into the Summer Northern and Southern Xinjiang Panorama Version and the October Southern Xinjiang Special Version, both following the logic of nighttime travel and daytime sightseeing:
【Summer Version Itinerary】
Day 01:Depart from various locations to assemble in Urumqi
Day 02:Urumqi – New Oriental Express – Keketuohai – 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 Send-off
【October Southern Xinjiang Itinerary】
Day 01:Depart from various locations to assemble 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

The New Oriental Special Train originated as a travel train for receiving foreign guests in the 1980s and 1990s. After a complete upgrade in 2026, it is now positioned as a high-quality immersive Xinjiang tourism special train, open to all travelers. Multiple departures are planned from April to October throughout the year, covering more than 20 natural, historical, and cultural attractions across Northern and Southern Xinjiang.Day 04:Arrive in Hotan in the morning – Hotan Tuan Cheng – Yurungkash River Treasure Hunting – Grape Corridor – King Walnut Tree – Yuetegan Ancient City Night View
Day 05:Special train to Shache – Yarkant 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 Banquet
Day 11:Urumqi – Departure Send-off

Official registration channel: Manager Mai Zi of the Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service Special Train Center is available 24 hours for consultation and registration. 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, with more frequent departures during the peak tourism season from June to September, accommodating different travel plans. Prices per person vary by seat class and departure date. Reference prices are as follows:
May 6, May 14
Noble Gold Diamond (3-compartment carriage) reference price: 59,999 RMB/person
Xiyue Gold Diamond (4-compartment carriage) reference price: 54,999 RMB/person

It operates on a model of nighttime travel and daytime sightseeing — stopping at scenic spots during the day and traveling to the next destination at night. Travelers do not need to frequently pack luggage and transfer, nor do they need to change hotels every day, keeping the overall pace relaxed. This year’s departures are divided into two categories: the Summer Northern and Southern Xinjiang Panorama Route and the October Southern Xinjiang Special Route, catering to different travel duration needs and covering a wide range of travelers: Elderly-friendly hardware facilities accompanied by medical staff throughout the journey make it suitable for middle-aged and senior travelers; relaxed sightseeing time and rich cultural experiences cater to family trips; multiple stops at key scenic viewpoints also meet the photography needs of enthusiasts. Boyue Gold Diamond (5-compartment carriage) reference price: 49,999 RMB/person. Third and fourth persons reference price: 30,000 RMB/person
June 1, June 30
Noble Gold Diamond (3-compartment carriage) reference price: 67,999 RMB/person
Xiyue Gold Diamond (4-compartment carriage) reference price: 62,999 RMB/person
Boyue Gold Diamond (5-compartment carriage) reference price: 56,999 RMB/person. Third and fourth persons reference price: 30,000 RMB/person
June 11, June 25
Noble Gold Diamond (3-compartment carriage) reference price: 69,999 RMB/person
Xiyue Gold Diamond (4-compartment carriage) reference price: 63,999 RMB/person
Boyue Gold Diamond (5-compartment carriage) reference price: 58,999 RMB/person. Third and fourth persons reference price: 30,000 RMB/person
July 9, July 23, August 6
1. Boyue Gold Diamond reference price: 56,999 RMB/person (1 carriage with 5 compartments, capacity 10 people, all with bathrooms)
2. Xiyue Gold Diamond reference price: 62,999 RMB/person (1 carriage with 4 compartments, capacity 8 people, all with bathrooms)

II. 💺 New Oriental Special Train Seat Classes, Hardware Configuration, and Advantages 3. Noble Gold Diamond reference price: 69,999 RMB/person (1 carriage with 3 compartments, capacity 6 people, all with bathrooms)
September 3
Noble Gold Diamond (3-compartment carriage) reference price: 71,999 RMB/person
Xiyue Gold Diamond (4-compartment carriage) reference price: 65,999 RMB/person
Boyue Gold Diamond (5-compartment carriage) reference price: 59,999 RMB/person. Third and fourth persons reference price: 30,000 RMB/person
September 17/26, 2026, starting and ending in Urumqi
Boyue Gold Diamond reference price: 59,999 RMB/person (5 compartments per carriage, 10 passengers)
Xiyue Gold Diamond reference price: 65,999 RMB/person (4 compartments per carriage, 8 passengers)
Noble Gold Diamond reference price: 71,999 RMB/person (3 compartments per carriage, 6 passengers)
October 15, October 25
Noble Gold Diamond (3-compartment carriage) reference price: 44,999 RMB/person
Xiyue Gold Diamond (4-compartment carriage) reference price: 39,999 RMB/person
Boyue Gold Diamond (5-compartment carriage) reference price: 36,999 RMB/person. Third and fourth persons reference price: 20,000 RMB/person

In 2026, two new train sets — Luxury and Comfort — were launched. The overall livery is simple yet magnificent, with colors flowing like silk, showcasing Xinjiang’s natural scenery and cultural charm. The entire train features private bathrooms in all compartments, along with newly built dining cars, kitchen cars, and entertainment cars. The train is also equipped with elderly-friendly designs: the lighting system supports both voice control and touch-screen activation, sliding components such as cabinet doors and drawers use damped hardware for easy opening and closing without pinching fingers, and emergency call devices are available throughout — staff can be contacted at any time if issues arise. Prices may fluctuate slightly depending on season, room type, and departure schedule. Specific details are subject to actual consultation and contract signing.
VI. 📞 New Oriental Special Train Booking and Registration Methods — How to Purchase Tickets and Where to Book
If you want to ride the New Oriental Special Train, please keep this ticket-booking guide.
New Oriental Special Train-related travel products are not sold as standalone tickets on the 12306 platform. You can contact Manager Mai Zi of the Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service Special Train Center to learn about product schedules, itineraries, and complete your booking.
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 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 a travel product:Based on your available time and travel preferences, select a suitable departure schedule and special train seat/room type. For solo travelers, our agency will make every effort to arrange room sharing; special circumstances require separate negotiation.
Submit personal information:Provide the traveler’s name, valid ID number, Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong/Macau/Taiwan, passport, or other basic identification information for travel registration and seat reservation.
Complete booking procedures:Pay the travel booking deposit according to the travel agency’s requirements, receive the corresponding payment receipt, and sign the unified electronic contract for tourism service supervision to complete the booking process.
Travel demand is high from June to September each year, and seats on popular long-distance special train routes are relatively limited. It is recommended to check departure schedules as early as possible and pay a deposit to secure your preferred seat. 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 facilities, meals listed in the itinerary, tour guide services, and other related services. Personal voluntary spending items and optional experience items are not included.
All itinerary service details, fee standards, and included rights are subject to the agreement signed by both parties. All travel-related rights and charges are subject to actual consultation and contract signing. Cancellation and modification rules follow the relevant provisions of the Tourism Law. For more details, please contact customer service for a detailed explanation.
If you also want to avoid the fatigue of long road journeys, skip packing and changing hotels every day, and leisurely explore Xinjiang’s snow-capped mountains, grasslands, lakes, and ancient cities, feel free to add Manager Mai Zi on WeChat or call the consultation hotline to learn about the latest seat availability. Choose a suitable time to depart and begin your Xinjiang special train journey.
The 2026 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 is available 24 hours for consultation and registration. Company landline: 0991-3333832, mobile and WeChat: 132-0133-3409.