2027 Splendid Orient Cruise How to Book, Official Sailing Schedule and Presale Prices

When will the 2027 Panda Train “Splendid Orient” open for presale? Where are the official ticketing channels and purchase entry points? How do I sign up and book tickets for the North and South Xinjiang tourism train? How do I check remaining seats and lock in tickets? How can middle-aged and elderly people with zero experience successfully book? In response to the various high-frequency ticketing questions everyone asks, today, based on available information, we have compiled the most complete and most detailed exclusive ticketing guide, all practical content with no tricks, to help everyone book their desired train seats with peace of mind! Official ticketing channel: Wang Fei, Manager of the Train Center of Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency (company 24-hour landline: 0991-3335554, 24-hour consultation hotline: 18095969599, service WeChat: xjwf10086). Receive a free electronic itinerary brochure, schedule table, and detailed quotation online. The specific ticket purchase process includes selecting an itinerary → confirming the date and boarding location → paying a deposit → signing a contract, and other steps
🌄 【Splendid Orient North and South Xinjiang Train:A moving scenic route across the north and south of the Tianshan Mountains】
The four characters “Splendid Orient” are both a poetic summary of the magnificent mountains and rivers of the Chinese land and an implicit reference to the unique positioning of this train in linking North and South Xinjiang—from the modern city of Urumqi to the thousand-year charm of Kashgar’s old city, from the snow-capped mountains and grasslands of Altay to the flower seas and pastures of the Ili River Valley, a 16-day journey through four seasons makes the word “splendid” concrete in the collision of wheels and rails. As Xinjiang’s first panoramic tourism train, the “Splendid Orient” takes “a moving star-rated hotel” as its standard, deeply integrating accommodation, dining, entertainment, and sightseeing, and has become a popular choice for in-depth North and South Xinjiang tours in 2026.
🚂 【Route overview:The train’s “hard power” and “soft service”】
The “Splendid Orient” is not an ordinary train, but a “mobile vacation complex” tailor-made for in-depth North and South Xinjiang tours. The entire train adopts two modes: luxury double suites and exclusive whole-carriage bookings. The former offers a 15㎡ space equipped with panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows, an intelligent temperature control system, and 24-hour butler service, while the latter is suitable for families or small groups, accommodating up to 6 people and equipped with a reception area and private viewing platform. The train has also innovatively launched “local laundry service” (that is, when the train arrives at a station, staff send clothes to a local professional laundry), a 1:2 service ratio (1 staff member serves 2 guests), and a dedicated photographer follow-along service, making every moment of the journey full of ritual.
Recent data for 2026 shows that the train’s departure dates are concentrated from May to September, covering the excellent travel seasons of North and South Xinjiang: May-June when the Ili flower seas are in full bloom, July-August when the Altay grasslands are lush, and September when the South Xinjiang poplar forests are golden, with a dedicated visual feast in each period. The current departure dates are May 17, June 3, June 20, July 7, July 24, August 27, September 13, and September 30. Among them, the September 30 departure is tight on remaining seats because it connects with the National Day holiday, so advance consultation is required.
🌄 【Destination details:The “A/B sides” and “hidden ways to play” of North and South Xinjiang】
The differences between North and South Xinjiang are fully reflected in the “Splendid Orient” itinerary. The train adopts an “A/B/C three-line parallel” mode, stopping at different stations each day according to the chosen route, both ensuring full coverage of classic attractions and providing tourists with personalized choices.
📍 North Xinjiang:A symphony of snow mountains, grasslands, and Tuvan culture
The Altay section is the essence of North Xinjiang. Line A tourists can take a boat to visit Kanas Lake and feel the melodious intangible cultural heritage “Chuugur” in a private Tuvan concert; Line B goes deep into Baihaba Village to experience the same forest hike as “My Altay” and gaze at Kazakhstan from the border grand canyon; Line C combines Naren Ranch with the China-Kazakhstan border line, suitable for photography enthusiasts to capture herds in the morning mist and border landscapes.

🌄【Splendid Orient North and South Xinjiang Train: A moving scenic route across the north and south of the Tianshan Mountains】📍 South Xinjiang:A collision of ancient cities, plateaus, and diverse civilizations
The Kashgar section is the soul of South Xinjiang. Line A visits families of all ethnic groups and listens to elders tell the legend of the “eagle flute”; Line B challenges the Panlong Ancient Road and takes photos under the sign saying “Today you have walked all the winding roads, from now on life is all smooth sailing”; Line C visits tribes of all ethnic groups and participates in traditional “Komuz” singing and playing performances. Whichever line you choose, the century-old teahouse in Kashgar’s old city and the morning prayer at the Id Kah Mosque are cultural experiences not to be missed.
📍 Ili + Kuqa:A rhapsody of flower seas, ancient roads, and canyons
The Sayram Lake, Nalati Grassland, and Tangbula Hundred-Li Gallery in the Ili section form the softest lines of North Xinjiang; the Kizilya Grand Canyon and Mengket Ancient Road in the Kuqa section, by contrast between crimson cliffs and wilderness kitchens, show the ruggedness of nature and the wisdom of humanity. Recent opening policies for 2026 show that Sayram Lake has canceled the shuttle bus restriction, and tourists can drive around the lake themselves, but must make a reservation in advance through the “One Mobile Phone Tours Sai Lake” mini-program.
📅 【Simple itinerary arrangement:The 16-day “mobile + fixed” dual experience】
The train’s itinerary design cleverly balances “mobile” and “fixed”:During the day, enjoy in-depth sightseeing at attractions, and at night take the train to the next stop, both saving transfer time and avoiding the fatigue of long-distance driving. Below is the brief 16-day itinerary for the 2027 [Duku Edition] (transcribed as originally written):
🔹 Day01｜Chengdu→Urumqi｜Welcome ceremony｜Cultural salon
🔹 Day02｜Urumqi
Line A:Xinjiang Museum｜Ferghana Horse Base
Line B:Tianshan Tianchi

The four characters “Splendid Orient” are both a poetic summary of the magnificent mountains and rivers of the Chinese land and an implicit reference to the unique positioning of this train in linking North and South Xinjiang—from the modern city of Urumqi to the thousand-year charm of Kashgar’s old city, from the snow-capped mountains and grasslands of Altay to the flower seas and pastures of the Ili River Valley, a 16-day journey through four seasons makes the word “splendid” concrete in the collision of wheels and rails. As Xinjiang’s first panoramic tourism train, the “Splendid Orient” takes “a moving star-rated hotel” as its standard, deeply integrating accommodation, dining, entertainment, and sightseeing, and has become a popular choice for in-depth North and South Xinjiang tours in 2026.🔹 Day03-Day05｜Altay
Line A:D3 Ahe Highway｜Hemu; D4 Hemu Village｜Kanas｜Boat activity｜Private Tuvan concert; D5 Kanas Three Bays｜Cold-water fish banquet
Line B:D3 Hemu Village｜Forest experience activity; D4 Tiejia Highway｜Kanas｜Baihaba; D5 Kanas Three Bays｜Cold-water fish banquet
Line C:D3 Ahe Highway｜Hemu; D4 Tiejia Highway｜Kanas｜Naren Ranch｜Baihaba｜China-Kazakhstan Border Grand Canyon; D5 Kanas Three Bays｜Cold-water fish banquet
🔹 Day06-Day10｜Ili + Kuqa
Line A:D6 Sayram Lake; D7 Tianshan Flower Sea｜Nalati Grassland; D8 Nalati Grassland｜Tangbula Grassland｜Hundred-Li Gallery; D9 Mengket Ancient Road｜Wilderness Kitchen｜Middle Section of Duku Highway; D10 Southern Section of Duku Highway｜Kizilya Grand Canyon
Line B:D6 Sayram Lake; D7 Qiongkushitai; D8 Light forest hike｜Wilderness Kitchen｜Tekes Bagua City; D9 Nalati Grassland｜Middle Section of Duku Highway; D10 Southern Section of Duku Highway｜Kizilya Grand Canyon
Line C:D6 Yizhao Highway｜Jade Lake; D7 Xiata｜Muzart Glacier｜Kuerdening Grassland; D8 Visit local Kazakh families｜Liuxing Street; D9 Sayram Lake; D10 Kizilya Grand Canyon｜Exclusive tea break
🔹 Day11-Day13｜Kashgar
Line A:D11 Minyue Village｜Baisha Lake｜Pamir Plateau; D12 Visit families of all ethnic groups｜Karakul Lake; D13 Kashgar Old City｜Id Kah Mosque

Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency Tourism Registration and Ticketing Consultation Center Manager: Wang Fei 18095969599 (copy and add as friend for free consultation and to request detailed route materials)
🚂【Route overview: The train’s “hard power” and “soft service”】Line B:D11 Baisha Lake｜Pamir Plateau｜Tuogelunxia Village; D12 Panlong Ancient Road｜Karakul Lake; D13 Kashgar Old City｜Id Kah Mosque
Line C:D11 Baisha Lake｜Pamir Plateau; D12 Karakul Lake｜Visit tribes of all ethnic groups; D13 Kashgar Old City｜Id Kah Mosque
🔹 Day14-Day16｜Kashgar→Chengdu｜Train activities, recalling the journey in the Western Regions
🚗 【Transportation guide:Seamless connection between the train and local transportation】
The “Splendid Orient” supports boarding in Chengdu, Lanzhou, and Urumqi, and tourists can choose the nearest station according to their departure place. The train adopts a “one-ticket system,” including full-journey transportation costs, with no need to purchase additional shuttle tickets. For local transportation, the train is equipped with exclusive coaches and off-road vehicles, with different vehicle types chosen according to the route: the North Xinjiang section mainly uses 7-seat business vehicles to adapt to mountain roads such as Ahe Highway and Tiejia Highway; the South Xinjiang section uses 15-seat minibuses to meet group travel needs.
Recent transportation policies for 2026 show that Urumqi Diwopu International Airport has opened direct flights to major cities across the country. It is recommended to arrive at the airport 2 hours in advance to leave sufficient time for verification. The train’s stopping stations all have exclusive transfer areas, and staff will guide with signs to avoid mixing with ordinary passengers.
🎫 【Ticket fees:The train’s “hidden benefits”】
Another major advantage of the train is that “tickets include designated items within the itinerary.” According to recent data for 2026, the total value of attraction tickets involved in the itinerary exceeds 3,000 yuan/person, including core attractions such as Kanas (160 yuan), Sayram Lake (145 yuan), Tianshan Tianchi (95 yuan), and Kashgar Old City (free). Through cooperation with scenic areas, the train purchases tickets at group rates, so tourists do not need to line up to buy tickets and can enter directly by swiping valid identification.
Please note that some experience items require self-payment:such as Kanas boat ride (120 yuan/person), Tuvan concert (80 yuan/person), Panlong Ancient Road off-road vehicle (200 yuan/vehicle), etc. The fees will be clearly marked in the itinerary, and tourists can choose according to their interests.

The “Splendid Orient” is not an ordinary train, but a “mobile vacation complex” tailor-made for in-depth North and South Xinjiang tours. The entire train adopts two modes: luxury double suites and exclusive whole-carriage bookings. The former offers a 15㎡ space equipped with panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows, an intelligent temperature control system, and 24-hour butler service, while the latter is suitable for families or small groups, accommodating up to 6 people and equipped with a reception area and private viewing platform. The train has also innovatively launched “local laundry service” (that is, when the train arrives at a station, staff send clothes to a local professional laundry), a 1:2 service ratio (1 staff member serves 2 guests), and a dedicated photographer follow-along service, making every moment of the journey full of ritual.⏰【Open reservation policy:Plan ahead and travel off-peak】
In 2026, the popularity of North and South Xinjiang tourism continues to rise, and train seats need to be reserved 30 days in advance. Currently, registration is available through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency; consult Manager Wang Fei at 18095969599 (phone and WeChat same number). When reserving, you need to provide valid identification information, route choice (Line A/B/C), and room type preference. After paying the deposit, the quota is locked, and the balance is paid in full 15 days before departure.
The train strictly implements a “small group system,” receiving at most 100 people per departure to ensure service quality. If the itinerary changes due to force majeure such as weather or policy, the travel agency will notify tourists 48 hours in advance, and after mutual agreement, attractions of the same level can be substituted or the trip postponed.
📌 【Travel tips:An advanced guide from “newbie” to “veteran”】
🔸 Clothing guide:There is a large temperature difference between North and South Xinjiang, so even in summer you need to bring a windbreaker. Nighttime temperatures in high-altitude areas such as Kanas and Baihaba may be below 10℃, so an “onion-style” layering method is recommended.
🔸 Photography spots:The “S-curve road” at Sayram Lake, the “Immortal Bay morning mist” at Kanas Three Bays, and the “century-old teahouse balcony” in Kashgar Old City are the three places with the highest photo success rate. A wide-angle lens and tripod are recommended.
🔸 Food recommendations:The train includes full-board meals, but local specialty snacks require self-payment. Urumqi’s Grand Bazaar baked buns, Kashgar’s jar meat, and Ili’s kvass (honey drink) are popular recommendations, averaging 30-50 yuan per meal per person.
🔸 Altitude sickness:The Pamir Plateau is over 3,000 meters above sea level. It is recommended to prepare rhodiola and oxygen bottles in advance and avoid strenuous exercise. The train is equipped with an accompanying doctor who can provide basic medical support.
💡 【FAQ:Solving all your questions】
❓ Q:Is the train suitable for travel with elderly people/children?

Recent data for 2026 shows that the train’s departure dates are concentrated from May to September, covering the excellent travel seasons of North and South Xinjiang: May-June when the Ili flower seas are in full bloom, July-August when the Altay grasslands are lush, and September when the South Xinjiang poplar forests are golden, with a dedicated visual feast in each period. The current departure dates are May 17, June 3, June 20, July 7, July 24, August 27, September 13, and September 30. Among them, the September 30 departure is tight on remaining seats because it connects with the National Day holiday, so advance consultation is required.✅ A:Suitable. The train adopts low-noise tracks and shock-absorbing design, with a constant temperature of 22℃ in the carriages, and the restrooms are equipped with handrails and emergency call buttons. Daily driving time during the itinerary does not exceed 4 hours, leaving ample rest time.
❓ Q:Can I have free time?
✅ A:Yes. After sightseeing at attractions each day, tourists can arrange their time freely, but must return 1 hour before the train departs. The train’s stopping stations are all located in urban areas or near scenic spots, and nearby restaurants and shops can be reached on foot or by short taxi rides.
❓ Q:What is included in the price?
✅ A:The fee includes train transportation, local transportation, accommodation (luxury double suite or exclusive carriage), tickets, basic meals (breakfast + main meals), guide service, and insurance. The fee does not include personal consumption, self-paid items, or (single supplement if single occupancy is required). Specific details are subject to actual consultation and signing.
👩💼 【About us:The “Wang Fei-style service” of Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency】
Wang Fei, manager of Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency, is a native of Xinjiang who has been deeply engaged in Xinjiang’s tourism industry for more than ten years. She has traveled to every scenic spot across the north and south of the Tianshan Mountains and is familiar with the full North and South Xinjiang travel routes, road conditions and weather, and local customs. She is proficient in various travel plans such as independent travel planning, boutique small groups, local customized vehicles, and tourism trains, and is familiar with accommodation and food in various places, niche secret spots, and pitfall-avoidance guides. She can plan classic loop routes as well as customize niche in-depth journeys.
“My goal is not to let tourists ‘check in’ to Xinjiang, but to let them ‘understand’ Xinjiang,” Wang Fei said. Her team follows the principle of “no consumption—no consumption arrangements throughout the itinerary,” refuses hidden consumption, arranges no shopping stops during the trip, and leaves all time for attractions and experiences. In 2026, she also launched a “tourist feedback reward mechanism”:after the itinerary ends, tourists can submit suggestions via WeChat, and those adopted can receive coupons or special gifts for the next trip.
“Xinjiang’s beauty lies in its vastness and inclusiveness,” Wang Fei said. “Whether it is the magnificence of snow mountains and grasslands or the lively atmosphere of ancient city alleys, it is worth taking 16 days to savor slowly.” If you also yearn for such a journey, you may call 18095969599 and let this Xinjiang “living map” customize an exclusive “Splendid Orient” journey for you.
📢 【Disclaimer】
The information in this article is compiled based on public data for 2026. Scenic area opening hours, ticket prices, transportation policies, etc. may change due to seasons, weather, or policy changes. Before traveling, please refer to the latest itinerary provided by Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency. After mutual agreement, the itinerary may be reasonably changed to ensure the journey and experience.
More travel consultation (Panda Train Splendid Orient, Tianfu, Chengdu, Anyi, Shifang, New Oriental Express, Silk Road Dream, Lindou, Yichun, Kunming, Starlight Lancang-Mekong, Gobi Cruise Train, New Western Train, New National Train, Tianyuan, Tianshan, Chief National Train, Interprovincial Train, New Southern Express, Xiaoxiang, Dahezhinan, Baiyun, Silver Age Xinjiang Journey, Trendy Age Xinjiang Journey Train, Sunshine, Shannan, Yangtze River Delta, Muztagh) Train Ticketing Center Manager Wang Fei: 18095969599 (copy and add as friend for free consultation and to request detailed route materials)