The 2027 season of the New Orient Express (新东方快车) is its most structured yet. Licensed channel publications now list a second third-generation train group alongside the flagship Snow Lotus, a new entry tier below the Gold Diamond cabins, a full second-generation fleet at accessible price points, and dedicated South Xinjiang autumn editions. The headline is the same as ever — Xinjiang in a mobile five-star palace — but in 2027 there are more ways onto the train than ever before.
Two third-generation Snow Lotus groups
The third-generation "Snow Lotus" series runs in two train groups in 2027. The flagship Snow Lotus Purple-Gold (雪莲紫金号) covers 12 North-South Xinjiang sailings from 16 April to 27 September; a second set, Snow Lotus Platinum (雪莲铂金号), adds 10 further sailings from 18 April to 18 September — practically a weekly departure through the summer peak.
Fares (per person, twin-share)
Platinum Gold Diamond from RMB 27,888 · Imperial Gold Diamond from RMB 58,999 · Supreme Gold Diamond from RMB 65,999, with seasonal adjustments through summer and autumn.
The new Platinum Gold Diamond entry tier
The most notable 2027 addition is Platinum Gold Diamond (铂悦金钻), a new entry tier opening the third-generation train from RMB 27,888 per person. Rooms are roughly 8 m² four-berth compartments with upper and lower bunks, five per carriage, sold as four-berth, twin-share or with a reduced third berth. Note that the 2026 "Luxury Encounter" series used the same Chinese name for a higher-priced cabin (around RMB 58,999); the 2027 Platinum tier sits clearly below Imperial and Supreme Gold Diamond as the budget-friendly route onto the flagship.
Platinum seasonal rates (per person)
Spring (18 May sailing, Duku Highway closed): four-berth RMB 26,888 · twin RMB 37,888 · third berth RMB 20,888. Summer (7 Jul, 22 Jul, 5 Aug): four-berth RMB 27,888 · twin RMB 38,888 · third berth RMB 21,888. Late summer and autumn (20 Aug, 13 Oct, 26 Oct): four-berth RMB 21,888 · twin RMB 27,888 · third berth RMB 16,888.
The second-generation fleet
Alongside the third generation, the second-generation fleet runs 14 sailings from 10 April to 27 October at the brand's most accessible prices: Blue Diamond 4-berth from RMB 10,888, Blue Diamond 2-berth from RMB 13,888, and Gold Diamond king from RMB 25,888. This is the entry into the New Orient Express family — the same route network, at a fraction of the flagship's price.
South Xinjiang autumn editions
October brings a dedicated South Xinjiang autumn programme of five sailings — Purple-Gold on 15 and 25 October, Platinum on 3, 13 and 26 October — timed for the poplar season. Fares are softer than the summer panorama: Platinum Gold from RMB 16,888, Imperial from RMB 38,999, Supreme from RMB 46,999.
Booking notes
The New Orient Express is a packaged travel product — it cannot be booked through 12306 as a single ticket. Bookings run through the railway's designated channels (China Tourist Train Centre, hotline 400-012-3545) or authorised travel agencies, with a deposit of about RMB 20,000 per person for Gold Diamond cabins and RMB 10,000 for Blue Diamond. Gold Diamond cabins commonly sell out 12 months ahead; even the new entry tiers are worth securing early for peak summer dates.
Read the cancellation ladder before paying a deposit. Once a berth is locked, the deposit itself is not refunded, and the balance is due 45 days before departure. Cancel 15 to 30 days out and 60% of the fare is forfeited; within 14 days, 80%; on departure day, without joining, or after leaving the tour early, 100%. One flexibility: names can be changed free of charge up to three days before departure, so a date you can no longer make can still go to a friend or relative.
Full 2027 Schedule →New Orient Express →Ask About a Departure
Sources: licensed channel publications including the WeChat 2027 luxury train summary (August 2026) and channel fare listings. Prices are per person, in RMB, and vary by season and departure; confirm with the operator before booking. China Expresses is a booking partner for the New Orient Express.