Plan Your Timing
Seasonal Departures Calendar
Published 2026 and 2027 departure dates, which trains run when, and a month-by-month planning guide. For general fare ranges and inclusions, use the China luxury train price guide.
Published 2026 and 2027 departure dates, which trains run when, and a month-by-month planning guide. For general fare ranges and inclusions, use the China luxury train price guide.
Confirmed sailings still ahead in 2026, plus the 2026/27 winter season. Five trains now have published dates: the White Cloud Express debut on the Southwest Yunnan loop, the Jinxiu Tianfu remaining season plus its new Southwest winter journey, the Silk Road Express winter collection across Yunnan, Guizhou and Guangxi, and the Lindou Express winter season (December-February). Other trains' 2026 seasons are largely complete - see the matrix below for their seasonal patterns.
Guangzhou - Chongzuo - Kunming - Baoshan - Tengchong - Lijiang - Shangri-La - Guangzhou. From RMB 49,880 per person (4-berth room).
16-day North-South Xinjiang panorama from Chengdu (13-day shortened edition on 20 Oct). From RMB 78,880 per person (JinWo, 16-day).
Chengdu - Xichang - Lijiang - Shangri-La - Dali - Baoshan - Tengchong - Kunming. Return-to-Heart edition from RMB 39,880 per person (JinWo); Premium Habitat edition from RMB 49,880, with Songzanlinka and Shitouji signature hotels. Boarding at Chengdu Anjing Station.
The Winter Carnival moves the Silk Road Express south: rainforest, the heritage metre-gauge railway, the Yunnan-Vietnam border and Guangxi karst. From RMB 23,999 early-bird (standard RMB 26,666) per person; Cloudrail short escapes from RMB 12,150.
Harbin - Yichun - Mohe (Arctic Village) - Yabuli - Snow Town - Changbai Mountain - Harbin. Golden Diamond Room from RMB 29,999; Supreme Suite (21 m2) from RMB 49,999. 8 departures, December 2026 to February 2027.
The forward season, now published for five flagship trains: New Orient Express, White Cloud Express, Jinxiu Tianfu, Silk Road Express and Panda Express Chengdu. More 2027 dates across the wider fleet will be added as operators confirm them.
14-day North-South Xinjiang Panorama. Imperial Gold Diamond from RMB 58,999; Supreme Gold Diamond from RMB 65,999. April to September, across three seasons.
Guangzhou to the Pamir and back. Tianshan Brocade edition (6 sailings, from RMB 98,880) and Golden-Wind Panorama edition (14 Sep, from RMB 108,880).
Two editions on the same train. Tianshan Mu Ge (6 sailings, May-Oct, from RMB 79,880) and Liujin Song Ge (2 sailings, late Aug and mid-Sep, includes Duku).
8,000 km western arc with dual boarding in Chengdu or Lanzhou. Two editions: Zhongxia Changjuan (Jun-Aug) You Ran Ju from RMB 66,999 / Shi Yi Ju RMB 70,999; Qiuyun Liujing (Aug-Sep) You Ran Ju RMB 70,999 / Shi Yi Ju RMB 74,999.
Three new Xining-based products: a Qinghai-Gansu run, a South Xinjiang autumn edition, and the 17-day North-South Xinjiang panorama. Replaces and expands the legacy Xi'an portfolio.
| Train | Jan-Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov-Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Orient Express | · | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | · | · |
| Silk Road Express | · | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | · |
| Panda Express Chengdu | · | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | · |
| Jinxiu Tianfu | · | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | · |
| Tianshan Express | · | · | ● | ● | ● | ● | · | · |
| Hulunbuir Express | · | · | ��� | ● | ● | · | · | ■ |
| White Cloud Express | · | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● |
| Lindou Express | ■ | · | ● | ● | ● | · | · | ■ |
| Beautiful Sky Road | · | · | · | ● | ● | ● | · | · |
● = operating ■ = winter season only · = no departures. Schedules based on operator-published data. Confirm exact dates before booking.
Which trains run when. What the weather is like. When to book. Plan your journey around the season that suits you.
Weather: Xinjiang 18-28 degree C. Tibet plateau still cold at night. Hulunbuir grassland greening.
Trains operating: New Orient Express (spring departures: Apr 16, May 7, May 20), Silk Road Express, Panda Express Chengdu, Jinxiu Tianfu, White Cloud Express
First departures of the year. Wildflowers begin. Fewer crowds than peak summer. Spring Nalati grasslands emerge. The Duku Highway remains closed, alternative mountain routes used. Best for: early-season value and uncrowded attractions. New Orient Express spring pricing starts at RMB 58,999. Full schedule →
Weather: Xinjiang 22-32 degree C. Hulunbuir at peak green. Tibet warming up. Rain possible in Sichuan.
Trains operating: All eleven trains. Northern Xinjiang comes into season. Tianshan Express and Beautiful Sky Road Express begin their seasons. New Orient Express: 3 June departures (Jun 2, 16, 30). Panda Express Chengdu: 4 Jun and 21 Jun (Zhongxia Changjuan).
The sweet spot: everything is open, but July-August peak crowds have not yet arrived. Ili lavender blooms in mid-June. Best for: photographers and travellers who want full route access without peak pricing. New Orient Express summer from RMB 62,999.
Weather: Turpan can reach 40+ degree C. Tianshan grasslands a comfortable 20-25 degree C. Hulunbuir 18-28 degree C.
Trains operating: All eleven trains at maximum frequency. New Orient Express: 2 July departures (Jul 14, 28). Panda Express Chengdu at peak capacity.
Peak demand. Suites book out months in advance. Desert destinations are hot but manageable with the train's climate control. The Duku Highway is in full swing. Best for: travellers who want the most departure choice and don't mind crowds.
Weather: Similar to July. Hulunbuir grassland at its most lush. Xinjiang basins still hot. Tibet most comfortable month.
Trains operating: All eleven trains. Hulunbuir Express summer season concludes late August. New Orient Express: 2 departures (Aug 11, 30). Jinxiu Tianfu: Aug 29 (ZhenYu Yue Jiang Xing, 16 days). Panda Express Chengdu: 11 Aug (Zhongxia Changjuan) and 28 Aug (Qiuyun Liujing).
Last month of maximum departures. Late August transitions to autumn. Good availability if you have flexibility. Best for: last-minute bookers and those seeking the warmest Tibet and Pamir windows.
Weather: Xinjiang 15-25 degree C, perfect. Clear skies, golden light. Tibet clear and cold at night. Hulunbuir season ends.
Trains operating: New Orient Express autumn finale (Sep 13, 27), Silk Road Express, Panda Express Chengdu, Jinxiu Tianfu, Tianshan Express (last Sep 4), Beautiful Sky Road, White Cloud Express, Panda Express Chengdu (14 Sep, Qiuyun Liujing finale)
The best month, by broad consensus. Golden poplar forests. Clear skies for photography. Comfortable temperatures across Xinjiang. New Orient Express autumn pricing from RMB 66,999. Best for: everyone. Book very early, September sells out first. Full schedule →
Weather: Xinjiang cooling rapidly, 5-18 degree C. Golden poplar forests at their peak. Snow possible at altitude.
Trains operating: Jinxiu Tianfu (Tianshan Mu Ge edition, Oct 2; shorter 13-day edition, Oct 20), Silk Road Express (Hu Yang season), Panda Express Chengdu (15 Oct, new 13-day southern Xinjiang loop, You Ran Ju from RMB 42,999; Shi Yi Ju RMB 45,999 sold out), White Cloud Express (2026 Southwest Yunnan loop, Oct 18 and 30). New Orient Express 2027 season ends in September.
The most photogenic month for Xinjiang's poplar forests. Limited departures. Cooler temperatures require warmer layers. Best for: photographers and autumn colour enthusiasts.
Weather: Most routes in winter hibernation. Hulunbuir: -25 to -35 degree C.
Trains operating: Hulunbuir Express (December-February, Harbin Ice and Snow Festival), Lindou Express (8 winter departures, 15 Dec-7 Feb, Harbin-Yichun-Mohe-Snow Town-Changbai), White Cloud Express (2026 Southwest Yunnan loop, Nov 12 and 24, Dec 6 and 18), Silk Road Express (Winter Carnival collection, 25 Nov-11 Jan: Diannan Impression, Canger Tea, Dianyue Trail, Qian-Gui Frontier, Cloudrail Escape) and Jinxiu Tianfu (Southwest 9-day journey, 5 Nov-24 Jan, Return-to-Heart and Premium Habitat editions). Other trains: pre-season planning window.
The planning season. 2027 schedules are typically announced in March-April. Book your preferred September departure now, the best suites fill within weeks of announcement. Best for: forward planners and winter adventure seekers (Hulunbuir Express).