The third-generation New Orient Express represents a strategic shift for China Railway Urumqi Group, launching a high-end and premium dual-track experience since 2026. Since its debut in 1999, the train has evolved through three generations, and this latest iteration raises the bar with all en-suite cabins, a dedicated entertainment carriage, and a refined dining concept. The 14-day North-South Panorama route covers Xinjiang's most celebrated landscapes in one seamless journey.
6 guests per carriage · 3 suites
The most exclusive accommodation on Chinese rails. Only 3 double suites per carriage, each approximately 12 m2. Features a leisure sofa for two, a sitting area with table, and a private en-suite bathroom with separate wet and dry zones. Twin beds (0.85 x 2m) can be combined into a double bed (1.7 x 2m). Designed for couples and honeymooners seeking uncompromising privacy.
8 guests per carriage · 4 suites
Four standard double suites per carriage, each approximately 8 m2. Every suite features a sitting area with table, private en-suite bathroom with separate wet and dry zones, and the same twin-to-double bed conversion (0.85 x 2m each, or 1.7 x 2m combined). The refined choice for travellers who want private facilities with a more accessible price point.
Entry tier · Most accessible
The entry tier of the three third-generation suites. It carries the same private en-suite bathroom standard as the rest of the Snow Lotus fleet, with the same twin-to-double bed conversion, in the most accessible package. The natural choice for travellers who want the full Xinjiang panorama with private facilities at the lowest fare.
Multi-function social space
A dedicated social hub with a grand piano, wine and cocktail bar, lounge seating, and a mini stage. The venue for the welcome reception and farewell gala. A private smoking room is tucked away to accommodate all guests while keeping shared spaces fresh and comfortable.
Capacity: 60 guests
A light-luxury restaurant on rails with intimate two-person viewing tables. Professional chefs prepare three daily meals blending Chinese and Western cuisine, with an onboard dining standard of RMB 150 per person per meal. Seasonal Xinjiang ingredients take centre stage, from Ili lamb to Turpan fruits.
A dedicated tour guide stays with the group for the entire journey, no handovers, no repeating preferences. A 24-hour train steward is on call throughout. The all-inclusive model covers all meals, listed entrance tickets, ground transport (including VIP direct access at major scenic areas), on-train accommodation, and premium hotel stays at each stop. One price, one booking, one seamless experience.
Two halves of Xinjiang. North of the range is landscape: Kanas, Hemu, the Ili valley and Sayram Lake. South is the Silk Road: Kuqa, the ancient kingdom of Kucha, and Kashgar, with the Pamir plateau beyond. A programme that covers both is the one worth the days. Two notes for overseas travellers: the Bayanbulak section of the Duku Highway is not open to foreign passports (Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan documents travel the full route), so those sectors run on a substitute routing for foreign-passport guests, and the Pamir sectors require an electronic border permit, arranged by your operator rather than by you. See the Xinjiang destination guide.
The definitive Xinjiang journey. From the fir forests and glacial lakes of the north to the Pamir Plateau and Silk Road bazaars of the south, this 14-day arc captures every facet of China's largest province. The route blends overnight train travel with multi-night hotel stays at key destinations, ensuring you arrive rested and ready at each stop. The Duku Highway segment (one of China's most spectacular mountain roads) is included on summer departures.
Airport transfer to Wanda Realm or equivalent 5-star hotel. Explore the Grand Bazaar if time permits. Note: Xinjiang runs on Beijing time but is geographically 2 hours behind, rest early.
Tianchi alpine lake (1,980m), framed by Bogda Peak (5,445m). Four-hour tour with boat cruise. Evening welcome banquet aboard the train, then depart for Beitun.
The colourful sandstone cliffs of Wucaitan along the Irtysh River. Kazakh family home visit in Chonghuer for traditional lunch. Continue to Kanas for lake cruise, Moon Bay, and Sleeping Dragon Bay.
The "fairyland" Tuvan village of Hemu, wooden cabins, morning mist over the river, and one of China's most photogenic alpine settings. Free afternoon to walk the riverbank or climb the sunset viewpoint.
Scenic drive along the Ahe Highway through pastures, forests, and valleys. Lunch featuring Burqin cold-water fish. Evening: board the train for Jinghe South.
The "last tear of the Atlantic", a sapphire-blue lake at 2,073m ringed by snow peaks and (in June) wildflower meadows. Whitefish lunch. Evening: stroll the multicultural Liuxing Street in Yining.
One of Asia's four great grasslands, the "Green Island of the Tianshan." Snow peaks, forest, rivers, and rolling meadows in one panorama. Afternoon: 7-seat VIP vehicle access into the deeper scenic zone.
China's second-largest grassland. The "Nine Bends, Eighteen Turns" of the Kaidu River at sunset. Swan Lake wetlands. Drive the legendary Duku Highway south to Kuqa, alpine passes, glaciers, switchbacks.
The mysterious Tianshan Grand Canyon, wind-carved red rock formations. Kuqa Palace blending Han, Uyghur, and Islamic architecture. Restan Old Street: a living slice of ancient Qiuci culture. Board train for Kashgar.
Drive the Karakoram Highway onto the Pamir Plateau. White Sand Lake: chalk-white dunes against turquoise water, backed by 7,000m peaks. Golden Grasslands and the ancient Stone City at sunset. Yak hotpot dinner.
Tajik family visit, the "Eagle People" of the high Pamir. Karakul Lake ("Black Lake"), its colours shifting from blue to green to black with Muztagh Ata (7,546m) reflected on its surface. Whole-roast lamb dinner in Kashgar.
Id Kah Mosque, the labyrinthine Old City alleyways, and the elevated Gaotai ancient dwellings. The westernmost reach of the journey. Farewell gala aboard the train en route to Turpan.
The ancient karez irrigation system, one of China's three great ancient engineering feats. Grape Valley, Flaming Mountains, and the 2,000-year-old Jiaohe ruins. Fruit banquet lunch. Farewell dinner in Urumqi.
Sleep in, then transfer to Urumqi Diwopu International Airport according to your flight schedule. The memory of Xinjiang's scale, 14 days, 5,000km, one extraordinary journey.
Itinerary based on the official 2027 product release (July 2026). The local tour director may adjust the sequence of visits based on actual conditions. In the event of force majeure, the operator reserves the right to modify or shorten the itinerary. Train departure and arrival times use 2026 reference schedules; 2027 specifics will be confirmed closer to the season.
First-time Xinjiang visitors who want the definitive experience. Multi-generational families and senior travellers, the train has medical support, and the hotel nights between train segments provide rest days. Photography and nature enthusiasts: the itinerary hits alpine lakes, grasslands, desert, and high-altitude plateau in one continuous narrative. Couples seeking a honeymoon on rails will find the Supreme Gold Diamond suites purpose-built for two.
April-May: spring wildflowers, comfortable temperatures, and thinner crowds, but the Duku Highway is closed (alternative routes used). June-August: peak summer with the warmest weather, longest daylight hours, lavender bloom in Ili, and the Duku Highway open. September: golden autumn light, harvest season, and the most comfortable temperatures for exploring Kashgar and the desert south.
No Duku Highway segment
| Platinum Gold Diamond | RMB 26,8884-berth · twin 37,888 |
| Imperial Gold Diamond | RMB 58,999 |
| Supreme Gold Diamond | RMB 65,999 |
Duku Highway open · Peak season
| Platinum Gold Diamond | RMB 27,8884-berth · twin 38,888 |
| Imperial Gold Diamond | RMB 62,999 |
| Supreme Gold Diamond | RMB 68,999 |
Golden season · Harvest colours
| Platinum Gold Diamond | RMB 21,8884-berth · twin 27,888 |
| Imperial Gold Diamond | RMB 66,999 |
| Supreme Gold Diamond | RMB 72,999 |
The fare tables above cover the flagship Snow Lotus (雪莲紫金号) series. Licensed channel publications also list a second third-generation train group, the original second-generation fleet — the Gold Diamond / Blue Diamond formation branded 星熠号 (Xingyi) — and dedicated South Xinjiang autumn editions. Prices are per person and published by the channel; confirm with the operator before booking.
10 North-South Xinjiang sailings on a second third-generation set: Apr 18, May 18, Jun 9, 23, Jul 7, 22, Aug 5, 20, Sep 4, 18. Platinum Gold Diamond rooms are about 8 m² four-berth compartments with upper and lower bunks, five per carriage. Published rates: spring (May 18, no Duku) four-berth 26,888 / twin 37,888; summer (Jul 7, 22, Aug 5) 27,888 / 38,888; late-summer and autumn sailings (Aug 20, Oct 13, 26) 21,888 / 27,888.
14 sailings Apr 10 - Oct 27. Blue Diamond 4-berth from RMB 10,888; Blue Diamond 2-berth from RMB 13,888; Gold Diamond king from RMB 25,888. The entry tier of the New Orient Express brand.
Five October sailings: Purple-Gold on Oct 15 & 25; Platinum on Oct 3, 13 & 26. Platinum Gold from RMB 16,888 (third berth; four-berth 21,888, twin 27,888); Imperial from RMB 38,999; Supreme from RMB 46,999.
Source: official 2027 product release (July 2026, WeChat Official Account: 运营中心 旅游列车). Dates use 2026 reference timetables; 2027 boarding and departure times will be confirmed when the annual railway schedule is published. Total: 13 departures across 3 seasons.
Lying Down Across Xinjiang compiles first-hand reviews of the night-travel rhythm, the dining cars, the onboard medical team, and the criticisms worth reading before you book.
Read the traveler story →The New Orient Express is the flagship of our Xinjiang Grand Loop, 14 days across China's largest province, from the Tianshan to the Pamirs.
Life onboard →