China's iconic luxury train enters its third generation. Launched in 2026 as the Snow Lotus (雪莲号), this latest configuration introduces three accommodation tiers for Xinjiang: the value-oriented entry tier, the Platinum Gold Diamond, the refined Imperial Gold Diamond cabin, and the exclusive Supreme Gold Diamond suite. An 18-car moving five-star palace on rails, with private en-suite bathrooms in every cabin.
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.
OperatorChina Railway Urumqi Group
Generation3rd Gen · Snow Lotus
Suite TiersPlatinum / Imperial / Supreme Gold Diamond
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.
Four deluxe twin rooms per carriage, each approximately 8 m2. Every room 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.
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. It is the value tier of the Snow Lotus family, and the natural choice for travellers who want the full Xinjiang panorama with private facilities at a markedly lower fare.
From RMB 26,888Private en-suiteTwin-to-double bedEntry tier
Entertainment Carriage
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.
Piano & barLounge seatingSmoking room
Dining Carriage
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.
2027 Route · North-South Xinjiang Panorama
14 DAYS · 12 DEPARTURES · 3 SEASONS
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.
Duku Highway access for overseas travellers. The Duku Highway is open to mainland, Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan travel documents. The Bayanbulak section alone is not open to holders of foreign passports; where an itinerary includes that section, foreign-passport guests travel a substitute routing arranged by the operator. Where an itinerary includes the Duku crossing, overseas guests travel a substitute routing arranged by the operator. Ask which routing applies to your specific departure, and confirm it in writing, before paying a deposit. Read the full Duku Highway guide.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Two routings, one train. The day-by-day below follows the summer and autumn plan (Jun 2 – Sep 27), which crosses the Duku Highway. Spring departures (Apr 16, May 7, May 20) run the operator's reverse routing — south-first via Kuqa, Kashgar and the Pamirs, then Turpan and the northern lakes — without the Duku Highway or Bayanbulak, and with five nights aboard instead of four. The October 15 & 25 departures follow the dedicated 11-day southern routing outlined in the southern editions card below. Full day-by-day tables for all four routings are on the itineraries page.
Day 1Arrive Urumqi
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.
Day 2Heavenly Lake · Board Train
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.
Day 3Rainbow Beach · Kanas
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.
Day 4Hemu Village
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.
Day 5Ahe Highway · Board Train
Scenic drive along the Ahe Highway through pastures, forests, and valleys. Lunch featuring Burqin cold-water fish. Evening: board the train for Jinghe South.
Day 6Sayram Lake · Yining
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.
Day 7Nalati Grasslands
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.
Day 8Bayanbulak · Duku Highway
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.
Day 9Kuqa · Board Train to Kashgar
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.
Day 10White Sand Lake · Taxkorgan
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.
Day 11Karakul Lake · Return Kashgar
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.
Day 12Kashgar Old City · Board Train
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.
Day 13Turpan · Return Urumqi
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.
Day 14Depart 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.
Who This Suits
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.
Best Season
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.
2027 Pricing
Official 2027 rates published by the operator. Prices are per person, twin-share. Land single supplement: RMB 8,000/person on Imperial and Supreme (4,500 on Platinum spring sailings, 6,000 on summer sailings and the Aug 20 short route; 4,000/3,500 on the October southern departures). All listed meals, entrance tickets (including VIP direct access at major scenic areas), ground transport, and accommodation are included.
Spring Edition · Apr-May
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
Summer Edition · Jun-Aug
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
Autumn Edition · Aug-Sep
Golden season · Harvest colours
Platinum Gold Diamond
RMB 27,8884-berth · twin 38,888
Imperial Gold Diamond
RMB 66,999
Supreme Gold Diamond
RMB 72,999
More 2027 Editions · Channel-Published
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.
3RD GEN · SNOW LOTUS PLATINUM
雪莲铂金号 · Second Train Group
10 North-South Xinjiang sailings on a second third-generation set: Apr 18, May 18, Jun 9, 23, Jul 7, 22, Aug 5, 31, Sep 14, 27 — plus a 10-day North Xinjiang short route on Aug 20. This is the value configuration of the third generation: the same en-suite standard and hotel level as the flagship at a distinctly lower fare. Platinum Gold Diamond rooms are about 8 m² four-berth compartments with upper and lower bunks, five per carriage. Published rates: spring (Apr 18, May 18, Jun 9, no Duku) four-berth 26,888 / twin 37,888; summer 27,888 / 38,888; North Xinjiang short route and October southern sailings (Aug 20, Oct 13, 26) 21,888 / 27,888, third berth 16,888.
Availability (operator chart, October 2026): the Apr 18, Jun 9, Jun 23, Aug 31, Sep 14 and Sep 27 Platinum sailings are already sold out. Open on this set: May 18, Jul 7, Jul 22, Aug 5, the Aug 20 short route and Oct 13 & 26. All 14 Purple-Gold (Imperial & Supreme) sailings remain open.
2ND GEN · 2027
星熠号 · Second-Generation Fleet (Xingyi)
The official 2027 sales plan (August 2026 edition) lists two formations. Mixed Gold & Blue Diamond: 13 sailings May 10 - Oct 27 (11 north-south 14-day, 2 southern 11-day), Blue Diamond 4-berth from RMB 16,800; Blue Diamond 2-berth from RMB 20,800; Gold Diamond king from RMB 33,800. Independent Blue Diamond: 13 sailings Apr 15 - Oct 15, four-berth RMB 24,800, two-berth RMB 28,800. The entry tier of the New Orient Express brand.
AUTUMN · SOUTH XINJIANG
South Xinjiang Autumn Editions
Four October sailings: Purple-Gold on Oct 15 & 25; Platinum on Oct 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.
The southern routing is a Silk Road greatest-hits list of its own: Turpan (Jiaohe, Karez) → Ruoqang (Milan ruins, Loulan museum) → Hotan (jade river, Yotkan ancient city) → Yarkand (Khanate palace) → Kashgar with Karakul Lake → Kuqa (Grand Canyon, Qiuci old town) → Luntai's Tarim poplar forests → Heavenly Lake. Ten breakfasts and 18 meals, four nights aboard. See the full 11-day southern itinerary.
Included
+ New Orient Express designated suite (4-5 nights onboard)
+ 8-9 nights premium hotels (5-diamond where available)
+ All listed entrance tickets and scenic shuttle buses
+ VIP direct access at Tianchi, Hemu, Kanas, Nalati, Bayanbulak
+ Air-conditioned tour coach (2+1 seating where available)
+ 7-seat business vehicles for Duku Highway and Nalati deep access
+ Licensed local guide + full-time tour escort
+ Complimentary bottled water throughout
+ Signature banquets through the season (welcome dinner, Burqin cold-water fish, Sayram whitefish, yak hotpot, whole-roast lamb, Turpan fruit feast; farewell dinner on summer sailings)
Not Included
- Return flights/trains to Urumqi
- Single room supplement (RMB 8,000/person on Imperial and Supreme; 4,500 Platinum spring, 6,000 summer and Aug 20 short route, 3,500 southern 11-day)
- Personal expenses and optional activities
- Costs arising from force majeure (natural disasters, strikes, flight cancellations, etc.)
- Anything not explicitly listed in the included items
2027 Departure Dates
Spring · No Duku Highway
Apr 16May 7May 20
Summer · Duku Highway Open
Jun 2Jun 16Jun 30Jul 14Jul 28Aug 11
Autumn · Golden Season
Aug 30Sep 13Sep 27
Source: official 2027 sales plan (August 2026 edition), cross-checked against the operator's WeChat releases. Dates use 2026 reference timetables; 2027 boarding and departure times will be confirmed when the annual railway schedule is published. Total: 14 departures — 12 North-South across three seasons plus two South Xinjiang sailings in October.
Also considering the Jinxiu Tianfu for 2027? Eight 16-day sailings run from RMB 79,880, and the deposit rules, cancellation ladder and health guidance sit on our Jinxiu Tianfu booking page.
Photo Gallery
Booking Terms & Good to Know
Payments follow a deposit-plus-balance schedule: the deposit locks your suite tier and is non-refundable once paid; the balance is due 45 days before departure, and an unpaid balance past that date is treated as a cancellation of the booking. Cancellation tiers below are the operator's published schedule; the clause in your signed contract is authoritative.
Cancellation notice
Fare retained
After deposit, before balance
Deposit not refundable
15–30 days before departure
60% of fare retained
1–14 days before departure
80% retained
Day of departure, no-show or leaving mid-journey
100% retained
Name change
Free up to 3 days before departure
Not included: flights to and from Urumqi, land single supplement (RMB 8,000 on Imperial and Supreme; 4,500 Platinum spring, 6,000 summer and short route, 3,500 southern), personal expenses, and costs arising from force majeure.
Timing and climate: Xinjiang keeps Beijing time but runs on its own daylight (a two-hour offset in practice), with day-night swings up to 15°C. Pack layers, sun protection and lip balm; the Pamir days are high enough to justify altitude medication for sensitive travellers.
Health: guests aged 70 and above submit a medical check from the last six months plus a health declaration; guests 75 and above travel with an accompanying family member. Channel policies flag 80+ as not recommended. The train carries a medical team throughout.
Route access: the Bayanbulak section of the Duku Highway is not open to foreign passports, and the Pamir sectors need an electronic border permit arranged by your operator. Both notes are covered in the routing section above; confirm your routing in writing before paying the deposit.
Book early: summer and golden-autumn sailings sell out first; two to four months of lead time is the practical floor for suite tiers.
Frequently Asked Questions
All three tiers feature private en-suite bathrooms with separate wet and dry zones. Platinum Gold Diamond is the entry tier (from RMB 26,888), offering the same bathroom standard in the most accessible package; its 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; the upper bunks fold away and lock by default, so couples get the compartment to themselves unless all four berths are booked. Imperial Gold Diamond rooms are approximately 8 m2 deluxe twin cabins that convert into a double bed, with 4 rooms per carriage (8 guests). Supreme Gold Diamond is the most exclusive: about 12 m2, a double sofa, only 3 suites per carriage (6 guests), designed for couples and honeymooners seeking maximum privacy and space. Choose Platinum for best value, Imperial for a balanced package, Supreme for the most space and privacy.
The price is per person, twin-share, and covers: four to five nights aboard the New Orient Express in your chosen cabin tier (five on spring departures, four from June onward) and eight to nine nights in premium hotels (5-diamond where available), all meals (13 breakfasts + 24-25 lunches/dinners with seasonal signature banquets), all listed entrance fees and scenic shuttle buses, VIP direct access at major scenic areas, air-conditioned ground transport (including 7-seat vehicles for Duku Highway), a licensed local guide, and a full-time tour escort. Not included: return flights to Urumqi, land single supplement (RMB 8,000 on Imperial and Supreme; 4,500 Platinum spring, 6,000 summer and short route, 3,500 southern), personal expenses, and costs from force majeure.
The official booking channel is the operator's hotline (400-012-3545, Chinese-language service). As your English-speaking curator, China Expresses assists with route selection, suite comparison, departure-date matching, and liaison throughout the booking process. We verify the specific train configuration, suite type, and included services before you commit. Contact us to start planning.
June-August is peak season: warmest weather, longest daylight, Ili lavender in bloom, and the Duku Highway is open. September offers golden autumn light and the most comfortable temperatures for southern Xinjiang. April-May is quieter and more affordable, following the operator's reverse south-first routing without the Duku Highway. Spring departures are best for travellers who prioritise value and fewer crowds.
Traveler Story
What guests really say about the New Orient Express
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.
