New Oriental Express: Your Gateway to North and South Xinjiang
Premium Room Packages

- 1 carriage with 3 compartments
- Capacity for 6 people
More room details and inclusions⌄
- All compartments have private bathrooms
Departure dates are not yet available.

- 1 carriage with 3 compartments
- Capacity for 6 people
More room details and inclusions⌄
- All compartments have private bathrooms
Departure dates are not yet available.

- 1 carriage with 4 compartments
- Capacity for 8 people
More room details and inclusions⌄
- All compartments have private bathrooms
Departure dates are not yet available.

- 1 carriage with 4 compartments
- Capacity for 8 people
More room details and inclusions⌄
- All compartments have private bathrooms
Departure dates are not yet available.

- 1 carriage with 5 compartments
- Capacity for 10 people
More room details and inclusions⌄
- All compartments have private bathrooms
Departure dates are not yet available.

- 1 carriage with 5 compartments
- Capacity for 10 people
More room details and inclusions⌄
- All compartments have private bathrooms
Departure dates are not yet available.
New Oriental Highlights

Upgraded New Oriental Express Carriages
The third-generation train brings upgraded carriages, enhanced air conditioning, and room tiers designed for different group sizes.

Full-Time Resort Ambassador
A resort ambassador travels with the group and stays available to assist throughout the journey.

Private Scenic Transfers
Tianchi and Kanas use direct shuttles, while Narat gets a chartered car for a more private setup.

Handpicked Stays
5-diamond hotels and local homestays, including Tuva wooden cabins in Kanas and stays inside Narat Grassland Scenic Area.

Sayram Lake and Narat Grassland
Guozigou, Sayram Lake, and Narat bring together alpine bridges, flower-filled grassland, and wide Ili Valley scenery.

Kashgar and Lop Nur Heritage
From Gaotai Ancient Residences and Id Kah Mosque to Lop Nur People's Village, this part of the route shows Xinjiang's cultural depth.
New Oriental Itinerary
From arrival in China to your final day onboard, every detail is arranged to keep your journey smooth
Day 1
Arrive in Urumqi, meet your driver, and settle into your hotel before the journey begins.
Day 2
Visit Heavenly Lake by private car, take a boat ride on the lake, and see the alpine scenery that makes Tianchi one of Xinjiang's best-known landscapes.
Day 3
Drive to Korla and visit the Lop Nur People's Village. Experience camel rides along the edge of the Taklamakan Desert.
Day 4
Arrive in Kuqa and explore the Tianshan Mystery Grand Canyon. Later, join the naan-making experience at the Kuqa Grand Naan City, one of Xinjiang's most storied food traditions.
Day 5
Travel to Kashgar and visit the Xiangfei Garden, then continue to the Gaotai Folk Residence for old Uygur architecture and handicraft displays.
Day 6
The spiritual heart of Kashgar. Explore the surrounding bazaars that bring the old city to life.
Day 7
Visit Stone City and Golden Grass Beach, then join a Tajik Family Visit.
Day 8
Board the New Oriental Express toward Altay. Pass through the scenic Ahe Highway, one of the northwest's most breathtaking highland corridors, and arrive at Altay.
Day 9
Visit Colorful Beach, river meets a sweep of erosion-colored cliffs and then continue to Kanas Lake. The lake's shifting colors, forested shores, and surrounding peaks make it one of the most photographed destinations.
Day 10
Continue to Hemu Village. Walk through the wooden houses and bridges, take in the view from the hillside, and experience the morning mist if timing allows.
Day 11
Travel to Akto and visit White Sand Lake and Karakul Lake. White sand, green water, and glacier-backed mountains: two high-altitude lakes that define the Pamir frontier.
Day 12
Arrive in Yining and explore Six-Star Street. The broad, grid-patterned neighborhood is one of the most distinctive examples of multi-ethnic urban planning in the region.
Day 13
Drive to Bortala and spend the day at Sayram Lake. Known as the "last blue tear" of the western frontier, Sayram Lake is one of Xinjiang's finest.
Day 14
Arrive back in Urumqi, settle into the hotel, and enjoy a final evening on the trip.
Day 15
Sleep in, then transfer to the airport according to your return flight.
A First-Class Luxury Experience
Dedicated Staff and Butlers
Enjoy a 1:4 staff-to-guest ratio with a 24 hour butler-style service system. Multilingual “Panda Butlers,” Express Concierges, and vacation ambassadors support you throughout your journey.
Onboard Medical Support
Travel with peace of mind knowing certified medical staff are on board, with a dedicated infirmary. Available around the clock for immediate assistance.
Premium Room & Cleaning Services
Return to your cabin with evening turndown service and complimentary snacks (fruit, nuts, milk). Includes one complimentary laundry or dry-clean service per room (up to 5kg).
On-Demand Meals
Enjoy all-day in-room dining. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner delivered on request for private dining in your cabin.
High-End Amenities
Relax with smart toilets (TOTO, Kohler) and wet-dry rain showers. Premium toiletries include Natura Bissé, Dyson hairdryers (Panda Train).
Curated Excursions
Explore each stop through guided activities, with train travel and overnight stays arranged around the itinerary.

Heavenly Lake of Tianshan
Take a boat across Tianchi and see one of the route's clearest alpine landscapes.
- New Oriental Express

Hemu Village
Walk the village, watch the century-old house performance, and see the wooden bridge and Tuvan homes.
- New Oriental Express

Kanas Fish Watching Platform
Climb for a wider look at Kanas Lake and the forested scenery around it.
- New Oriental Express
Testimonials
What Our Guests Say
These stories come from guests across Huayun journeys; each quote names the journey they experienced.
The trip through Northeast China felt well balanced. We moved between quiet natural areas and small communities, so it never felt repetitive. Some of the cultural stops stood out because they felt real rather than staged, which made the whole experience more grounded.
Covering such a large part of Xinjiang gave a real sense of scale. We moved between lakes, mountains, and desert landscapes, along with stops in historic towns. It wasn’t just about the views, you also get a better understanding of the region as you go.
Sitting by the window for long stretches was easily the highlight. The scenery kept changing between deserts, mountains, and open plains, so there was always something new to look at. The large windows made it easy to stay engaged with the landscape the entire time. It really did feel like watching a film, just without the screen.
The train itself felt closer to a boutique hotel than typical rail travel. The cabins were comfortable, the bathrooms were well designed, and the service was consistent. What stood out most was how the design reflected the region instead of feeling generic.
The food alone made the trip memorable. Each region had its own style, from simple grilled kebabs and naan to heavier dishes like braised lamb and yak hotpot. It wasn’t repetitive and you could tell there was real effort to show the range of local cuisine. Visiting places where traditional naan is still made by hand added to the experience.
The pace of the trip was noticeably calmer than most tours I’ve done. Long stretches of forest views made it easy to just sit back and take it in. The observation areas were well designed, and having space to slow down and even take photos properly made a difference.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you provide assistance with obtaining a Chinese Visa?
Yes. Visa assistance is included as part of the hassle-free travel experience. The team can provide guidance, connect you with visa agents, and issue invitation letters to support your application.
What payment options are available?
International payments are supported via Visa, Mastercard, and international Alipay, along with all major domestic Chinese payment methods.
How do I get to the train after arriving in China?
Complimentary airport pick-up and transfers to the boarding station or your first hotel are included. Luggage delivery is also handled. Note: international flights or travel to the starting city are not included.
Can I book just a portion of the tour?
How do I confirm a room and date?
Choose a room and departure date on this page and send a journey enquiry. Our concierge will confirm cabin and berth availability, the final quote and booking arrangements. Adding a journey to your cart does not confirm a reservation.
What should families with children confirm?
Include children's ages and bed requirements in your enquiry. Child fares and applicable rules depend on the journey and sleeping arrangement; our concierge will confirm them in your quote.
How do I confirm the service language?
Tell our concierge your language requirements before booking and confirm the arrangements for your chosen departure. The language of this page does not determine the language of the journey's services.
Escape into Luxury and Beauty
Travel will never be the same after you’ve experienced a tour through China with Huayun. Ready to take the next step on your journey? Book with us today!