The tourist routes of the New Oriental Express mainly cover the southern and northern Xinjiang regions, providing multiple rich tourist route options to meet the diversified needs of different travelers. Here are some of the main tourist routes and their characteristics:
New Oriental Express Inquiry Hotline: Guo Jing 181 3962 2229 (Copy and add as a friend to obtain a detailed itinerary)
I. Full-line tour of southern and northern Xinjiang
This is a classic tourist route of the New Oriental Express, usually lasting about 14 days. It departs from Urumqi, passes through multiple famous scenic spots, and finally returns to Urumqi. The specific itinerary may include: Tianshan Tianchi: As one of the famous scenic spots in Xinjiang, Tianshan Tianchi attracts many tourists with its magnificent scenery of alpine lakes. Kanas: Located in the north of Xinjiang, it is famous for its unique natural scenery and mysterious Tuwa culture. Sayram Lake: Known as the ‘last tear of the Atlantic’, it is the highest and largest alpine cold-water lake in Xinjiang.
In addition, it may also include the Colorful Beach and Hemu Village in Burqin, as well as multiple famous scenic spots such as the Mysterious Grand Canyon of Tianshan in Kuqa, the Pamir Plateau in Kashgar, Taxkorgan County, Stone City, Golden Grass Beach, White Sand Lake, and Karakul Lake.
2. Silk Road Mystery Tour
This route aims to explore the historical relics and cultural heritage of the ancient Silk Road, usually lasting about 14 days. The specific itinerary may include: Urumqi: As the starting and ending point, it is the political, economic, and cultural center of Xinjiang. Dushanzi Canyon: Located in Dushanzi District, Karamay City, Xinjiang, it is the starting segment of the Duku Highway and is famous for its unique canyon scenery. Koktokay: Located in the northern part of Xinjiang’s Fuyun County, it is renowned for its rich mineral resources and unique natural landscapes. Kanas, Sayram Lake, Nalati Grassland, etc.: Similar to the attractions in the North-South Xinjiang Full-Line Tour, these attractions are also important components of the Silk Road Mystery Tour.
3. Carriage Configurations
The hardware configuration, catering services, and attentive service of the staff on the New Oriental Express are comparable to those of star hotels. The main carriage configurations include: Supreme Golden Diamond Carriage: A total of 8 carriages, with 4 luxury suites in each carriage. Each suite is limited to 2 guests and is equipped with an independent toilet, bathing facilities, a desk, wardrobe, safe, etc. Each room in the suite has a safe where valuables can be stored. Each suite is approximately 10 square meters and is equipped with large viewing windows and brand-name mattresses (1.5M×2M). Luxury Blue Diamond Carriage: A total of 4 carriages (or adjusted according to different marshalling), with 7 compartments in each carriage, accommodating 2~4 guests per compartment. The carriage is equipped with shared toilets, showers, and refrigerators. The compartments are equipped with extra-wide lower berths (0.9M×1.95M) and upper berths (0.7M×1.82M). The upper berths have damping devices that can be folded and attached to the wall. Additionally, soundproofing materials, independent audio systems, lighting adjustments, and butler service bells are provided in the rooms. New Oriental Silver Diamond Carriage: Each presidential carriage is configured with 2 presidential single rooms (with showers and large toilets), 2 executive standard rooms, 2 luxury 4-person compartments, 1 public toilet, 1 attendant room, and a living room. Each presidential single room is equipped with a 1m single bed, mosquito net, desk, armchair. The two presidential single rooms share an independent wet and dry separated shower and toilet, suitable for couples or friends. The executive standard rooms are equipped with two 0.7M wide single beds and a washroom, recommended for two guests.
4. Itinerary Highlights Luxurious Facilities: The New Oriental Express offers various luxurious carriages, such as the Supreme Golden Diamond Carriage and the Luxury Blue Diamond Carriage. The facilities inside the carriages are complete, comparable to five-star hotels. Professional Catering: The train is equipped with a professional chef team, providing Chinese cuisine service throughout the journey with a rich variety of dishes. Abundant Entertainment: The train is also equipped with entertainment facilities such as an executive bar carriage and a music dining carriage. Passengers can enjoy alcoholic beverages, coffee, KTV, movies, and other entertainment activities on the train.
5. Reservation Methods
The New Oriental Express does not directly book train tickets on the official 12306 Railway Bureau website. Instead, it is sold through formal travel agency channels cooperating with the Urumqi Railway Bureau in Xinjiang. The official consultation number is Guo Jing 181 3962 2229 (copy and add as a friend to obtain a detailed itinerary). Passengers can make reservations by contacting the relevant travel agency or consulting the New Oriental Express official customer service.