In 2025, let’s take the country’s top luxury tourist train, the ‘New Oriental Express’, to explore the Silk Road with you and savor the long-standing civilization of China spanning five thousand years… For more details about the New Oriental Express luxury tourist train, call: 181396-22233 (copy and add as a friend to request more detailed itineraries and quotes)
About the New Oriental Express:
[Operating Experience]
Designed by experts with many years of experience in railway tours; based on real evaluations from tens of thousands of passengers each year. This is a premium tourist route where you can savor the glory of the Silk Road and explore the mysterious places of the Western Regions in one go.
[Dining Arrangements]
6 Specialty meals: Burqin cold-water fish, Yining roasted whole sheep, Kashgar Halal cuisine, Taxkorgan yak beef hot pot, Lop Nur red willow barbecue…
[Itinerary Highlights]
1. The scenic beauty of Kanas, the smoke rising from the chimneys in Hemu, God’s back garden and palace;
2. The beauty of Yili lies in the blue of Sayram Lake, the greatness of the Tianshan Mountains being carved through, the vastness of the grasslands along the way, and even more so in the scenery on the road;
3. Kashgar is a must-visit place. It is known as the Eastern Morocco, with the harmonious beauty of national prosperity and people’s well-being. It is the ultimate embodiment of Xinjiang’s ethnic customs. For more details about the New Oriental Express luxury tourist train, call: 181396-22233 (copy and add as a friend to request more detailed itineraries and quotes)
Urumqi/Karamay (Dushanzi Grand Canyon, Starting Point of Duku Highway at 0 km)/Altay (Kanas, Hemu, Colorful Beach)/ Bortala (Sayram Lake)/Yining (Six Star Street, Tianshan Flower Sea, Nalati Grassland)/Duku Highway/Hejing (Bayanbulak Grassland)/Kuqa (Mysterious Tianshan Grand Canyon)/Atush (Baisha Lake, Karakul Lake, Aoyitake Glacier)/Kashgar (Pamirs Plateau, Taxkorgan County, Stone City, Golden Grass Beach, Kashgar Old Town, Id Kah Mosque)/Korla (Lop Nur Village) Luxury 15-Day Tour of North and South Xinjiang
Unified quotation: Starting and ending in Urumqi
Gold Diamond carriage: 62,999 yuan/person (18-person exquisite small group)
Children’s quotation:
1.2 meters and below: 10,888 yuan/person (excluding train berth, hotel accommodation, and tickets, including half meals, transportation fees, tour guide service, and liability insurance)
Between 1.2 meters and 1.5 meters: 13,888 yuan/person (including half-price train ticket without a berth, meals, transportation fees, tour guide service, and liability insurance, excluding hotel accommodation and tickets)
Above 1.5 meters: The quotation and reception standards are the same as for adults
Single room supplement: 37,000 yuan/person (one person in a room on land)
For more details about the New Oriental Express luxury tourist train, call: 181396-22233 (copy and add as a friend to request more detailed itineraries and quotations)
D1: Nationwide – Urumqi (taking East China, South China, and North China as examples, the flight duration is about 5 hours. Please arrange your travel time reasonably)
Fly to Urumqi, the farthest city from the ocean in the world. It is the geographic center of Asia and also a must-visit place on the new northern route of the world-famous "Silk Road". According to your flight/train/hotel information, we will contact you before 20:00 on the day before your scheduled travel date (via text message/phone call). Please ensure your phone is reachable. The staff will hold a "Welcome VIP of the New Oriental Express" signboard at the airport at the agreed time on the day of pick-up to greet your arrival. Pick-up (station) reminder: Please provide your flight/train/hotel information. The pick-up service is a complimentary item, and no refund will be given if not used (based on the flight departure time provided in the order. In case of special circumstances, please contact the staff in time to confirm the pick-up arrangements). After arriving in Urumqi, proceed to the hotel for check-in, and dinner can be taken at the buffet on the first floor of the hotel (the dinner voucher will be issued when checking in, and dinner is served at 23:00 p.m.).
D2: Urumqi – Dushanzi Grand Canyon – Starting Point of the Duku Highway at 0 km – Kuitun – Beitun
After breakfast, take the bus to the Kuitun Station via New Oriental. After being picked up, visit the [Dushanzi Grand Canyon] (about 1.5 hours of tourism). The Dushanzi Grand Canyon is located in the Dushanzi District of Karamay City, Xinjiang, and is the starting section of the Duku Highway. After the river rushes out of Mount Tianshan, it cuts through the magical scenic canyon formed by the plains inclined to the southwest of Dushanzi. The terraces on both sides of the canyon are clearly visible and can be divided into at least nine levels. The desert grassland grows on the terrace surface, with species such as mugwort and Stipa. Within the territory of Dushanzi, the Kuitun River flows through the Dushanzi Grand Canyon, which runs nearly north-south. The cliffs of the canyon are steep, and the water at the bottom flows intermittently. The ground at the shoulders of the canyon is a desert grassland. Standing at the shoulder of the canyon and looking into the distance, a typical grand canyon scene unfolds before your eyes. The alpine snowmelt and rainwater flow down and form alluvial gullies through the soil here, carving out these unique landscapes on the valley walls. Later, visit the [Starting Point of the Duku Highway at 0 km], and take the New Oriental Express to Beitun Station in the evening at the Kuitun Station.
D3: Beitun – Hemu (about 4 hours by car)
Arrive early in Beitun and after being picked up, head to the back garden of God, [Hemu Scenic Area + shuttle bus] (full visit of about 3 hours). Upon arrival in Hemu, take a scenic drive along the Irtysh River, the only river in China that flows west to the Arctic Ocean. Head to China’s largest birch forest. The Hemu River, surrounded by white fog, feels like an earthly fairyland, dreamlike and real. Visit the Hemu River valley, admire alpine grasslands, flowers in Jadinyu, the wooden bridge over the Hemu River, visit herdsmen’s homes by the river, and see the Tuvan villages and wooden houses in Hemu. After dinner, check into the hotel.
D4: Hemu – Kanas
Wake up naturally. In the morning, you can stroll around the village and feel the morning atmosphere. [Kanas Scenic Area] has the only Swiss scenery in Asia and is known as the last pure land for humans, the back garden of God, and the self-sufficiency land of immortals. In Mongolian, it means "beautiful and rich, mysterious and unpredictable." Here, the lake and mountain scenery merge into one, possessing both the majesty of northern scenery and the beauty of southern scenery. You can take a car to [Fish Viewing Terrace] (complimentary attraction, no refund if not visited). (Due to time constraints and speed limits on mountain roads in the scenic area, this attraction will be determined by the tour guide and tourists based on actual circumstances.) Halfway up the mountain, walk up 1068 steps to the top to overlook the panoramic view of Kanas Lake. Stroll along the wooden boardwalk by the lake and feel the leisure and tranquility of the Kanas Scenic Area.
D5: Kanas – Colorful Beach – Beitun – Yining (Xindongfang Express for about 15 hours)
After breakfast, descend the mountain. Along the way, enjoy the scenery at the peaceful Moon Bay, the magical Immortal Bay, and Wolong Bay. Then return to Burqin to visit [Colorful Beach] (visit for about 60 minutes) to see its unique Yadan landform: undulating gullies and colorful slopes and beaches. Afterwards, head to Beitun City to take the Xindongfang Express to Yining.
D6: Yining – Sayram Lake (about 2 hours by car) – Yining
Arrive in Yining around 12:00 and pass through the large-span cable-stayed bridge across the mountain in Asia. Along the way, take a panoramic view of the beautiful scenery of [Guozigou, the First Pass of Yili] (no stopping due to traffic reasons). Guozigou is the gateway to the Yili Valley, with white clouds, blue skies, snowy mountains, pine trees, winding roads, and breathtaking scenery. The Guozigou Bridge cost 2.4 billion Chinese yuan to build, with a total length of 700 meters and a net height of 200 meters above the valley floor. The main towers are 209 meters and 215.5 meters high, respectively, all using steel truss structures. It uses 17,000 tons of special domestic steel for bridges and is connected with high-strength bolts, with an installation accuracy controlled within two millimeters. The bridge is the first cable-stayed bridge on a highway in the autonomous region and the first highway double-tower, double-cable-plane steel truss cable-stayed bridge in China. Afterwards, head to the national AAAAA scenic area [Sayram Lake] (visit for about 90 minutes). Sayram Lake, anciently known as the Western Pure Sea, is the highest and largest alpine cold-water lake in Xinjiang. Being the last place favored by the warm and wet air currents from the Atlantic Ocean, it is called the "last tear of the Atlantic Ocean." The western grassland is covered with flowers—yellow, purple, red, and a myriad of colors. The nearby clear water and blue sky shimmer with waves, while the distant snow-capped mountains blend with the sky, resembling a watercolor painting. Afterwards, check into the hotel.
D7: Yining – Liuxing Street – Tianshan Flower Sea – Nalati Town
After breakfast, head to [Liuxing Street] (visit for about 60 minutes). Yining City is a place where multiple ethnic groups live together and multiple cultures converge. Liuxing Street witnesses the unique cultural coexistence of foreign and local cultures. Currently, Liuxing Street has become a large, beautiful, peaceful, harmonious, and vibrant humanistic tourist attraction integrating special street and lane sightseeing, cultural exhibitions, courtyard tourism, special catering and entertainment, craft processing and retail, and more. Within this 47-hectare neighborhood, residents of Han, Kazakh, Hui, Uyghur, Russian, Tatar, and other ethnic groups live together, promoting multiculturalism and integration. Afterwards, take a car to [Tianshan Flower Sea] (visit for about 60 minutes). Different flowers bloom in Tianshan Flower Sea every month, including peony in May, lavender in June-July, and green carpets in August-September. The scenery varies in each season, attracting tourists to visit. Then head to Nalati Town to check into the hotel.
D8: Nalati Town – Nalati Grassland – Bayin Town
After breakfast, depart for the national AAAAA-level tourist scenic area known as one of the Four Grasslands of Asia and Europe, [Nalati Grassland] (visit for about 4 hours), which is one of the ten major scenic spots in Xinjiang. The Ili River Valley is known as the region south of the Great Wall with beautiful natural scenery. Upon arrival, enjoy the grassland scenery with numerous mountain springs, streams crisscrossing, Tower Pine trees lining the gullies, dotted yurts, and sheep and cattle like clouds. Experience the honest customs of the Kazak people and let your heart fly on the vast grassland. Afterwards, take a car over the Tianshan Mountains, passing through the Gongnais Forest, and visit the most beautiful section of the [Duku Highway] (Nalati-Bayinbrok section), enjoying the scenery of the Tianshan Mountains along the way. Then check into the hotel.
D9: Bayin Town – Bayinbrok Grassland – Duku Highway – Kuqa – Mysterious Grand Canyon of Tianshan Mountains – Kashgar
Today, visit the World Natural Heritage, the Hometown of the Eastern Return, the Grassland in Dreams, and the Hometown of Swans [Bayinbrok Swan Lake Scenic Area] (visit for about 4.5 hours). Bayinbrok is the second-largest grassland in China, surrounded by snow-capped peaks, with undulating terrain and beautiful scenery with lush grass and water. The famous "Swan Lake", the only swan nature reserve in China, is located here. Swans dance, with snow-capped peaks and flowers as a backdrop, resembling a fairy tale world. The towering snow-capped mountains are reflected in the clear lake water, with swans and seagulls in flocks, and birds, peaks, and lake water forming a stunning picture scroll. Afterwards, cross the Hero Highway to Kuqa, passing by the Large and Small Dragon Lakes along the way to arrive at the end of the Duku Highway, the [Mysterious Grand Canyon of Tianshan Mountains] (visit for about 120 minutes), known as one of China’s ten most beautiful canyons. It is located at the southern foot of the Tianshan Mountains and means "red cliffs" in Uyghur. Although the Grand Canyon is located in an inland arid area with fine sand everywhere, there are gushing clear springs. The spring water flows gently, appearing and disappearing, which is a unique sight. Afterwards, take the New Oriental Express to Kashgar.
D10: Kashgar – Xiangfei Garden – Karakul Lake (car ride of about 2.5 hours) – Tashkurgan County (car ride of about 2.5 hours)
Arrive in Kashgar in the morning and visit [Xiangfei Garden] (visit for about 120 minutes). The scenic area is located in the eastern suburbs of Kashgar and is named after "Xiangfei". The scenic area was awarded as a national key cultural relic protection unit in 1988. It began to be upgraded in 2014 and was basically completed in August 2020. After the renovation, the occupied area increased from 70 mu to 300 mu. The architectural style highlights the fusion of traditional and modern elements, telling the legendary story of Xiangfei from birth to death, from Kashgar to Beijing, and from a noble princess to a beloved figure from three aspects: hometown, former residence, and former people. Follow the China-Pakistan Friendship Highway to the rooftop of the world – the [Pamir Plateau], enjoying famous landscapes such as the Gaizi Canyon, Gaizi Post, Flowing Sand River, and Red Mountain along the way. Arrive at [Karakul Lake] (visit for about 40 minutes). Karakul means "black sea", with an altitude of 3600 meters, a depth of 30 meters, and a total area of 10 square kilometers. It is one of the rare plateau lakes in the world, surrounded by icy peaks and snowy mountains. You can see the world-famous peaks over 7000 meters above sea level – the Three Heroes of Kunlun, such as Kongur Tag (7719m), Kongur Nine Peaks (7530m), and Muztagh Ata (7546m), standing like sky-piercing pillars on the Pamir Plateau, which is very spectacular. Afterwards, head to Tashkurgan County. Have dinner with authentic yak hotpot from Tashkurgan County, and then check into the hotel.
D11: Tashkurgan County – Stone City – Golden Grassland (car rides of about 10 minutes each) – Panlong Ancient Road – Tashkurgan County
After breakfast, head to [Tashkurgan Stone City] (visit for about 40 minutes). Stone City is located on the north side of Tashkurgan Tajik Autonomous County, and is a famous ancient city site on the ancient Silk Road. At an altitude of 3700 meters, it commands a strategic position and has a magnificent appearance. From the Tang Dynasty to the Qing Dynasty, it was continuously expanded and garrisoned, with the height of its walls reaching over 20 meters. Outside the city, there are multiple layers of discontinuous city walls, with stone hills overlapping and piles of rubble between the walls, forming a unique scenery of Stone City. In the early Yuan Dynasty, Stone City underwent major construction and expansion, giving the old Stone City a new look. In the 28th year of the Guangxu period, the Qing court established the Puli Office here and repaired the castle. Afterwards, head to view [Golden Grassland] (visit for about 40 minutes) to take photos and rest for a while. Then proceed to a [Tajik Home Visit] to taste snacks prepared by Tajiks and understand the national culture of the Tajik people. After lunch, head to [Panlong Ancient Road] for aerial photography. The entire ancient road has over 600 turns, where you can experience the speed and passion of the Pamir Plateau. After dinner, check into the hotel.
D12: Taxkorgan County – White Sand Lake (car ride about 2.5H) – Oytag Glacier (car ride about 1.5 hours) – Kashgar (car ride about 2 hours)
After breakfast, we took a car to Oytag Glacier. On the way, we visited 【B布伦口 Lake】 and 【White Sand Mountain】 (abbreviated as White Sand Lake, tour lasts about 40 minutes). It is an original ecological scroll formed by blue sky, white clouds, snowy mountains, sandy lakes, and sandy mountains at an altitude of 3300 meters. It is also a must-visit destination in Kashgar. Afterward, we arrived at the 【Oytag Glacier】 (tour lasts about 60 minutes). Oytag is an ancient Turkic name, meaning “a depression among mountains”. The scenic area of the park is surrounded by mountains on three sides. The mountains are steep, with icy peaks standing tall, rivers flowing rapidly, primitive forests, alpine meadows, and alpine nomadism. The scenic area is beautiful, combining grandeur, uniqueness, elegance, tranquility, and danger. It integrates natural, human, historical, and ecological landscapes. Geologists from home and abroad call it the “First Ecological Landscape in the Western Regions”. It is a scenic area with concentrated natural landscapes in Xinjiang. Afterward, we proceeded to Kashgar to check into a hotel!
D13: Kashgar – Kashgar Old Town – Id Kah Mosque – Kashgar Travel Photography (car rides about 0.5 hours) – Korla (New Oriental Express about 12 hours)
After breakfast, we departed for the AAAAA scenic area of 【Kashgar Old Town】 (tour lasts about 90 minutes) to watch the opening ceremony. Afterward, we visited the 【Id Kah Mosque】 (tour lasts about 60 minutes) and the Kashgar Jade Expo Museum. After lunch, we relaxed in Kashgar Old Town. Here, we put on our favorite ethnic clothing and took cross-thousand-mile photos to leave beautiful memories; in the evening, we took the New Oriental Express to Korla.
D14: Korla – Lop Nur Village (car ride about 1.5H) – Urumqi (New Oriental Express about 4 hours)
After arriving in Korla in the morning, we took a car to visit the 【Lop Nur Village + Shuttle Bus】 (tour lasts about 120 minutes), exploring this ancient ethnic group that lived by fishing along the Tarim River. The Lop Nur Village is located 35 kilometers southwest of Yuli County. The village covers an area of 72 square kilometers and belongs to Qiongkule Pasture. It is a haven for the Lop people. The village area encompasses the Taklamakan Desert, wandering lakes, the Tarim River, primitive poplar forests, grasslands, and the Lop people. Deserts, inland rivers, green corridors, and the Silk Road converge here, forming a gold-quality natural landscape. The Lop people are one of the older ethnic groups in Xinjiang. They live by the small lakes near the Tarim River, “not planting crops, not raising livestock, but only fishing in small boats for food”. As we continued deeper inside, we could see vast poplar forests by the Tarim River, and then arrived at the vast and boundless “Largest Desert in China”, the 【Taklamakan Desert】, where you can ride camels (personal entertainment project, fees at own expense). Afterward, we took the New Oriental Express to Urumqi and checked into a hotel upon arrival.
D15: Urumqi – Nationwide
Returning today, I made an appointment with the driver about the return time and arrived at the agreed place three hours before the flight took off! End of a pleasant trip.