The New Oriental Discovery train is a gem among China’s tourist trains. Its body is dominated by a vibrant green color and adorned with a unique ‘UR’ logo, elegantly穿梭 (shuttle) across the vast north-south Xinjiang railway tracks. This train, meticulously planned and built by the Urumqi Railway Bureau, has been on its journey since 1999, initially serving mainly overseas tourists. It has only gradually unveiled its mystery in recent years to embrace the domestic tourism market. In 2020, the New Oriental Discovery underwent a comprehensive and profound renovation, not only significantly improving the carriage’s sealing performance, driving stability, and shock absorption effect, but also introducing an ultra-large viewport glass design for passengers to enjoy the scenery outside the window during their journey.
[Special Attractions]
Urumqi: [World Natural Heritage – Tianshan Tianchi Scenic Area]
Kanas: [The Last Pure Land – Kanas]
Hemu Village: [China’s First Village – Hemu Village]
Ili: [Sayram Lake – Blue Ice] [Kazangqi] [Six-Star Street]
Kuqa: [Mysterious Tianshan Grand Canyon] [Kuqa王府 (王府 should be translated according to its specific meaning, here it’s retained as is)] [Kuqa Grand Mosque]
Kashgar: [Roof of the World – Pamir Plateau] [Karakul Lake] [Stone City] [Baisha Lake] [Old Kashgar City] [Xiangfei Garden]
Turpan: [Karez Wells] [Jiaohe Ancient City]
The schedule for the New Oriental Express luxury tourist train’s annual operation has been released. Tourists who want to ride the New Oriental Express luxury tourist train are welcome to consult the official train manager: Yang Jia 133 2555 9266 (copy and add as a friend for free consultation and detailed route information). Introduction to the carriages of the New Oriental Express:
1. Highlights of the Gold Diamond carriage:
Total number of carriages: 8
Compartment configuration: Each compartment is equipped with a king-size bed, desk, wardrobe, and safe. It also has an independent shower restroom, allowing you to enjoy private and convenient washing time. Total area of Gold Diamond compartment: approximately 10 square meters
King-size bed size: 1.5m * 2m
Distance from bed to floor: 30cm
Restroom area: approximately 2.6 square meters
The Gold Diamond wardrobe has two layers for luggage storage
Layer size: 26 * 85cm
Second-layer size: 23 * 85cm 2. Blue Diamond carriage features:
Total number of carriages: 10
Compartment types: Offers 2-person and 4-person compartment options
Compartment layout: Adopts a double-bed bunk design to ensure each passenger has sufficient rest space. In addition, there are Chinese-style and Western-style restrooms at both ends of each carriage, as well as public showers for shared use by passengers in multiple compartments.
Blue Diamond carriage: 4-person area: 4.8 square meters
Upper bunk size: 0.7m * 1.95m
Lower bunk size: 0.9m * 1.95m
Width distance between two beds: 50cm
Height from bed to floor: 30cm (luggage of appropriate size can be placed according to this height)
Silver Diamond Carriage Features:
Silver Diamond Carriage: Prestigiously accommodates 14 people or flexibly arranged for 8 people
Presidential Single Room: 2 separate spaces with a wet and dry separated bathroom for ultimate privacy
Executive Twin Room: Designed with bunk beds for 4 people, private washbasins are convenient and practical
Four-person room: 2 rooms share a public washbasin, spacious and comfortable
Carriage Facilities: Private bathrooms, showers, refrigerators, and more are all available. Meeting rooms, small KTVs, and dining rooms offer a luxurious experience. 7 Steps to Book the New Silk Road Express:
1. Official Channel Reservation: It is worth noting that tickets for the New Silk Road Express Luxury Train are not sold directly on the regular 12306 railway official platform but are exclusively sold through formal tourism agencies designated by the railway bureau. Therefore, your first step is to find a reputable official travel agency for consultation and ticket purchase.
2. Diverse Tourism Products: The train offers a rich selection of tour routes, including a panoramic in-depth tour across northern and southern Xinjiang (about 15 days) and an in-depth exploration tour of southern Xinjiang (about 10 days). All itineraries start and end in Urumqi. Departure times for the tour groups are concentrated from March to December, with carefully arranged departure dates and itinerary plans available each month.
3. Carriage Selection and Price Inquiry: To meet the needs of different travelers, the train offers two categories of carriages: Gold Diamond and Blue Diamond. You can call the dedicated tourist train service center hotline (the specific number is confidential, but an example starting with 133 is provided) to obtain the latest carriage price information and select the itinerary that best suits you. The Gold Diamond carriage is renowned for its ultimate luxury, while the Blue Diamond carriage focuses on spaciousness and comfort.
4. Reservation Process and Payment: After selecting your itinerary, please have your ID information ready (including name and ID number) for reservation registration. A deposit is required at the time of booking, with the remaining balance due 30 days before departure.
5. Contract Signing and Pickup Service: After completing your reservation, you will receive an electronic version of the standardized contract that complies with national tourism regulatory standards. Please read it carefully and sign it. In addition, we promise to provide 24/7 pickup service before and after your arrival in Urumqi to ensure a smooth start to your journey.
6. Tour Notification Letter: Within one week before departure, you will receive a detailed tour notification letter from the travel agency. Please be sure to read it carefully to understand the itinerary details.
7. Journey Commencement: From the moment you set foot in Urumqi, your luxurious New Silk Road Express train journey officially begins. We are dedicated to providing you with an extraordinary travel experience that combines comfort, safety, convenience, and luxury. Ticket prices for the New Silk Road Express Xinjiang Tourism Train vary depending on the type of seat. Below is the range of single-person ticket prices for each seat type:
Gold Diamond Compartment (2 people per room): approximately RMB 50,000-70,000 per person;
Blue Diamond Compartment (2 people per room): approximately RMB 30,000-40,000 per person;
Blue Diamond Compartment (4 people per room): approximately RMB 20,000-30,000 per person;
Silver Diamond Presidential Suite: approximately RMB 60,000-70,000 per person;
Silver Diamond Executive Room (2 people per room): approximately RMB 30,000-40,000 per person
Silver Diamond Carriage (4 people per room): approximately RMB 20,000-30,000 per person