In the long historical years, the Silk Road has become a bridge for the convergence and fusion of Eastern and Western civilizations. Today, the prosperity of the tourism industry has led to the birth of the "New Oriental Express" luxury tourist train. This is not only an innovation in railway transportation but also a dreamlike journey through time, experiencing exotic customs, and leading tourists to retrace the footsteps of the Silk Road and experience the cultural charm spanning thousands of years. Looking forward to 2025, the "New Oriental Express" train will embark once again; it innovatively combines Xinjiang’s high-end tourism services with exclusive trains. Instead of selling tickets separately, it adopts a model of booking overall tourism products. Tourists need to participate by booking comprehensive tourism products that include Xinjiang’s travel itinerary and "New Oriental Express" train services. The train departs with the dawn and returns under the starry sky every day. Equipped with sleeper carriages and comprehensive facilities, it can be called a "luxury five-star hotel" on the move. The winter itinerary is particularly unique, cleverly combining the snowy scenery of Northern Xinjiang with the folk customs of Southern Xinjiang, allowing tourists to fully enjoy the unique scenery and customs of Xinjiang’s winter during the journey. For details on how to book and consult the official reservation hotline for luxury tourist trains such as the Panda Train, New Oriental Express, Silk Road Dream Train, and Forest Capital Train, please call: 133 2555 9266 (copy and add as a friend for free consultation and detailed route information). I. The first schedule and ticket prices for the 2025 New Oriental Express on January 5 (12 days and 11 nights):
January 5, 2025 Schedule (Urumqi departure and return, 12 days and 11 nights):
Gold Diamond King Bed Room (Private Bathroom): 42,888 yuan/person
Blue Diamond Double Room (Shared Bathroom): 31,888 yuan/person
Silver Diamond Presidential Suite: 698,888 yuan/carriage (capacity: 12 people)
Day 1: Hometown – Urumqi (Overnight in Urumqi)
Day 2: Urumqi – Tianshan Tianchi Lake – Yema Ecological Park – Welcome Dinner – Yining (Overnight on Xindongfang Express)
Day 3: Yining – Swan Pond – Nalati – Bonfire Night – Hot Spring Bath (Overnight in Nalati)
Day 4: Nalati马拉爬犁 (马拉雪橇) – Forest Traverse – Nalati Snowy Hot Pot – Kazanqi – Yining (Overnight in Yining City)
Day 5: Yining – Sayram Lake Blue Ice – Guozigou Valley – Yining – Kuqa (Overnight on Xindongfang Express)
Day 6: Kuqa – Mysterious Tianshan Grand Canyon – Qiuci Alley – Courtyard Tea Break – Kashgar (Overnight on Xindongfang Express)
Day 7: Kashgar – N39 Desert Experience – Dolan Music Interaction – Kashgar (Overnight in Kashgar City)
Day 8: Kashgar – Baisha Lake – Karakul Lake – Tahman Wetland – Taxkorgan (Overnight in Taxkorgan)
Day 9: Taxkorgan – Stone City & Golden Grass Beach – Tajik Wedding – Eagle Dance Performance – Kashgar (Overnight in Kashgar City)
Day 10: Kashgar – Stroll Through Kashgar Old Town – Xiangfei Garden – Afternoon Tea (Overnight on Xindongfang Express)
Day 11: Kashgar – Urumqi – Free Activities – Farewell Dinner – Urumqi (Overnight in Urumqi)
Day 12: Urumqi – Hometown (N/A) The Underestimated Winter Aesthetics of Ili and Southern Xinjiang
Take You to the Same Scenery as in Northern Europe
Dive into exotic customs and folklore
Traveling in Xinjiang in Winter
It is a kind of luck
You might need to traverse the entire European continent
The beauty that can only be encountered
You will encounter the mobile home in the snowy region on the Xindongfang Express in Xinjiang
1. Depart in the evening, arrive in the morning; travel at night, stop during the day; no transfers, no change of berths
2. A mobile home in the snowy region, featuring a king-size bed, desk, wardrobe, and air conditioning
3. Independent shower room with hot water available 24 hours a day
4. Bar Car: Enjoy a small drink, sing, and have a unique experience during the trip;
5. Dining Car: Professional chef team cooking, providing Chinese cuisine service throughout the journey. For reservations and inquiries about luxury tourist trains such as the Panda Train, Xindongfang Express, Silu Mengxianghao, Linduhao, etc., please contact the official reservation hotline: 133 2555 9266 (copy and add as a friend for free consultation and detailed route information).
Why Choose Ili in Winter?
Altay: -40°C vs. Ili: -10°C
Deep Snow, No Sudden Adverse Weather
No Tourists, Vast Natural Landscapes
The Perfect Combination of Snow and Freedom
Why Choose Southern Xinjiang?
A 2000-year-old ancient city of Kashgar, guarded by Ban Chao, traveled through by Xuanzang, and visited by Marco Polo.
The Ancient Western Regions’ 36 Kingdoms – Qiuci: A Tale of an Ancient Kingdom Through the Ages
It is the western gate of China. Ancient people called it Congling, and Xuanzang named it Pomiluo.
Ancient Persians saw it as the "Roof of the World," while people around the globe call it the Pamir Plateau. 1. Karakoram Highway – Giant, Oppressive, Longed-for
2. The Three Heroes of Kunlun – The Summit of the Pamir Plateau
3. Taklamakan Desert – San Mao said – The desert can represent humanity’s eternal longing for spiritual freedom
4. The blue ice of the two lakes on the plateau is the end of romance
5. Viewing the amazing work of nature at the Mysterious Tianshan Grand Canyon
6. Stone City – An epic left behind in ruins
7. Golden Grass Beach – The ultimate picture scroll on the plateau
8. Kuqa Old City – A glance at a thousand years, a glance at the present
9. Kashgar without the Old City is incomplete – Kashgar Old City is a retention of time. Day 1: All parts of the country – Urumqi
Transportation: Plane
Catering: Meals are not included today
Accommodation: Urumqi Wanda Culture Hotel
Itinerary arrangement:
VIPs arrive in Urumqi by flight and head to the hotel to check in after being picked up by a personal butler (special airport pick-up service provided).
Friendly reminder: Please bring your ID card or household register with you; otherwise, local hotels cannot arrange accommodation. Thank you for your understanding. Day 2: Urumqi – Tianshan Heavenly Lake Queen Mother Temple Blessing – Ancient Ecology Park – Welcome Dinner – Train – Yining City
Transportation: 2+1 First-Class Bus/New Oriental Train
Catering: Breakfast – breakfast at the hotel; Lunch – Yaochi Banquet; Dinner – welcome dinner
Accommodation: On the train
Itinerary arrangement:
[08:00-09:00] Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.
[09:00-10:30] Head to Xinjiang’s business card, the ‘Jade Pool Fairyland’ Tianshan Heavenly Lake scenic area by car.
[10:30-12:30] Visit the Tianshan Heavenly Lake scenic area.
[12:30-13:30] Visit the Queen Mother Temple in the scenic area and experience folk activities such as winter blessings.
[13:30-14:30] Taste the Yaochi Banquet.
[14:30-16:00] Head to the Xinjiang Ancient Ecology Park Akhal-Teke Horse Base by car.
[16:00-18:00] Visit the Xinjiang Ancient Ecology Park Akhal-Teke Horse Base and appreciate the majestic appearance of the precious horses.
[18:00-19:00] Head to Urumqi by car.
[19:30-21:30] Welcome dinner.
[22:00] Take the train to Yining City. Day 3: Yining – Swan Pond – Nalati
Transportation: 2+1 First-Class Bus/New Oriental Train
Catering: Breakfast – breakfast on the train; Lunch – special lunch; Dinner – special dinner
Accommodation: Nalati Jinling Resort
Itinerary arrangement:
[08:00-09:00] Enjoy breakfast.
[09:00-10:00] Head to ‘Winter Playground’ Swan Pond by car.
[10:00-11:00] Play at Swan Pond scenic area and admire the Swan Lake full of rime.
[11:00-14:00] Head to ‘Ink Wash Snowfield Grassland’ Nalati by car.
[14:00-15:00] Special lunch.
[15:30-18:30] Taste snowfield coffee, watch sheep-catching competitions, girl-chasing, and other folk customs.
[19:00-20:00] Enjoy dinner
[20:00-21:00] Participate in the snowfield bonfire banquet, watch fireworks performances, and create beautiful and romantic memories.
[21:00] Soak in the hot spring at night.
[Ink Wash Snowfield Grassland Nalati] After snowfall, Nalati Grassland is like an ink wash masterpiece created by nature. Livestock walk on the grassland against the snowstorm. The Nalati scenic area is covered in silvery white, full of charm everywhere. Day 4: Nalati Horse-drawn Sled + Forest Crossing – Nalati Snowland Hot Pot – Kazanqi – Yining
Transportation: 2+1 First-Class Bus
Dining: Breakfast – Hotel breakfast; Lunch – Snowfield hotpot; Dinner – Local special dinner
Accommodation: Yining Tianyuan International Hotel
Itinerary arrangement:
[08:00-09:00] Breakfast.
【09:20-12:30】Enjoy the winter snow on the Nalati Grassland, play with horse-drawn sledges, go through the forest sea, and other snow activities, enjoy the Winter Snow Park.
【12:30-13:30】Taste snowfield hotpot and experience the romantic atmosphere of cold and heat.
【13:30-17:00】Take a vehicle to Kazanqi Folk Customs Street in Yining City.
【17:00-18:00】Visit Kazanqi Folk Customs Street, experience Kazak ethnic architecture and cuisine, and take a “six-pole horse-drawn cart” to
Experience local culture.
【18:30-19:00】Check in at the hotel.
【19:30-20:30】Taste local dinner.
【Kazanqi Folk Customs Street】Kazanqi Folk Customs Street, like a dazzling pearl hidden in the Xinjiang land, exudes a unique and fascinating
The charm of the people. Stepping into Kazanqi, it feels like entering a colorful fairy tale world. The streets are lined with unique Uyghur traditional
The dwellings, with bright colors such as blue, green, and yellow intertwined, provide a strong visual impact. The doors and windows of these dwellings are intricately carved.
Beautiful, adorned with various patterns and designs, showcasing the artistic creativity of the Uyghur people. Day 5: Yining – Blue Ice of Sayram Lake – Guozigou – Train to Kuqa
Transportation: New Oriental Train/2+1 First-Class Bus
Dining: Breakfast – Hotel breakfast; Lunch – Special lunch; Dinner – Train dinner
Accommodation: On the train
Itinerary arrangement:
[08:00-09:00] Breakfast.
【09:00-11:30】Take a vehicle to the “Largest Cable-Stayed Bridge Across a Mountain in Asia” and admire the beautiful scenery of Guozigou, the First Pass of Yili.
【12:00-13:00】Special lunch.
【13:00-16:00】Take a vehicle to Sayram Lake, known as the “Last Drop of Tears of the Atlantic Ocean”. Enjoy the scenery of Sayram Lake Scenic Area and experience the winter ice.
Snowy wonder – The Eye of Sayram Lake.
【16:00-18:30】Take a vehicle to Jinghe Railway Station.
[19:30-20:30] Train dinner
【20:00】Take a train to Kuqa City.
【Sayram Lake】One of the “100 Magical Scenes of Northwestern China”, and traditionally known as the “Last Drop of Tears of the Atlantic Ocean”. Sayram Lake is located in the Tianshan Mountains.
In the northern part of the mountain range, at an altitude of over 2,000 meters, the lake water is slightly alkaline, presenting a beautiful blue color. The ice bubbles of Sayram Lake in China are more beautiful than Lake Baikal and are not inferior to those in Asia.
Borahan Lake, the frozen Sayram Lake in winter, resembles a vast crystal-blue sky, with ice bubbles embedded in it like a fairy tale world.
Elves, amazing and awe-inspiring. Day 6: Kuqa – Mysterious Grand Canyon of Tianshan – Large Nang City – Train to Kashgar
Transportation: New Oriental Train/2+1 First-Class Bus
Dining: Breakfast – Train breakfast; Lunch – Special lunch; Dinner – Train dinner
Accommodation: On the train
Itinerary arrangement:
[08:00-09:00] Breakfast.
【09:20-11:00】Take a vehicle to the Mysterious Grand Canyon of Tianshan, a scenic spot known as “One of China’s Nine Major Film and Television Bases: The Splendor of Kiziliya”.
[11:00-13:00] Visit Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon and experience the wonders of Tianshan and the secret realm of the canyon.
[13:30-14:30] Xinjiang special lunch
[14:30-18:30] Visit Kuqa Big Naang City + enjoy Qiuci music and dance
[18:30-19:00] Take a bus to Kuqa Railway Station.
[19:30-20:30] Train dinner
[20:30] Take the train to Kashgar.
[Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon] From afar, it looks picturesque and resembles the "Potala Palace", a celestial palace; up close, it resembles humans and objects, like a dream or illusion, only
Lifelike and full of charm. It makes people marvel at the wonderful workmanship of nature and the naturally formed scenery. Day 7 Kashgar – N39 Desert Tourist Attraction – Dolan Maxilepu Interaction – Kashgar
Transportation: 2+1 First-Class Bus/New Oriental Train
Dining: Breakfast – train breakfast; Lunch – special lunch; Dinner – special dinner
Accommodation: Kashgar Shenye Radisson Hotel
Itinerary arrangement:
[07:30-08:30] Breakfast.
[09:00-12:30] Take a bus to the "gateway" of the Taklamakan Desert, the N39 Desert Tourist Attraction.
[13:00-14:00] Special lunch.
[14:00-16:30] Visit Dolan Maxilepu and play in the N39 Desert Tourist Attraction to experience the unique desert scenery.
[16:30-20:00] Return to Kashgar City.
[20:00-21:00] Taste local cuisine.
[21:00-] Check in at the hotel.
[N39 Desert Tourist Attraction] is the only way to cross the Taklamakan Desert. Here, there are sand dunes as high as 100 meters and delicate sand,
It provides an excellent place for brave explorers to slide on sand and surf in the desert. Day 8 Kashgar – Baisha Lake – Karakul Lake – Tahman Wetland – Tajikistan County
Transportation: New Oriental Train/2+1 First-Class Bus
Dining: Breakfast – hotel breakfast; Lunch – special lunch; Dinner – yak hot pot
Accommodation: Tajikistan County Panoramic Starry Sky Hotel
Itinerary arrangement:
[08:00-09:00] Breakfast.
[09:00-12:00] Take a bus to Baisha Lake, where "white sand is like snow, and it looks like a fairyland".
[12:00-12:40] Play at Baisha Lake and have a distant view of "Father of Glaciers", Mu斯塔格Peak.
[13:00-14:00] Special lunch.
[14:00-14:30] Take a bus to Karakul Lake, the "fairyland on earth" on the Pamir Plateau.
[14:30-15:30] Visit Karakul Lake.
[15:30-16:30] Head to "Golden Pasture", Tahman Wetland.
[17:30-18:00] Check in at the hotel.
[18:30-19:00] Yak Hot Pot. [Baisha Lake] is located in Aktau County, Kashi Prefecture, Xinjiang. Baisha Mountain is one of the unique landscapes in Xinjiang, also known as "Xiangsha Mountain". Whenever there is a strong wind blowing,
Come closer, and Baisha Mountain will make a sound. Baisha Lake is fertile with water plants and abundant in water birds. The green mountain body is covered by white sand, partially hidden and exposed, undulating and continuous. Together with the snow-capped mountains on the top and the lakes and rivers at the foot of the mountain, it forms a magnificent spectacle of great beauty.
Transportation: 2+1 First-Class Bus
Meals: Breakfast-Hotel breakfast; Lunch-Specialty lunch; Dinner-Specialty dinner
Accommodation: Kashgar Shenye Radisson Hotel
Itinerary arrangement:
[08:00-09:00] Breakfast.
[09:30-09:50] Take a car to Stone City and Golden Grassland.
[09:50-12:30] Visit Stone City and Golden Grassland. Attend a Tajik folk wedding and watch an eagle dance performance.
[12:30-13:30] Specialty lunch.
[14:00-19:00] Take a car to the hotel in Kashgar for check-in.
[19:00-20:00] Hotel buffet dinner
[Stone City, Golden Grassland] This was the royal city of the Puli Kingdom, one of the Thirty-Six Western Regions. The Tajik language name Tashkurgan means “stone
Castle”. Although only ruins remain of Stone City, it is surrounded by snowy peaks, grasslands, and rivers below, and has a strong Tajik folk customs atmosphere, exhibiting a rugged and bold beauty. Day 10 Kashgar – Ancient City & Popular Alley Check-in – Xiangfei Garden – Afternoon Tea – Train – Urumqi
Transportation: 2+1 First-Class Bus/New Oriental Train
Meals: Breakfast-Hotel breakfast; Lunch-Specialty lunch; Dinner-Specialty dinner
Accommodation: On the train
Itinerary arrangement:
[08:00-09:30] Breakfast.
[09:30-10:00] Head to the Ancient City of Kashgar
[10:00-13:30] Explore the Ancient City of Kashgar – Popular Alley
[13:30-14:30] Specialty Meal
[14:30-15:30] Visit Xiangfei Garden
[15:30-17:30] Hetian Collection – Appreciation of Ancient Chinese Jade
[17:30-18:30] Afternoon Tea in the Ancient City
[18:30-20:30] Specialty Dinner
[22:30] Take the train back to Urumqi
[Kashgar City City Walk]
The opening ceremony of the ancient city of Kashgar is a grand celebration full of exotic charm and historical flavor.
When the first rays of sunlight in the morning shine on the walls of the ancient city of Kashgar, which have been baptized by time, the ancient city gate slowly opens, presenting a heart-stirring
The opening ceremony of the city is about to begin.
Through the deep alleys of the ancient city of Kashgar, Xinjiang, there is a historic century-old teahouse. It is an important place for locals to socialize and communicate, and also
It is an ideal destination for tourists to understand local culture. Day 11 Urumqi Railway Station Pick-up – Farewell Dinner
Transportation: New Oriental Train/2+1 First-Class Bus
Meals: Breakfast-Train breakfast; Lunch-Train lunch/Specialty lunch; Dinner-Farewell Dinner
Accommodation: Urumqi Wanda Culture Hotel
Itinerary arrangement:
[08:00-09:30] Train breakfast.
Lunch will be served on the train or at a Urumqi restaurant based on the specific time
Upon arrival at Urumqi Station, meet and greet, transfer to the hotel for check-in
[19:30-21:30] Farewell Dinner – Day 12 Urumqi – Various Cities Across China
Transportation: Business car transfer to the airport
Meals: Breakfast-Breakfast; Lunch-Please arrange on your own; Dinner-Please arrange on your own
Accommodation: On your own