Want to experience all Xinjiang scenary in one single trip? A tourist train is your best option to explore Xinjiang in a seamless loop. As you know, Xinjiang is vast and the beautiful scenery is scattered across the northern and southern Tianshan Mountains, from the Pamir Plateau to the depths of Altay, and along the Duku Highway.

New Orient Express

The New Oriental Express Tourist Train has been fully upgraded this year, with two new train sets added and 32 brand-new carriages. Moreover, the passenger experience has been made more thoughtful and convenient. The train has restaurant and entertainment carriages, offering Xinjiang specialty cuisine and fine wines. Intangible cultural heritage handicraft experiences and ethnic music and dance performances are also arranged. Three types of Gold Diamond Roomettes are recommended, all equipped with hotel-style facilities to ensure a comfortable journey.

Supreme Golden Diamond Roomette is the top-tier accommodation, with only one carriage and three roomettes available on the entire train, earning it the reputation of a "moving palace". Each roomette covers about 13 square meters, furnished with twin beds that can be combined into a 2.0×1.7m king-size bed. It features an independent lounge area with a double sofa and a dining table set, separated from the sleeping area by a decorative screen to balance socializing and rest. It also includes a private bathroom with separate wet and dry zones, equipped with a smart toilet, premium shower amenities and a hair dryer. 

Xiyue Golden Diamond Roomette is the primary luxury room type, offering an excellent balance between comfort and value. Each suite is about 10 square meters, furnished with twin beds that can be combined into a 2.0×1.7m king-size bed, balancing comfort with style. It also includes a private bathroom with separate wet and dry zones, equipped with a smart toilet and 24-hour hot water.

Boyue Golden Diamond Roomette is an innovative room type and the most cost-effective option for enjoying a private bathroom on the train. It adopts a retractable bunk bed design, with the upper bunk foldable when not in use, allowing for flexible accommodations for two to four people. This setup is particularly ideal for different travel group needs, and each room is equipped with independent bathroom facilities.

Booking Advice: From June to September, which is the peak season for Xinjiang tourism, rooms are in high demand, so it is recommended to inquire and book 3-6 months or even earlier in advance.

Panda Express—Splendid Tianfu Train

The Panda Express offers two luxurious trains: Splendid Tianfu and Chengdu Train. Splendid Tianfu Train has 18 carriages with 92 seats. It offers cultural experiences like intangible cultural heritage handicraft workshops and ethnic music and dance performances. The carriages are designed with elements like pandas, Sichuan embroidery, and Sichuan opera masks. There are themed carriages such as the Jinya Welcome Carriage, Jinshi Themed Dining Car, and Jinji Entertainment and Scenic Carriage, providing activities such as Song-style tea ceremonies and intangible heritage crafts. The train is senior-friendly modified, featuring non-slip floors, barrier-free handrails, and emergency call buttons. It is staffed with 2 certified medical personnel and a 24-hour panda butlers, along with personalized health records for elderly passengers.

The Train has two types of rooms. With an area of 13 square meters, Jinta Luxury Twin Roomette has twin beds that can be combined into a large bed. It has a private bathroom with separate wet and dry zones, a Song-style sofa, and panoramic viewing window. This room is ideal for couples or guests seeking privacy. With an area of 10 square meters, Jinwo Quality Twin Roomette also has twin beds; some can add an extra bed for family travel, equipped with private bathroom and viewing window.

Panda Express—Chengdu Train

Chengdu Train offers three types of rooms. There are 30 Youran Twin Roomettes with an area of 8 square meters, and 20 Shiyi Twin Roomettes and 4 Shiyi Double Roomettes with an area of 10 square meters. All rooms have private refrigerators and private bathrooms with separate wet and dry zones. The Chengdu Train has 18 carriages with 108 seats and includes a restaurant and entertainment carriages.

Booking Advice: As the Shiyi Double Room is extremely limited in number, early consultation and booking are strongly advised.

Quick Reference Chart

Travel Tips

Basic Documents:

Foreign Nationals: A valid passport with at least 6 months' validity remaining and a valid Chinese Visa (not including visa-free countries) are required.

Hong Kong and Macau Residents: A valid Home Return Permit is required.

Taiwan Residents: A valid Mainland Travel Permit for Taiwan Residents is required.

Mainland Chinese Citizens: A valid Resident Identity Card is required.

Border Permit: if you plan to visit border areas such as the Pamir Plateau, Baihaba Village, or certain sections of the Duku Highway, you must apply for a Border Permit in advance.

Altitude and Temperature Differences: Xinjiang is vast, and some regions such as the Pamir Plateau have high altitudes. There can also be significant temperature differences between different areas and seasons. Please pack clothing suitable for a wide range of weather conditions based on your specific route to ensure comfort and safety.

If you've always wanted to visit Xinjiang, or if you're looking for a different way to experience the beautiful landscapes of Xinjiang, why not consider taking a relaxed train ride this year? After all, sometimes the most breathtaking scenery is found not just at the destination, but along the way.