Nine Tourist Trains in Xinjiang Compared: Cabins, Routes and Prices

You want to lie back in Xinjiang and see snow mountains, desert poplar forests, grasslands and ancient towns, but the New Oriental Express, the Panda Train series and Xiaoxiang leave you confused? With budgets from 8,000 to 80,000, which train should you choose?

No need to worry. Here is the most complete guide to Xinjiang tourist trains, explaining all nine popular trains in one go, from positioning, cabin types, routes and prices to the travellers they suit. After reading it you can choose correctly and avoid pitfalls, enjoying a worry-free journey through beautiful Xinjiang.

1. At a Glance: Core Comparison of the Nine Xinjiang Tourist Trains

• New Oriental Express: Core positioning: established high-end classic; Seats/carriages: 116 seats/15 carriages; Core cabin types: Golden Diamond (Supreme 12㎡, Xiyue 10㎡, Boyue 8㎡); Core strengths: classic routes, brand reputation; Main routes: Southern Xinjiang/Northern Xinjiang 10 days, Southern and Northern Xinjiang 14 days; Price range: ≈ USD 4,318.41–10,721.80 per person; Suitable for: travellers seeking a classic high-end, in-depth Xinjiang journey
• Panda Train · Chengdu: Core positioning: benchmark of Bashu luxury; Seats/carriages: 108 seats/18 carriages; Core cabin types: Shiyi Ju (10㎡), Youran Ju (8㎡) twin rooms; Core strengths: 24h butler + medical staff + chef, star-rated service; Main routes: Panoramic Xinjiang 14–16 days; Price range: ≈ USD 6,403.23–10,870.71 per person; Suitable for: high-end families, light-luxury holidays from Sichuan and Chongqing
• Panda Train · Jinxiu Tianfu: Core positioning: top-tier Song-style private enjoyment; Seats/carriages: 92 seats/18 carriages; Core cabin types: Jin Ta luxury (13㎡), Jin Wo quality (10㎡) twin rooms; Core strengths: 2:1 staff-to-guest ratio, 12–16 person small groups, pick-up in three places; Main routes: Southern and Northern Xinjiang culture 16 days, Southern Xinjiang 13 days; Price range: ≈ USD 7,427.92–14,724.80 per person; Suitable for: travellers seeking extreme privacy, high-end business travellers
• Panda Train · Shifang: Core positioning: king of value for money; Seats/carriages: 466 seats/17 carriages; Core cabin types: superior/standard four-person rooms; Core strengths: affordable prices, interactive activities such as Sichuan opera face-changing; Main routes: Southern and Northern Xinjiang 16 days (multiple tiers); Price range: ≈ USD 1,262.81–4,300.69 per person; Suitable for: families travelling together, travellers with moderate budgets
• Panda Train · Anyi: Core positioning: all-round customisation option; Seats/carriages: 332 seats/18 carriages; Core cabin types: twin and four-person rooms in multiple tiers; Core strengths: Golden Butler, customisable wedding/study-tour products; Main routes: Southern and Northern Xinjiang 16 days (multiple versions); Price range: ≈ USD 1,262.81–9,974.39 per person; Suitable for: general families, group customisation
• Xiaoxiang: Core positioning: Hunan-style tourist train; Seats/carriages: 264 seats/17 carriages; Core cabin types: family rooms/twin rooms/four-person rooms; Core strengths: Hunan culture experiences, hotel-style butler; Main routes: Western Regions Tianshan 18 days; Price range: ≈ USD 2,680.34–9,381.55 per person; Suitable for: travellers departing from Hunan, culture enthusiasts
• Baiyun: Core positioning: the ceiling of top-tier private enjoyment; Seats/carriages: 92 seats/18 carriages; Core cabin types: Lanyue luxury (14㎡), Yayun quality (10.2㎡) twin rooms; Core strengths: only 92 seats of private space, top-tier configuration; Main routes: Silk Road Splendour · Hexi Trail 18 days; Price range: ≈ USD 13,235.64–16,213.96 per person; Suitable for: travellers seeking top luxury and niche private enjoyment
• Dahe Zhinan: Core positioning: the comfortable choice from the Central Plains; Seats/carriages: 248 seats/18 carriages; Core cabin types: 2/3/4-person rooms (private bathroom); Core strengths: private bathrooms throughout the train, noise-reduction design; Main routes: Panoramic Southern and Northern Xinjiang 15/16/17 days; Price range: ≈ USD 1,489.01–6,849.98 per person; Suitable for: travellers departing from Henan, Central Plains culture enthusiasts
• Silk Road Dream: Core positioning: international Silk Road light luxury; Seats/carriages: 80 seats/15 carriages; Core cabin types: Jinxiu Weiyang suite (22㎡), Parent-Child Xuan, twin rooms; Core strengths: 2 butlers per carriage, 24h shifts; Main routes: Xining–Dunhuang 5 days, Xining–Kashgar 7 days, Southern and Northern Xinjiang 17 days; Price range: ≈ USD 7,967.00–75,947.11 per person; Suitable for: high-end enthusiasts of in-depth Silk Road culture

2. In Depth: How to Choose Each Train?

• 1. Established High-End Classic — New Oriental Express
• Basic information: operated by Urumqi County Group Company, all-new carriages in 2026, a classic brand among Xinjiang tourist trains
• Core strengths: mature routes covering Southern Xinjiang desert poplars and the full Southern and Northern Xinjiang panorama, suited to travel in different seasons
• Suitable for: experienced travellers seeking a classic high-end experience who do not want to fall into route pitfalls
• Route highlights: Duku + Ahe · Northern Xinjiang Secret Realm 10 days, in-depth Southern and Northern Xinjiang 14 days
• Price: from ≈ USD 4,318.41
• Note: no explicit age limit; confirm health condition before travel
• 2. Benchmark of Bashu Luxury — Panda Train · Chengdu
• Basic information: launched in May 2025, 18 carriages with only 108 seats, jointly created by Chengdu Culture and Tourism and the Chengdu Railway Bureau, with a "Rhythm of Mountains and Rivers" theme design
• Core strengths: 18 panda butlers + 7 holiday ambassadors + 24h medical care, combining star-hotel-style service with cultural guiding
• Suitable for: high-end families, travellers departing from Sichuan and Chongqing, light-luxury holidaymakers who prefer Bashu culture
• Route highlights: Autumn Rhyme Xinjiang 16 days, Duku Xinjiang 16 days, Xinjiang Golden Poplar 14 days
• Price: from ≈ USD 6,403.23, high-end routes from ≈ USD 10,275.05
• Note: those aged 70 and above need a medical examination report from within the past six months, those aged 75 and above need to be accompanied by immediate family, and those aged 80 and above are not currently accepted; people with severe high blood pressure, heart disease and similar conditions are declined
• 3. Top-Tier Song-Style Privacy — Panda Train · Jinxiu Tianfu
• Basic information: first departure in May 2026, 18 carriages with 92 seats, Song-style aesthetics plus Sichuan symbols, a moving hall of Eastern aesthetics
• Core strengths: 2:1 staff-to-guest ratio, two guides + a full-time accompanying butler + 24h luggage attendant, medical room + 12–16 person light-luxury small groups, free airport/station pick-up in Chengdu/Lanzhou/Urumqi
• Suitable for: travellers seeking extreme privacy, high-end business travellers, those wanting top-tier service
• Route highlights: 2026 Southern and Northern Xinjiang Culture Journey 16 days, Southern Xinjiang Jinxiu Silk Road Culture Journey 13 days
• Price: from ≈ USD 7,427.92
• Note: those aged 70 and above need a medical examination report + health disclaimer, those aged 75 and above need to be accompanied by relatives
• 4. King of Value for Money — Panda Train · Shifang
• Basic information: launched in April 2024, 17 carriages with 466 seats, the first panda train themed on "healthy living"
• Core strengths: affordable prices, mainly four-person rooms, rich interactive activities such as Sichuan opera face-changing and themed sing-alongs, comfortable and smart
• Suitable for: family trips, friends travelling together, travellers with moderate budgets who enjoy a lively atmosphere
• Route highlights: Southern and Northern Xinjiang 16 days (three tiers: Distinguished Zijin / Premium Platinum / Value Platinum)
• Price: from ≈ USD 1,262.81
• Note: same as Chengdu, those aged 80 and above are not currently accepted, people with severe or infectious diseases are declined
• 5. All-Round Customisation Option — Panda Train · Anyi
• Basic information: launched in March 2021, 18 carriages with 332 seats, converted from 25G-type coaches, blending Sichuan, Chongqing and Guizhou culture
• Core strengths: "Golden Butler" point-to-point customised service, tiered pricing for multiple cabin types, customisable special products such as weddings and study tours
• Suitable for: general families, group customisation, travellers choosing by different budget tiers
• Route highlights: 2026 Pass Through the Western Regions Southern and Northern Xinjiang 16 days, Duku version, Across Southern and Northern Xinjiang 16 days
• Price: from ≈ USD 1,262.81
• Note: people with severe sudden illnesses or infectious diseases are declined, those aged 70 and above need a medical examination report
• 6. Hunan-Style Tourist Train — Xiaoxiang
• Basic information: launched in June 2025, 17 carriages with 264 seats, the country's first Hunan culture and tourism themed tourist train, created by the Guangzhou Railway Bureau and Hunan Tourism Group
• Core strengths: hotel-style butler + guide accompanying throughout, independent medical area, immersive experiences of Hunan intangible cultural heritage and local cuisine
• Suitable for: travellers departing from Hunan, those who prefer Hunan culture, families or friends travelling together
• Route highlights: Decoding the Western Regions · Tianshan Journey 18 days, Xinjiang all-soft-sleeper direct tourist train 18 days
• Price: from ≈ USD 1,146.50
• Note: those aged 70 and above need a medical examination report from within the past six months, those aged 75 and above need to be accompanied by immediate family, and those aged 80 and above are not currently accepted; people with major or infectious diseases are declined
• 7. The Ceiling of Top-Tier Privacy — Baiyun
• Basic information: launching in September 2026, 18 carriages with only 92 seats, positioned as "China's all-domain cultural exploration mobile platform"
• Core strengths: private space throughout the train, luxury twin rooms of 14㎡ and quality twin rooms of 10.2㎡, benchmarked against top cultural tourism standards
• Suitable for: travellers seeking top luxury, niche privacy and high-end holidays
• Route highlights: Silk Road Splendour · Hexi Trail 18 days
• Price: from ≈ USD 13,235.64
• Note: confirm health and reception requirements before travel
• 8. The Comfortable Choice from the Central Plains — Dahe Zhinan
• Basic information: launched in April 2025, 18 carriages with 248 seats, Central Plains culture theme, private bathrooms throughout
• Core strengths: noise-reduction technology, multi-function carriages for receptions/dining/board games, flexible choice of 2/3/4-person rooms, dedicated chef team
• Suitable for: travellers departing from Henan, Central Plains culture enthusiasts, families or friends travelling together
• Route highlights: Panoramic Southern and Northern Xinjiang 15 days, Duku version Southern and Northern Xinjiang 17 days
• Price: from ≈ USD 1,489.01
• Note: confirm health and senior reception policies before travel
• 9. International Silk Road Light Luxury — Silk Road Dream
• Basic information: launched in July 2024, 15 carriages with 80 seats, an international high-quality tourist train created by a rail cultural tourism brand under Fosun
• Core strengths: 35 butlers on the whole train, 2 butlers per carriage on 24h shifts, 22㎡ suites, Chinese and Western dining cars + observation carriage
• Suitable for: top luxury travellers, deep enthusiasts of Silk Road culture, light-luxury short and medium-distance travellers
• Route highlights: Xining–Dunhuang 4 days 3 nights, Xining–Kashgar 7 days 6 nights, Southern Xinjiang loop and others
• Price: from ≈ USD 7,967.00
• Note: seats are scarce; early booking is recommended

3. Must-Read Before Travelling on a Xinjiang Tourist Train

• (1) Health and Senior Travel
• 1. People with severe high blood pressure, heart disease, infectious diseases or other conditions unsuitable for travel are declined; concealing an illness is at one's own risk
• 2. Those aged 70 and above need to provide a medical examination report from within the past six months, those aged 75 and above need to be accompanied by immediate family, and some trains do not currently accept those aged 80 and above; for details, consult Zudong Rail Journeys customer service
• (2) Clothing, Food, Accommodation and Transport
• 1. Clothing: temperature differences between day and night are large; bring a jacket and sun protection, and wear comfortable hiking or sports shoes
• 2. Food: respect Halal customs and avoid pork and similar foods; eat local specialities in moderation to avoid stomach upset
• 3. Accommodation: carry your ID card and cooperate with registration; keep personal belongings safe
• 4. Transport: stay close to the group and do not leave it without permission; carry important items with you and pay attention to safety when moving around scenic areas
• (3) Photography Etiquette
• 1. Ask for permission before photographing people, follow scenic area photography rules, and do not disturb wild animals
• 2. Respect Islamic customs; when entering religious sites, dress neatly, remove shoes and hats, do not touch religious objects and do not discuss sensitive topics
• (4) Other
• 1. Pack light and bring common medicines; in peak season, secure seats early through Zudong Rail Journeys
• 2. Respect local ethnic customs, protect the environment and take your rubbish with you
• 3. If problems arise during the journey, contact the train butler or guide promptly

4. Reliable Booking Without Pitfalls

• One-to-one service: dedicated customer service answers questions online all day, recommends trains and cabin types precisely according to budget and traveller group, and explains in detail practical matters such as food, clothing, accommodation, transport and religious etiquette in Xinjiang, making travel more reassuring
• Exclusive discounts: regular sign-up discounts and departure-date offers, more cost-effective than booking piecemeal; after booking you receive follow-up service throughout to solve various problems during the trip
• Convenient process: operate by mobile phone or PC, choose a train → choose a route → fill in information → pay, lock your seat with one click and travel with ease
• Conclusion
• Xinjiang's beauty is worth meeting in the most comfortable way. Whether you are a family traveller seeking value for money, a high-end guest on a light-luxury holiday, or a top-tier player seeking niche privacy, you can find your preferred choice among these nine trains
• Lock in your Xinjiang tourist train journey now, lie back and see snow mountains, desert poplars, grasslands and ancient towns, and begin an unforgettable Silk Road journey.

Further Reading and Booking

• Zudong Rail Journeys official website: https://train.cncqt.com/
• Jinxiu Tianfu: https://train.cncqt.com/trains/18
• Silk Road Dream: https://train.cncqt.com/trains/5
• Dahe Zhinan: https://train.cncqt.com/trains/31
• Chengdu: https://train.cncqt.com/trains/1
• Original article
• Enquiry phone: +86-23-88721881

Original date: 2026-04-23. Prices, departure dates and cabin types may have changed; please refer to the route pages on the Zudong Rail Journeys official website.

USD estimates use the 2026-11-13 exchange rate. Confirm the final amount and payment currency when booking.