15 Days Xinjiang Luxury New Orient Express Tour Aug. & Sept. 2026

Welcome to Urumuqi Xinjiang! Upon arrival, our driver will be waiting for you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel for check-in. The rest time is for you to get rest or hang around nearby on your own. A buffet dinner will be arranged at your hotel. The dinner time ends at 10:00pm. If you miss it, please arrange the dinner on your own. Dinner cost is not refundable.

Breakfast: /; Lunch: /; Dinner: Buffet Dinner at Hotel

Accommodation: Urumuqi Hilton or similar

After breakfast, we will drive towards 【Tianshan Heavenly Lake Scenic Area】 (including boat cruise; total tour duration: approx. 4 hours). Known as "Jade Lake" in ancient times, Heavenly Lake sits at an altitude of 1,910 meters, stretching 3.5 kilometers north-south and 0.8-1.5 kilometers east-west, with a maximum depth of 105 meters. The scenic area comprises eight core zones—Tianchi Lake, Denggan Mountain, Mayan Mountain, Bogda Peak, Baiyanggou Valley, Huaergou Valley, Shuimogou Valley, and the northern Wutonggou Desert— boasting 15 scenic clusters and 38 individual attractions. It stands as a iconic mountainous natural landscape in arid northwest China. Centered on Heavenly Lake, the scenic area is characterized by four complete vertical natural belts, snow-capped mountains, glaciers, and alpine lakes, enriched by cultural connotations of ancient Jade Lake myths and ethnic customs. It serves as a paradise for sightseeing, scientific exploration, adventure, leisure, fitness, and experiencing ethnic traditions. Later, board the New Orient Express for Kuqa.

Breakfast: Hotel; Lunch: Welcome Lunch; Dinner: Local Specialty

Accommodation: New Orient Express

Upon arrival in Kuqa, we will proceed to visit the 【Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon】 (approx. 1.5-hour tour). A masterpiece of nature that combines the finest charms of canyons and the majestic wonders of the Tianshan Mountains, this canyon embodies eternal spiritual essence and integrates six distinct features: wonder, mystery, peril, grandeur, antiquity, and serenity. Boasting unique landscapes and extraordinary scenery, it is an enchanting gem along the ancient Silk Road’s golden tourist route. Later in the afternoon, we will travel to 【Kuqa Naan City】 (approx. 1-hour tour). The naan-making experience is an immersive cultural and tourism project that blends intangible cultural heritage inheritance, hands-on craftsmanship, and culinary exploration. Centered on Xinjiang’s traditional naan-making techniques, it allows participants to personally unlock the entire process "from dough to delicacy," experiencing the warmth of Silk Road food culture through engaging interactions. In the evening, board the New Orient Express bound for Kashgar.

Breakfast: New Orient Express; Lunch: Local Specialty; Dinner: Local Specialty

Accommodation: New Orient Express 

Breakfast is served on the train. Upon arrival in Kashgar in the morning, you will be met at the station and transferred to visit 【Gaotai Residence】 (approx. 1.5-hour tour). Perched on a 40-meter-high, 800-meter-long loess cliff at the northeastern end of Kashgar’s old town, this Uyghur settlement boasts a history of over 600 years. It stands as a premier showcase of ancient Uyghur residential architecture and folk customs in Kashgar. Here, you can experience traditional intangible cultural heritage (ICH) crafts of Kashgar, including an exclusive tea break. As time-honored artisanal skills, Kashgar’s block printing and earthen pottery not only possess dual aesthetic and practical values but also represent the millennium-old accumulation of Chinese culture’s diverse branches. Afternoon, we will visit 【Fragrant Concubine Garden】 (approx. 30-minute drive; 3-hour tour). Located in Aiziret Village, Haohan Township, 5 kilometers northeast of Kashgar, the scenic area covers more than 20 hectares. Its core structure, the Fragrant Concubine Tomb, was first built in 1640. A cultural theme renovation project was launched in 2014, centering on Fragrant Concubine culture. Through over 20 cultural exhibition projects—such as the restoration of the former residence, folk wedding experiences, and the song-and-dance drama Joyful Fragrant Concubine—the scenic area showcases Uyghur history and culture, as well as the theme of ethnic unity. Later, check into the hotel.

Breakfast: New Orient Express; Lunch: Welcome Lunch; Dinner: Local Specialty

Accommodation: Kashgar Raddison Blu Hotel or similar

Morning drive to 【White Sand Lake】 (approx. 3.5-hour drive, 1-hour visit; elevation: ~3,300m). The lake is renowned for its lush aquatic plants and gathering waterfowl. Its surrounding cyan-hued mountains are partially covered by white sand, undulating gently and stretching far into the distance. Together with the snow-capped peaks atop the mountains and the lakes and rivers at the foot, they form a magnificent and spectacular natural wonder. In the afternoon we will proceed to 【Karakul Lake Scenic Area】 (approx. 1.5-hour drive, 1-hour visit; elevation: ~3,300m). To the east of the lake stands Mount Muztagh Ata ("Father of Glaciers"), while to the west lies the towering and winding Sarikol Range.

Breakfast: Hotel; Lunch: Local Specialty; Dinner: Local Specialty

Accommodation: Taxkorgan Snow Crown Hotel or similar 

Proceed to experience a 【Tajik Family Visit】 (approx. 30-minute tour) to immerse yourself in the unique folk customs of the Pamir Plateau. Known as a nation of singers and dancers, the Tajik people—regardless of age or gender—can almost break into dance at the sound of music, earning them the reputation as "the hometown of folk songs and the ocean of music." Later, visit 【Golden Grassland】, located on the outskirts of Taxkorgan County. Named for its golden-hued meadows in autumn, the vast grassland encompasses natural landscapes such as wetlands, meadows, rivers, and snow-capped mountains. As a well-preserved nomadic cultural site, it boasts picturesque scenery with flocks of cattle and sheep scattered across the terrain. Subsequently, travel to 【Stone Fortress】, a renowned ancient city ruin in Xinjiang. Perched at an altitude of 3,100 meters north of Taxkorgan County, it served as a crucial relay station on the ancient Silk Road. First constructed during the Han Dynasty, it was once the royal capital of Puli, one of the 36 kingdoms in the Western Regions. Adjacent to Golden Grassland, Stone City forms a magnificent blend of natural and historical landscapes. Then we will drive back to Kashgar and check into the hotel for rest.

Breakfast: Hotel; Lunch: Local Specialty; Dinner: Local Specialty

Accommodation: Kashgar Raddison Blue Hotle or similar

Board a VIP electric shuttle and wander through the Eastern District of 【Kashgar Ancient City】 (approx. 20-minute shuttle ride; total tour duration: 2 hours). Hailed as a radiant pearl on the ancient Silk Road, Kashgar Ancient City stands as a confluence of Eastern and Western civilizations. Its profound history exudes renewed charm with an open and inclusive spirit. Within the scenic area, numerous bazaars—including the Hat Bazaar, Dried Fruit Bazaar, and Jade Bazaar—vividly embody the millennium-old legacy of this ancient city. In the afternoon we will continue exploring the ancient city in the Western District of Kashgar Ancient City (including 【Id Kah Mosque】; total tour duration: 2 hours). In the evening, board the New Orient Express bound for Korla.

Breakfast: Hotel; Lunch: Halal Meal; Dinner: New Orient Express

Accommodation: New Orient Express

Upon arrival we will visit the 【Luobu Village】 (including shuttle bus) (total tour duration: approx. 2 hours) to visit this ancient ethnic group that has relied on fishing for survival along the Tarim River. Located 35 kilometers southwest of Yuli County, the village covers an area of 72 square kilometers and belongs to Qongkule Ranch. It is a paradise inhabited by the Luobu people, encompassing the Taklamakan Desert, wandering lakes, the Tarim River, primeval poplar forests, grasslands, and the Luobu community itself. Here, deserts, inland rivers, green corridors, and the ancient Silk Road converge, forming a natural landscape of golden quality. As one of Xinjiang’s oldest ethnic groups, the Luobu people live by the small lakes along the Tarim River, following a traditional lifestyle of "neither cultivating grains nor herding livestock, surviving solely on fishing from small boats." Venturing deeper into the area, you will encounter vast stretches of poplar trees lining the Tarim River, leading to the boundless "China’s largest desert"—the 【Taklamakan Desert】. Camel riding is available here (optional; costs at own expense). Later, board the New Orient Express bound for Beitun.

Breakfast: New Orient Express; Lunch: Local Specialty; Dinner: Local Specialty

Accommodation: New Orient Express

After arriving in Beitun, we will visit 【Five Color Beach】 (approx. 1-hour visit). On the southern bank of Five Color Beach, there are oases, deserts, and a clear blue sky, while the northern bank features exotic rock formations composed of colorful mudstone, sandstone, and gravel. The rock layers consist of red, earth-red, pale yellow, and light green sandstone, mudstone, and conglomerate, boasting diverse and vibrant hues. Shaped like colorful ancient castles, mythical beasts, and peak clusters, this cliff-style yardang landform is characterized by undulating terrain and ever-changing colors. It was jointly formed by the erosion and cutting of fierce rivers and the scouring of strong winds. Due to the varying weathering resistance of the rock layers along the riverbank, an irregular and jagged outline has been formed. The rocks here exhibit a rich palette of colors, and when illuminated by the sun at sunset, they glow predominantly red, interspersed with green, purple, yellow, white, black, and transitional shades—vibrant, charming, and breathtaking. Hence, it is named Five Color Beach and hailed as "Xinjiang's Most Beautiful Yardang Landform." After lunch, drive to Altay City, a city known as the birthplace of skiing. Here, you will learn the craft of snowboard making before checking into the hotel.

Breakfast: New Orient Express; Lunch: Local Specialty; Dinner: Local Specialty

Accommodation: Altay Zunmao Diamond Hotel or similar 

Travel along Xinjiang’s second major scenic highway, the 【Ahe Road】, and feast your eyes on Xinjiang’s most breathtaking autumn scenery in September (approx. 6-hour scenic drive). In the afternoon we will arrive in 【Hemu】. Wander through the ancient village, watch a performance featuring century-old traditional houses, admire the blooming flowers on the Jiadengyu alpine grassland and the wooden bridges over the Hemu River, and explore the traditional Tuva village and distinctive wooden residences of Hemu.

Breakfast: Hotel; Lunch: Local Specialty; Dinner: Local Specialty

Accommodation: Hemu Boutique Guesthouse or similar

You will have free time on your own till the departure. You can also choose to hike up Yunxiao Peak to enjoy panoramic views from the heights. In the afternoon we will proceed to 【Kanas Scenic Area】 (approx. 2-hour drive; accommodation inside the scenic area; flexible tour duration). Boasting Asia’s only alpine scenery reminiscent of Switzerland, Kanas is hailed as "the last pure land on Earth," "God’s back garden," and "a paradise reserved for immortals." Derived from Mongolian, its name means "beautiful, fertile, and mysterious." Here, lake vistas and mountain landscapes blend seamlessly—embodying the grandeur of northern Chinese scenery and the elegance of Jiangnan’s landscapes.

Breakfast: Hotel; Lunch: Local Specialty; Dinner: Local Specialty

Accommodation: Kanas Merrier Vacation Hotel or similar

Enjoy free morning time in the village. You may wake up early to watch the sunrise. Alternatively, opt for a transfer to 【Fish Pavilion】 (complimentary attraction; no refund if not visited). Due to factors such as time, weather conditions, and speed limits on the scenic area’s mountain roads, this visit will be determined through mutual consultation between the tour guide and guests based on the actual situation. Ride to the mountainside, then hike 1,068 steps to the top for a panoramic view of Kanas Lake. Wander along the lakeside wooden boardwalk and soak in the tranquility and serenity of Kanas Scenic Area. In the afternoon, drive to Beitun Railway Station and board the New Orient Express bound for Yining.

Breakfast: Hotel; Lunch: Local Specialty; Dinner: New Orient Express

Accommodation: New Orient Express 

Upon arrival in Yining, visit 【Liuxing Street】 (total tour duration: approx. 2 hours). As a multi-ethnic settlement and a convergence of diverse cultures, Yining City witnesses a unique cultural symbiosis where foreign and local cultures blend harmoniously—and Liuxing Street stands as a living testament to this phenomenon. Evolving into a large-scale humanistic tourist attraction, the street offers a serene, harmonious, and vibrant experience integrating distinctive alley sightseeing, cultural exhibitions, courtyard tourism, featured catering and entertainment, as well as handicraft processing and retail. Covering a mere 47 hectares, this neighborhood is home to residents of multiple ethnic groups, including Han, Kazakh, Hui, Uyghur, Russian, and Tatar, whose cohabitation and mutual coexistence have fostered profound cultural integration. Afternoon we will travel via the 【Guozigou Bridge】 to Sayram Lake (approx. 2.5-hour drive). Known as the gateway to the Ili River Valley, Guozigou boasts breathtaking scenery—azure skies, snow-capped mountains, towering pines, and winding roads that unfold like a natural scroll. With a total investment of 2.4 billion RMB, the Guozigou Bridge spans 700 meters in length, with a vertical clearance of 200 meters from the deck to the valley floor. Its main towers reach heights of 209 meters and 215.5 meters respectively, featuring an all-steel truss structure fabricated with 17,000 tons of domestically produced special-purpose bridge steel. Connected by high-strength bolts, the bridge’s installation accuracy is controlled within 2 millimeters. It is not only the first cable-stayed bridge on Xinjiang’s regional highway network but also China’s first highway double-tower, double-cable-plane steel truss cable-stayed bridge.

Breakfast: New Orient Express; Lunch: Local Specialty; Dinner: Local Specialty

Accommodation: Sayram Lake Elaine Hotel or similar

We will visit the 【Sayram Lake】 (approx. 4-hour full tour). Known as the "Western Pure Sea" in ancient times, it is the highest-altitude and largest alpine cold-water lake in Xinjiang. Dubbed "the Last Tear of the Atlantic Ocean"—as it marks the final destination of the Atlantic's warm, moist air currents—the lake is surrounded by the Haixi Grassland, a carpet of blooming flowers. Yellow, purple, red, and a riot of other hues paint the landscape; nearby, the clear blue water shimmers under the sky, while distant snow-capped peaks blend seamlessly with the horizon, presenting a breathtaking watercolor-like scene. In the afternoon, we will drive to Yining and board the New Oriental Express bound for Urumqi.

Breakfast: Hotel; Lunch: Local Specialty; Dinner: New Orient Express

Accommodation: Urumuqi Hilton Hotel or similar 

You will be free till your flight departs. Our driver will send you to airport based on your flight schedule. Tour ends.

Breakfast: Hotel; Lunch: /; Dinner: /

Accommodation: /

Special Note:

1. This program opens booking for Chinese citizens including Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan travelers as well as foreign travelers. If some sites are not open to foreign travelers due to local policy, we will arrange other plans instead.
2. We can equip Englishs speaking tour leader to accompany you but the local guides in Xinjiang will be Chinese speaking.