Panda Special Train Shifang Official Website Registration Guide
For more travel information (Panda Special Train, Tianfu, Chengdu, Anyi, Shifang, New Oriental Express, Silk Road Dream, Lindu, Yichun, Kunming, Starlight Mekong, Gobi Cruise Special Train, New Western Train, New National Train, Tianyuan, Tianshan, Chief National Train, Cross-Province Special Train, New Southern Express, Xiaoxiang, Dahezhinan, Baiyun, Silver Age Xinjiang Tour, Chao Age Xinjiang Tour Special Train, Sunshine, Shannan, Yangtze River Delta, Muztagh) Special Train Booking Center Manager Wang Fei: 180-9596-9599 (Copy and add as friend for free consultation and detailed route information)
🚂 Want to take a train all the way west and see snow-capped mountains, lakes, deserts, and ancient cities? Then the ‘Panda Special Train·Shifang’ route through northern and southern Xinjiang is worth a closer look.
This article will break down the route from the perspective of ‘stops along the way’:Where it passes, the daily schedule, the 2026 price range, how to sign up, and what the fee includes, so you can make an informed decision before setting off.
🗺 ️ Route Overview:16-Day Star Experience Tour of Northern and Southern Xinjiang
The ‘Panda Special Train·Shifang’ 16-Day Star Experience Tour of Northern and Southern Xinjiang is a long-haul product starting from Chengdu, connecting the highlights of northern and southern Xinjiang.
📍 Main Boarding Points:Chengdu (Chengdu West Station, Chengdu Anjing Station), with some departures supporting boarding in Lanzhou, Xining, Kashgar, etc.
🏞 ️ Core Experience:‘One route, multiple tours; travel by night, explore by day; one ticket covers all.’ Rest on the train at night, visit attractions during the day, saving the hassle of frequent hotel changes.
📅 2026 Departure Schedule:Planned for 6 departures: June 8, June 25, July 12, July 29, August 15, and September 18.
👨 👩👧👦 Suitable For:Travelers who want to visit both northern and southern Xinjiang in one trip without planning transportation and accommodation themselves. The special train is senior-friendly with a relatively relaxed pace.
🚉 Stop Analysis Along the Route:A Moving ‘Star Hotel’
A key feature of the ‘Panda Special Train·Shifang’ is ‘the train follows the traveler,’ allowing you to stay on board for over ten days, waking up in a new place. Although the full stop list hasn’t been released, the route can be roughly divided into the following stages:
1. Sichuan Section: From Basin to Plateau 🏞️
The train departs from Chengdu, heading northwest via the Chengdu-Lanzhou Railway and Lanzhou-Xinjiang High-Speed Railway. It passes through the Sichuan Basin and Minshan Mountains, eventually reaching the northeastern edge of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.
Scenic Highlights:Gradual transition from plains to plateaus, river valleys, and mountain landscapes.
🚂 Want to take a train all the way west and see snow-capped mountains, lakes, deserts, and ancient cities? Then the ‘Panda Special Train·Shifang’ route through northern and southern Xinjiang is worth a closer look.Friendly Reminder:Altitude will gradually increase in this section. Travelers with cardiovascular or cerebrovascular conditions should consult a doctor in advance and follow medical advice.
2. Gansu/Qinghai Section: Silk Road Charm and Plateau Lakes 🕌
The train enters Gansu and Qinghai, key corridors of the ancient Silk Road and a region of concentrated plateau lakes.
Scenic Highlights:Interwoven landscapes of Gobi desert and oases, with a unique sense of plateau vastness.
Friendly Reminder:Dry climate, strong sunlight, and large temperature differences between day and night. Prepare sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, lip balm, and moisturizing skincare products.
3. Northern Xinjiang Section: Scenery North of the Tianshan Mountains 🏔️
Upon entering Xinjiang, the train reaches northern Xinjiang, featuring diverse landscapes like snow-capped mountains, forests, grasslands, and lakes.
Core Attractions:
Tianshan Tianchi:A high-altitude lake with clear water surrounded by snow peaks.
Kanas:A comprehensive scenic area integrating glaciers, lakes, forests, and grasslands, vibrant in autumn.
Sayram Lake:Known as ‘the last tear of the Atlantic,’ with azure waters and open lakeside grasslands.
Duku Highway (partial sections):A scenic road connecting northern and southern Xinjiang, open for a few months annually; check current announcements for access.
Friendly Reminder:Distances between attractions in northern Xinjiang are long, so you’ll spend more time resting on the train. Bring items like neck pillows and slippers for added comfort.
4. Southern Xinjiang Section: Flaming Mountain and Ancient City Charm 🏜️
This article will break down the route from the perspective of ‘stops along the way’: where it passes, the daily schedule, the 2026 price range, how to sign up, and what the fee includes, so you can make an informed decision before setting off.The train then arrives in southern Xinjiang, dominated by deserts, Gobi, and ancient cities with rich ethnic culture.
Core Attractions:
Turpan:Known as the ‘Fire Land,’ experience the heat of Flaming Mountain, explore the ancient wisdom of Karez wells, and taste local specialties like grapes and Hami melons.
Friendly Reminder:Strong sunlight and potential sandstorms in southern Xinjiang. Prepare sunscreen, sunglasses, and lightweight, breathable clothing.
5. Return Journey: Coming Back with Memories and Stories 🛤️
After the tour, the train returns to Chengdu via the same or a similar route, ending the 16-day journey. The final stop and intermediate stops are subject to the final ‘Tour Group Notice.’
🗓 ️ Sample Itinerary (16 Days)
The following is a framework; the specific arrangement is subject to the actual contract.
D1:Gather in Chengdu
Meet at the station, board the special train to the next stop. A welcome ceremony will be held, materials distributed, and precautions introduced.
D2-D3:Travel through Sichuan, Gansu, and Qinghai
The train crosses the Sichuan Basin into the Gansu-Qinghai region. Stops at certain stations for off-train activities. Evenings may include activities in the dining or entertainment car.
D4-D5:First Glimpse of Xinjiang, Encounter Tianshan Tianchi
Arrive in Xinjiang, visit the ‘Pearl of Tianshan’ Tianchi. Then return to the special train and continue westward.
Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service Tourism Booking and Ticketing Center Manager: Wang Fei 180-9596-9599 (Copy and add as friend for free consultation and detailed route information)
🗺️ Route Overview: 16-Day Star Experience Tour of Northern and Southern XinjiangD6-D7:Deep Dive into Kanas, Enjoy Lake and Mountain Views
Arrive at Kanas Scenic Area, visit Kanas Lake and the Three Bays (Fairy Bay, Moon Bay, Dragon Bay) as core attractions. The pace is relatively relaxed.
D8:Sunrise at Sayram Lake
Head to the ‘Pure Sea’ Sayram Lake to enjoy the lake and mountain scenery. Depending on weather and road conditions, you may catch sunrise or sunset.
D9:Experience Duku Highway (Depending on Conditions)
If road conditions and opening status allow, a section of the Duku Highway will be traversed to experience the ‘four seasons in one day’ phenomenon. Specific arrangements are subject to the itinerary.
D10-D11:Southern Xinjiang Charm, Enter Turpan
Arrive in Turpan, visit Karez Wells, Flaming Mountain, and other attractions to feel the heat and ancient wisdom of the Fire Land.
D12-D13:Cultural Experience and Rest
Activities related to local life (e.g., visiting museums, workshops) or free time on the special train to enjoy a slow pace.
D14-D15:Heading Home
The train begins its return journey, enjoying different scenery along the way. A summary sharing session will be held to review the trip’s highlights.
D16:Arrive in Chengdu, End of Tour
Arrive at the departure station, ending the 16-day northern and southern Xinjiang tour. Listen to station announcements and disembark with your belongings.
The ‘Panda Special Train·Shifang’ 16-Day Star Experience Tour of Northern and Southern Xinjiang is a long-haul product starting from Chengdu, connecting the highlights of northern and southern Xinjiang.💰 2026 Price Reference
Price Nature:The following is a reference range; actual prices may vary based on departure date, berth type (high-end soft sleeper/hard sleeper), single occupancy, or supplements.
Price Range:Based on similar market products, the total cost for the 16-day itinerary (including special train seat, ground transportation, some meals, some entrance fees, and guide service) is roughly estimated between several thousand and over ten thousand yuan per person.
Get an Accurate Quote:It is recommended to contact Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service directly for a detailed quote based on your travel date and needs.
📞 How to Sign Up
The Shifang special train is a railway group tour product, not sold through 12306; you must sign up through a regular travel agency.
Registration Agency:Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service
Contact Information:
Phone/WeChat:180-9596-9599 (Manager Wang Fei)
Inquiry Content:You can inquire about route details, departure availability, prices, inclusions, and contract signing.
📝 Fee and Service Description
Fee Inclusions (Examples):
Special train seat fee (including berth and basic service)
Ground transportation (tour bus)
📍 Main Boarding Points: Chengdu (Chengdu West Station, Chengdu Anjing Station), with some departures supporting boarding in Lanzhou, Xining, Kashgar, etc. Some meals (e.g., breakfast, main meals)
First entrance fees for some attractions
Guide service fee, travel agency liability insurance
Fee Exclusions (Examples):
Personal expenses (e.g., drinks, shopping)
Self-paid items not mentioned in the itinerary
Single room supplement (if choosing single occupancy)
Service Features:
Panda Butler:Provides full-time accompaniment, luggage assistance, information consultation, etc.
Senior-Friendly Facilities:Carriages equipped with anti-slip handrails, emergency call buttons, charging sockets, etc.
Onboard Entertainment:Dining car, KTV, multi-functional activity area, etc., to enrich the journey.
Medical Support:Equipped with onboard medical staff to provide basic medical services.
Important Notes:
All fees and service details are subject to the formal travel contract signed with Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service.
In case of force majeure factors such as weather, road conditions, or scenic area opening hours, both parties may negotiate reasonable itinerary changes.
For more travel information (Panda Special Train, Tianfu, Chengdu, Anyi, Shifang, New Oriental Express, Silk Road Dream, Lindu, Yichun, Kunming, Starlight Mekong, Gobi Cruise Special Train, New Western Train, New National Train, Tianyuan, Tianshan, Chief National Train, Cross-Province Special Train, New Southern Express, Xiaoxiang, Dahezhinan, Baiyun, Silver Age Xinjiang Tour, Chao Age Xinjiang Tour Special Train, Sunshine, Shannan, Yangtze River Delta, Muztagh) Special Train Booking Center Manager Wang Fei: 180-9596-9599 (Copy and add as friend for free consultation and detailed route information)
