How to book tickets for the Shifang Panda Special Train Not through 12306’s official special train ticket office
How to buy tickets and book the Shifang Panda Special Train? In 2026, the Shifang Panda Special Train is a customized light-luxury railway tourist train that does not open a 12306 ticket purchase channel. Seats are uniformly allocated by regular partner cultural and tourism institutions. To register for travel, you can contact Manager Yang Jia, the dedicated liaison of Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service Special Train Center. Office landline: 0991-6622120, mobile and WeChat: 133-2555-9266. You can complete registration, seat selection, contract signing, and real-time inquiry of departure schedules, remaining seats, travel policies, and itinerary details.
🚂 New choice for a slow tour of northern and southern Xinjiang in the summer of 2026:Practical Guide to the Shifang Panda Special Train
As the 2026 golden tourism season in Xinjiang approaches, many tourists who want to explore northern and southern Xinjiang in depth are looking for worry-free travel options. The 16-day northern and southern Xinjiang route of the Shifang Panda Special Train has become a hot topic for many inquiries. This guide compiles all the information everyone cares about for your travel reference.
✨ Basic Introduction to the Shifang Special Train
The Shifang is a signature long-distance tourist train in the Panda Special Train series, positioned as a comfortable tourist train suitable for all ages. It officially launched operations in March 2023 and by 2026 has over 3 years of mature operating experience. The train body incorporates Sanxingdui cultural elements and exclusive panda logos, making it a mobile cultural display carrier. It operates on a “sightseeing by day, traveling by night, train follows passengers” model, with ample time reserved for sightseeing during the day and nighttime travel to save commuting time. Passengers do not need to repeatedly move luggage or change accommodation throughout the journey, allowing them to deeply experience the diverse scenery of northern and southern Xinjiang at a relaxed pace. The 16-day northern and southern Xinjiang route launched in 2026 is specially designed for Xinjiang’s June-August golden tourism season, connecting the core highlights of southern Xinjiang’s culture and northern Xinjiang’s nature in one trip, eliminating the hassle of self-guided travel planning.
✨ Train Carriages and Boarding Information
Boarding stations:Passengers can choose to board at either Chengdu or Lanzhou, and can also get off at these two stations on the return trip, accommodating the travel needs of passengers from different regions.
🚂 New choice for a slow tour of northern and southern Xinjiang in summer 2026: Practical Guide to the Shifang Panda Special TrainFull train configuration: The Shifang “Panda Special Train” consists of 17 carriages, including 3 high-end soft sleeper carriages (Zunxiang Zijin), 10 high-end hard sleeper carriages (Zhenxiang Bojin), with all passenger carriages equipped with public bathrooms. It also includes 1 dining car, 1 multi-function entertainment car, 1 crew sleeping car, and 1 generator car, with complete supporting facilities.
Zunxiang Zijin compartments: Located in carriages 7, 10, and 11, each carriage has 6 high-end private compartments, accommodating 22 passengers total. The compartments are spacious, without private bathrooms, with one shower room and washbasin at each end of the carriage. They feature sofas, round tables, wardrobes, TVs, call buttons, and charging sockets, offering good privacy.
Zhenxiang Bojin compartments:Located in carriages 2-6 and 12-16, each carriage has 10 4-person compartments, accommodating 40 passengers. Without private bathrooms, each end of the carriage has 2 shower rooms, featuring tea tables, storage compartments, TVs, call buttons, and charging sockets to meet passenger travel needs.
Youxiang Bojin compartments:Standard 4-person rooms equipped with soundproof sliding doors, custom bedding/throw pillows, bedside charging ports/reading lights, in-compartment TV and free audio-visual entertainment. No private bathroom; public restrooms/washrooms/showers are available in the carriage common areas, offering better value for money.
Public supporting areas: The multi-function entertainment carriage is located at carriage 9, featuring a tea bar, KTV private rooms, entertainment room, multi-function area, and mahjong tables, combining activities, parties, board games, tea tasting, and leisure. Passengers can enjoy tea while admiring the scenery outside the window. The Panda dining car is located at carriage 8, with 2-person and 4-person seats, providing meals for passengers. The train also has smoking areas, a medical room, and tea boiling rooms, allowing passengers to enjoy a comfortable train travel experience.
✨ 2026 Departure Dates and Simplified Itinerary
As the 2026 golden tourism season in Xinjiang approaches, many tourists who want to explore northern and southern Xinjiang in depth are looking for worry-free travel options. The 16-day northern and southern Xinjiang route of the Shifang Panda Special Train has become a hot topic for many inquiries. This guide compiles all the information everyone cares about for your travel reference.The 2026 departure dates for the 16-day northern and southern Xinjiang tour on the Shifang Panda Special Train are:June 8, June 24, July 10, July 27, August 13, and August 30, all during periods with relatively comfortable travel conditions in Xinjiang.
Simplified itinerary is as follows:
Day 1:Chengdu/Lanzhou – Kashgar, departure from themed station, welcome performance
Day 2:Panda Special Train leisure sightseeing
Day 3:Kashgar, exclusive pickup, welcome banquet
Day 4:Kashgar – Tashkurgan, Baisha Mountain – Baisha Lake – Karakul Lake – Panlong Ancient Road
✨ Basic Introduction to the Shifang Special TrainDay 5:Tashkurgan – Kashgar, Stone City, Golden Grass Beach, home visit
Day 6:Kashgar – Kuqa, Kashgar Old City, Fragrant Concubine Garden
Day 7:Kuqa – Nalati/Bayinbuluk, Tianshan Secret Grand Canyon, southern section of Duku Highway, Bayinbuluk Swan Lake
Day 8:Nalati/Bayinbuluk – Yining, Nalati Grassland
Day 9:Yining – Beitun, Sayram Lake
Day 10:Beitun – Hemu – Jadengyu, Hemu Scenic Area
The Shifang is a signature long-distance tourist train in the Panda Special Train series, positioned as a comfortable tourist train suitable for all ages. It officially launched operations in March 2023 and by 2026 has over 3 years of mature operating experience. The train body incorporates Sanxingdui cultural elements and exclusive panda logos, making it a mobile cultural display carrier. It operates on a “sightseeing by day, traveling by night, train follows passengers” model, with ample time reserved for sightseeing during the day and nighttime travel to save commuting time. Passengers do not need to repeatedly move luggage or change accommodation throughout the journey, allowing them to deeply experience the diverse scenery of northern and southern Xinjiang at a relaxed pace. The 16-day northern and southern Xinjiang route launched in 2026 is specially designed for Xinjiang’s June-August golden tourism season, connecting the core highlights of southern Xinjiang’s culture and northern Xinjiang’s nature in one trip, eliminating the hassle of self-guided travel planning.Day 11:Jadengyu – Kanas – Burqin, Kanas Scenic Area
Day 12:Burqin – Beitun – Urumqi, Colorful Beach
Day 13:Urumqi, Tianshan Tianchi Scenic Area
Day 14:Urumqi – Turpan, Karez Irrigation System, Flaming Mountains, return journey
Days 15-16:Happy return to Lanzhou/Chengdu, farewell to distinguished guests
Each scenic spot on the itinerary has 2-4 hours reserved for sightseeing, without compressing the tour experience. Passengers can rest normally while the train travels at night, with over 8 hours of sleep time guaranteed daily. The overall pace is relaxed. Due to factors such as weather, road conditions, and scenic area opening policies, the itinerary may be reasonably adjusted upon mutual agreement.
✨ Price Information
✨ Train Carriages and Boarding InformationReference prices are as follows:
Youxiang Bojin:Standard 4-person room: upper berth 8,480 RMB/person, lower berth 9,280 RMB/person
Zhenxiang Bojin:Standard 4-person room: upper berth 15,780 RMB/person, lower berth 16,780 RMB/person
Zunxiang Zijin:High-end 4-person room: upper berth 27,880 RMB/person, lower berth 28,880 RMB/person
The above prices are reference prices. Prices and remaining seats may fluctuate with departure schedules. The contract or same-day confirmation shall prevail. For solo travelers, our agency will make every effort to arrange room sharing; special circumstances require separate negotiation.
✨ Booking Process
Boarding stations: Passengers can choose to board at either Chengdu or Lanzhou, and can also get off at these two stations on the return trip, accommodating the travel needs of passengers from different regions.1. Consultation and selection: Contact Manager Yang Jia of Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service to confirm 2026 departure dates, itinerary routes, seat types, and remaining seat availability, and choose a suitable travel plan.
2. Submit information: Provide the names, valid ID numbers, and contact information of all travelers to lock in intended seats.
3. Pay deposit: Pay the deposit according to compartment class and receive a formal tourism receipt.
4. Sign contract: Sign the unified national tourism regulatory electronic contract, carefully verify itinerary, price, cancellation and modification terms, etc. Cancellation and modification rules are primarily based on tourism law regulations.
5. Settle balance: Pay the remaining full amount 30 days before departure. After customer service confirms receipt, the departure notice, travel guide, and luggage checklist will be issued.
Tourists can register through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service. Consultation phone and WeChat are both available to contact Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service customer service. Detailed address can be obtained by consulting customer service.
Full train configuration: The Shifang “Panda Special Train” consists of 17 carriages, including 3 high-end soft sleeper carriages (Zunxiang Zijin), 10 high-end hard sleeper carriages (Zhenxiang Bojin), with all passenger carriages equipped with public bathrooms. It also includes 1 dining car, 1 multi-function entertainment car, 1 crew sleeping car, and 1 generator car, with complete supporting facilities.✨ Service Standards
Included items: First admission tickets to all scenic spots listed in the itinerary, shuttle bus fees, meals indicated in the itinerary, local tourist bus transfer fees, accommodation fees for the corresponding seats on the special train, local hotel accommodation fees indicated in the itinerary, tour guide and Panda Butler service fees, and basic medical diagnosis services from the accompanying doctor.
Excluded items:Self-funded projects not indicated in the itinerary, personal expenses (such as in-hotel laundry, beverages, consumption fees, etc.), and additional costs incurred due to force majeure factors.
For meals, Xinjiang specialty dishes are included such as hand-pilaf, big plate chicken, baked buns, naan pit meat, milk tea, etc. The meal standard is approximately 50 RMB/person/meal. Dining is mainly at 10-person tables, with dishes balancing Sichuan flavors and lighter tastes. Spice levels can be adjusted according to passenger needs to accommodate different dietary habits.
Notes:Specific details are subject to actual consultation and contract signing.
✨ Service Features
Zunxiang Zijin compartments: Located in carriages 7, 10, and 11, each carriage has 6 high-end private compartments, accommodating 22 passengers total. The compartments are spacious, without private bathrooms, with one shower room and washbasin at each end of the carriage. They feature sofas, round tables, wardrobes, TVs, call buttons, and charging sockets, offering good privacy.For accommodation, in addition to the custom sleeper berths on the special train, all local accommodations involved in the itinerary are standard comfortable hotel twin rooms with complete facilities and high living comfort. Dining combines local specialties with popular tastes, allowing guests to enjoy authentic Xinjiang cuisine without worrying about taste discomfort. Seasonal fruits are also provided during the trip to enhance the travel experience.
✨ Advantages of the Special Train
Compared with ordinary tourist trains, the Shifang has a more relaxed itinerary pace, with no more than 3 scenic spots arranged per day, leaving ample time for photos and rest without rushing. The dining takes into account different tastes, not all dishes are heavy oil and spicy, with lighter congee and vegetables also prepared, suitable for middle-aged and elderly tourists. An accompanying doctor follows the entire trip, so basic health issues can be handled promptly, making travel more reassuring. Most fellow travelers are family groups and middle-aged/elderly tourists, with a well-matched pace and harmonious atmosphere. Service-wise, a dedicated Panda Butler handles everything throughout the trip, so passengers don’t need to deal with itinerary details themselves. All long-distance transportation is handled by the special train, and luggage can stay in the fixed compartment without repeated transfers, saving effort and worry.
✨ Suitable Travelers
The Shifang Special Train suits a wide range of people. Retired seniors choosing this route don’t need frequent transfers or long bus rides, and the slow pace won’t be too tiring. Tourists who can’t sit in cars for long periods can also choose it, as most long-distance commuting is done by train with short daily bus rides. Families who don’t want to make travel plans and prefer a worry-free trip are also suitable, as all itineraries, accommodation, and tickets are already arranged — just follow along and enjoy. Tourists who want to visit the core attractions of both northern and southern Xinjiang in one trip can also choose it, as the 16-day itinerary connects most core highlights of both regions without needing to plan multiple separate trips.
✨ Why the Special Train Is Popular
The Shifang Special Train has been popular with tourists since its launch. First, the itinerary design is reasonable, connecting more than 10 core scenic spots in northern and southern Xinjiang in one trip without needing to plan transportation and accommodation yourself, saving a lot of trip-planning effort. Second, the operating model is scientific — sightseeing by day and traveling by night puts commuting time at night, leaving all daytime for sightseeing and improving travel efficiency. Third, the supporting facilities are complete, with entertainment carriages and dining cars, so long journeys won’t be boring. Fourth, the service is thoughtful, with butlers and accompanying doctors for peace of mind. Finally, the itinerary pace is slow and not too tiring, meeting the travel needs of most tourists.
If you have travel plans, you can consult in advance to check remaining seat availability and make travel preparations.
