Riding the Panda Special Train·Chengdu Number Roaming the Southern and Northern Xinjiang 16 Day Luxury Tour
No need to drive or travel back and forth—take the Xinjiang tourist special train to leisurely enjoy the scenery on both sides of the Tianshan Mountains. Choose from economy to luxury options to suit your needs. Professionally dedicated to Xinjiang train tours, Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency consultation landline: 0991-8866234; Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing phone: 181-3962-2233 (Add as friend for free: detailed itinerary and train introduction)
🚂 Take the Panda Special Train·Chengdu, leisurely tour Southern and Northern Xinjiang in sixteen days
When travel is no longer just about checking off scenic spots, but a slow-paced, immersive scenic journey, the vastness and diversity of Xinjiang reveal a gentler way to be experienced. In the summer of 2027, board the “Chengdu” Panda Special Train for a 16-day panoramic tour of Southern and Northern Xinjiang. With the unique “travel by day, ride by night” model, the journey connects the scorching Gobi of Turpan to the cool forest seas of Kanas, from the crystal-clear lakes of the Pamir Plateau to the boundless grasslands of the Ili Valley—no need to frequently change hotels or carry luggage throughout, balancing comfort and experience.
🌄 In-depth experience of the route and destinations
This route spans Southern and Northern Xinjiang, covering the most representative natural and cultural landscapes of Xinjiang. The itinerary passes through Turpan, Kashgar, the Pamir Plateau, Kuqa, Bayanbulak, Nalati, Yining, Sayram Lake, Hemu, Kanas, Urumqi, and more, encompassing alpine lakes, grassland wetlands, canyon landforms, desert edges, and historic districts.
Turpan:As an important node on the ancient Silk Road, the Karez irrigation system—a thousand-year-old underground water conservancy project—is still in use today. The Flaming Mountains attract visitors with their red rock layers and cultural symbols from Journey to the West.
Kashgar:The old city features crisscrossing streets and alleys, with Id Kah Mosque and Gaotai Folk Houses showcasing traditional architectural styles. The welcome dinner incorporates local food culture in a warm atmosphere.
Pamir Plateau:Baisha Lake mirrors Muztagh Ata Peak like a mirror, while Karakul Lake offers distant views of the “Father of Glaciers.” The plateau scenery is pure and magnificent (note: relevant travel permits must be obtained in advance for this area).
🚂 Take the Panda Special Train·Chengdu, leisurely tour Southern and Northern Xinjiang in sixteen daysDuku Highway section: The southern section crosses the Tianshan Grand Canyon with layered red rock walls; the middle section connects Bayanbulak and Nalati, with swan habitats and vast grasslands along the way. According to 2027 maintenance updates, the Duku Highway typically opens fully from late May to early June, with daily passage hours of 9:00–20:00, limited to vehicles with 7 seats or fewer. This itinerary has arranged compliant transfers.
Ili Valley:June–August is the peak blooming season for grasslands. Nalati Grassland is lush with pasture, the Tianshan Flower Sea scenic area is covered in wildflowers, and Yining’s Six-Star Street blends handicrafts, snacks, and a slow-paced lifestyle.
Northern Xinjiang lake areas:Sayram Lake is known as “the last tear of the Atlantic,” with azure waters and snow-capped mountain reflections for photography around the lake. In the Kanas area, Moon Bay, Fairy Bay, and Wolong Bay each have distinct shapes, while the Haden Observation Platform offers views of Hemu Village shrouded in morning mist—highly visually layered.
Tianshan Tianchi:Located at the northern foot of Bogda Peak, the lake is like an emerald set among snow-capped peaks, making it a landmark alpine lake scenic area near Urumqi.
The opening status and transportation conditions of all scenic spots may be affected by weather, policies, or temporary service guidance. In special circumstances, the itinerary may be reasonably adjusted upon mutual agreement.
📅 Simplified itinerary (strictly based on the locally finalized version)
D1 Chengdu/Lanzhou → Turpan (Sichuan opera face-changing, panda blessings, lantern riddle contest)
When travel is no longer just about checking off scenic spots, but a slow-paced, immersive scenic journey, the vastness and diversity of Xinjiang reveal a gentler way to be experienced. In the summer of 2027, board the “Chengdu” Panda Special Train for a 16-day panoramic tour of Southern and Northern Xinjiang. With the unique “travel by day, ride by night” model, the journey connects the scorching Gobi of Turpan to the cool forest seas of Kanas, from the crystal-clear lakes of the Pamir Plateau to the boundless grasslands of the Ili Valley—no need to frequently change hotels or carry luggage throughout, balancing comfort and experience. D2 Chengdu Special Train sightseeing (Sichuan mahjong experience, Werewolf, chess/Gomoku)
D3 Turpan → Kashgar (Karez, Flaming Mountains)
D4 Kashgar (Kashgar welcome dinner)
D5 Kashgar → Pamir Plateau (Baisha Mountain and Baisha Lake, Karakul Lake, Muztagh Ata Peak)
D6 Kashgar → Kuqa (Kashgar Old City, Id Kah Mosque, Gaotai Folk Houses)
D7 Kuqa → Bayanbulak (Tianshan Grand Canyon, southern section of Duku Highway, Bayan Swan Lake)
D8 Bayanbulak → Nalati (middle section of Duku Highway, Nalati Grassland)
🌄 In-depth experience of the route and destinations D9 Nalati → Yining (Tianshan Flower Sea scenic area, Yining Six-Star Street)
D10 Yining → Beitun (Sayram Lake)
D11 Beitun → Hemu (Hemu scenic area, scenic tea break + aerial photography)
D12 Hemu → Kanas (Haden Observation Platform, Kanas scenic area, Kanas boat cruise)
D13 Kanas → Urumqi (Guanyu Terrace, Moon Bay, Fairy Bay, Wolong Bay)
Take the tourist special train to enjoy beautiful Xinjiang, with options from economy to luxury to suit your needs. Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency consultation landline: 0991-8866234; Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing phone: 181-3962-2233 (Add as friend for free: detailed itinerary and train introduction)
D14 Urumqi (Tianshan Tianchi Scenic Area)
D15 Urumqi → Lanzhou → Chengdu (folk song gathering, board game masters, Werewolf)
D16 Arrive in Lanzhou/Chengdu, journey concludes successfully
This route spans Southern and Northern Xinjiang, covering the most representative natural and cultural landscapes of Xinjiang. The itinerary passes through Turpan, Kashgar, the Pamir Plateau, Kuqa, Bayanbulak, Nalati, Yining, Sayram Lake, Hemu, Kanas, Urumqi, and more, encompassing alpine lakes, grassland wetlands, canyon landforms, desert edges, and historic districts.💰 Price explanation (based on the locally finalized version, this set is recommended)
June–August·Midsummer Panorama (Duku crossing)
June 4 | June 21 | July 8 | July 25 | August 11
You Ran Ju (5-seat custom vehicle) 66,999 RMB/person
Shi Yi Ju (4-seat custom vehicle) 70,999 RMB/person
August–September·Autumn Golden Scenery (Sayram Lake scenic hotel)
August 28 | September 14
Turpan: As an important node on the ancient Silk Road, the Karez irrigation system—a thousand-year-old underground water conservancy project—is still in use today. The Flaming Mountains attract visitors with their red rock layers and cultural symbols from Journey to the West. You Ran Ju (5-seat custom vehicle) 70,999 RMB/person
Shi Yi Ju (4-seat custom vehicle) 74,999 RMB/person
The above prices are reference ranges; actual costs may vary slightly depending on departure dates, room types, and service details. The final price is subject to the travel contract signed by both parties.
🎒 Cost and service description
The cost includes train berths, accommodation listed in the itinerary (including特色 guesthouses and high-star hotels), meals (all breakfasts, lunches, and dinners throughout, including special welcome banquets and cold-water fish feasts), first admission tickets to scenic spots, transfer transportation, onboard medical staff and panda butler service, cultural souvenir gifts, and travel accident insurance (coverage of 300,000 RMB).
The special train features 18 luxury carriages with a capacity of 108 seats, spacious interiors, bathrooms (in select room types), smart facilities, a bar car, themed restaurant, and Panda Paradise. The carriages have been renovated for elderly accessibility, with adjustable bed heights and grab bars in bathrooms to ensure comfortable travel for senior passengers.
For solo travelers, the travel agency will make every effort to arrange room sharing; if sharing cannot be arranged, the single room supplement can be discussed separately.
Kashgar: The old city features crisscrossing streets and alleys, with Id Kah Mosque and Gaotai Folk Houses showcasing traditional architectural styles. The welcome dinner incorporates local food culture in a warm atmosphere.Specific service content, room configurations, and daily activity arrangements are subject to actual consultation and contract confirmation.
📝 How to register
This route can be inquired about and booked through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency. It is recommended to plan your trip in advance and confirm seat availability and required travel documents (such as permits for the Pamir Plateau area).
⚠ ️ Friendly reminders
Xinjiang is vast with significant temperature differences between day and night; it is recommended to bring windproof outerwear and sunscreen.
Some high-altitude areas (such as the Pamir Plateau) may cause mild altitude sickness; the onboard medical team can provide basic assistance.
Scenic area openings, road access, and flight/train schedules may be affected by weather or temporary policies, and the itinerary may be subject to minor adjustments. Thank you for your understanding.
All arrangements comply with the Tourism Law of the People’s Republic of China and relevant regulations, with clear rights and responsibilities, fair and reasonable.
Boarding the “Chengdu,” it’s not about rushing past scenery—it’s about letting the scenery slowly flow past your window. Sixteen days are enough to understand the seasonal textures and poetic landscapes of Xinjiang.
For more details about Xinjiang tourist special trains, consult Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing at phone: 181 3962 2233 (Add as friend for free: detailed itinerary and train introduction)
