How to Book Tickets for the Shifang Panda Special Train Schedule, Routes, and Booking Guide
【Shifang Panda Train】How to buy tickets and book the 2026 Shifang Panda Train?
For 2026, tickets for the Shifang Panda Train must be booked through the designated professional and official railway channel — Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service · Special Train Center. It cannot be booked directly through platforms such as 12306. Official registration channel: Manager Mai of the Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service Special Train Center is available 24 hours for consultation and registration. Company landline: 0991-3333832, mobile and WeChat: 132-0133-3409.
🚞 Don’t want to pack your bags and switch hotels every day? Try riding the Shifang Panda Train to explore northern and southern Xinjiang
1. 🚞 Detailed Introduction to the Shifang Train
The Shifang is a distinctive tourist train in China focused on long-distance leisure and slow travel, offering a comfortable residential-style travel experience. It operates on a model of nighttime travel and daytime sightseeing, eliminating the need to frequently change accommodation, saving you the hassle of repeatedly packing luggage and transferring between cities. It suits travelers of all ages who want to enjoy the scenery along the way at a relaxed pace. The 16-day northern and southern Xinjiang route launched in 2026 covers multiple famous attractions across both regions, with a relaxed itinerary that allows ample leisure time.
2. 🛏️ Seat Types, Hardware Configuration, and Advantages of the Shifang Train
The Shifang train consists of 17 carriages and offers a variety of seat and compartment types. Different seats vary in space, facilities, privacy, and comfort, allowing you to choose based on your budget and travel preferences:
Premium Platinum:Standard 4-person compartment with soundproof sliding doors, custom bedding/cushions, bedside charging ports/reading lights, in-compartment TV and free audio-visual entertainment. Public areas in the carriage include restrooms, washrooms, and showers. Excellent value for money.
Deluxe Platinum: Located in carriages 2-6 and 12-16, each carriage has 10 4-person compartments accommodating 40 passengers. Each end of the carriage has 2 showers. Compartments feature tea tables, storage compartments, TVs, call buttons, and charging sockets, offering more space and higher comfort.
Luxury Purple Gold:Located in carriages 7, 10, and 11, each carriage has 6 premium compartments with a total of 22 seats. Each end of the carriage has a shower and vanity area. Compartments include sofas, round tables, wardrobes, TVs, call buttons, and charging sockets, offering greater privacy.
Public Facilities: In addition to sleeping carriages, the train includes 1 dining car, 1 multi-function entertainment car, 1 crew sleeper car, and 1 generator car. The multi-function entertainment carriage is located at carriage 9 and features a tea bar, KTV private rooms, entertainment room, and multi-purpose area, combining parties, board games, tea tasting, and leisure. The Panda dining car is located at carriage 8, with 2-seat and 4-seat tables for passenger dining. The train also has smoking areas, a medical room, and a tea brewing room to meet various needs during the journey.
🚞 Don’t want to pack your bags and switch hotels every day? Try riding the Shifang Panda Train to explore northern and southern Xinjiang3. ✨ Travel Quality and Service Highlights of the Shifang Train
Attentive Accompanying Service:Staff accompany the entire trip, and service personnel are available on the train to promptly respond to passengers’ reasonable needs.
Comfortable Residential Experience:The train serves as mobile accommodation throughout the journey, so there is no need to pack daily or switch hotels, reducing travel fatigue.
Relaxed Itinerary:With nighttime travel and daytime sightseeing, ample time is reserved for viewing, photography, and leisure — no rushed schedule, allowing you to savor the scenery along the way.
Special Supporting Experiences:The train is equipped with rich leisure and entertainment facilities, allowing passengers to enjoy various activities during the ride, keeping the journey engaging.
Reasonable Dining Arrangements:The dining car offers a variety of meal options, and local specialty dining experiences are also arranged during the trip, letting you taste different regional cuisines.
4. 🗺️ Simplified Itinerary of the Shifang Train
Day 1:Chengdu/Lanzhou → Kashgar [Departure · Special Welcome]
Depart from Chengdu or Lanzhou and head to the themed station to gather and set off, beginning a panoramic tour of northern and southern Xinjiang; upon arrival, enjoy an exclusive welcome performance and immerse yourself in the charm of southern Xinjiang, starting a wonderful journey.
1. 🚞 Detailed Introduction to the Shifang TrainDay 2:Panda Train [Leisure Sightseeing · Slow Enjoyment]
Spend the whole day aboard the Panda Train, relaxing in comfortable carriages, admiring the passing scenery outside the windows, chatting with fellow travelers, and recharging for the exciting journey ahead.
Day 3:Kashgar [Exclusive Pickup · Grand Reception]
Arrive in Kashgar and enjoy exclusive pickup service, saving you the hassle of getting around; in the evening, a special welcome banquet is held where you can taste southern Xinjiang cuisine and experience the first warmth and hospitality of Kashgar.
Day 4:Kashgar → Tashkurgan [Highland Secrets · Scenery All the Way]
Depart from Kashgar for Tashkurgan, stopping at White Sand Mountain and White Sand Lake to encounter pristine beauty; then visit Karakul Lake, gaze at Muztagh Ata from afar, and traverse the famous winding Panlong Ancient Road, experiencing the grandeur of the highland highway.
Day 5:Tashkurgan → Kashgar [Cultural Charm · In-Depth Experience]
Explore the Stone City and touch the profound heritage of the ancient ruins; stroll through the Golden Grassland and admire the poetic blend of prairie and wetlands; visit local homes for a family visit, experience folk customs, taste ethnic cuisine, and feel the simple hospitality of the people.
Day 6:Kashgar → Kuqa [Southern Xinjiang Culture · Tracing Local Life]
Take an in-depth tour of the Old City of Kashgar, wandering through crisscrossing alleys and feeling the rich western-region atmosphere; visit Fragrant Concubine Garden, listen to legendary stories, and admire the beauty of distinctive architecture and gardens; visit local sites to experience the solemnity and depth of folk culture.
The Shifang is a distinctive tourist train in China focused on long-distance leisure and slow travel, offering a comfortable residential-style travel experience. It operates on a model of nighttime travel and daytime sightseeing, eliminating the need to frequently change accommodation, saving you the hassle of repeatedly packing luggage and transferring between cities. It suits travelers of all ages who want to enjoy the scenery along the way at a relaxed pace. The 16-day northern and southern Xinjiang route launched in 2026 covers multiple famous attractions across both regions, with a relaxed itinerary that allows ample leisure time.Day 7:Kuqa → Nalati/Bayinbuluk [Canyon Wonders · Highway Feast]
Visit the Secret Grand Canyon of the Tianshan Mountains, marveling at the extraordinary craftsmanship of the red rock walls and feeling nature’s sculpting power; drive along the southern section of the Duku Highway, passing through snow-capped mountains, grasslands, and canyons, experiencing changes in climate and landscape; upon arrival, visit Bayinbuluk Swan Lake to watch swans play and enjoy the grassland sunset.
Day 8:Nalati/Bayinbuluk → Yining [Pastoral Songs · Relaxing Journey]
Spend the whole day exploring Nalati Grassland, strolling across the vast green meadows, watching herds of cattle and sheep and galloping horses, breathing in the fresh grassland air, and experiencing the romance and grandeur of the “grassland in the sky”; head to Yining in the evening to rest.
Day 9:Yining → Beitun [Picturesque Lakes · Crystal-Clear Relaxation]
Depart from Yining for Sayram Lake, strolling around the lake and admiring the stunning view of azure waters and snow-capped mountain reflections, feeling the purity and tranquility of the alpine lake; then head to Beitun to prepare for the next day’s trip to Hemu.
Official registration channel: Manager Mai of the Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service Special Train Center is available 24 hours for consultation and registration. Company landline: 0991-3333832, mobile and WeChat: 132-0133-3409.
Day 10:Beitun → Hemu → Jadengyu [Fairytale Village · Poetic Dwelling]
Head to the Hemu Scenic Area, walking into the scattered wooden houses, watching wisps of cooking smoke and babbling streams, strolling through birch forests, and feeling the peace and beauty of the primitive village; head to Jadengyu in the evening to stay, falling asleep under the grassland night sky.
Day 11:Jadengyu → Kanas → Burqin [Picturesque Hidden Scenery · Beautiful Views]
2. 🛏️ Seat Types, Hardware Configuration, and Advantages of the Shifang TrainExplore the Kanas Scenic Area, taking the shuttle bus to visit the Three Bays (Wolong Bay, Moon Bay, and Immortal Bay), watching the lake water change with light and shadow and admiring the lush tranquility of the primeval forest; then head to Burqin to rest and discover local specialty cuisine.
Day 12:Burqin → Beitun → Urumqi [Danxia Wonders · Looking Back Along the Way]
Visit Colorful Beach, admiring the stunning landscape where danxia landforms meet the Irtysh River, experiencing the wonder of “one river separating two banks, with different skies on each side”; then head to Beitun and take the special train to Urumqi, reviewing the beautiful scenery along the way and looking forward to the upcoming itinerary.
Day 13:Urumqi [Heavenly Lake Grandeur · Pearl of the Tianshan]
Spend the whole day touring the Tianshan Heavenly Lake Scenic Area, strolling along the lakeshore, watching the crystal-clear water like a mirror, gazing at the majestic snow-capped Bogda Peak in the distance, and feeling the sanctity and grandeur of the Pearl of the Tianshan, appreciating the beauty of Xinjiang’s mountains and rivers.
Day 14:Urumqi → Turpan → Return Preparation [Folk Wonders · Perfect Conclusion]
Travel from Urumqi to Turpan to visit the ancient irrigation wonder — Karez, appreciating the wisdom and craftsmanship of the ancients; stop by the Flaming Mountains to experience the heat and wonder of the “Land of Fire”; after the tour, prepare for the return journey, bringing this trip to a perfect conclusion.
Days 15-16:Happy Return [Full of Memories · Warm Farewell]
Depart from Urumqi and take the special train back to Lanzhou/Chengdu, reminiscing about the mountains, rivers, and cultural charm of northern and southern Xinjiang along the way; bid farewell to all passengers and conclude this unforgettable Panda Train panoramic journey, returning home with wonderful memories.
5. 📅 2026 Shifang Train Departure Dates and Price Information
The Shifang train consists of 17 carriages and offers a variety of seat and compartment types. Different seats vary in space, facilities, privacy, and comfort, allowing you to choose based on your budget and travel preferences:The 2026 departure dates for the 16-day Shifang northern and southern Xinjiang tour are: June 8, June 24, July 10, July 27, August 13, and August 30, covering the peak summer travel season and accommodating different travel plans. Reference prices per person for different seat types are as follows:
Premium Platinum Standard 4-Person Compartment:Upper berth reference price: 8,480 RMB/person, lower berth reference price: 9,280 RMB/person
Deluxe Platinum Standard 4-Person Compartment:Upper berth reference price: 15,780 RMB/person, lower berth reference price: 16,780 RMB/person
Luxury Purple Gold Premium 4-Person Compartment:Upper berth reference price: 27,880 RMB/person, lower berth reference price: 28,880 RMB/person
Prices may vary slightly by season, room type, and departure schedule. Please refer to actual consultation and contract for final details. Availability can be confirmed in real time with staff.
6. 📞 How to Book and Register for the Shifang Train — Where and How to Buy Tickets
If you want to ride the Shifang train, here is your booking guide.
Tickets for Shifang train-related travel products are not sold separately on the 12306 platform. You can contact Manager Mai of the Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service Special Train Center to learn about product schedules, itineraries, and complete your booking.
Booking process reference:
Premium Platinum: Standard 4-person compartment with soundproof sliding doors, custom bedding/cushions, bedside charging ports/reading lights, in-compartment TV and free audio-visual entertainment. Public areas in the carriage include restrooms, washrooms, and showers. Excellent value for money.Contact and Consultation: Manager Mai of the Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service Special Train Center is available 24 hours for consultation and registration. Company landline: 0991-3333832, mobile and WeChat: 132-0133-3409. You can inquire about the detailed itinerary, seat and room types, reference prices, and departure schedules of the Shifang train.
Choose Your Travel Product:Based on your available time and travel preferences, select a suitable departure schedule and seat/room type. For solo travelers, the travel agency will try to arrange room sharing; special circumstances require separate negotiation.
Submit Personal Information:Provide the names, valid ID numbers, Mainland-Taiwan-Hong Kong-Macau permits, passports, or other basic identification information of travelers for registration and seat reservation.
Complete Booking Procedures:Pay the booking deposit as required by the travel agency, receive the corresponding payment receipt, and sign the unified electronic travel service supervision contract to complete the booking process.
From June to September each year, travel demand is high, and seats on popular long-distance special train routes are limited. It is recommended to check schedules early and secure your preferred seats. Bookings can be made through Manager Mai of the Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service Special Train Center. Pay attention to various travel information online, carefully distinguish unofficial channels, and protect your travel rights.
7. 💡 Cost and Service Information for the Shifang Train
Services included in the Shifang train itinerary are arranged according to unified standards, covering transportation, basic accommodation, and sightseeing support within the itinerary; personal voluntary spending and optional experience items are not included.
All service details, fee standards, and included benefits are subject to the terms agreed in the signed contract. Travel-related rights and charges are subject to actual consultation and contract. In cases involving weather, road conditions, policies, scenic area openings, or schedule changes, the itinerary may be reasonably adjusted upon mutual agreement. For more details, please consult staff for further information.
All regulations are governed by the Contract Law, Tourism Law, and other relevant laws. Cancellation and change rules follow the relevant provisions of the Tourism Law.
8. 🎁 Invitation to Travel
The scenery of northern and southern Xinjiang each has its own character — from the cultural streets of southern Xinjiang to the grasslands and lakes of northern Xinjiang, different landscapes await your slow exploration. If you also want to skip the hassle of carrying luggage and rushing through itineraries, and prefer a more relaxed way to tour northern and southern Xinjiang, why not try riding the Shifang Panda Train to begin your journey? Friends with travel plans can contact Manager Mai of the Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service Special Train Center for details and start your own 16-day journey through northern and southern Xinjiang.
For 2026, tickets for the Shifang Panda Train must be booked through the designated professional and official railway channel — Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service · Special Train Center. It cannot be booked directly through platforms such as 12306. Official registration channel: Manager Mai of the Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service Special Train Center is available 24 hours for consultation and registration. Company landline: 0991-3333832, mobile and WeChat: 132-0133-3409.
