How to buy tickets for the Shifang Panda Special Train, ticket prices, schedule and notices

【Shifang Panda Special Train】How to buy tickets and book the 2026 Shifang Panda Special Train?
For 2026, tickets for the Shifang Panda Special Train must be booked through the designated professional 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.
🚂 How to book tickets for the Shifang Panda Special Train? Full analysis of 2026 fares and itinerary
Tired of the travel pace of rushing between attractions, changing hotels, and dragging luggage? Want to spend 16 days slowly traveling through the snow-capped mountains, grasslands, lakes, and ancient cities of northern and southern Xinjiang, enjoying a “lie-down tour” without the hassle? Then this Shifang “Panda Special Train” launched by Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service might be exactly the travel style you’ve been waiting for. It’s not an ordinary train — it’s a mobile, comfortable living space: enjoy the scenery by day, sleep in the carriage by night, with no need to frequently move luggage or worry about transport connections, truly achieving “the train moves with the scenery, and you travel within a living painting.”
I. Detailed introduction to the Shifang Special Train
The Shifang “Panda Special Train” is a distinctive tourist train in China focused on long-distance leisure and slow travel, designed for travelers seeking comfort, relaxation, and in-depth experiences. The train operates on the classic model of traveling at night and sightseeing during the day, making the journey itself part of the enjoyment. The entire route spans northern and southern Xinjiang, covering key destinations such as Kashgar, Tashkurgan, Kuqa, Nalati, Hemu, Kanas, Urumqi, and Turpan, connecting plateau lakes, hidden grasslands, canyon wonders, and ancient cultural cities.
Unlike the tight schedules of traditional group tours, the Shifang itinerary has a relaxed pace, with 1-2 core experiences arranged each day, leaving ample time for sightseeing, photography, rest, or free exploration. Accommodation throughout the trip is on the train itself, eliminating the hassle of repeatedly checking in and out of hotels — especially suitable for middle-aged and elderly travelers, family trips, or those who want to avoid the feeling of constant rushing.
II. Seat types, hardware configuration, and advantages of the Shifang Special Train
The Shifang train consists of 17 carriages with diverse configurations to meet different budget and comfort needs. All carriages are equipped with private compartments, TVs, charging sockets, call buttons, and custom bedding. Public areas include shower rooms and washrooms, and some carriages are further equipped with sofas, round tables, wardrobes, and other home-style facilities.
Zunxiang Zijing (Premium Soft Sleeper)
Located in carriages 7, 10, and 11, each with 6 premium compartments, accommodating 22 passengers in total. Compartments feature sofas, round tables, wardrobes, and TVs, offering strong privacy; both ends of the carriage have shower rooms and washbasins with ample space, ideal for travelers seeking a high-quality living experience.
Zhenxiang Bojin (Premium Hard Sleeper)
Distributed across carriages 2-6 and 12-16, each with 10 four-person compartments, accommodating 40 passengers per carriage. Compartments include tea tables, storage compartments, TVs, and reading lights, with soundproof sliding doors ensuring quiet; each carriage has 2 shower rooms with complete facilities, balancing comfort and value.
Youxiang Bojin (Standard Four-Bed Room)

🚂 How to book tickets for the Shifang Panda Special Train? Full analysis of 2026 fares and itinerary — the base room type, also a four-person compartment, equipped with custom bedding, throw pillows, bedside charging ports, reading lights, and an in-compartment TV with a free video-on-demand system. Public areas include restrooms, washrooms, and shower rooms to meet basic travel needs.
In addition, the train features a multi-functional entertainment carriage (Car 9), which includes a tea bar, KTV private rooms, mahjong tables, a cigar bar, and a multi-functional activity area — sip tea while enjoying the scenery outside the window, making the journey anything but monotonous. The Panda Dining Car (Car 8) offers 2-seat and 4-seat tables, serving full meals and specialty light meals. A medical room, tea boiler room, and smoking areas are also provided, with thoughtful attention to detail.
III. Travel quality and service highlights of the Shifang Special Train
The core advantage of the Shifang lies in blending “travel” with “living.” A professional team accompanies the entire journey, including dedicated station pickup, a special welcome dinner, scenic area shuttle buses, and guided tours as part of the basic arrangements. Dining standards combine local flavors with onboard train meals, striving to balance nutrition and experience.
Unlike conventional tourism, the Shifang emphasizes immersive slow travel:
✅ No need to pack luggage and change hotels every day
✅ Night travel saves daytime hours
✅ The carriage is your “home,” and you can return to rest anytime
✅ Rich entertainment facilities, suitable for both socializing and solitude
✅ Relaxed itinerary, no “check-in style” rushing
Whether sitting quietly by Sayram Lake in the early morning or watching the sunset over the Nalati grassland in the evening, you’ll have ample time to feel the moment rather than merely passing through.
IV. Simplified itinerary of the Shifang Special Train

Tired of the travel pace of rushing between attractions, changing hotels, and dragging luggage? Want to spend 16 days slowly traveling through the snow-capped mountains, grasslands, lakes, and ancient cities of northern and southern Xinjiang, enjoying a “lie-down tour” without the hassle? Then this Shifang “Panda Special Train” launched by Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service might be exactly the travel style you’ve been waiting for. It’s not an ordinary train — it’s a mobile, comfortable living space: enjoy the scenery by day, sleep in the carriage by night, with no need to frequently move luggage or worry about transport connections, truly achieving “the train moves with the scenery, and you travel within a living painting.”The following is the officially finalized itinerary, presented faithfully to the original text with light polishing for accuracy and compliance:
Day 1:Chengdu/Lanzhou → Kashgar [Departure · Special Welcome]
Depart from Chengdu or Lanzhou and gather at the themed station to begin the full panorama 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.
Day 2:Panda Special Train [Leisure Sightseeing · Slow Enjoyment]
Spend the entire day aboard the Panda Special Train, relaxing in the comfortable carriages, admiring the flowing scenery outside the window, chatting with fellow travelers, and building energy for the exciting itinerary ahead.
Day 3:Kashgar [Exclusive Pickup · Grand Welcome Dinner]
Arrive in Kashgar and enjoy exclusive station pickup service, free from the hassle of getting around; in the evening, a special welcome dinner is held, where you can savor southern Xinjiang flavors and experience the first warmth and hospitality of Kashgar.
Day 4:Kashgar → Tashkurgan [Highland Hidden Realm · Scenery All the Way]
Depart from Kashgar for Tashkurgan, stopping along the way at White Sand Mountain and White Sand Lake to encounter the pure beauty of a “mirror of the sky”; then visit Karakul Lake, gaze at Muztagh Ata from afar, and traverse the famous winding Panlong Ancient Road, experiencing the magnificence and wonder of the highland highway.
Day 5:Tashkurgan → Kashgar [Cultural Charm · In-Depth Experience]
Explore the Stone City and touch the profound heritage of this thousand-year-old ancient site; stroll through the Golden Grassland and admire the poetic scenery where grassland and wetlands intertwine; visit local ethnic minority homes to experience distinctive folk customs, taste ethnic cuisine, and feel the warmth of the local people.
Day 6:Kashgar → Kuqa [Southern Xinjiang Culture · Tracing Local Life]

I. Detailed introduction to the Shifang Special TrainTake an in-depth tour of the ancient city of Kashgar, wandering through its crisscrossing alleys and feeling the rich western-region atmosphere; visit the Fragrant Concubine Garden, listen to its legendary stories, and admire the beauty of the region’s architecture and gardens; visit the local site to experience the solemnity and depth of the folk culture.
Day 7:Kuqa → Nalati/Bayinbuluk [Canyon Wonders · Highway Feast]
Head to the Secret Grand Canyon of the Tianshan Mountains to marvel at the extraordinary craftsmanship of the red rock walls and feel the sculpting power of nature; drive along the southern section of the Duku Highway, passing through snow-capped mountains, grasslands, and canyons, experiencing the comfort of “four seasons in one day”; upon arrival, visit the Bayinbuluk Swan Lake to watch swans play and enjoy the grassland sunset.
Day 8:Nalati/Bayinbuluk → Yining [Grassland Pastoral · Relaxing Journey]
Spend the whole day exploring the Nalati grassland, strolling across the vast green meadows, watching herds of cattle and sheep and galloping horses, breathing in the fresh grassland air, and fully 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, known as “the last tear of the Atlantic,” and take a leisurely walk around the lake, admiring the stunning view of azure waters and snow-capped mountain reflections, feeling the purity and tranquility of this plateau lake; then continue to Beitun to prepare for the next day’s trip to Hemu.
Day 10:Beitun → Hemu → Jadengyu [Fairytale Town · Poetic Dwelling]

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.
Head to the “last piece of pristine land” — the Hemu Scenic Area, walking into the scattered wooden-house villages, watching wisps of cooking smoke and babbling streams, strolling through birch forests, and experiencing the peace and beauty of this primitive village; head to Jadengyu in the evening to stay, falling asleep to the grassland night.
Day 11:Jadengyu → Kanas → Burgin [Hidden Scenic Realm · Premium Views]
Explore the “picturesque wonderland” — the Kanas Scenic Area, taking the shuttle bus to visit the Three Bays (Wolong Bay, Moon Bay, and Immortal Bay), watching the lake waters shift with light and shadow and admiring the lush tranquility of the primeval forest; then head to Burgin to rest and discover local specialty cuisine.
Day 12:Burgin → Beitun → Urumqi [Danxia Wonders · A Look Back]
Visit the Multicolored Beach (Wucaitan) to admire the stunning landscape where danxia landforms meet the Irtysh River, experiencing the wonder of “one river separating two banks, two banks under different skies”; then head to Beitun and take the special train to Urumqi, reflecting on the beautiful scenery along the way and looking forward to the rest of the journey.

The Shifang “Panda Special Train” is a distinctive tourist train in China focused on long-distance leisure and slow travel, designed for travelers seeking comfort, relaxation, and in-depth experiences. The train operates on the classic model of traveling at night and sightseeing during the day, making the journey itself part of the enjoyment. The entire route spans northern and southern Xinjiang, covering key destinations such as Kashgar, Tashkurgan, Kuqa, Nalati, Hemu, Kanas, Urumqi, and Turpan, connecting plateau lakes, hidden grasslands, canyon wonders, and ancient cultural cities.Day 13:Urumqi [Heavenly Lake Scenery · Pearl of the Tianshan]
Spend the whole day touring the Tianshan Heavenly Lake Scenic Area, strolling along the lakeshore, watching the crystal-clear water mirroring the sky, gazing at the majestic snow-capped Bogda Peak in the distance, feeling the sanctity and grandeur of this pearl of the Tianshan, and fully 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 — the Karez system, appreciating the wisdom and craftsmanship of the ancients; stop by the Flaming Mountains to experience the scorching heat and wonder of the “Fire Land”; after the tour, prepare for the return journey, bringing this trip to a perfect close.
Days 15-16:Joyful Return [Full of Memories · Warm Farewell]
Depart from Urumqi and take the special train back to Lanzhou/Chengdu, reflecting along the way on the mountains, rivers, and cultural charm of northern and southern Xinjiang; bid a warm farewell to all distinguished guests, concluding this unforgettable Panda Special Train panorama tour and returning home with wonderful memories.
> Note:The actual itinerary may be reasonably adjusted subject to weather, road conditions, scenic area availability, and other objective factors, upon mutual agreement between both parties.
V. 2026 Shifang Special Train departure dates and price description
According to officially released information, the 2026 Shifang “Panda Special Train” 16-day northern and southern Xinjiang tour has the following departure dates:
June 8, 2026; June 24, 2026; July 10, 2026; July 27, 2026; August 13, 2026; August 30, 2026
Price reference (subject to the contract):
Youxiang Bojin:Standard four-bed room: upper berth 8,480 RMB/person, lower berth 9,280 RMB/person

Unlike the tight schedules of traditional group tours, the Shifang itinerary has a relaxed pace, with 1-2 core experiences arranged each day, leaving ample time for sightseeing, photography, rest, or free exploration. Accommodation throughout the trip is on the train itself, eliminating the hassle of repeatedly checking in and out of hotels — especially suitable for middle-aged and elderly travelers, family trips, or those who want to avoid the feeling of constant rushing.Zhenxiang Bojin:Standard four-bed room: upper berth 15,780 RMB/person, lower berth 16,780 RMB/person
Zunxiang Zijing:Premium four-bed room: upper berth 27,880 RMB/person, lower berth 28,880 RMB/person
The above prices are currently published reference prices; actual costs may vary slightly depending on departure date and room type, and the signed contract shall prevail. It is recommended to confirm seat availability for your chosen date in advance to avoid tight availability during peak season.
VI. How to book and register for the Shifang Special Train
Want to ride the Shifang Panda Special Train? Here’s your ticket-booking guide.
Important note:This special train product is not sold separately on the 12306 platform and must be booked through the designated travel agency.
Booking process:
📞 Contact for consultation:Manager Mai of the Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service Special Train Center is available 24 hours for consultation and registration services.
Company landline:0991-3333832
Mobile and WeChat:132-0133-3409
You can learn more about the itinerary, seats, prices, and departure schedules.
✅ Choose your travel product:Select the appropriate departure date and seat type based on your schedule and preferences.

II. Seat types, hardware configuration, and advantages of the Shifang Special Train✅ Submit personal information:Provide the traveler’s name, valid ID number (or valid document information such as Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong/Macau/Taiwan residents, or passport) for registration and seat reservation.
✅ Complete the booking procedures:Pay the booking deposit as required, obtain the payment receipt, and sign the unified electronic tourism service supervision contract to complete the reservation.
June through September is the peak tourism season in Xinjiang each year, and seats on popular special trains are in high demand. It is recommended to contact Manager Mai as early as possible to check availability and pay a deposit to secure your preferred berth. Please use only official channels and beware of unauthorized agents.
VII. Fees and service description for the Shifang Special Train
The itinerary fee includes:Special train transportation, onboard accommodation, first admission tickets to scenic spots listed in the itinerary, shuttle buses, the special welcome dinner, basic guided tour services, and onboard staff services.
Items not included:Personal expenses (such as beverages and souvenirs), voluntary self-funded experience activities, single-occupancy supplements (we will make every effort to arrange room sharing; special cases require separate negotiation), and services not explicitly listed in the itinerary.
All service details, fee standards, and scope of rights are subject to the tourism contract signed by both parties. For a detailed service list, you may request the itinerary description document from Manager Mai.
VIII. Final words: Your slow journey begins here
16 days, a mobile home, traversing the light and shadow of four seasons across northern and southern Xinjiang. The Shifang Panda Special Train is more than just a mode of transport — it’s an expression of a lifestyle: slow down, and you’ll see the details of the scenery; stay a while, and you’ll understand the warmth of a place.
If you too long for a journey without rushing, only feeling, why not dial that familiar number and ask if there are still seats available.
Manager Mai of the Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service Special Train Center is ready to answer your questions at any time:
📞 Landline:0991-3333832
📱 WeChat (same number):132-0133-3409
This summer, let the train carry you toward the poetry and distant lands of the Tianshan Mountains.
For 2026, tickets for the Shifang Panda Special Train must be booked through the designated professional 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.