Panda Special Train Shifang Route Booking Process How to Reserve and Buy Tickets Full Guide
【Shifang Panda Special Train】How to buy tickets and book the 2026 Shifang Panda Special Train?
The 2026 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.
🐼 Want to see both northern and southern Xinjiang in one trip without having to drag your luggage and change hotels every day?
The 16-day tour of northern and southern Xinjiang on the “Shifang · Panda Special Train” might be the itinerary tailor-made for you. This guide starts with “fare composition” and “registration approach” to help you sort things out and make an easy decision.
🚂 I. Detailed Introduction to the Shifang Panda Special Train
✨ Positioning and Background
The Shifang Panda Special Train is a tourist train jointly created by China Railway Chengdu Group Co., Ltd. and the Shifang Municipal People’s Government. The train body features the blue-green color of Sanxingdui bronze figures, decorated with panda elements and Shifang local cultural symbols, making it highly recognizable. It is not sold as a standalone train ticket but as a packaged product of “train ticket + tour itinerary.” It cannot be purchased on 12306 and must be booked through a legitimate travel agency.
🛌 “Travel by Day, Ride by Night” Mode
It adopts a “sightseeing during the day, traveling at night” model to maximize time savings on the road, allowing tourists to focus on scenery and experiences. The train consists of 17 carriages and offers a variety of compartment options, along with leisure areas such as KTV, mahjong tables, a cigar bar, and a tea bar, truly delivering “travel by day, ride by night, luggage stays on board, and a comfortable journey.”
🏞 ️ Route Highlights
This 16-day loop traverses both northern and southern Xinjiang, covering Kanas, Hemu, Sayram Lake, and Nalati Grassland in northern Xinjiang, as well as Kashgar Old City, the Pamir Plateau, and Tashkurgan scenery in southern Xinjiang, with classic landmarks such as Tianshan Tianchi, Rainbow Beach, Flaming Mountains, and Karez Irrigation System woven in along the way. The itinerary balances natural wonders with cultural experiences: pottery-making in Kashgar Old City, home visits with local families in Tashkurgan, morning mist over wooden houses in Hemu Village, and sunset views over the Nine Bends and Eighteen Turns at Bayanbulak.
👨 👩👧👦 Suitable Travelers
Especially suitable for middle-aged and senior travelers who value comfort and a relaxed pace, as well as families hoping to experience the highlights of both northern and southern Xinjiang in a single trip.
🛌 II. Seat Types, Hardware Configuration, and Advantages
The Shifang Panda Special Train offers multiple seat and compartment types, each differing in space, interior facilities, privacy, and comfort. You can choose freely based on your budget and travel preferences.
🐼 Want to see all of northern and southern Xinjiang in one trip without dragging luggage and changing hotels every day?1. Premium Platinum (Standard 4-Bed Compartment)
📍 Location:Standard 4-bed compartment with soundproof sliding door.
🛋 ️ Configuration:Custom bedding/throw pillows, bedside charging ports/reading lights, in-compartment TV and free audio-visual entertainment.
🚿 Facilities:Shared restrooms/washrooms/shower rooms in the carriage.
✨ Features:Great value for money, moderate privacy, suitable for traveling with companions.
2. Deluxe Platinum (Standard 4-Bed Compartment)
📍 Location:Located in carriages 2-6 and 12-16, with 10 four-bed compartments per carriage, accommodating 40 passengers.
🛋 ️ Configuration:Equipped with tea table, storage compartment, TV, call button, and charging sockets.
🚿 Facilities:Two shower rooms at both ends of each carriage.
✨ Features:Wider berths, higher service standards, more included meals, and a more complete experience.
3. Premium Purple Gold (High-End 4-Bed Compartment)
📍 Location:Located in carriages 7, 10, and 11, with 6 high-end compartments per carriage, accommodating 22 passengers in total.
🛋 ️ Configuration:Equipped with sofa, round table, wardrobe, TV, call button, and charging sockets.
🚿 Facilities:One shower room and washbasin at each end of the carriage.
The 16-day tour of northern and southern Xinjiang on the “Shifang · Panda Special Train” might be the itinerary tailor-made for you. This guide starts with “fare composition” and “registration approach” to help you sort things out and make an easy decision.✨ Features:More spacious, strong privacy, includes meals and additional value-added services, delivering a more luxurious experience.
4. Other Facilities
🍽 ️ Dining Car:Located in carriage 8, offering 2-seat and 4-seat tables.
🎲 Multi-Function Entertainment Car:Located in carriage 9, featuring a tea bar, KTV, entertainment room, cigar bar, and mahjong tables.
🛠 ️ Supporting Facilities:The train also includes smoking areas, a medical room, and a tea brewing room.
🌟 III. Travel Quality and Service Highlights
The Shifang Panda Special Train offers a unique travel experience in service details and itinerary arrangements, distinctly different from regular tours.
Attentive Accompanying Service:Each carriage is equipped with a “Panda Butler” providing 24-hour service.
Comfortable Accommodation Experience:The entire train features private, comfortable compartments equipped with a professional karaoke system, lighting system, chess and card rooms, and a dining car, creating a mobile “star-rated space.”
Exclusive Special Arrangements:Three special meals are arranged: Xinjiang Dapanji (big plate chicken), Kashgar cuisine, and the Nine Bowls Three Rows Banquet.
Convenient Transportation Experience:The entire journey adopts a “sightseeing by day, riding by night” model, maximizing time savings and letting travelers focus on scenery and experiences.
Reasonable Meal Standards:The full journey provides 7 breakfasts and 20 main meals, including regional specialties such as Xinjiang Dapanji, Kashgar cuisine, and Turpan fruit banquet.
🗺 ️ IV. Simplified Itinerary
Day 1:Chengdu/Lanzhou → Kashgar [Departure · Special Welcome]
🚂 I. Detailed Introduction to the Shifang Panda Special TrainDepart from Chengdu or Lanzhou and gather at the themed station to begin the panoramic tour of northern and southern Xinjiang; upon arrival, enjoy an exclusive welcome performance and immerse yourself in the southern Xinjiang atmosphere, starting a wonderful journey.
Day 2:Panda Special Train [Leisure Sightseeing · Slow Enjoyment]
Spend the full day aboard the Panda Special Train, relaxing in the comfortable carriages, enjoying the passing scenery outside the windows, chatting with fellow travelers, and recharging for the exciting itinerary ahead.
Day 3:Kashgar [Exclusive Pickup · Grand Welcome]
Arrive in Kashgar and enjoy exclusive pickup service, saving you the hassle of travel; in the evening, a special welcome banquet is held where you can taste southern Xinjiang flavors and experience the first warmth and hospitality of Kashgar.
Day 4:Kashgar → Tashkurgan [Highland Secrets · Scenery All Along]
Depart from Kashgar for Tashkurgan, stopping at White Sand Mountain and White Sand Lake along the way to encounter pristine beauty like a “mirror of the sky”; then visit Karakul Lake, view Muztagh Ata from afar, and traverse the famous winding Panlong Ancient Road, experiencing the grandeur and wonder of the highland highway.
Day 5:Tashkurgan → Kashgar [Cultural Charm · In-Depth Experience]
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.
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 blend of prairie and wetlands; visit local households to experience folk customs, taste ethnic cuisine, and feel the warmth of local hospitality.
Day 6:Kashgar → Kuqa [Southern Xinjiang Culture · Tracing Local Life]
Take an in-depth tour of Kashgar Old City, wandering through its maze-like streets and alleys to soak up the rich western-region atmosphere; visit Fragrant Concubine Garden to hear legendary stories and admire the beauty of ethnic architecture and gardens; and visit local sites to appreciate the solemnity and depth of folk culture.
Day 7:Kuqa → Nalati/Bayanbulak [Canyon Wonders · Highway Feast]
Head to the Secret Grand Canyon of Tianshan to marvel at the breathtaking red rock walls shaped by nature’s craftsmanship; drive along the southern section of the Duku Highway, passing snow-capped mountains, grasslands, and canyons to experience “four seasons in one day”; upon arrival, visit Bayanbulak Swan Lake to watch swans play and enjoy the grassland sunset.
✨ Positioning and BackgroundDay 8:Nalati/Bayanbulak → Yining [Grassland Pastoral · 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 fully experiencing the romance and grandeur of the “sky grassland”; head to Yining in the evening to rest.
Day 9:Yining → Beitun [Picturesque Lake · Pure Relaxation]
Depart from Yining for Sayram Lake, known as “the last tear of the Atlantic,” stroll along the lakeshore, admire the stunning vista of azure waters and snow-capped mountain reflections, and feel the purity and tranquility of this highland lake; then continue to Beitun to prepare for the next day’s trip to Hemu.
Day 10:Beitun → Hemu → Jadengyu [Fairytale Town · Poetic Dwelling]
Visit the Hemu Scenic Area, known as “God’s private reserve,” and step into the scattered wooden-house village, watching curling cooking smoke and babbling streams, strolling through birch forests, and experiencing the peace and beauty of this pristine village; head to Jadengyu in the evening to stay overnight, drifting off to sleep against the grassland night.
Day 11:Jadengyu → Kanas → Burqin [Hidden Paradise · Premium Scenery]
Explore the “heavenly paradise” of Kanas Scenic Area, taking the shuttle bus to visit the Three Bays (Wolong Bay, Moon Bay, and Immortal Bay), watching the lake change color with the light and enjoying the lush tranquility of the primeval forest; then head to Burqin to rest and discover local specialties.
Day 12:Burqin → Beitun → Urumqi [Danxia Wonders · Looking Back]
Visit Rainbow Beach 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.
Day 13:Urumqi [Tianchi Splendor · Pearl of Tianshan]
Spend the full day visiting Tianshan Tianchi Scenic Area, strolling along the lakeshore, admiring the crystal-clear waters, gazing at the majestic snow-capped Bogda Peak in the distance, and experiencing the sanctity and grandeur of this pearl of the Tianshan Mountains while fully appreciating Xinjiang’s natural beauty.
Day 14:Urumqi → Turpan → Return Preparation [Folk Wonders · Perfect Conclusion]
Travel from Urumqi to Turpan to visit the ancient irrigation marvel of Karez, appreciating the wisdom and craftsmanship of the ancients; visit the Flaming Mountains to experience the scorching heat and wonder of the “Fire Prefecture”; after the tour, prepare for the return journey and bring this trip to a perfect conclusion.
The Shifang Panda Special Train is a tourist train jointly created by China Railway Chengdu Group Co., Ltd. and the Shifang Municipal People’s Government. The train body features the blue-green color of Sanxingdui bronze figures, decorated with panda elements and Shifang local cultural symbols, making it highly recognizable. It is not sold as a standalone train ticket but as a packaged product of “train ticket + tour itinerary.” It cannot be purchased on 12306 and must be booked through a legitimate travel agency.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 a warm farewell to all distinguished guests and conclude this unforgettable Panda Special Train panoramic journey, returning home with wonderful memories.
💰 V. 2026 Departure Dates and Pricing
In 2026, the Shifang “Panda Special Train” 16-day tour of northern and southern Xinjiang is scheduled to operate 6 departures, all starting from Chengdu, covering Xinjiang’s prime summer and early autumn travel periods. Specific dates are: June 8, June 24, July 10, July 27, August 13, and August 30.
Reference Prices (subject to contract)
Premium Platinum (Standard 4-Bed Compartment)
Upper berth:RMB 8,480/person
Lower berth:RMB 9,280/person
Deluxe Platinum (Standard 4-Bed Compartment)
Upper berth:RMB 15,780/person
Lower berth:RMB 16,780/person
Premium Purple Gold (High-End 4-Bed Compartment)
Upper berth:RMB 27,880/person
Lower berth:RMB 28,880/person
🛌 “Travel by Day, Ride by Night” Mode> Note:The above prices are current public reference ranges. Actual costs may vary slightly depending on departure date, compartment type, and service content. The final price is subject to the signed tourism contract between both parties.
📞 VI. Booking and Registration Methods
If you want to ride the Shifang Panda Special Train, here is your ticket-booking guide. Shifang Panda Special Train-related travel products are not sold as standalone tickets 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.
The booking process is as follows:
1. Contact for 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. Learn about the detailed itinerary, seat and room types, reference prices, and departure schedules of the Shifang Panda Special Train.
2. Choose your travel product: Based on your available time and travel preferences, select a suitable departure date and special train seat/room type.
3. Submit personal information: Provide the names, valid ID numbers, and basic document information (such as Hong Kong/Macau/Taiwan permits or passports) of all travelers for registration and seat reservation purposes.
4. Complete booking procedures: Pay the booking deposit as required by the travel agency, obtain the corresponding payment receipt, and sign the unified electronic tourism 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 as early as possible and pay a deposit to secure your preferred seat. 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 identify non-official channels, and protect your travel rights.
📋 VII. Fee and Service Notes
The services included in the Shifang Panda Special Train itinerary are arranged according to unified standards, including transportation, basic accommodation, and tour services within the itinerary. Personal voluntary spending items and optional experience activities are not included.
All itinerary service details, fee standards, and included rights are subject to the terms agreed upon by both parties in the contract. All travel-related rights and charges are subject to actual consultation and contract signing. For more details, please contact customer service for a full explanation.
🎉 VIII. Closing
One journey through northern and southern Xinjiang, sixteen days of itinerary — the Shifang Panda Special Train truly combines a “mobile hotel” with “in-depth travel.” No need to constantly pack and unpack, no worries about road conditions or hotel bookings. Enjoy the scenery by day and rest comfortably in your compartment at night, letting time slow down and filling your memories with the snow-capped mountains, lakes, grasslands, and ancient cities along the way.
If you also want to experience Xinjiang in a more relaxed way, why not start with this “Shifang Panda Special Train Fare Overview,” secure your preferred berth and departure date, and turn this slow journey across northern and southern Xinjiang into a truly memorable Xinjiang adventure.
The 2026 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.
