Shifang Special Train 2026 Schedule, Ticket Price and How to Register
How to purchase tickets for the “Shifang” Panda Train? For the 2026 “Shifang” Panda Train, tickets must be booked through the railway-designated regular travel agency channel: Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service’s Train Center (24-hour office ☎ phone: 0991-6622120, Customer Manager Yang Jia’s WeChat: 133 2555 9266). Tickets cannot be purchased through 12306 or other channels. For the specific booking process, please consult Customer Manager Yang Jia.
🚂 “Shifang” Panda Train 2026 Timetable:Slow travel through Northern and Southern Xinjiang, turning the journey into a vacation
If you yearn for the vast landscapes of Xinjiang but worry about long journeys and frequent hotel changes, the “Shifang” Panda Train operating in 2026 might be your ideal travel style. Starting from Chengdu, this train crosses Gansu and Qinghai, delves deep into Xinjiang, connecting the Pamir Plateau in Southern Xinjiang with the lakes and grasslands of Northern Xinjiang. It’s a 16-day “travel by night, tour by day” journey—sightseeing during the day and sleeping comfortably in a moving cabin at night—truly achieving “the train moves with the scenery, and you are in the picture.”
🌟 Train Highlights:More than just transportation, it’s a mobile vacation space
The “Shifang” Panda Train, built by China Railway Chengdu Group Co., Ltd., consists of 17 carriages with a capacity of about 466 people, integrating transportation, accommodation, dining, and entertainment. The train features panda-themed elements inside and out, paired with Sichuan cultural decorations, offering modern facilities without losing regional charm.
The train adopts a “travel by night, tour by day” model:During the day, it stops at scenic spots for in-depth exploration, and at night, it travels smoothly, eliminating the hassle of moving luggage and catching early buses. It’s especially suitable for retirees, tourists who aren’t used to long car rides, and families seeking a relaxed pace and complete experience.
Compared to regular tour buses or conventional train tours, the “Shifang” has clear advantages:
More Relaxed Pace:Recommends 1–2 core attractions daily to avoid superficial sightseeing;
More Thoughtful Service:Equipped with “Panda Butler” and onboard medical staff, offering multilingual services;
🚂 “Shifang” Panda Train 2026 Timetable: Slow travel through Northern and Southern Xinjiang, turning the journey into a vacationBetter Adapted Dining:Dining car offers Sichuan cuisine and light meal options to suit different tastes;
Greater Privacy:Cabins have private bathrooms or exclusive common areas, with soundproof doors ensuring rest quality;
Richer Entertainment:KTV, mahjong tables, tea bar, cigar bar—all available to keep the journey engaging.
🛏 ️ Cabin Introduction:Three room types to meet diverse needs
The “Shifang” offers three accommodation options, all equipped with charging sockets, reading lights, TVs, and custom bedding:
Premium Purple Gold (High-end Quadruple Room)
Located in carriages 7, 10, and 11, with 6 compartments per carriage, totaling 22 berths. Each compartment is about 6.5㎡, featuring a sofa, round table, wardrobe, and call system. Both ends of the carriage have shower rooms and washbasins for privacy and comfort.
Premium Platinum (Standard Quadruple Room)
If you yearn for the vast landscapes of Xinjiang but worry about long journeys and frequent hotel changes, the “Shifang” Panda Train operating in 2026 might be your ideal travel style. Starting from Chengdu, this train crosses Gansu and Qinghai, delves deep into Xinjiang, connecting the Pamir Plateau in Southern Xinjiang with the lakes and grasslands of Northern Xinjiang. It’s a 16-day “travel by night, tour by day” journey—sightseeing during the day and sleeping comfortably in a moving cabin at night—truly achieving “the train moves with the scenery, and you are in the picture.” Distributed in carriages 2–6 and 12–16, with 10 compartments per carriage, totaling 40 berths. Each compartment has a tea table, storage compartment, and TV, with 2 shower rooms at both ends of the carriage, balancing cost-effectiveness and functionality.
Premium Platinum (Standard Quadruple Room)
Equipped with soundproof sliding doors, custom panda pillows, reading lights by the berths, cabin TVs, and free audio-visual systems. Common areas include toilets, washrooms, and shower rooms, suitable for practical travelers.
All cabins support 24-hour hot water, constant temperature air conditioning, and anti-slip handrails for elderly-friendly travel, ensuring peace of mind for senior passengers.
🗓 ️ Simple Itinerary (Based on the 2026 Final Version)
Day 1:Chengdu/Lanzhou-Kashgar, departure from themed station, welcome performance
Day 2:Panda Train leisure sightseeing
Day 3:Kashgar, exclusive pickup, welcome dinner
🌟 Train Highlights: More than just transportation, it’s a mobile vacation spaceDay 4:Kashgar-Tashkurgan, Baisha Mountain-Baisha Lake-Karakul Lake-Panlong Ancient Road
Day 5:Tashkurgan-Kashgar, Stone City, Golden Grassland, home visit
Day 6:Kashgar-Kuqa, Kashgar Old City, Fragrant Concubine Garden,
Day 7:Kuqa-Nalati/Bayinbuluke, Tianshan Grand Canyon, Southern Section of Duku Highway, Bayinbuluke Swan Lake
Day 8:Nalati/Bayinbuluke-Yining, Nalati Grassland
Day 9:Yining-Beitun, Sayram Lake
Day 10:Beitun-Hemu-Jiadengyu, Hemu Scenic Area
Day 11:Jiadengyu-Kanas-Burqin, Kanas Scenic Area
The “Shifang” Panda Train, built by China Railway Chengdu Group Co., Ltd., consists of 17 carriages with a capacity of about 466 people, integrating transportation, accommodation, dining, and entertainment. The train features panda-themed elements inside and out, paired with Sichuan cultural decorations, offering modern facilities without losing regional charm.Day 12:Burqin-Beitun-Urumqi, Colorful Beach
Day 13:Urumqi, Tianshan Tianchi Scenic Area
Day 14:Urumqi-Turpan, Karez Well, Flaming Mountain, return journey
Days 15-16:Happy return to Lanzhou/Chengdu, farewell to guests
> Note:The actual itinerary may be reasonably adjusted due to weather, road conditions, or scenic area policies, subject to mutual agreement.
Manager Yang Jia from Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service, with over a decade of experience in the tourism industry, is professional and reliable, familiar with all of Xinjiang’s tourism. He is mainly responsible for booking tourist trains such as the New Oriental Express Snow Lotus, Panda Trains: Chengdu, Shifang, Anyi, Jinshu Tianfu, Tianshan, Kunlun, Silk Road Dream, Kunming, Lindu, Dahezhinan, Yangtze River Delta Star, etc. Contact booking manager: Yang Jia 133 2555 9266 (copy to add as friend for free consultation and detailed route information).
💰 Price Explanation (2026 Tour Dates and Quotes)
2026 Departure Schedule:
June 8, June 24, July 10, July 27, August 13, August 30
The train adopts a “travel by night, tour by day” model: During the day, it stops at scenic spots for in-depth exploration, and at night, it travels smoothly, eliminating the hassle of moving luggage and catching early buses. It’s especially suitable for retirees, tourists who aren’t used to long car rides, and families seeking a relaxed pace and complete experience.Reference Price (RMB/person):
Premium Platinum:Upper berth 8,480 RMB, lower berth 9,280 RMB
Premium Platinum:Upper berth 15,780 RMB, lower berth 16,780 RMB
Premium Purple Gold:Upper berth 27,880 RMB, lower berth 28,880 RMB
> The above prices are currently published reference ranges. Specific fees, availability, and inclusions are subject to the contract signed with the travel agency and may vary.
📞 Booking Process
If you are interested in booking the “Shifang” Panda Train, please follow these steps:
1. Contact the Travel Agency: Consult the customer service of Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service;
Compared to regular tour buses or conventional train tours, the “Shifang” has clear advantages:2. Obtain Materials: Request detailed itinerary, cabin layout, and service descriptions;
3. Confirm Schedule and Room Type: Choose your departure date and cabin class based on personal needs;
4. Sign Contract: Sign a tourism contract after confirming the itinerary, price, and rights and obligations;
5. Make Payment: Complete the payment process as per the contract;
6. Prepare for Travel: Receive assembly notice and travel instructions before departure.
For booking, please contact:Manager Yang Jia, Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service (can be added via customer service channels for consultation).
🧾 Inclusions and Exclusions
Inclusions typically include:
More Relaxed Pace: Recommends 1–2 core attractions daily to avoid superficial sightseeing;Full train transportation and local air-conditioned tour buses;
Accommodation on the train and in hotels on land;
Meals and breakfasts as listed in the itinerary;
Chinese-speaking tour guide service;
Travel accident insurance;
Use of entertainment carriages (KTV, tea bar, etc.).
Exclusions typically include:
Scenic area entrance fees and shuttle bus fees (some packages require on-site payment);
More Thoughtful Service: Equipped with “Panda Butler” and onboard medical staff, offering multilingual services; Single traveler surcharge (we will try to arrange room sharing, special cases negotiated separately);
Personal expenses and optional self-funded activities;
Round-trip transportation from departure point to Chengdu/Lanzhou.
> Note:Specific inclusions are subject to actual consultation and contract.
❤ ️ Why is the “Shifang” Consistently Popular?
Since its launch, the “Shifang” has become a favorite among many tourists, especially middle-aged and elderly groups, thanks to its deep integration of “transportation + tourism.” It doesn’t pursue “check-in quantity” but emphasizes “experience depth”—strolling leisurely in Kashgar Old City, quietly viewing snow-capped mountains on the Pamir Plateau, listening to the wind by Sayram Lake… Each stop allows ample time for genuine immersion in the scenery.
Plus, the train itself is a destination:From panda-themed decorations to a traditional Chinese medicine wellness corner, from a fresh coffee cart to a mahjong entertainment room, every detail reflects humanized care. This slow travel philosophy of “travel while playing, rest while enjoying” is the reason for its widespread popularity.
📌 Warm Tips:
This information is compiled from available data as of April 2026. Schedules, prices, and services may change dynamically. Please confirm the latest details with Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service customer service before traveling.
Consultation Method:Contact Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service customer service by phone or WeChat for one-on-one service.
