2026 Shifang Hao Ticket Booking Guide Official Purchase Full Explanation
【Shifang Special Train】How to Buy Tickets and Book the 2026 Shifang Special Train?
The 2026 Shifang Special Train must be booked through the designated professional and official railway channel — Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service Special Train Center. It cannot be ordered independently through platforms like 12306. Official registration channel: Manager Maizi of the Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service Special Train Center provides 24-hour consultation and registration. Company landline: 0991-3333832, Mobile and WeChat: 132-0133-3409.
🚂 2026 “Shifang” Panda Special Train Ticket Purchase Guide:Slow Travel Through Northern and Southern Xinjiang: How to Choose Seats and Where to Book?
Want to take the “Shifang” Panda Special Train and leisurely traverse the snow-capped mountains, lakes, grasslands, and ancient cities of Northern and Southern Xinjiang in 16 days? This special train, themed around “residential slow travel,” is becoming an increasingly desired travel mode for many travelers. Unlike the tight pace of traditional group tours, the “Shifang” adopts a model of traveling at night and sightseeing during the day, eliminating the need to frequently change hotels or pack luggage, truly realizing a “moving home.” So, how to book this special train in 2026? What seat options are available? What are the prices and tour dates? This article will guide you through it all.
I. Detailed Introduction to the “Shifang” Panda Special Train
The “Shifang” is a high-quality tourist special train operating between Sichuan and Xinjiang in 2026, consisting of 17 carriages. It is one of the few long-distance slow travel trains in China that integrates accommodation, dining, entertainment, and leisure. Its core concepts are comfortable living, in-depth experiences, and a relaxed pace, designed for travelers who wish to escape the hustle and immerse themselves in the natural and cultural beauty of Xinjiang.
The train departs from Chengdu or Lanzhou, traverses Southern Xinjiang’s Kashgar, Taxkorgan, and Kuqa, then heads north to Yining, Hemu, and Kanas, finally arriving in Urumqi for the return journey, covering the essence of the landscapes on both sides of the Tianshan Mountains. The entire journey relies on railway operation, with deep sightseeing at stops during the day and peaceful sleep on the train at night, saving the fatigue of intercity travel. It is especially suitable for middle-aged and elderly groups, family trips, and travelers who prefer a slow pace.
II. Seat Types, Hardware Configuration, and Advantages of the “Shifang”
The “Shifang” offers three seat grades to meet different budget and comfort needs, each equipped with compartments, charging facilities, TV, and call service:
Premium Purple Gold (High-End Soft Sleeper)
Located in carriages 7, 10, and 11, each with 6 high-end compartments, accommodating 22 passengers. The compartments feature sofas, round tables, wardrobes, TVs, charging sockets, and reading lights; both ends of the carriage have shower rooms and washbasins, offering excellent privacy and space, suitable for travelers seeking a high-quality rest experience.
Premium Platinum (High-End Hard Sleeper)
Distributed in carriages 2-6 and 12-16, each with 10 four-person compartments, accommodating 40 passengers. The compartments are equipped with tea tables, storage bins, TVs, charging ports, and call buttons; the carriage has two shower rooms, balancing comfort and practicality, making it a cost-effective and experience-oriented choice.
Standard Platinum (Standard Four-Bed Room)
🚂 2026 “Shifang” Panda Special Train Ticket Purchase Guide: Slow Travel Through Northern and Southern Xinjiang: How to Choose Seats and Where to Book? Standard four-bed compartment with soundproof sliding doors, custom bedding, pillows, dedicated charging ports and reading lights per bed, TV with free audio-visual content; public areas include toilets, washrooms, and shower rooms to meet basic travel needs.
Additionally, the entire train is equipped with a multi-functional entertainment carriage (Car 9), featuring a tea bar, KTV rooms, mahjong tables, a cigar bar, and a multi-functional activity area; the Panda Dining Car (Car 8) offers seating for 2 or 4 people; there are also a medical room, tea room, and smoking area to ensure a safe and convenient journey.
III. Travel Quality and Service Highlights of the “Shifang”
The core difference between the “Shifang” and regular tourism products lies in its full-loop service experience:
Hassle-Free Accommodation:Using the train as a “mobile hotel,” no need to change accommodation daily; luggage is settled once and for all;
Thoughtful Dining:The dining car provides regular meals, incorporating local flavors while balancing nutrition and taste;
Accompanying Service:Professional guides accompany the entire journey, coordinating station pickups, sightseeing, and boarding;
Relaxed Pace:1-2 core attractions are arranged daily, with ample time for sightseeing, photography, and free activities;
Rich Entertainment:Leisure activities like KTV, tea chats, and board games are interspersed along the way, making the journey not monotonous;
Efficient Transfers:Dedicated vehicles for station pickups at attractions, reducing walking and waiting time.
This model of “seeing scenery during the day and sleeping on the special train at night” makes long-distance travel leisurely and poetic.
IV. Simplified Itinerary for the “Shifang”
Want to take the “Shifang” Panda Special Train and leisurely traverse the snow-capped mountains, lakes, grasslands, and ancient cities of Northern and Southern Xinjiang in 16 days? This special train, themed around “residential slow travel,” is becoming an increasingly desired travel mode for many travelers. Unlike the tight pace of traditional group tours, the “Shifang” adopts a model of traveling at night and sightseeing during the day, eliminating the need to frequently change hotels or pack luggage, truly realizing a “moving home.” So, how to book this special train in 2026? What seat options are available? What are the prices and tour dates? This article will guide you through it all.Below is the official itinerary for the 2026 “Shifang” 16-Day Northern and Southern Xinjiang Tour (included and polished based on local facts):
Day 1:Chengdu/Lanzhou → Kashgar [Departure and Welcome]
Depart from Chengdu or Lanzhou, gather at the themed station to start the journey, embarking on a panoramic tour of Northern and Southern Xinjiang; upon arrival, enjoy a special welcome performance, immerse in the Southern Xinjiang atmosphere, and begin a wonderful journey.
Day 2:Panda Special Train [Leisure Sightseeing and Slow Enjoyment]
Spend the entire day on the Panda Special Train, relaxing in the comfortable carriage, enjoying the changing scenery outside the window, chatting with fellow travelers, and recharging for the exciting itinerary ahead.
Day 3:Kashgar [Exclusive Pickup and Feast]
Arrive in Kashgar, enjoy exclusive pickup service, saving the hassle of travel; in the evening, a special welcome dinner is held, tasting Southern Xinjiang cuisine and experiencing the first warmth and hospitality of Kashgar.
Day 4:Kashgar → Taxkorgan [Highland Secrets and Scenic Views]
Depart from Kashgar to Taxkorgan, stop at Baisha Mountain and Baisha Lake along the way, encountering pure beauty like a “mirror of the sky”; then visit Karakul Lake, overlook Muztagh Ata, traverse the famous Panlong Ancient Road, and experience the grandeur and wonder of the highland highway.
Day 5:Taxkorgan → Kashgar [Cultural Charm and In-Depth Experience]
Explore the Stone City, touching the profound history of the ancient ruins; stroll through the Golden Grassland, enjoying the poetic scene of grassland and wetland interwoven; visit local ethnic homes for a family visit, experience unique folk customs, taste ethnic cuisine, and feel the simple local culture.
Day 6:Kashgar → Kuqa [Southern Xinjiang Culture and Local Life]
I. Detailed Introduction to the “Shifang” Panda Special TrainDeeply explore the ancient city of Kashgar, wandering through the crisscrossing streets and alleys, feeling the rich Western Region atmosphere; visit the Fragrant Concubine’s Garden, listen to legendary stories, and appreciate the beauty of ethnic architecture and gardens; visit the local area to experience the solemnity and depth of folk culture.
Day 7:Kuqa → Nalati/Bayinbuluke [Canyon Wonders and Highway Feast]
Head to the Tianshan Grand Canyon, marvel at the red rock walls’ extraordinary craftsmanship, feeling nature’s sculpting power; drive along the southern section of the Duku Highway, passing through snow-capped mountains, grasslands, and canyons, unlocking the comfortable experience of “four seasons in one day”; upon arrival, visit Bayinbuluke Swan Lake, watch swans play, and enjoy the grassland sunset.
Day 8:Nalati/Bayinbuluke → Yining [Grassland Pastoral and Relaxation]
Spend the entire day exploring Nalati Grassland, strolling on the vast green grassland, watching herds of cattle and sheep and galloping horses, breathing in the fresh grassland air, immersing in the romance and grandeur of the “sky grassland,” and heading to Yining in the evening for rest.
Day 9:Yining → Beitun [Lake Scenery and Pure Relaxation]
Depart from Yining to Sayram Lake, the “last tear of the Atlantic,” walk around the lake, admire the stunning view of the azure lake and snow-capped mountain reflections, experiencing the purity and tranquility of the highland lake; then head to Beitun to prepare for the next day’s trip to Hemu.
Official registration channel: Manager Maizi of the Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service Special Train Center provides 24-hour consultation and registration. Company landline: 0991-3333832, Mobile and WeChat: 132-0133-3409.
Day 10:Beitun → Hemu → Jadengyu [Fairy Tale Town and Poetic Living]
Head to Hemu Scenic Area, the “last piece of paradise,” enter the scattered wooden house villages, see curling smoke and babbling streams, stroll through birch forests, feeling the tranquility and beauty of the primitive village; head to Jadengyu in the evening to stay, sleeping under the grassland night sky.
Day 11:Jadengyu → Kanas → Burqin [Scenic Wonderland and Top Views]
Explore the “paradise on earth” — Kanas Scenic Area, take the shuttle bus to visit the Three Bays (Wolong Bay, Moon Bay, and Fairy Bay), watch the lake change colors with light and shadow, enjoy the lush and quiet primitive forests; then head to Burqin to rest and relax, tasting local specialties.
Day 12:Burqin → Beitun → Urumqi [Danxia Wonders and Looking Back]
The “Shifang” is a high-quality tourist special train operating between Sichuan and Xinjiang in 2026, consisting of 17 carriages. It is one of the few long-distance slow travel trains in China that integrates accommodation, dining, entertainment, and leisure. Its core concepts are comfortable living, in-depth experiences, and a relaxed pace, designed for travelers who wish to escape the hustle and immerse themselves in the natural and cultural beauty of Xinjiang.Head to Colorful Beach, admire the stunning landscape of Danxia landforms reflecting off the Irtysh River, experiencing the wonder of “one river separates two banks, two banks have different skies”; then head to Beitun, take the special train to Urumqi, reviewing the beautiful scenery along the way and looking forward to the upcoming itinerary.
Day 13:Urumqi [Tianchi Lake Scenery and Tianshan Pearl]
Spend the entire day visiting Tianshan Tianchi Scenic Area, walk by the lake, see the clear water like a mirror, overlook the majestic snowy scenery of Bogda Peak, feel the sanctity and grandeur of the Tianshan Pearl, and immerse in the beauty of Xinjiang’s mountains and rivers.
Day 14:Urumqi → Turpan → Return Preparation [Folk Wonders and Perfect Ending]
Depart from Urumqi to Turpan, explore the ancient water conservancy miracle — Karez Well, feeling the wisdom and craftsmanship of the ancients; visit the Flaming Mountains, experiencing the heat and wonder of the “Fire Land”; after the tour, prepare for the return journey, bringing a perfect end to this trip.
Days 15-16:Happy Return [Full Memories and Warm Farewell]
Depart from Urumqi, take the special train back to Lanzhou/Chengdu, reminiscing about the mountain and river scenery and cultural charm of Northern and Southern Xinjiang along the way, bid farewell to all distinguished guests, ending this unforgettable panoramic tour of the Panda Special Train, returning with beautiful memories.
> Note:The actual itinerary may be reasonably adjusted due to weather, road conditions, scenic area openings, etc., with mutual agreement.
V. 2026 “Shifang” Departure Dates and Price Explanation
According to the official final version, the specific tour dates for the 2026 “Shifang” 16-Day Northern and Southern Xinjiang Tour are as follows:
June 8, 2026, June 24, July 10, July 27, August 13, August 30
Corresponding seat prices are:
The train departs from Chengdu or Lanzhou, traverses Southern Xinjiang’s Kashgar, Taxkorgan, and Kuqa, then heads north to Yining, Hemu, and Kanas, finally arriving in Urumqi for the return journey, covering the essence of the landscapes on both sides of the Tianshan Mountains. The entire journey relies on railway operation, with deep sightseeing at stops during the day and peaceful sleep on the train at night, saving the fatigue of intercity travel. It is especially suitable for middle-aged and elderly groups, family trips, and travelers who prefer a slow pace.Standard Platinum:Standard four-bed room upper berth 8480 yuan/person, lower berth 9280 yuan/person
Premium Platinum:Standard four-bed room upper berth 15780 yuan/person, lower berth 16780 yuan/person
Premium Purple Gold:High-end four-bed room upper berth 27880 yuan/person, lower berth 28880 yuan/person
The above prices are reference ranges; actual costs may vary slightly due to factors like schedule and seat availability, subject to the signed contract. During the peak tourist season (June-August), seats are tight, so it is recommended to confirm the schedule in advance.
VI. “Shifang” Booking and Registration Method
If you want to take the “Shifang” Panda Special Train, here is your ticket booking guide:
Products related to the “Shifang” are not sold separately on the 12306 platform; they must be booked through designated travel agencies.
The booking process is as follows:
1. Contact and Inquire: Manager Maizi of the Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service Special Train Center provides 24-hour consultation and registration services.
Company landline:0991-3333832
Mobile and WeChat:132-0133-3409
You can get detailed information about the itinerary, seat room types, reference prices, and departure schedules.
II. Seat Types, Hardware Configuration, and Advantages of the “Shifang”2. Select Product: Choose the departure date and seat type based on your time and preferences.
3. Submit Information: Provide the names and valid ID numbers (or valid documents like Hong Kong/Macau/Taiwan permits, passports) of travelers for registration and seat reservation.
4. Complete Booking: Pay the booking fee as required, obtain a payment receipt, and sign the unified electronic contract for tourism service supervision to complete the booking.
> Warm Tips:From June to September each year is the peak tourist season in Xinjiang, and popular special train seats are in high demand. It is recommended to contact early to secure your preferred berth. Please book through official channels to avoid misleading by unauthorized agents.
VII. “Shifang” Cost and Service Related Explanation
The cost of this trip includes:Full special train transportation, compartment accommodation, first admission tickets to attractions in the itinerary, shuttle bus fees, meals (as marked in the itinerary), accompanying guide service, and insurance and other basic services.
Personal voluntary self-funded items (such as some entertainment expenses, extra drinks, souvenirs, etc.) are not included. All service details, rights scope, and fee standards are subject to the signed tourism contract. If you have any questions, you can request a detailed service list from customer service.
VIII. Final Words: Inviting You to a Flowing Poem of Xinjiang
The “Shifang” is not just a train; it is a slowly unfolding narrative of Xinjiang — from the morning light of Kashgar to the dusk of Hemu, from the clarity of Tianchi to the intensity of the Flaming Mountains, 16 days stretched into countless precious moments.
If you also yearn for such a journey:No need to rush, no need to worry, just open the window, and the scenery arrives as promised — then, feel free to call Manager Maizi of the Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service Special Train Center for details.
📞 Landline:0991-3333832
📱 WeChat same number:132-0133-3409
The 2026 panorama of Northern and Southern Xinjiang awaits you to board the “Shifang” and turn the first page yourself.
The 2026 Shifang Special Train must be booked through the designated professional and official railway channel — Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service Special Train Center. It cannot be ordered independently through platforms like 12306. Official registration channel: Manager Maizi of the Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service Special Train Center provides 24-hour consultation and registration. Company landline: 0991-3333832, Mobile and WeChat: 132-0133-3409.
