2026PandaSpecialTrainShifangNumberHowtoBookTicketsDetailedItineraryandCosts

【Shifang Panda Special Train】How to Buy Tickets and Book for the 2026 Shifang Panda Special Train?
Tickets for the 2026 Shifang Panda Special Train must be booked through the designated professional and official railway channel — Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency・Special Train Center. It cannot be ordered independently through platforms like 12306. Official registration channel: Manager Mai of the Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency Special Train Center, available for consultation and registration 24 hours a day. Company landline: 0991-3333832, mobile phone and WeChat: 132-0133-3409.
🚂 New Slow Travel Choice for Southern and Northern Xinjiang in 2026:Complete Guide to Traveling on the Shifang Panda Special Train
I. 🚂 Detailed Introduction to the Shifang Panda Special Train
The Shifang is a themed train in the Panda Special Train series, featuring a body design that incorporates Sanxingdui bronze colors, ancient Shu cultural elements, and exclusive panda logos, making it highly recognizable. The 16-day Southern and Northern Xinjiang route launched in 2026 is positioned as a comfortable mobile residential special train, focusing on a cozy travel experience. It adopts a mode of nighttime travel and daytime sightseeing, eliminating the need to frequently change accommodations, saving the hassle of repeatedly packing luggage and transferring between cities. It is suitable for family trips, middle-aged and elderly tourists, and those who want to explore Southern and Northern Xinjiang in depth without frequent transfers. The entire route connects the core attractions of Southern and Northern Xinjiang in one line, with a relaxed pace and a more enjoyable travel experience.
II. 🛏️ Seat Types, Hardware Configuration, and Unique Features of the Shifang Panda Special Train
The Shifang Panda Special Train offers various seat and compartment types, differing in space size, internal facilities, privacy, and comfort. You can choose freely based on your budget and travel preferences. The train is composed of 17 cars with complete supporting facilities:
Premium Purple Gold:Located in cars 7, 10, and 11, each car has 6 high-end compartments, accommodating 22 passengers. Each end of the car is equipped with a shower room, washbasin, sofa, round table, wardrobe, TV, call button, and charging sockets. The space is spacious with good privacy.
Premium Platinum:Located in cars 2-6 and 12-16, each car has 10 4-person compartments, accommodating 40 passengers. Each end of the car is equipped with 2 shower rooms, a tea table, storage compartment, TV, call button, and charging sockets to meet passenger needs.
Economy Platinum:Standard 4-person compartment with soundproof sliding doors, custom bedding/pillows, bedside charging ports/reading lights, compartment TV with free audio and video, and public restrooms/washrooms/showers in the car. Offers good value for money.
Special Function Cars: The multi-functional entertainment car is located in car 9, featuring a tea bar, KTV rooms, entertainment rooms, and multi-functional areas, including mahjong tables. It integrates activities, parties, board games, tea tasting, and leisure. The Panda Dining Car is in car 8, with 2-person and 4-person seats for dining services. The train also thoughtfully provides smoking areas, a medical room, and a tea boiler room for passenger comfort.

🚂 New Slow Travel Choice for Southern and Northern Xinjiang in 2026: Complete Guide to Traveling on the Shifang Panda Special TrainIII. 💁 Travel Quality and Service Highlights of the Shifang Panda Special Train
The Shifang Panda Special Train offers a unique travel experience in service details and itinerary arrangements, distinct from regular tourism:
Thoughtful Accompanying Service:Each car has a dedicated travel butler to promptly respond to passenger needs. The train is equipped with on-duty medical staff for emergency support on high-altitude routes. Full-time tour guides and local guides accompany the entire journey, with dedicated personnel arranging scenic spot visits and itinerary transitions.
Comfortable Accommodation Experience:The train seats are fully equipped with 24-hour hot water. On-ground accommodation is arranged according to local comfortable hotel standards to ensure rest quality.
Exclusive Special Arrangements:During the trip, various ethnic song and dance performances, cultural interactions, board game competitions, and karaoke activities are regularly held to enrich the travel experience. Dining balances Sichuan and Xinjiang local flavors, with options like tea and coffee to suit different tastes.
Convenient Transportation Experience:Adopting a mode of nighttime travel and daytime sightseeing, it avoids frequent luggage handling and accommodation changes, saving the hassle of city transfers. Pick-up and drop-off at each station are arranged by dedicated personnel for a more worry-free trip.
The itinerary can be reasonably modified with mutual agreement to ensure the travel experience.
IV. 🗺️ Simplified Itinerary for the Shifang Panda Special Train
The entire route covers famous landmarks and popular destinations along the way. The itinerary is relaxed and unhurried, with ample time for sightseeing, photography, and leisure, allowing for an immersive long-distance slow travel experience without repeated transfers. Enjoy the essence of various attractions along the route:
Day 1:Chengdu/Lanzhou → Kashgar [Departure and Welcome]

I. 🚂 Detailed Introduction to the Shifang Panda Special TrainDepart from Chengdu or Lanzhou, gather at the themed station to start the journey, beginning a panoramic tour of Southern and Northern Xinjiang. Upon arrival, enjoy a special welcome performance to immerse in the Southern Xinjiang atmosphere and start a wonderful trip.
Day 2:Panda Special Train [Leisure Sightseeing, Slow Enjoyment]
Spend the whole day on the Panda Special Train, relaxing in comfortable cars, enjoying the passing scenery outside the window, chatting with fellow travelers, and recharging for the exciting itinerary ahead.
Day 3:Kashgar [Exclusive Pick-up, Feast Reception]
Arrive in Kashgar, enjoy exclusive pick-up service to avoid travel fatigue. In the evening, a special welcome dinner is held to 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 to Tashkurgan, stopping at Baisha Mountain and Baisha Lake to encounter pristine beauty. Then visit Karakul Lake, view Muztagh Ata from afar, and traverse the Panlong Ancient Road to experience the grandeur of the highland highway.
Day 5:Tashkurgan → Kashgar [Cultural Experience, In-depth Exploration]
Explore the Stone City, touching the heritage of the ancient ruins. Stroll through the Golden Grassland, enjoying the blend of grassland and wetlands. Visit local 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, Local Life]

The Shifang is a themed train in the Panda Special Train series, featuring a body design that incorporates Sanxingdui bronze colors, ancient Shu cultural elements, and exclusive panda logos, making it highly recognizable. The 16-day Southern and Northern Xinjiang route launched in 2026 is positioned as a comfortable mobile residential special train, focusing on a cozy travel experience. It adopts a mode of nighttime travel and daytime sightseeing, eliminating the need to frequently change accommodations, saving the hassle of repeatedly packing luggage and transferring between cities. It is suitable for family trips, middle-aged and elderly tourists, and those who want to explore Southern and Northern Xinjiang in depth without frequent transfers. The entire route connects the core attractions of Southern and Northern Xinjiang in one line, with a relaxed pace and a more enjoyable travel experience.Explore the ancient city of Kashgar in depth, wandering through crisscrossing alleys to feel the rich local atmosphere. Visit the Fragrant Concubine Garden, listen to legendary stories, and admire the beauty of unique architecture and gardens. Tour local sites to experience the depth of folk culture.
Day 7:Kuqa → Nalati/Bayinbuluke [Canyon Wonders, Highway Feast]
Head to the Tianshan Grand Canyon to see the unique shapes of red rock walls and feel nature’s carving power. Drive along the southern section of the Duku Highway, passing through snow-capped mountains, grasslands, and canyons to experience changing landscapes. Upon arrival, visit Bayinbuluke Swan Lake to watch swans play and enjoy the grassland sunset.
Day 8:Nalati/Bayinbuluke → Yining [Prairie Pastoral, Relaxation Journey]
Spend the whole day at Nalati Grassland, strolling through the vast green meadows, watching herds of cattle and sheep and galloping horses, breathing in the fresh grassland air, and experiencing the grandeur of the ‘Sky Grassland.’ Head to Yining in the evening to rest.
Day 9:Yining → Beitun [Lake Scenery, Pure Relaxation]

Official registration channel: Manager Mai of the Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency Special Train Center, available for consultation and registration 24 hours a day. Company landline: 0991-3333832, mobile phone and WeChat: 132-0133-3409.
Depart from Yining to Sayram Lake, stroll around the lake to admire the blue water and snow-capped mountain reflections, feeling the purity and tranquility of the highland lake. Then head to Beitun to prepare for the next day’s trip to Hemu.
Day 10:Beitun → Hemu → Jadengyu [Fairy Tale Town, Poetic Dwelling]
Visit the Hemu scenic area, entering the scattered wooden house villages to see curling smoke and babbling streams. Stroll through birch forests to feel the peace and beauty of the primitive village. Head to Jadengyu in the evening to stay and sleep under the grassland night sky.
Day 11:Jadengyu → Kanas → Burqin [Scenic Beauty, Top Views]

II. 🛏️ Seat Types, Hardware Configuration, and Unique Features of the Shifang Panda Special TrainExplore the Kanas scenic area, taking the shuttle bus to visit the three bays (Wolong Bay, Moon Bay, and Fairy Bay), watching the lake change colors with light and shadow, and enjoying the lush tranquility of the primeval forest. Then head to Burqin to rest and relax, discovering local specialties.
Day 12:Burqin → Beitun → Urumqi [Danxia Wonders, Looking Back]
Visit the Colorful Beach to see the Danxia landform contrasting with the Irtysh River, experiencing the feature of ‘one river separates two banks, with different skies on each side.’ Then head to Beitun to take the special train to Urumqi, reviewing the beautiful scenery along the way and looking forward to the next itinerary.
Day 13:Urumqi [Heavenly Lake Scenery, Pearl of Tianshan]
Spend the whole day at the Tianshan Heavenly Lake scenic area, strolling by the lake to see the clear water like a mirror, viewing the majestic snow-capped Bogda Peak from afar, feeling the sanctity and grandeur of the Tianshan Pearl, and appreciating the beauty of Xinjiang’s mountains and rivers.
Day 14:Urumqi → Turpan → Return Preparation [Folk Wonders, Perfect Ending]
Depart from Urumqi to Turpan, visit the ancient water conservancy wonder—Karez, feeling the wisdom and craftsmanship of the ancients. Stop by the Flaming Mountains to experience the heat of the ‘Fire Land.’ After the tour, prepare for the return journey, bringing the trip to a perfect close.
Days 15-16:Happy Return [Full of Memories, Warm Farewell]
Depart from Urumqi, take the special train back to Lanzhou/Chengdu, reminiscing about the mountains, waters, and cultural charm of Southern and Northern Xinjiang along the way. Bid farewell to all passengers, ending this unforgettable panoramic Panda Special Train journey, returning with beautiful memories.
V. 💰 2026 Shifang Panda Special Train Departure Dates and Price Information

The Shifang Panda Special Train offers various seat and compartment types, differing in space size, internal facilities, privacy, and comfort. You can choose freely based on your budget and travel preferences. The train is composed of 17 cars with complete supporting facilities:The 2026 Shifang Panda Special Train Southern and Northern Xinjiang 16-day tour has multiple departure sessions, concentrated in the summer and autumn peak tourist seasons, to meet different travel plans. Different seat types have different per-person travel prices, with reference prices for various berths and compartments as follows:
Departure Dates:June 8, June 24, July 10, July 27, August 13, August 30, 2026
Reference Prices:
Economy Platinum:Standard 4-person compartment: Upper berth 8,480 RMB/person, Lower berth 9,280 RMB/person
Premium Platinum:Standard 4-person compartment: Upper berth 15,780 RMB/person, Lower berth 16,780 RMB/person
Premium Purple Gold:High-end 4-person compartment: Upper berth 27,880 RMB/person, Lower berth 28,880 RMB/person
Prices may vary slightly with season, room type, and session. Please refer to actual consultation and contract.
VI. 📞 How to Book and Register for the Shifang Panda Special Train, Where to Buy Tickets and Register?
If you want to ride the Shifang Panda Special Train, here is a booking guide.
Travel products related to the Shifang Panda Special Train are not sold separately on the 12306 platform. You can learn about product schedules, itineraries, and complete bookings through Manager Mai of the Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency Special Train Center.

Premium Purple Gold: Located in cars 7, 10, and 11, each car has 6 high-end compartments, accommodating 22 passengers. Each end of the car is equipped with a shower room, washbasin, sofa, round table, wardrobe, TV, call button, and charging sockets. The space is spacious with good privacy.Booking Process Reference:
Contact and Consultation: Manager Mai of the Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency Special Train Center is available 24 hours for consultation and registration. Company landline: 0991-3333832, mobile phone and WeChat: 132-0133-3409. Learn about the detailed itinerary, seat types, reference prices, and departure schedules of the Shifang Panda Special Train.
Select Travel Product:Choose a suitable departure schedule and seat type based on your free time and travel preferences.
Submit Personal Information:Provide the names, valid ID numbers (e.g., Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan travel permits, passports) of travelers for registration and seat reservation.
Complete Booking Procedures:Pay the travel booking deposit according to the travel agency’s requirements, obtain a receipt, and sign a unified electronic contract for tourism service supervision to complete the booking process.
From June to September each year, travel demand is high, and seats on long-distance special trains are limited. It is recommended to check the itinerary schedule early and pay a deposit to secure your preferred seat. Bookings can be made through Manager Mai of the Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency Special Train Center. Pay attention to various travel information online, carefully distinguish non-official channels, and protect your travel rights.
VII. 📝 Explanation of Fees and Services for the Shifang Panda Special Train
The services included in the Shifang Panda Special Train itinerary are arranged according to uniform standards, including transportation, basic accommodation, and tour support. Personal voluntary consumption items and optional experiences are not included.
All service details, fee standards, and included rights are based on the agreement signed by both parties. Specific travel-related rights and fees are subject to actual consultation and contract. For solo travelers, the travel agency will try to arrange room sharing; special circumstances require separate negotiation. Cancellation and modification rules follow tourism laws. For more details, contact customer service for a detailed explanation.
VIII. ✨ Conclusion
The summer and autumn scenery of Southern and Northern Xinjiang is at its best, with green grasslands, clear lakes, and fragrant fruits, making it a great time to travel. If you want to avoid the tight pace of regular tour groups, without frequent luggage handling and transfers, and slowly explore the core attractions of Southern and Northern Xinjiang, feel free to contact Manager Mai for more details and start a relaxed and enjoyable special train journey.
Tickets for the 2026 Shifang Panda Special Train must be booked through the designated professional and official railway channel — Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency・Special Train Center. It cannot be ordered independently through platforms like 12306. Official registration channel: Manager Mai of the Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency Special Train Center, available for consultation and registration 24 hours a day. Company landline: 0991-3333832, mobile phone and WeChat: 132-0133-3409.