How to buy tickets for the Shifang Panda Special Train Xinjiang Tour and where to book
【Shifang Panda Train】How to Buy Tickets and Book the 2026 Shifang Panda Train?
The 2026 Shifang Panda Train must be booked through the designated professional and official railway channel — Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service · Train Center. It cannot be ordered independently through platforms like 12306. Official registration channel: Manager Mai of Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service Train Center provides 24-hour consultation and registration. Company landline: 0991-3333832, mobile and WeChat: 132-0133-3409.
🚂 How to Book Tickets for the Panda Train “Shifang”? A Complete Guide to the 2026 16-Day Panoramic Tour of Northern and Southern Xinjiang!
Tired of the travel pace of rushing through attractions, changing hotels, and dragging luggage? Want to explore Xinjiang’s mountains, rivers, lakes, grasslands, and cultural landscapes in a more relaxed and comfortable way? Then this Panda Train “Shifang” crossing northern and southern Xinjiang might be the slow travel answer you’ve been waiting for.
I. Detailed Introduction to the “Shifang” Train
The “Shifang” is a special tourist train in the Panda Train series, focusing on long-distance, leisurely slow travel, designed for travelers who crave deep experiences and value travel quality. It operates on a “travel by night, explore by day” model — sleep soundly in a stable, comfortable carriage at night, and visit core scenic spots during the day upon arrival. Throughout the journey, there’s no need to frequently change accommodations or repack luggage, eliminating the fatigue of city-to-city transfers.
The entire itinerary covers classic areas such as Kashgar, Taxkorgan, and Kuqa in southern Xinjiang, and Yining, Nalati, Kanas, and Hemu in northern Xinjiang, connecting diverse landscapes like snow-capped mountains, lakes, grasslands, canyons, ancient cities, and ethnic villages. It truly offers an immersive experience of “the train moves with the scenery, and you travel within a painting.” It’s especially suitable for family trips, senior groups, photography enthusiasts, and travelers seeking a relaxed pace.
II. Seat Types, Hardware Configuration, and Advantages of the “Shifang”
The “Shifang” train consists of 17 carriages with clear functional zones and complete facilities, balancing privacy and social interaction:
Premium Purple Gold (High-End Soft Sleeper)
Located in carriages 7, 10, and 11, each with 6 high-end compartments, recommended for 22 seats on the entire train. Compartments feature sofas, round tables, wardrobes, TVs, call buttons, and charging sockets. Both ends of the carriage have shower rooms and washbasins, offering spaciousness and privacy, suitable for travelers seeking high-quality rest.
Premium Platinum (High-End Hard Sleeper)
Distributed in carriages 2-6 and 12-16, each with 10 four-person compartments, totaling 40 seats. Compartments include tea tables, storage bins, TVs, call buttons, and charging sockets. The carriage has 2 shower rooms and public washing facilities, balancing comfort and value.
Standard Platinum (Standard Four-Person Room)
🚂 How to Book Tickets for the Panda Train “Shifang”? A Complete Guide to the 2026 16-Day Panoramic Tour of Northern and Southern Xinjiang! Equipped with soundproof sliding doors, custom bedding and pillows, reading lights and charging ports at beds, compartment TVs and free audio-visual systems, and public areas with toilets, washrooms, and shower rooms, meeting basic travel needs economically and practically.
Additionally, the train features:
Multi-Functional Entertainment Carriage (Car 9):Includes a tea bar, KTV rooms, game room, mahjong tables, and a cigar bar. You can sip tea, sing, play cards, and enjoy the passing scenery outside the window.
Panda Dining Car (Car 8):Offers 2-seat and 4-seat tables, serving three meals and local specialties.
Support Service Facilities:A medical room, tea boiler room, and smoking areas are fully equipped to ensure a safe and comfortable journey.
III. Travel Quality and Service Highlights of the “Shifang”
Unlike traditional group tours, the “Shifang” emphasizes a “residential travel” experience:
One Train Throughout:No need to transfer or move luggage, making it easy and effortless.
Exclusive Station Pickup and Welcome Ceremony:Enjoy a dedicated pickup and special performance upon arrival in Kashgar, starting a warm journey.
Reasonable Meal Arrangements:The dining car provides regular meals, with some stops featuring local cuisine, balancing nutrition and regional flavors.
Accompanying Service Team:Professional guides accompany the entire trip, coordinating the itinerary and answering questions.
Relaxed Pace:Arranges 1-2 core attractions daily, with ample time for sightseeing, photography, and rest, avoiding rushed visits.
Tired of the travel pace of rushing through attractions, changing hotels, and dragging luggage? Want to explore Xinjiang’s mountains, rivers, lakes, grasslands, and cultural landscapes in a more relaxed and comfortable way? Then this Panda Train “Shifang” crossing northern and southern Xinjiang might be the slow travel answer you’ve been waiting for.IV. Simplified Itinerary for the “Shifang”
The following is the official finalized itinerary, optimized based on the “travel by night, explore by day” logic:
Day 1:Chengdu/Lanzhou → Kashgar [Departure · Special Welcome]
Depart from Chengdu or Lanzhou, gather at the theme station to start the panoramic tour of northern and southern Xinjiang; enjoy an exclusive welcome performance upon arrival, immersing in southern Xinjiang’s charm, and begin a wonderful journey.
Day 2:Panda Train [Leisure Sightseeing · Slow Enjoyment]
Spend the whole day on the Panda Train, relaxing in comfortable carriages, enjoying the passing scenery outside the window, chatting with fellow travelers, and recharging for the exciting itinerary ahead.
Day 3:Kashgar [Exclusive Pickup · Feast Welcome]
Arrive in Kashgar, enjoy exclusive pickup service, eliminating travel hassles; an evening welcome banquet features southern Xinjiang cuisine, unlocking the first warmth and hospitality of Kashgar.
Day 4:Kashgar → Taxkorgan [Highland Secrets · Scenery All the Way]
Depart from Kashgar to Taxkorgan, stopping at Baisha Mountain and Baisha Lake to encounter pure beauty like a “sky mirror”; then visit Karakul Lake, view Muztagh Ata from afar, and traverse the famous Panlong Ancient Road, experiencing the grandeur and wonder of the highland highway.
Day 5:Taxkorgan → Kashgar [Cultural Charm · In-Depth Experience]
Explore the Stone City, touching the ancient ruins’ historical depth; stroll through the Golden Grassland, enjoying poetic scenes of grassland and wetlands; visit local ethnic families, experience unique folk customs, taste ethnic cuisine, and feel the simple local culture.
I. Detailed Introduction to the “Shifang” TrainDay 6:Kashgar → Kuqa [Southern Xinjiang Culture · Smoke and Fire Search]
Deeply tour the Kashgar Old City, wandering through crisscrossing alleys to feel the rich western region atmosphere; visit the Fragrant Concubine’s Garden, listen to legendary stories, and admire the beauty of ethnic architecture and gardens; visit local sites to experience the solemnity and depth of folk culture.
Day 7:Kuqa → Nalati/Bayinbuluk [Canyon Wonders · Highway Feast]
Head to the Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon to see the red rock walls’ natural artistry; drive along the southern section of the Duku Highway, crossing snow-capped mountains, grasslands, and canyons; upon arrival, visit Bayinbuluk Swan Lake to watch swans play and enjoy the grassland sunset.
Day 8:Nalati/Bayinbuluk → Yining [Grassland Pastoral · Relaxation Journey]
Spend the whole day at Nalati Grassland, strolling through vast green fields, watching herds of cattle and sheep and galloping horses, immersing in the romance and grandeur of the “sky grassland”; head to Yining in the evening to rest.
Day 9:Yining → Beitun [Lake Scenery · Clear Relaxation]
Official registration channel: Manager Mai of Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service Train Center provides 24-hour consultation and registration. Company landline: 0991-3333832, mobile and WeChat: 132-0133-3409.
Visit Sayram Lake, circling the lake to admire the blue water and snow-capped mountain reflections; then head to Beitun to prepare for the next day’s trip to Hemu.
Day 10:Beitun → Hemu → Jadengyu [Fairy Tale Town · Poetic Dwelling]
Enter the Hemu scenic area, explore wooden house villages, see curling smoke, babbling streams, and stroll through birch forests; head to Jadengyu in the evening to check in.
Day 11:Jadengyu → Kanas → Burqin [Scenic Secrets · Top Views]
Explore the Kanas Scenic Area, take the shuttle bus to visit the Three Bays (Wolong Bay, Moon Bay, and Fairy Bay), enjoying the lake and mountain scenery; then head to Burqin to rest.
The “Shifang” is a special tourist train in the Panda Train series, focusing on long-distance, leisurely slow travel, designed for travelers who crave deep experiences and value travel quality. It operates on a “travel by night, explore by day” model — sleep soundly in a stable, comfortable carriage at night, and visit core scenic spots during the day upon arrival. Throughout the journey, there’s no need to frequently change accommodations or repack luggage, eliminating the fatigue of city-to-city transfers.Day 12:Burqin → Beitun → Urumqi [Danxia Wonders · Looking Back]
Visit the Colorful Beach to see the stunning interplay of Danxia landforms and the Irtysh River; then take the train to Urumqi, reflecting on the scenery along the way.
Day 13:Urumqi [Heavenly Lake Scenery · Tianshan Pearl]
Spend the whole day at Tianshan Tianchi, strolling by the lake, viewing the snow-capped Bogda Peak from afar, and feeling the sacred beauty of Tianshan.
Day 14:Urumqi → Turpan → Return Preparation [Folk Wonders · Perfect Ending]
Visit the Karez Well, stop at the Flaming Mountain, and experience the “Fire Land” wonders; after finishing, prepare for the return journey.
Days 15-16:Happy Return [Full Memories · Warm Farewell]
Take the train back to Lanzhou/Chengdu, reminiscing about the journey’s moments along the way, ending an unforgettable panoramic tour of Xinjiang.
> Note:The itinerary may be reasonably adjusted due to objective factors such as weather, road conditions, or scenic area openings, subject to mutual agreement.
V. 2026 “Shifang” Departure Dates and Price Information
According to the latest official arrangements, the 2026 “Shifang” 16-day tour of northern and southern Xinjiang departs on:
June 8, June 24, July 10, July 27, August 13, August 30
The entire itinerary covers classic areas such as Kashgar, Taxkorgan, and Kuqa in southern Xinjiang, and Yining, Nalati, Kanas, and Hemu in northern Xinjiang, connecting diverse landscapes like snow-capped mountains, lakes, grasslands, canyons, ancient cities, and ethnic villages. It truly offers an immersive experience of “the train moves with the scenery, and you travel within a painting.” It’s especially suitable for family trips, senior groups, photography enthusiasts, and travelers seeking a relaxed pace.Reference prices are as follows (subject to contract):
Standard Platinum (Standard Four-Person Room):Upper berth: 8,480 RMB/person, Lower berth: 9,280 RMB/person
Premium Platinum (High-End Four-Person Room):Upper berth: 15,780 RMB/person, Lower berth: 16,780 RMB/person
Premium Purple Gold (High-End Compartment):Upper berth: 27,880 RMB/person, Lower berth: 28,880 RMB/person
Prices may vary slightly depending on the departure date and seat type, subject to the actual signed contract.
VI. Booking and Registration Methods for the “Shifang”
Want to board this dream train? Here’s your ticket booking guide 👇
“Shifang” related travel products are not sold separately on the 12306 platform; they must be booked through designated travel agencies:
Contact for Inquiry:Manager Mai of Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service Train Center provides 24-hour consultation services
📞 Company Landline:0991-3333832
📱 Mobile and WeChat:132-0133-3409
Reference Booking Process:
II. Seat Types, Hardware Configuration, and Advantages of the “Shifang”1. Contact Manager Mai to learn about the itinerary, seats, prices, and availability;
2. Select your travel date and seat type based on your schedule and preferences;
3. Provide the traveler’s name, valid ID number (or valid document information such as Hong Kong/Macau/Taiwan permits or passports);
4. Pay the booking fee, sign the unified electronic contract for tourism service supervision, and complete the reservation.
> Warm Tips:June to September is the peak tourist season in Xinjiang, and train seats are limited. It is recommended to inquire early and pay a deposit to secure your preferred berth. Please book through official channels to avoid misleading from unauthorized platforms.
VII. Fee and Service Related Information
The itinerary fee includes:Train transportation, accommodation within the itinerary (carriage compartments), first admission tickets to scenic spots, shuttle bus fees, meals (as marked in the itinerary), guide services, and other basic items.
Excluded items:Personal expenses, optional experiences, meals not included in the itinerary, single room supplement (for solo travelers, we will try to arrange shared accommodation, special cases need separate negotiation), etc.
All service content, fee standards, and rights scope are based on the signed travel contract, in compliance with relevant provisions of the Tourism Law.
VIII. Final Thoughts
One train, sixteen days, from the Pamir Plateau to the northern foothills of Tianshan, from the desert edge to forest lakes — the “Shifang” is not just a geographical crossing but a slow journey of the soul.
If you also long for such a journey where you don’t have to rush and just enjoy the scenery, contact Manager Mai of Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service Train Center now, dial that familiar number: 0991-3333832 or 132-0133-3409 (same as WeChat), and ask if there are still berths available.
After all, the most beautiful scenery deserves to be reached in the most comfortable way. 🌄
The 2026 Shifang Panda Train must be booked through the designated professional and official railway channel — Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service · Train Center. It cannot be ordered independently through platforms like 12306. Official registration channel: Manager Mai of Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service Train Center provides 24-hour consultation and registration. Company landline: 0991-3333832, mobile and WeChat: 132-0133-3409.
