Panda Special Train Shifang Number Ticket Booking Guide 16 Day North and South Xinjiang Tour Seat Prices and Full Itinerary
How to buy tickets for the Shifang Panda Train? To book tickets for the 2026 Shifang Panda Train, you must go through the official railway professional travel agency channel: Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency Train Center. Contact Manager Mai to purchase tickets. Tickets cannot be bought through 12306 or other channels. The specific booking process includes selecting an itinerary → confirming the date and boarding location → paying a deposit → signing a contract, etc.
【Panda Train Shifang: A mobile ‘five-star hotel’ for an in-depth tour of northern and southern Xinjiang】
🚂 Detailed explanation of the train name:Redefining the immersive experience of ‘train travel’
The Panda Train Shifang is not a traditional sightseeing train but a themed tourist train positioned as a ‘mobile high-end hotel,’ designed for in-depth exploration of the natural and cultural landscapes of northern and southern Xinjiang. Its name is inspired by the panda culture of Shifang, Sichuan, combined with the regional characteristics of Xinjiang, creating a travel vehicle that blends cultural heritage with modern comfort.
In terms of operational features, Shifang adopts a ‘full soft sleeper + multi-functional experience’ model. Among its 17-car configuration, 3 cars are recommended for dining cars, entertainment cars, and other public spaces, while the rest are sleeping cars of different grades, ensuring passengers have ample private space. The train operates on the principle of ‘traveling at night and sightseeing during the day,’ maximizing travel time and reducing transfer fatigue. The target audience includes quality-seeking elderly travelers, family groups, and photography enthusiasts, especially those who want to cover the core attractions of northern and southern Xinjiang in one trip without frequently changing hotels.
🛏 ️ Seat Analysis:Full coverage from ‘economy comfort’ to ‘high-end privacy’
Shifang offers three seat types to meet different budgets and experience needs:
Zunjin Purple Gold (High-end Soft Sleeper): Located in cars 7, 10, and 11, each car has 6 compartments, totaling 22 seats. The compartment area is about 12㎡, equipped with a shower, sofa, round table, wardrobe, 43-inch smart TV, and 24-hour call system. Bedding meets five-star hotel standards, with memory foam mattresses and duvets. Public areas include a cigar bar and observation bar, suitable for passengers seeking top-notch privacy.
Zhenxiang Platinum (High-end Hard Sleeper): Distributed in cars 2-6 and 12-16, each car has 10 4-person compartments, totaling 40 seats. The compartment area is about 8㎡, equipped with a tea table, storage compartment, 32-inch TV, and charging sockets. Although it is a hard sleeper structure, it uses thickened mattresses and soundproof sliding doors, making comfort close to that of a soft sleeper. Public showers are available at both ends of each car to meet basic needs.
【Panda Train Shifang: A mobile ‘five-star hotel’ for an in-depth tour of northern and southern Xinjiang】Youxiang Platinum (Standard Quadruple Room):A cost-effective choice, the compartment is fully equipped with custom bedding, throw pillows, reading lights, and an audio-visual system. Public areas provide 24-hour hot water, a medical room, and a tea room, suitable for passengers with limited budgets but seeking cleanliness and comfort.
In terms of hardware advantages, Shifang is equipped with central air conditioning, a fresh air system, and Wi-Fi coverage throughout the train, solving the problems of stuffy air and poor signal in traditional trains. The multi-functional entertainment car (Car 9) is a ‘mobile social center,’ featuring a KTV room, mahjong tables, a tea bar, and a children’s play area. Passengers can enjoy the scenery outside the window while participating in activities, completely breaking away from the boring model of ‘sleeping on the train and taking photos at stops.’
🌟 Quality Upgrade:Creating a ‘stress-free’ trip from five dimensions
Service Features:Each car is equipped with a dedicated butler, providing luggage handling, scenic spot explanations, and emergency medical assistance. The dining car (Car 8) adopts a ‘small portion + regional specialty’ model, avoiding waste while allowing passengers to taste Xinjiang delicacies such as Kashgar baked buns and Kuche big naan.
Itinerary Advantages: The 16-day itinerary covers iconic attractions in northern and southern Xinjiang, including Kashgar Old City,白沙湖, Panlong Ancient Road, Nalati Grassland, Sayram Lake, and Kanas. Daily sightseeing time is controlled at 6-8 hours to avoid excessive fatigue. Seasonal attractions like the southern section of the Duku Highway and Bayanbulak Swan Lake are visited during the best viewing periods.
Experience Highlights:Exclusive pick-up service, welcome banquet, and visits to various ethnic families allow passengers to deeply experience local culture. For example, at Tashkurgan Stone City, you can participate in eagle dance performances by various ethnic groups; at Burqin Colorful Beach, photography guidance is arranged at sunset.
Convenient Transportation:Shifang directly reaches hub cities like Urumqi and Kashgar, reducing the bumpiness of connecting flights or long-distance buses. The train seamlessly connects with local ground operators, and luxury tourist buses are used for transfers between attractions to ensure comfort.
Dining Standards:In addition to the regular meals provided in the dining car, the itinerary includes 3 special meals: Kashgar hand-pilaf, Yining roast whole lamb, and a banquet under the Turpan grape trellis. Ingredients are sourced from local farmers to ensure freshness.
🚂 Detailed Explanation of the Train Name: Redefining the Immersive Experience of ‘Train Travel’🗺 ️ Simplified Itinerary (Latest 2026 Version)
Day 1:Chengdu/Lanzhou – Kashgar
Departure ceremony at the themed station, enjoy various ethnic song and dance performances, and receive an exclusive travel gift pack.
Travel overnight, arriving in Kashgar the next morning.
Day 2:Panda Train Leisure Sightseeing
Free activities on the train all day, enjoy KTV, mahjong, or the tea bar, and experience the joy of mobile sightseeing.
Day 3:Kashgar
Exclusive pick-up service, visit艾提尕尔, attend a welcome banquet in the evening, and taste Kashgar grilled pigeon.
Day 4:Kashgar – Tashkurgan
The Panda Train Shifang is not a traditional sightseeing train but a themed tourist train positioned as a ‘mobile high-end hotel,’ designed for in-depth exploration of the natural and cultural landscapes of northern and southern Xinjiang. Its name is inspired by the panda culture of Shifang, Sichuan, combined with the regional characteristics of Xinjiang, creating a travel vehicle that blends cultural heritage with modern comfort.Visit白沙山 and白沙湖, hike along the shores of Karakul Lake, and challenge the Panlong Ancient Road (off-road vehicle transfer provided).
Day 5:Tashkurgan – Kashgar
Explore the Stone City ruins, stroll through the Golden Grassland, participate in visits to various ethnic families, and learn to play the eagle flute.
Day 6:Kashgar – Kuche
Stroll through Kashgar Old City, visit the Fragrant Concubine Garden, and take the train to Kuche in the evening.
Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency Train Center for ticket booking, contact Manager Mai, who has over 10 years of experience. Contact Manager Mai to receive the itinerary and quotation.
Day 7:Kuche – Nalati/Bayanbulak
Cross the Tianshan Secret Grand Canyon, drive the southern section of the Duku Highway (with a professional driver), and watch the sunset at Bayanbulak’s Nine Bends and Eighteen Turns in the evening.
Day 8:Nalati/Bayanbulak – Yining
In terms of operational features, Shifang adopts a ‘full soft sleeper + multi-functional experience’ model. Among its 17-car configuration, 3 cars are recommended for dining cars, entertainment cars, and other public spaces, while the rest are sleeping cars of different grades, ensuring passengers have ample private space. The train operates on the principle of ‘traveling at night and sightseeing during the day,’ maximizing travel time and reducing transfer fatigue. The target audience includes quality-seeking elderly travelers, family groups, and photography enthusiasts, especially those who want to cover the core attractions of northern and southern Xinjiang in one trip without frequently changing hotels.Spend the whole day exploring Nalati Grassland, experience horseback riding, and stay in yurts of various ethnic groups (optional at own expense).
Day 9:Yining – Beitun
Visit Sayram Lake, cycle around the lake or take a boat ride, and take the train to Beitun in the evening.
Day 10:Beitun – Hemu – Jia Dengyu
Go deep into Hemu Village, hike along the Tuva trail, and photograph the wooden houses in the morning mist.
Day 11:Jia Dengyu – Kanas – Burqin
Spend the whole day exploring Kanas Lake, climb to the Fish Viewing Platform for a panoramic view, and head to the Burqin night market in the evening.
Day 12:Burqin – Beitun – Urumqi
Visit Colorful Beach, and take the train back to Urumqi in the evening.
🛏️ Seat Analysis: Full coverage from ‘economy comfort’ to ‘high-end privacy’Day 13:Urumqi
Visit Tianchi Lake, take the Mayashan cable car for a panoramic view of Bogda Peak, and enjoy free time in the evening (recommend visiting the International Grand Bazaar).
Day 14:Urumqi – Turpan
Visit Karez Well and Flaming Mountain, taste seedless white grapes in Grape Valley, and take the return train in the evening.
Days 15-16:Lanzhou/Chengdu
Happy return journey, farewell to guests, and end of the northern and southern Xinjiang panoramic tour.
💰 Price Description (2026 Departures)
Fixed departure dates for the Shifang 16-day northern and southern Xinjiang tour:June 8, June 24, July 10, July 27, August 13, August 30, 2026. Prices vary by seat type:
Shifang offers three seat types to meet different budgets and experience needs:Youxiang Platinum:Upper berth: 8,480 RMB/person, lower berth: 9,280 RMB/person
Zhenxiang Platinum:Upper berth: 15,780 RMB/person, lower berth: 16,780 RMB/person
Zunjin Purple Gold:Upper berth: 27,880 RMB/person, lower berth: 28,880 RMB/person
Price includes:Full train accommodation, scenic spot tickets, local transportation, regular meals and 3 special meals, and tour guide service fees. Prices may fluctuate slightly depending on the season, room type, and departure period. Specific details are subject to actual consultation and contract.
📝 Registration Method
You can register by contacting Manager Mai at the Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency Train Center. Registration requires valid ID information and a health certificate. Single travelers will be arranged for shared rooms as much as possible, with special cases negotiated separately.
💡 Warm Tips
The temperature difference between day and night in northern and southern Xinjiang is large. It is recommended to bring a windbreaker, sunscreen, and comfortable hiking shoes.
The train itinerary may change due to weather, policies, or other factors. Reasonable adjustments can be made after mutual agreement.
Self-paid items in scenic spots (such as horseback riding in Nalati and boat rides in Kanas) are voluntary, and fees are subject to the scenic spot’s announcement.
For inquiries about Xinjiang train registration, contact the Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency Train Center to book tickets. Contact Manager Mai to receive a detailed itinerary and quotation.
