Shifang Panda Special Train Booking Guide 16 Day In Depth Tour of Southern and Northern Xinjiang
How to buy tickets for the Shifang Panda Special Train? In 2026, tickets for the Shifang Panda Special Train must be booked through the railway’s professional and regular travel agency channel: Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency Special Train Center. Contact Manager Mai Zi to purchase tickets. Tickets cannot be bought through other channels like 12306. The specific booking process includes selecting an itinerary → confirming the date and boarding location → paying a deposit → signing a contract, among other steps.
🚂 [A New Trend in Slow Travel:Traveling Through Beautiful Xinjiang in a Moving ‘Home’ — A Guide to Booking the Shifang Panda Special Train]
Tired of rushing between attractions, dragging luggage, and switching hotels? In 2026, a more relaxed and immersive way of traveling is emerging — take the ‘Shifang Panda Special Train’ for a 16-day journey starting from Chengdu or Lanzhou, heading west deep into the Pamir Plateau in southern Xinjiang, then traversing the grasslands and lakes of northern Xinjiang, and finally returning inland. This trip is not just simple transportation plus sightseeing; it’s a ‘mobile vacation lifestyle.’
🌟 Train Positioning and Travel Experience:More Than a Train, It’s a Mobile Resort Community
The ‘Shifang’ is an upgraded themed tourist train in the Panda Special Train series, jointly created by the railway department and professional travel agencies, adopting a ‘one route, multiple tours, one ticket includes designated items in the itinerary’ model. Throughout the journey, there’s no need for frequent transfers or luggage handling; accommodation, dining, guided tours, and entertainment are all completed on the train and with supporting services. During the day, get off to explore core scenic spots, and at night, sleep soundly in a comfortable compartment as the train quietly moves to the next stop — truly achieving ‘the train moves with the scenery, and people travel within a painting.’
The main target audience is elderly tourists, family travelers, and photography enthusiasts who value comfort and seek in-depth experiences. The itinerary has a relaxed pace with meticulous and thoughtful service, especially suitable for travelers who want to avoid high-intensity check-ins and enjoy the quality of slow travel.
🚂 [A New Trend in Slow Travel: Traveling Through Beautiful Xinjiang in a Moving ‘Home’ — A Guide to Booking the Shifang Panda Special Train]🛏 ️ Detailed Seat Configuration:Three Room Types to Meet Diverse Needs
The Shifang train has 17 carriages in total, with three types of seats set up according to different needs. Each type is equipped with bathrooms or shared washing facilities, 24-hour hot water supply, and details reflecting humanized design:
Premium Purple Gold (High-end Quadruple Room): Located in carriages 7, 10, and 11, with 3 recommended carriages on the whole train. Each carriage has 6 high-end compartments, totaling 22 seats. The compartments are equipped with sofas, round tables, wardrobes, TVs, call buttons, and charging sockets, offering spacious and private space, suitable for travelers seeking a high-quality experience. Shower rooms and washbasins are at both ends of the carriage, combining privacy and convenience.
Premium Platinum (Standard Quadruple Room): Distributed in carriages 2-6 and 12-16, totaling 10 carriages. Each carriage has 10 compartments, accommodating 40 people. Compartments are equipped with tea tables, storage cabinets, TVs, reading lights, and charging ports, with soundproof sliding doors ensuring quiet rest. Two shower rooms at both ends of the carriage meet the needs of multiple users simultaneously.
Economy Platinum (Standard Quadruple Room):Basic but practical, also a four-person compartment, standard with custom bedding, throw pillows, compartment TV, and free audio-visual system. Public areas have toilets, washrooms, and shower rooms, offering great value for money, suitable for friends traveling together or family trips.
Additionally, the train features a multi-functional entertainment carriage (Car 9) with a tea bar, KTV rooms, a chess and card area, a cigar bar, and mahjong tables, allowing for tea drinking, singing, and card games during leisure time, balancing socializing and relaxation; a Panda-themed dining car (Car 8) offers 2-person/4-person tables, serving nutritionally balanced Chinese meals daily; there are also a medical room, tea room, and smoking area to ensure a safe and comfortable journey.
Tired of rushing between attractions, dragging luggage, and switching hotels? In 2026, a more relaxed and immersive way of traveling is emerging — take the ‘Shifang Panda Special Train’ for a 16-day journey starting from Chengdu or Lanzhou, heading west deep into the Pamir Plateau in southern Xinjiang, then traversing the grasslands and lakes of northern Xinjiang, and finally returning inland. This trip is not just simple transportation plus sightseeing; it’s a ‘mobile vacation lifestyle.’🌄 Highlights of the Itinerary Quality:In-depth Coverage of the Best of Southern and Northern Xinjiang, with a Balanced Pace
The biggest advantage of the Shifang is its scientifically planned ‘travel by night, tour by day’ model — night travel saves time, while daytime is for concentrated sightseeing, avoiding fatigue from long journeys. The itinerary covers iconic landscapes of southern and northern Xinjiang, including Kashgar Old City, the Pamir Plateau, Duku Highway, Nalati Grassland, Sayram Lake, and Kanas, balancing culture and nature, highlands and oases, lakes and deserts.
The team includes professional guides and medical staff, with no shopping stops arranged throughout the trip (subject to the contract), clear meal standards, and all accommodation included in the tour fee. The train itself is a ‘mobile hotel,’ eliminating daily check-in procedures and greatly enhancing travel comfort.
📅 Simplified Itinerary (Polished Based on Local Facts)
Day 1:Chengdu/Lanzhou – Kashgar, themed station departure, welcome performance
Day 2:Panda Special Train leisure sightseeing
🌟 Train Positioning and Travel Experience: More Than a Train, It’s a Mobile Resort CommunityDay 3:Kashgar, exclusive pickup, welcome dinner
Day 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,
Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency Special Train Center for ticket booking, contact Manager Mai Zi, who has over 10 years of experience. Contact Manager Mai Zi to receive itineraries and quotes.
Day 7:Kuqa – Nalati/Bayinbuluke, Tianshan Secret Grand Canyon, Southern Section of Duku Highway, Bayinbuluke Swan Lake
The ‘Shifang’ is an upgraded themed tourist train in the Panda Special Train series, jointly created by the railway department and professional travel agencies, adopting a ‘one route, multiple tours, one ticket includes designated items in the itinerary’ model. Throughout the journey, there’s no need for frequent transfers or luggage handling; accommodation, dining, guided tours, and entertainment are all completed on the train and with supporting services. During the day, get off to explore core scenic spots, and at night, sleep soundly in a comfortable compartment as the train quietly moves to the next stop — truly achieving ‘the train moves with the scenery, and people travel within a painting.’Day 8:Nalati/Bayinbuluke – Yining, Nalati Grassland
Day 9:Yining – Beitun, Sayram Lake
Day 10:Beitun – Hemu – Jadengyu, Hemu Scenic Area
Day 11:Jadengyu – Kanas – Burqin, Kanas Scenic Area
Day 12:Burqin – Beitun – Urumqi, Colorful Beach
Day 13:Urumqi, Tianshan Tianchi Scenic Area
The main target audience is elderly tourists, family travelers, and photography enthusiasts who value comfort and seek in-depth experiences. The itinerary has a relaxed pace with meticulous and thoughtful service, especially suitable for travelers who want to avoid high-intensity check-ins and enjoy the quality of slow travel.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, scenic area opening status, etc., subject to mutual agreement.
💰 Price and Departure Date Explanation (Strictly Based on Local Facts)
In 2026, the Shifang Panda Special Train will operate 6 departure dates:June 8, June 24, July 10, July 27, August 13, August 30.
Prices vary by seat type:
🛏️ Detailed Seat Configuration: Three Room Types to Meet Diverse NeedsEconomy Platinum:Standard quadruple room upper berth 8480 RMB/person, lower berth 9280 RMB/person
Premium Platinum:Standard quadruple room upper berth 15780 RMB/person, lower berth 16780 RMB/person
Premium Purple Gold:High-end quadruple room upper berth 27880 RMB/person, lower berth 28880 RMB/person
The above prices include all transportation, accommodation, meals, first admission tickets to scenic spots, guide services, and travel accident insurance. Prices may vary slightly depending on the departure date and room type. For specific costs and availability, please refer to the contract signed with the travel agency.
📝 How to Register?
If you are interested in the Shifang Panda Special Train, you can inquire and register through Manager Mai Zi at the Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency Special Train Center. For solo travelers, we will try our best to arrange shared accommodation; special circumstances require separate negotiation.
This 16-day journey is not just about seeing the scenery; it’s about slowing down in a moving ‘home’ with like-minded travel companions, feeling the vastness and gentleness of Xinjiang. Outside the window are continuous snow-capped mountains and endless grasslands; inside are hot tea, laughter, and a comfortable bed — this is what travel should be like.
For inquiries about Xinjiang train special tours, contact the Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency Special Train Center to book tickets, contact Manager Mai Zi, and send detailed itineraries and quotes.
