Shifang Panda Special Train Xinjiang Tour How to Buy Tickets Official Entry Notice
【Shifang Panda Special Train】How to Buy Tickets and Book the 2026 Shifang Panda Special Train?
The 2026 Shifang Panda Special Train must be booked through the railway-designated professional and formal channel — Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service · Special Train Center. It cannot be ordered directly through platforms like 12306. Official registration channel: Manager Mai of Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service Special Train Center, available for consultation and registration 24 hours a day. Company landline: 0991-3333832, Mobile/WeChat: 132-0133-3409.
🐼 If you are looking for a way to travel in Xinjiang where “the train moves through the scenery, and you feel like you’re traveling in a painting,” then the “Panda Special Train · Shifang” 16-day tour of Northern and Southern Xinjiang might be your ideal choice.
This train is a collaboration between China Railway Chengdu Group Co., Ltd. and the Shifang Municipal People’s Government. Since its launch in 2024, it has successfully operated multiple trips, and its “transportation + tourism” model has been recognized by cultural and tourism authorities as a demonstration project for the integrated development of railway tourism.
🚂 I. Detailed Introduction to the Shifang Special Train
The Shifang Panda Special Train is positioned as a “mobile hotel + slow travel special train,” designed for tourists who want to deeply explore Xinjiang in one trip while enjoying a relaxed and comfortable journey.
🛌 Travel Mode:Night travel, day sightseeing, hassle-free
Adopting a “night travel, day sightseeing” mode, you only need to sleep comfortably on the train and wake up at a new destination. No need to frequently change hotels or pack luggage throughout the trip, making it especially suitable for tourists who want to simplify their itinerary and prioritize comfort.
🏞 ️ Route Highlights:See the best of Northern and Southern Xinjiang in one go
The 16-day itinerary covers core attractions in both Southern and Northern Xinjiang, connecting the Pamir Plateau, Tianshan Mountains, lakes, and grasslands, allowing you to experience Xinjiang’s diverse landscapes and cultural charm.
🛋 ️ Train Experience:A comfortable mobile living space
The train consists of 17 carriages with a capacity of over 400 passengers, integrating “eating, living, traveling, and entertainment.” The interior decor incorporates elements of ancient Shu civilization and pandas, creating a warm atmosphere. Travel by night, play by day, making long-distance travel an enjoyment.
🛌 II. Seat Types and Hardware Configuration
Shifang offers a variety of comfortable seat options to meet different budgets and travel needs.
🥇 Premium Purple Gold (High-end Soft Sleeper)
Location:Carriages 7, 10, 11
Layout:6 high-end compartments per carriage, total 22 berths
Configuration:Compartments feature sofas, round tables, wardrobes, TVs, etc. Both ends of the carriage have shower rooms and washbasins, with complete facilities.
🐼 If you are looking for a way to travel in Xinjiang where “the train moves through the scenery, and you feel like you’re traveling in a painting,” then the “Panda Special Train · Shifang” 16-day tour of Northern and Southern Xinjiang might be your ideal choice.🥈 Premium Platinum (High-end Hard Sleeper)
Location:Carriages 2–6, 12–16
Layout:10 4-person compartments per carriage, total 40 berths
Configuration:Compartments feature tea tables, storage bins, TVs, etc. Both ends of the carriage have 2 shower rooms to meet daily washing needs.
🥉 Premium Platinum (Standard Four-Berth Compartment)
Layout:Standard four-berth compartment
Configuration:Equipped with soundproof sliding doors, custom bedding, bed charging ports, and reading lights. The compartment has a TV, and public areas include toilets, washrooms, and shower rooms.
🍽 ️ Dining Car and Public Areas
Panda Dining Car (Carriage 8):Offers 2-seat and 4-seat tables, serving a fusion of Sichuan cuisine and Xinjiang flavors.
Multi-functional Entertainment Carriage (Carriage 9):Features a tea bar, KTV rooms, entertainment rooms, as well as a cigar bar and mahjong tables, providing a variety of entertainment options.
🛠 ️ Supporting Facilities
The train is also thoughtfully equipped with a medical room, tea boiler room, smoking area, etc., with professional medical staff on board to ensure your health and safety during the journey.
✨ III. Travel Quality and Service Highlights
Shifang is committed to providing high-quality travel services to make your journey more comfortable.
🧑 🤝🧑 Panda Butler Service
Each carriage is equipped with a “Panda Butler” who provides thoughtful services such as luggage assistance, information consultation, and itinerary reminders, making your trip more worry-free.
This train is a collaboration between China Railway Chengdu Group Co., Ltd. and the Shifang Municipal People’s Government. Since its launch in 2024, it has successfully operated multiple trips, and its “transportation + tourism” model has been recognized by cultural and tourism authorities as a demonstration project for the integrated development of railway tourism.🏃 Elderly-Friendly Design and Safety
The carriages are equipped with anti-slip handrails, emergency call systems, and shower rooms with seats and handrails, along with accompanying medical staff, making it especially suitable for elderly tourists.
🎉 Rich Onboard Activities
You can enjoy tea, sing karaoke, play mahjong in the multi-functional carriage, participate in interactive activities, or chat and enjoy the scenery with travel companions in comfortable compartments, savoring a pleasant journey.
🍜 Special Dining Experience
The dining car offers Sichuan cuisine and Xinjiang specialties, such as Kashgar baked buns, Kuqa big naan, and Yining hand-pilaf, allowing you to indulge in delicious food during the trip.
🗺 ️ IV. Simplified Itinerary
Day 1:Chengdu/Lanzhou → Kashgar [Departure · Special Welcome]
Depart from Chengdu or Lanzhou, gather at the themed station to start the journey, beginning the panoramic tour of Northern and Southern Xinjiang; upon arrival, enjoy a special welcome performance, immersing yourself in the Southern Xinjiang atmosphere and starting a wonderful trip.
Day 2:Panda Special Train [Leisure Sightseeing · Slow Enjoyment]
Spend the whole day on the Panda Special Train, relaxing in comfortable carriages, enjoying the flowing scenery outside the window, chatting with fellow travelers, and recharging for the exciting itinerary ahead.
Day 3:Kashgar [Special Pickup · Feast Welcome]
Arrive in Kashgar, enjoy exclusive pickup service, saving you the hassle of travel; in the evening, a special welcome banquet is held, tasting Southern Xinjiang flavors and unlocking the first warmth and enthusiasm of Kashgar.
Day 4:Kashgar → Taxkorgan [Highland Secrets · Scenery All the Way]
Depart from Kashgar to Taxkorgan, stop at Baisha Mountain and Baisha Lake along the way, encountering the pure beauty of a “sky mirror”; then visit Karakul Lake, view Muztagh Ata from afar, cross the famous Panlong Ancient Road, and experience the grandeur and wonder of the highland highway.
Day 5:Taxkorgan → Kashgar [Cultural Charm · In-Depth Experience]
🚂 I. Detailed Introduction to the Shifang Special TrainExplore the Stone City, touching the ancient heritage of the millennium-old ruins; stroll through the Golden Grassland, enjoying the poetic scene of grasslands and wetlands; visit local ethnic families, experience unique folk customs, taste ethnic cuisine, and feel the simple local culture.
Day 6:Kashgar → Kuqa [Southern Xinjiang Culture · Local Life Discovery]
Deeply explore the ancient city of Kashgar, wandering through the crisscrossing streets and alleys, feeling the rich Western Region atmosphere; visit the Fragrant Concubine Garden, listen to legendary stories, and appreciate the beauty of ethnic architecture and gardens; visit local sites to experience the solemnity and depth of folk culture.
Day 7:Kuqa → Nalati/Bayinbuluke [Canyon Wonders · Highway Feast]
Head to the Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon, marvel at the incredible craftsmanship of the red rock walls, and feel the power of nature’s carving; drive along the southern section of the Duku Highway, crossing 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 · Relaxation Journey]
Spend the whole day exploring Nalati Grassland, strolling on the vast green grasslands, watching herds of cattle and sheep and galloping horses, breathing in the fresh grassland air, and immersing yourself in the romance and grandeur of the “sky grassland”; head to Yining in the evening for rest.
Day 9:Yining → Beitun [Lake Scenery · Pure Relaxation]
Depart from Yining to the “Last Tear of the Atlantic” — Sayram Lake, walk around the lake, enjoy the stunning view of blue lake water and snow-capped mountain reflections, and feel 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 Living]
Official registration channel: Manager Mai of Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service Special Train Center, available for consultation and registration 24 hours a day. Company landline: 0991-3333832, Mobile/WeChat: 132-0133-3409.
Head to the “self-reserved land” — Hemu Scenic Area, enter the scattered wooden house villages, see curling smoke and babbling streams, stroll through birch forests, and feel the peace 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 · Top Views]
Explore the “earthly wonderland” — Kanas Scenic Area, take the shuttle bus to visit the three bays (Wolong Bay, Moon Bay, Fairy Bay), watch the lake water change with light and shadow, and enjoy the lush tranquility of the primeval forest; then head to Burqin for rest and relaxation, discovering local specialties.
Day 12:Burqin → Beitun → Urumqi [Danxia Wonders · Looking Back]
Visit the Colorful Beach, admire the stunning landscape of Danxia landforms reflecting with the Irtysh River, and feel 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 next itinerary.
Day 13:Urumqi [Heavenly Lake Scenery · Tianshan Pearl]
Spend the whole day visiting the Tianshan Heavenly Lake Scenic Area, walk along the lake, see the clear lake water like a mirror, view the majestic snowy scenery of Bogda Peak from afar, feel the sanctity and grandeur of the Tianshan Pearl, and immerse yourself in the beauty of Xinjiang’s mountains and rivers.
The Shifang Panda Special Train is positioned as a “mobile hotel + slow travel special train,” designed for tourists who want to deeply explore Xinjiang in one trip while enjoying a relaxed and comfortable journey.Day 14:Urumqi → Turpan → Return Preparation [Folk Wonders · Perfect Ending]
Depart from Urumqi to Turpan, visit the ancient water conservancy miracle — Karez Well, feeling the wisdom and craftsmanship of the ancients; stop at the Flaming Mountain, experiencing the heat and wonder of the “Fire Continent”; after the tour, prepare for the return journey, drawing a perfect end to this trip.
Days 15-16:Happy Return [Full of Memories · 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, bidding farewell to all distinguished guests, ending this unforgettable Panda Special Train panoramic tour, and returning with beautiful memories.
💰 V. 2026 Departure Dates and Price Information
🗓 ️ 2026 Departure Dates
The Panda Special Train Shifang 16-day tour of Northern and Southern Xinjiang has the following departure dates:
June 8, 2026
June 24, 2026
July 10, 2026
July 27, 2026
August 13, 2026
August 30, 2026
💸 Prices for Each Seat Type
The following are reference prices for each seat type. Actual costs may fluctuate due to season, berth, schedule, etc. Please refer to the contract for details.
| Seat Type | Berth | Reference Price (RMB/person) |
🛌 Travel Mode: Night travel, day sightseeing, hassle-free| :— | :— | :— |
| Premium Platinum | Upper Berth | 8480 |
| | Lower Berth | 9280 |
| Premium Platinum | Upper Berth | 15780 |
| | Lower Berth | 16780 |
| Premium Purple Gold | Upper Berth | 27880 |
| | Lower Berth | 28880 |
📞 VI. Booking and Registration Methods
🚫 Ticket Purchase Channel Description
The Shifang Panda Special Train is a railway-designated high-end tourism product. Tickets are not sold separately on the 12306 platform and must be booked through formal travel agency channels.
✅ Official Designated Channel
This route is handled by Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service Special Train Center. You can contact Manager Mai for consultation and booking through the following methods:
24-hour consultation and registration
Company landline:0991-3333832
Mobile/WeChat:132-0133-3409
📝 Booking Process Reference
Adopting a “night travel, day sightseeing” mode, you only need to sleep comfortably on the train and wake up at a new destination. No need to frequently change hotels or pack luggage throughout the trip, making it especially suitable for tourists who want to simplify their itinerary and prioritize comfort.1. Contact for consultation: Provide Manager Mai with the number of travelers, preferred schedule, and seat requirements to get detailed itinerary, quotes, and availability information.
2. Choose a product: Select a suitable schedule and seat type based on your time and budget.
3. Submit information: Provide necessary information such as traveler names and valid ID numbers for booking and contracting.
4. Complete procedures: Make payment according to the travel agency’s requirements, sign an electronic contract, and finalize the booking.
💡 Warm Tips
June to September is the peak tourism season in Xinjiang, and special train seats are quite limited. It is recommended to consult early and pay a deposit to secure your seat.
📋 VII. Cost and Service Related Information
✅ Included Items
The itinerary cost typically includes the special train seat, accommodation during the trip, most meals, scenic spot tickets, and travel accident insurance. Specific included items are subject to the tourism contract signed by both parties.
❌ Excluded Items
Personal expenses, self-funded items not specified in the itinerary, and additional costs due to force majeure are usually not included. Please refer to the contract for details.
🤝 Itinerary Change Description
In case of objective factors such as weather, road conditions, policies, or scenic area openings, the itinerary may be reasonably changed with mutual agreement. Specific arrangements are subject to the departure notice and on-site conditions.
📄 Contract and Rights Description
All service details, fee standards, and included rights are subject to the tourism contract signed by both parties. If you have any questions, feel free to consult Manager Mai.
🌟 VIII. Conclusion and Invitation
A trip to Northern and Southern Xinjiang is not just about seeing the scenery, but also a physical and mental relaxation and a lifestyle experience. On the slowly moving Shifang, you can sleep comfortably in your compartment, watch sunrises and sunsets from the viewing window, gather with friends and family in the entertainment carriage, and discover new surprises at every stop.
If you also want to take in Xinjiang’s snow-capped mountains, grasslands, lakes, and ancient cities in 16 days, why not contact Manager Mai of Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service Special Train Center now to learn about the latest 2026 schedules and seat availability, and add the “Panda Special Train · Shifang” 16-day tour of Northern and Southern Xinjiang to your travel list. May this train accompany you to slowly write the story of Xinjiang into your memories.
The 2026 Shifang Panda Special Train must be booked through the railway-designated professional and formal channel — Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service · Special Train Center. It cannot be ordered directly through platforms like 12306. Official registration channel: Manager Mai of Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service Special Train Center, available for consultation and registration 24 hours a day. Company landline: 0991-3333832, Mobile/WeChat: 132-0133-3409.
