How to Sign Up for the Panda Special Train Shifang Official Website Booking Process
For more details about Xinjiang tourism special trains, please contact Zhang Jing, customer service manager of Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency: 181-3962-2233 (same as WeChat)
Many people, upon first hearing about the ‘Panda Special Train · Shifang’, instinctively want to search for it on 12306. But they quickly find out: it can’t be found, nor can it be bought. This train uses a ‘ticket + travel itinerary’ package model, where seats are not sold separately, so the booking process is completely different from regular train tickets.
Below, we will break down the booking method, precautions, and the price and itinerary information you care about most for the Shifang train, step by step from the perspective of ‘how to sign up’.
🎟 ️ Step 1:Understand the Booking Channels
The Shifang Panda Special Train is jointly created by the railway department and local government. It is a high-end themed tourist train and is not sold through regular channels like 12306. Bookings must be made through the railway’s professional travel agencies.
You can contact Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency for consultation and registration through the following methods:
Consultation Phone:181-3962-2233
WeChat Consultation:181-3962-2233
> 💡 Warm Tips:It is recommended to first confirm the departure date and room type via phone or WeChat before deciding to sign the contract and make payment, to protect your rights.
📝 Step 2:Master the Standard Booking Process
Booking the Shifang train usually follows the sequence below. You can refer to it to have a clear understanding.
Many people, upon first hearing about the ‘Panda Special Train · Shifang’, instinctively want to search for it on 12306. But they quickly find out: it can’t be found, nor can it be bought. This train uses a ‘ticket + travel itinerary’ package model, where seats are not sold separately, so the booking process is completely different from regular train tickets.1. Consultation and Confirmation
Contact the travel agency, inform them of the number of travelers, preferred departure dates, and room type preferences (Premium Platinum / Deluxe Platinum / Exclusive Purple Gold). The customer service will check real-time availability and quotes, and introduce the facilities, berths, and service differences of different room types.
2. Submit Information and Lock Seats
After confirmation, provide the real information (name, ID number, etc.) of each traveler as required for real-name booking. The customer service will lock the seats for you and usually require a deposit to confirm the reservation.
3. Sign Contract and Pay Balance
The travel agency will send a unified electronic contract from the National Tourism Regulatory Platform. After reviewing the itinerary, fees, and other terms, sign it online or print it out. Then pay the balance according to the contract’s agreed time and keep the payment receipt.
4. Receive Departure Notice
Before departure, you will receive a ‘Travel Guide’ or ‘Departure Notice’ containing key information such as assembly time, location, required documents, and item list. Please read it carefully.
💰 Step 3:Clarify Prices and Departure Dates
According to the company’s final version, the departure dates and prices for the Shifang ‘Panda Special Train’ 16-day Southern and Northern Xinjiang tour are as follows. This information is the current standard; please refer to the travel contract you sign for the final details.
Prices and Departure Dates
Below, we will break down the booking method, precautions, and the price and itinerary information you care about most for the Shifang train, step by step from the perspective of ‘how to sign up’.The Shifang ‘Panda Special Train’ consists of 17 cars, including 3 high-end soft sleepers (Exclusive Purple Gold), 10 high-end hard sleepers (Deluxe Platinum),
1 dining car, 1 multi-functional entertainment car, 1 crew car, and 1 generator car.
Exclusive Purple Gold:Located in cars 7, 10, and 11. Each car has 6 high-end compartments, accommodating 22 people. Each end of the car has a shower room and washbasin. The interior includes sofas, round tables, wardrobes, TVs, call buttons, and charging sockets.
Deluxe Platinum:Located in cars 2-6 and 12-16. Each car has 10 4-person compartments, accommodating 40 people. Each end of the car has 2 shower rooms. The interior includes tea tables, storage compartments, TVs, call buttons, and charging sockets to meet passenger needs.
Premium Platinum:Standard 4-person compartment with soundproof sliding doors, custom bedding/pillows, bedside charging ports/reading lights, compartment TV and free audio-visual content, public restrooms/washrooms/showers in the car.
Multi-functional Entertainment Car:Located in car 9. It features a tea bar, KTV rooms, entertainment rooms, and a multi-functional area to meet passengers’ leisure and entertainment needs.
The train has its own tea bar, KTV, cigar bar, and even the national treasure – mahjong tables! It’s a multi-functional experience car integrating activities, parties, board games, tea tasting, and leisure. Enjoy tea while watching the scenery outside the window.
Panda Dining Car:Located in car 8. It has 2-person and 4-person seats for passenger dining.
The train also thoughtfully provides smoking areas, a medical room, a tea boiler room, and other supporting facilities to ensure all guests have a comfortable time during the train journey.
Price:
Panda Special Train Shifang 16-Day Southern and Northern Xinjiang Tour Departure Dates:
🎟️ Step 1: Understand the Booking ChannelsJune 8, 2026, June 24, July 10, July 27, August 13, August 30
Our agency offers various travel options for everyone, including special train tours, carpool tours, group tours, and customized car services. For detailed inquiries, call: 181-3962-2233 (copy to add friend for detailed Xinjiang travel itineraries and prices)
Premium Platinum:Standard 4-person compartment upper berth 8480 RMB/person, lower berth 9280 RMB/person
Deluxe Platinum:Standard 4-person compartment upper berth 15780 RMB/person, lower berth 16780 RMB/person
Exclusive Purple Gold:High-end 4-person compartment upper berth 27880 RMB/person, lower berth 28880 RMB/person
June 8, 2026, June 24, July 10, July 27, August 13, August 30
> ⚠️ Price Notes
> * The above are reference prices for 2026. Actual costs may fluctuate due to berth type, group size, policy changes, and other factors.
> * The final price, included items, and cancellation/modification rules are subject to the travel contract signed with the travel agency.
Cost and Service Description
Costs usually include the special train seat, accommodation during the itinerary, most meals, scenic spot tickets, and travel accident insurance. Costs do not include personal expenses, optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary, and additional costs due to force majeure. Specific items are subject to the contract.
Service features include the ‘Panda Butler’ on the train, accompanying medical staff, and other thoughtful services. The public area facilities are rich, and the itinerary pace is relaxed, suitable for families and middle-aged/elderly travelers.
The Shifang Panda Special Train is jointly created by the railway department and local government. It is a high-end themed tourist train and is not sold through regular channels like 12306. Bookings must be made through the railway’s professional travel agencies.🗺 ️ Step 4:Preview the 16-Day Southern and Northern Xinjiang Itinerary
This route is a 16-day panoramic tour of Southern and Northern Xinjiang. The itinerary overview is as follows. Specific scenic spot stay times and visit order may be adjusted due to weather, road conditions, etc., and can be fine-tuned on-site according to the actual itinerary.
Simplified Itinerary
Day 1:Chengdu/Lanzhou – Kashgar, themed station departure, welcome performance
Day 2:Panda Special Train leisure sightseeing
Day 3:Kashgar, exclusive pick-up, 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’s Tomb
Day 7:Kuqa – Nalati/Bayinbuluk, Tianshan Grand Canyon, Southern Section of Duku Highway, Bayinbuluk Swan Lake
Day 8:Nalati/Bayinbuluk – Yining, Nalati Grassland
You can contact Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency for consultation and registration through the following methods:Day 9:Yining – Beitun, Sayram Lake
Day 10:Beitun – Hemu – Jia登峪, Hemu Scenic Area
Day 11:Jia登峪 – Kanas – Burqin, Kanas Scenic Area
Day 12:Burqin – Beitun – Urumqi, Colorful Beach
Day 13:Urumqi, Tianshan Tianchi Scenic Area
Day 14:Urumqi – Turpan, Karez Well, Flaming Mountain, Return Trip
Days 15-16:Happy return to Lanzhou/Chengdu, farewell to guests
💡 Step 5:Practical Tips and Reminders
1. Book Early: Seats for the Southern and Northern Xinjiang route are tight during peak season. It is recommended to inquire several months in advance, especially during holidays and summer, to secure your preferred room type.
2. Use Official Channels: Be sure to book through a travel agency. Beware of individual resellers and unofficial platforms to protect your funds.
3. Bring Valid Documents: Please bring your original valid ID card for travel. Children should bring their household registration book or other valid documents to avoid affecting boarding and scenic spot entry.
4. View Promotions Rationally: For promises like ‘carefully formed group’ or ‘no shopping arranged throughout the trip’, the contract terms should prevail. If weather, road conditions, etc., change during the trip, both parties can negotiate reasonable adjustments.
To learn more about Xinjiang tourism special trains, contact customer service Zhang Jing ☎️: 181 3962 2233 (add friend for free: detailed itinerary and train introduction)
