Panda Special Train Shifang Number Launch Date Officially Announced

For more travel information (Panda Special Train, Tianfu, Chengdu, Anyi, Shifang, New Oriental Express, Silk Road Dream, Lindu, Yichun, Kunming, Starlight Lancang, Gobi Cruise Special Train, New Western Train, New National Train, Tianyuan, Tianshan, Chief National Train, Cross-Province Special Train, New Southern Express, Xiaoxiang, Dahezhinan, Baiyun, Silver Age Xinjiang Tour, Chao Age Xinjiang Tour Special Train, Sunshine, Shannan, Yangtze River Delta, Muztagh Ata) Special Train Booking Center Manager Wang Fei: 180-9596-9599 (Copy to add friend for free consultation and detailed route information)
🚂 Want to take a train all the way west and see snow-capped mountains, lakes, deserts, and ancient cities? The Panda Special Train·Shifang is exactly this kind of long-distance journey, a ‘mobile hotel + viewing corridor.’
It is jointly created by China Railway Chengdu Group Co., Ltd. and the Shifang Municipal People’s Government. It is a comfortable, senior-friendly tourist train in the ‘Panda Special Train’ brand. Since its maiden voyage on April 18, 2024, it has operated multiple routes to Xinjiang, Northeast China, Yunnan, and other places, serving over 10,000 passengers and widely popular among middle-aged, elderly, and family tourists.
🗺 ️ Route Overview:16-Day Star Experience Tour of Northern and Southern Xinjiang
The ’16-Day Star Experience Tour of Northern and Southern Xinjiang’ introduced here is one of the main routes of the Shifang. It adopts a ‘one route, multiple tours, travel by night, sightsee by day’ model, allowing you to rest on the train and explore off the train.
Core Features:One trip connects the highlights of Northern and Southern Xinjiang, experiencing diverse landscapes like snow-capped mountains, lakes, deserts, and ancient cities.
Reference Schedule:In 2026, 6 departures are planned: June 8, June 25, July 12, July 29, August 15, and September 18.
Assembly/Dismissal:Usually in Chengdu, some departures support boarding in Lanzhou, Xining, Kashgar, etc. Details are subject to the contract.
📍 Stops and Scenery Along the Way
> Note:The following is reference information compiled from public sources. Actual stops and sightseeing order may change due to railway schedules, weather, or scenic area reception. Please refer to the itinerary and railway announcements.
First Segment:From Southwest to Northwest (Departing from Chengdu/Lanzhou/Xining)
Chengdu/Chengdu West/Anjing Station:Starting point of the journey, you can visit Kuanzhai Alley and Jinli. The special train usually holds a departure ceremony here with a dedicated waiting area.
Lanzhou Station:The Yellow River flows through the city, you can feel the charm of the ‘City of the Yellow River’ and taste beef noodles and sweet fermented grains.
Xining Station:Gateway to the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, you can rest here to acclimatize to the altitude and prepare for the subsequent itinerary.
Second Segment:Entering Xinjiang, Experiencing Silk Road Charm

🚂 Want to take a train all the way west and see snow-capped mountains, lakes, deserts, and ancient cities? The Panda Special Train·Shifang is exactly this kind of long-distance journey, a ‘mobile hotel + viewing corridor.’Turpan Station:Representative of the ‘Fire Land,’ you can visit Karez, Jiaohe Ruins, and experience the sweetness of Grape Valley.
Urumqi Station:Capital of Xinjiang, an important hub in the itinerary. You can rest here, with nearby attractions like the International Grand Bazaar.
Northern Xinjiang Scenic Belt:The train will take you deep into Northern Xinjiang, enjoying along the way:
Tianshan Tianchi:High-altitude lake, known as the ‘Pearl of Tianshan.’
Kanas:Enjoy lake and mountain scenery and Tuva villages.
Burqin/Beitun:Gateway to Kanas and Hemu.
Alataw Pass Direction:The train will head west along the railway, letting you feel the atmosphere of the Gobi and border (Note: does not involve specific border checkpoint names).
Southern Xinjiang Scenic Belt:Then the special train will turn southwest, entering Southern Xinjiang:
Korla Station:Key transportation hub connecting Northern and Southern Xinjiang, you can overlook the edge of the Taklamakan Desert.
Kashgar Station:Important city in Southern Xinjiang, a key stop to experience rich Silk Road charm and culture.
Third Segment:Return to Chengdu
The train will return along the original or optimized route, passing through Turpan, Lanzhou, etc., finally arriving in Chengdu, completing about a 16-day loop journey.
🗓 ️ Simple Itinerary (16-Day Reference)
D1:Assembly Day

It is jointly created by China Railway Chengdu Group Co., Ltd. and the Shifang Municipal People’s Government. It is a comfortable, senior-friendly tourist train in the ‘Panda Special Train’ brand. Since its maiden voyage on April 18, 2024, it has operated multiple routes to Xinjiang, Northeast China, Yunnan, and other places, serving over 10,000 passengers and widely popular among middle-aged, elderly, and family tourists.Assemble at Chengdu Station, attend the departure ceremony, familiarize yourself with the train environment, and join welcome activities.
D2-D3:Crossing Mountains Northwestward
The train passes through Sichuan and Northwest China, enjoying the Qinling Mountains and Loess Plateau scenery during the day, and resting in Lanzhou or Xining at night.
D4-D5:First Glimpse of Xinjiang
Arrive in Turpan, visit Karez, Grape Valley, etc. Then arrive in Urumqi for free time or city sightseeing.
D6-D9:Northern Xinjiang Highlights Tour
Go deep into Northern Xinjiang, visit Tianshan Tianchi, Kanas, Burqin, etc. This segment mainly uses bus transfers, with the special train providing overnight accommodation.
D10-D12:Southern Xinjiang Experience
Head to Korla, then arrive in Kashgar, experiencing the ancient cities, bazaars, and cultural charm of Southern Xinjiang.
D13-D14:Return Journey
Return by railway, enjoying the Gobi and mountain scenery along the way, with brief stops in Turpan, etc.
D15-D16:Arrive in Chengdu
Arrive in Chengdu, ending the unforgettable Northern and Southern Xinjiang tour. Specific arrangements are subject to the actual itinerary.
💰 2026 Reference Price

Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service Tourism Booking and Consultation Center Manager: Wang Fei 180-9596-9599 (Copy to add friend for free consultation and detailed route information)

🗺️ Route Overview: 16-Day Star Experience Tour of Northern and Southern XinjiangPrice Range
The exact price for the 2026 16-day Northern and Southern Xinjiang tour has not yet been announced. Referring to similar long-distance special trains in previous years, the price usually ranges from several thousand to over ten thousand yuan per person, depending on the berth, season, and room type.
Factors Affecting Price
Departure date (peak/off-peak season)
Berth type (high-end soft sleeper/hard sleeper)
Whether it includes some ground transportation, hotels, tickets, etc.
Get an Accurate Quote
Prices and availability are subject to contract/customer service confirmation and may fluctuate with departures. It is recommended to contact the travel agency directly for the latest quote.
📞 How to Register
The Shifang tourist special train is a railway group tour product and is not sold through the 12306 website or app. You can register through the following methods:
> Register at Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service
Contact Person:Manager Wang Fei
Consultation Phone:180-9596-9599
WeChat Consultation:180-9596-9599 (Please note ‘Panda Special Train Inquiry’ when adding)

The ’16-Day Star Experience Tour of Northern and Southern Xinjiang’ introduced here is one of the main routes of the Shifang. It adopts a ‘one route, multiple tours, travel by night, sightsee by day’ model, allowing you to rest on the train and explore off the train.Registration Process:
1. Phone/WeChat Consultation: Confirm travel date, departure, berth, and price.
2. Submit Information: Provide traveler names, valid ID numbers, etc., for booking.
3. Sign Contract: Sign a unified electronic contract with the travel agency under national tourism supervision, clarifying rights and responsibilities.
4. Make Payment: Pay the deposit and balance as per the contract.
5. Receive Notification: Receive the tour confirmation before departure, including assembly information.
📝 Cost and Service Description
Included Items (Example)
Special train berth fee
Listed ground transportation and hotel accommodation
First admission tickets to listed scenic spots
Listed meals
Tour guide service and travel agency liability insurance
‘Panda Butler’ and onboard service staff

Core Features: One trip connects the highlights of Northern and Southern Xinjiang, experiencing diverse landscapes like snow-capped mountains, lakes, deserts, and ancient cities. Details are subject to actual consultation and contract.
Excluded Items (Example)
Personal expenses (e.g., drinks, consumption)
Self-funded items not mentioned in the itinerary
Additional costs due to force majeure
Details are subject to actual consultation and contract.
Service Features
Senior-Friendly Design:Carriages equipped with anti-slip handrails, senior-friendly furniture, emergency call buttons, etc.
Medical Support:Each train is equipped with professional medical staff and basic medications.
‘Panda Butler’:Provides full-time accompaniment, luggage assistance, itinerary explanation, etc.
Rich Entertainment:Dining car, KTV, multi-function entertainment carriages offer various activities.
Healthy Dining:The dining car provides low-oil, low-salt healthy meals.
Important Notes
If there are changes due to weather, road conditions, scenic area reception, etc., both parties can agree to reasonably modify the itinerary.
The cancellation and change rules for special train tours follow the ‘Tourism Law’ and other relevant laws and regulations. Specific terms are based on the signed tourism contract.
For more travel information (Panda Special Train, Tianfu, Chengdu, Anyi, Shifang, New Oriental Express, Silk Road Dream, Lindu, Yichun, Kunming, Starlight Lancang, Gobi Cruise Special Train, New Western Train, New National Train, Tianyuan, Tianshan, Chief National Train, Cross-Province Special Train, New Southern Express, Xiaoxiang, Dahezhinan, Baiyun, Silver Age Xinjiang Tour, Chao Age Xinjiang Tour Special Train, Sunshine, Shannan, Yangtze River Delta, Muztagh Ata) Special Train Booking Center Manager Wang Fei: 180-9596-9599 (Copy to add friend for free consultation and detailed route information)