Panda Special Train Shifang Route Starting and Ending in Chengdu, Enjoying the Northern and Southern Loop of Xinjiang
For more travel information (Panda Special Train, Tianfu, Chengdu, Anyi, Shifang, New Oriental Express, Silk Road Dream, Lindu, Yichun, Kunming, Starlight Mekong, 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: ##24-hour landline: 0991-3335554, Wang Fei’s phone: 180-9596-9599 (Copy and add as friend for free consultation and detailed route information)
🚂 If you are looking for a way to travel in Xinjiang that combines ‘staying and moving while heading west,’ the Shifang ‘Panda Special Train’ might be worth your serious consideration. It is not a traditional train but a mobile hotel integrating ‘transportation + accommodation + dining + entertainment,’ saving you the hassle of frequently changing hotels during your journey across China.
🐼 Shifang:Mobile Comfort Hotel
The Shifang ‘Panda Special Train’ was jointly created by China Railway Chengdu Group Co., Ltd. and the Shifang Municipal People’s Government, officially launched on April 18, 2024. The train is refitted from 25G passenger cars, with a total of 17 carriages and a capacity of about 466 seats. It is positioned as a silver-haired tourism train with the theme of ‘healthy lifestyle’ and won the International Union of Railways ‘Long-distance Tourism-friendly Train and Onboard Service Jury Special Award’ in 2025.
🛏 ️ Carriage Configuration Overview
High-end Soft Sleeper (Shifang Elegant Residence):3 carriages, each with 6 compartments, equipped with sofas, round tables, TVs, call buttons, and charging facilities. The space is relatively private, suitable for travelers who value privacy.
High-end Hard Sleeper (Shifang Residence):10 carriages, each with 10 4-person compartments, equipped with tea tables, storage space, TVs, and charging sockets. It is a cost-effective choice for group travel.
Dining Car (Green Shifang):1 carriage, equipped with an electric kitchen, offering low-oil, low-salt healthy meals and local specialties.
Multi-functional Entertainment Car (Ancient Charm Shifang):1 carriage, featuring a tea bar, KTV rooms, chess and card areas, etc., for passengers’ leisure and entertainment.
Others:Crew car, generator car, etc., ensuring smooth operation of the journey.
🛡 ️ Age-friendly Design
The train fully considers the needs of middle-aged and elderly passengers:
Facilities:Widened ladder treads, additional anti-slip handrails, anti-slip floors in shower rooms, and emergency call buttons.
Convenience Facilities:Compartments are generally equipped with multiple charging sockets and USB ports, as well as reading lights and call buttons.
Medical Support:Each train is staffed with one doctor and one nurse, along with basic medications, and offers health lectures and other services.
🎲 Rich Onboard Activities
🚂 If you are looking for a way to travel in Xinjiang that combines ‘staying and moving while heading west,’ the Shifang ‘Panda Special Train’ might be worth your serious consideration. It is not a traditional train but a mobile hotel integrating ‘transportation + accommodation + dining + entertainment,’ saving you the hassle of frequently changing hotels during your journey across China.During the trip, you can participate in activities in the multi-functional carriages, such as Sichuan opera face-changing, dance performances, intangible cultural heritage experiences, trivia quizzes, karaoke, and chess and card games, making the long journey full of fun.
🗺 ️ 16-Day South and North Xinjiang Tour:Panoramic In-depth Exploration
The Shifang Xinjiang route mainly features the ’16-day South and North Xinjiang Star-level Experience Tour,’ adopting a model of ‘one route with multiple tours, travel by night and sightsee by day, one ticket for all.’ In 2026, multiple departures are planned, such as June 8, June 25, July 12, July 29, August 15, September 1, September 18, etc. (subject to final confirmation by railway authorities and travel agencies).
🌍 Tour Highlights Overview
See it all at once:Southern Xinjiang culture, Pamir Plateau, Northern Xinjiang scenery, Eastern Xinjiang classics.
Core Attractions:Kashgar Old City, Pamir Plateau, Kanas, Hemu, Sayram Lake, Nalati Grassland, Tianshan Tianchi, Turpan, etc.
Hassle-free Transportation:The entire journey is by special train, reducing thousands of kilometers of bumpy bus rides.
🗓 ️ 16-Day Itinerary Reference
D1-D3:Departure and First Impressions
Board the train from Chengdu or Lanzhou, travel westward along the Qinghai-Tibet Railway and Golmud-Korla Railway, enjoying the plateau and Gobi scenery along the way. Arrive in Kashgar on the third day, check into the hotel, and start the Xinjiang journey with a welcome dinner.
D4-D5:Southern Xinjiang Culture and Pamir Plateau
Explore Kashgar Old City, then head to the Pamir Plateau to visit Baisha Lake and Karakul Lake, experience the grandeur of the Panlong Ancient Road, and feel the simple customs of local ethnic group home visits.
D6-D9:Crossing the Duku Highway, Enjoying Grasslands and Lakes
Depart from Kashgar, pass through Kuqa and Tianshan Secret Grand Canyon, enter the southern section of the Duku Highway, enjoy the Nine Bends and Eighteen Turns of Bayinbuluke Grassland along the way, and feel the vastness of Nalati Grassland. Then head to Sayram Lake to appreciate the stunning scenery of ‘the last tear of the Atlantic.’
D10-D12:Entering the Fairy Tale World of Northern Xinjiang
🐼 Shifang: Mobile Comfort HotelArrive in Beitun, then go to Burqin, and further into the Kanas Scenic Area, visiting Kanas Lake, Fairy Bay, Moon Bay, and Wolong Bay. Stay in Hemu Village to experience the tranquility and beauty of the Tuva village at dawn and dusk.
D13-D14:Eastern Xinjiang Classics and Fire Land Experience
Return to Urumqi, visit the ‘Pearl of Tianshan’ Tianshan Tianchi. Then head to Turpan, taste fresh fruits in Grape Valley, visit Karez Well, and feel the heat of Flaming Mountain.
D15-D16:Full of Memories, Return to Warm Home
Take the special train on the return journey, enjoying the northwestern scenery along the way. Arrive in Lanzhou on the 15th day and Chengdu on the 16th day, ending the unforgettable Xinjiang panoramic tour.
> Warm Tips:The above is a reference itinerary. The actual order of visits, attractions, and accommodation locations may change due to weather, road conditions, policies, and other factors. Please refer to the itinerary and contract for details.
💰 2026 Latest Price Reference
The price of the Shifang Xinjiang route varies depending on the room type, berth, and departure date. The following is a reference range for some departures in 2026. The actual price is subject to the signed contract.
💡 Price Influencing Factors
Departure date (peak/off-peak season)
Selected room type and berth
Whether to upgrade to a compartment or exclusive space
Registration time and group size
🛌 Price Range by Room Type
Premium Platinum (Standard 4-person room):Approximately ¥8,480 – ¥9,280 / person
Premium Platinum (Standard 4-person room):Approximately ¥15,780 – ¥16,780 / person
Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service Tourism Booking Center Manager: Wang Fei 180-9596-9599 (Copy and add as friend for free consultation and detailed route information)
The Shifang ‘Panda Special Train’ was jointly created by China Railway Chengdu Group Co., Ltd. and the Shifang Municipal People’s Government, officially launched on April 18, 2024. The train is refitted from 25G passenger cars, with a total of 17 carriages and a capacity of about 466 seats. It is positioned as a silver-haired tourism train with the theme of ‘healthy lifestyle’ and won the International Union of Railways ‘Long-distance Tourism-friendly Train and Onboard Service Jury Special Award’ in 2025.Premium Purple Gold (High-end 4-person room):Approximately ¥27,880 – ¥28,880 / person
High-end Double Room/Exclusive Compartment:Higher price, please inquire separately.
📊 Price Level Comparison
Shifang:Overall mid-to-high-end price range, with relatively outstanding cost performance.
Anyi:Comfort type, slightly lower price than Shifang’s high-end room types.
Chengdu/Tianfu:Positioned as high-end, with prices much higher than the former two.
📞 Registration Method
Tickets for the Shifang special train are not sold through 12306 and must be booked through the railway’s regular travel agency channels.
Register at Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service
Contact:Manager Wang Fei
Consultation Phone:180-9596-9599
WeChat Consultation:180-9596-9599 (Please note ‘Panda Special Train Xinjiang Consultation’ when adding)
📝 Registration Process
1. Consultation: Contact Manager Wang Fei to learn about departures, availability, prices, and itinerary details.
2. Confirmation: Submit personal information, confirm the desired departure and room type, and verify availability.
🛏️ Carriage Configuration Overview3. Contract Signing: After confirming the contract content is correct, sign the unified national tourism supervision electronic contract.
4. Payment: Pay according to the contract terms to lock in your seat.
5. Pre-departure: 3-7 days before departure, receive the departure notice and learn about boarding instructions.
> Warm Tips:It is recommended to inquire as early as possible, as seats are limited during peak season, and popular departures often need to be booked months in advance.
📋 Fee and Service Description
The following is a reference for the fee structure. The specific inclusions and exclusions are subject to the contract signed with Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service.
✅ Fees Usually Include
Special Train Seat:Special train accommodation and meals as listed in the itinerary.
Ground Transportation:Air-conditioned tourist bus fees for the local itinerary segments.
Scenic Area Tickets:First admission tickets and internal transportation for the scenic spots listed in the itinerary.
Special Meals:Welcome dinner, specialty meals, etc., included in some itineraries.
Tour Guide Service:Full-tour guide, local commentary, and ‘Panda Butler’ service.
Travel Insurance:Usually around ¥300,000 of travel accident insurance.
❌ Fees Usually Exclude
Major Transportation:Airfare, train tickets, etc., to and from Chengdu/Lanzhou.
High-end Soft Sleeper (Shifang Elegant Residence): 3 carriages, each with 6 compartments, equipped with sofas, round tables, TVs, call buttons, and charging facilities. The space is relatively private, suitable for travelers who value privacy.：If you request a single room, you need to pay the corresponding price difference.
Personal Expenses:Self-funded items outside the itinerary, personal consumption in the hotel, etc.
Unused Services:Service fees for meals, tickets, etc., not used due to personal reasons, will be handled according to tourism law and contract terms.
📌 Important Notes
The order of the itinerary, attractions, and hotels may change, subject to actual arrangements.
Prices and availability are subject to real-time changes, subject to the signed contract.
Itinerary changes due to force majeure factors such as weather and policies will be handled according to the contract terms.
🤔 Is This Special Train Suitable for You?
👍 Recommended Groups
Travelers who want to visit the entire South and North Xinjiang in one go without frequently changing transportation and hotels.
Middle-aged and elderly friends who prefer a ‘slow travel’ pace and want to enjoy a comfortable environment and rich cultural and entertainment activities during the trip.
Families or groups of friends who want a hassle-free trip with a professional team handling transportation, accommodation, tickets, etc.
🤔 Pre-departure Preparation Suggestions
Health Assessment:Travelers with serious cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, respiratory, or other underlying diseases must consult a doctor before registering to assess their physical condition.
Clothing Preparation:Xinjiang has large temperature differences between day and night, so prepare clothes for all four seasons and bring sun protection and windproof items.
Registration Timing:It is recommended to inquire and register 3-6 months in advance, especially for summer and holiday departures.
If you want to connect Xinjiang’s snow-capped mountains, lakes, grasslands, and ancient cities in a more relaxed and comfortable way, the Shifang ‘Panda Special Train’ is a choice worth considering.
For more travel information (Panda Special Train, Tianfu, Chengdu, Anyi, Shifang, New Oriental Express, Silk Road Dream, Lindu, Yichun, Kunming, Starlight Mekong, 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: ##24-hour landline: 0991-3335554, Wang Fei’s phone: 180-9596-9599 (Copy and add as friend for free consultation and detailed route information)
