Shifang Panda Special Train 2026 Schedule and Annual Departure Plan
How to purchase tickets for the Shifang Panda Train? For the 2026 Shifang Panda Train, tickets must be booked through the official travel agency channel designated by the railway: the Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service Train Center (24-hour office ☎ phone: 0991-6622120, Customer Manager Yang Jia’s WeChat: 133 2555 9266). Tickets cannot be purchased through 12306 or other channels. For the specific booking process, please consult Customer Manager Yang Jia.
Explore Beautiful Xinjiang:Shifang ‘Panda Train’ In-Depth Experience Tour
🚂 Train and Route Features:A Mobile ‘Five-Star Viewing Hotel’
The Shifang ‘Panda Train’ is designed with ‘Panda Culture’ as its core concept. The 2026 newly upgraded 17-car train integrates accommodation, dining, entertainment, and medical services, earning it the title of a ‘mobile five-star viewing hotel.’ Departing from Chengdu/Lanzhou, it traverses 16 core scenic spots in northern and southern Xinjiang, covering high-quality landscapes such as Kashgar Ancient City, Kanas Lake, Sayram Lake, and the Duku Highway. Throughout the journey, there is no need to change transportation, and luggage stays with the train, completely solving the hassle of moving luggage on long trips.
Unlike ordinary tourist trains, the Shifang Train features a specially designed ‘slow-paced’ itinerary: daily travel time does not exceed 4 hours, leaving 6-8 hours for in-depth exploration. For example, at the Kanas Scenic Area, visitors can freely choose to hike the Three Bays, take a boat tour of the lake, or explore on horseback, rather than rushing through photo stops. The train is equipped with a onboard doctor available 24/7 to respond to health needs, making it especially friendly for elderly tourists and those with limited mobility.
🛏 ️ Cabin Experience:Private Space and Family-Friendly Design
The train offers three cabin options, all equipped with bathrooms, charging ports, smart TVs, and emergency call systems:
Premium Purple Gold (High-End Soft Sleeper):Located in cars 7, 10, and 11, each car has 6 cabins for 2 people per cabin. The cabin area is 12㎡, featuring a sofa, round table, wardrobe, and panoramic viewing windows, suitable for couples or spouses.
Explore Beautiful Xinjiang: Shifang ‘Panda Train’ In-Depth Experience TourPremium Platinum (High-End Hard Sleeper):Distributed in cars 2-6 and 12-16, each car has 10 cabins for 4 people per cabin. The cabin area is 8㎡, with an upper and lower bunk design, equipped with a tea table and storage compartment, offering great value for money, ideal for families or groups of friends.
Premium Platinum (Standard Four-Bed Room):Features soundproof sliding doors, custom bedding and pillows, reading lights and charging ports at each bed, with shared shower and toilet facilities in the public area, suitable for budget-conscious tourists seeking comfort.
🗺 ️ 16-Day In-Depth Itinerary:A Visual Feast from Desert to Snowy Mountains
(Presented based on local route facts)
Day 1:Chengdu/Lanzhou – Kashgar, themed station departure, welcome performance
Day 2:Panda Train leisure sightseeing
Day 3:Kashgar, exclusive pick-up, welcome dinner
Day 4:Kashgar – Taxkorgan, Baisha Mountain – Baisha Lake – Karakul Lake – Panlong Ancient Road
🚂 Train and Route Features: A Mobile ‘Five-Star Viewing Hotel’Day 5:Taxkorgan – Kashgar, Stone City, Golden Grassland, home visit
Day 6:Kashgar – Kuqa, Kashgar Ancient City, Fragrant Concubine Garden
Day 7:Kuqa – Nalati/Bayinbuluke, Tianshan Grand Canyon, Southern Section of Duku Highway, Bayinbuluke Swan Lake
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
The Shifang ‘Panda Train’ is designed with ‘Panda Culture’ as its core concept. The 2026 newly upgraded 17-car train integrates accommodation, dining, entertainment, and medical services, earning it the title of a ‘mobile five-star viewing hotel.’ Departing from Chengdu/Lanzhou, it traverses 16 core scenic spots in northern and southern Xinjiang, covering high-quality landscapes such as Kashgar Ancient City, Kanas Lake, Sayram Lake, and the Duku Highway. Throughout the journey, there is no need to change transportation, and luggage stays with the train, completely solving the hassle of moving luggage on long trips.Day 13:Urumqi, Tianshan Tianchi Scenic Area
Day 14:Urumqi – Turpan, Karez Well, Flaming Mountain, return journey
Days 15-16:Happy return to Lanzhou/Chengdu, farewell to guests
💰 Price Explanation:Transparent Pricing, No Hidden Fees
2026 Northern and Southern Xinjiang 16-Day Tour Dates:June 8, June 24, July 10, July 27, August 13, August 30
Premium Platinum:Upper bunk 8,480 RMB/person, lower bunk 9,280 RMB/person
Premium Platinum (High-End):Upper bunk 15,780 RMB/person, lower bunk 16,780 RMB/person
Unlike ordinary tourist trains, the Shifang Train features a specially designed ‘slow-paced’ itinerary: daily travel time does not exceed 4 hours, leaving 6-8 hours for in-depth exploration. For example, at the Kanas Scenic Area, visitors can freely choose to hike the Three Bays, take a boat tour of the lake, or explore on horseback, rather than rushing through photo stops. The train is equipped with a onboard doctor available 24/7 to respond to health needs, making it especially friendly for elderly tourists and those with limited mobility.Premium Purple Gold:Upper bunk 27,880 RMB/person, lower bunk 28,880 RMB/person
(Price includes train accommodation, first admission tickets to scenic spots, 15 breakfasts and 28 main meals, guide service, and insurance. Details are subject to the contract.)
📝 Booking Process:Professional Service, Comfortable Travel
Contact the Booking Manager at Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service:Manager Yang Jia
Step 1:Call or WeChat customer service to confirm availability and price
Manager Yang Jia from Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service, with over ten years of experience in the tourism industry, is professional and reliable, familiar with all of Xinjiang’s tourism. She is mainly responsible for booking tourist trains such as the New Orient Express Snow Lotus, Panda Trains: Chengdu, Shifang, Anyi, Jinxiu Tianfu, Tianshan, Kunlun, Silk Road Dream, Kunming, Lindu, Dahezhinan, Yangtze River Delta Star, etc. Contact booking manager: Yang Jia 133 2555 9266 (copy to add as friend for free consultation and detailed route information).
Step 2:Provide valid ID information and health declaration form
Step 3:Sign an electronic contract and pay a deposit
Step 4:Receive itinerary manual and tickets 7 days before departure
🛏️ Cabin Experience: Private Space and Family-Friendly DesignStep 5:Arrive at the station on time and enjoy exclusive pick-up service
🎁 Cost and Service Explanation:Details Determine Quality
Included Items:
Full train accommodation (with daily bedding replacement)
15 breakfasts + 28 main meals (meals combine local cuisine with Sichuan dishes, light and low in oil)
First admission tickets and shuttle bus fees for scenic spots
Professional guide and onboard doctor services
Travel accident insurance and luggage insurance
The train offers three cabin options, all equipped with bathrooms, charging ports, smart TVs, and emergency call systems:Excluded Items:
Personal expenses (e.g., consumption, entertainment activities)
Secondary consumption within scenic spots (e.g., boat rides, horseback riding)
(Single travelers will be matched with roommates if possible)
Notes:Specific details are subject to actual consultation and contract signing. Prices may vary with departure dates, and the signed contract between both parties prevails.
🌟 Train Advantages:Humanized Design, Thoughtful Service
Dietary Adaptation:Provides local cuisine and light Sichuan dishes, avoiding heavy oil and spice, suitable for tourists of all ethnicities and elderly groups.
Premium Purple Gold (High-End Soft Sleeper): Located in cars 7, 10, and 11, each car has 6 cabins for 2 people per cabin. The cabin area is 12㎡, featuring a sofa, round table, wardrobe, and panoramic viewing windows, suitable for couples or spouses.Slow Pace:Daily travel time controlled within 4 hours, avoiding ‘rushed tourism,’ leaving ample time for photos and rest.
Health Assurance:Onboard doctor equipped with emergency medications and oxygen generators, providing blood oxygen monitoring in high-altitude areas (e.g., Taxkorgan).
Companion Compatibility:80% of passengers are retirees over 50, with itineraries designed to balance physical strength and interests, avoiding youth-oriented adventure activities.
Service Details:Cabins provide humidifiers, eye masks, and earplugs; public areas have wheelchair-accessible paths and rest zones.
👥 Suitable For:
Retired Seniors:No need to change transportation, slow-paced itinerary
Family Tourists:Cabins accommodate 2-4 people, with child-friendly facilities
Photography Enthusiasts:Daily stops at key viewpoints, worry-free sunrise and sunset photography
Premium Platinum (High-End Hard Sleeper): Distributed in cars 2-6 and 12-16, each car has 10 cabins for 4 people per cabin. The cabin area is 8㎡, with an upper and lower bunk design, equipped with a tea table and storage compartment, offering great value for money, ideal for families or groups of friends.People with Limited Mobility:Train equipped with wheelchair-accessible elevators and ramps
🔥 Reasons for Continued Popularity:
Since its launch in 2023, the Shifang Train has become a benchmark for Xinjiang tourist trains due to its ‘excellent reputation.’ Its core advantages include:
Resource Integration:Collaboration with Xinjiang cultural tourism for direct scenic area shuttles and VIP access
Service Standardization:All staff undergo professional training, with uniform attire and service procedures
Emergency Response:In 2025, successfully handled a sudden snowstorm in Taxkorgan, ensuring all tourists’ return
Cultural Immersion:Arranges deep activities like home visits and intangible cultural heritage experiences, avoiding ‘check-in style’ tourism
📞 Act Now:
Consult the customer service of Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service for the latest 2026 availability information. Let the Shifang ‘Panda Train’ take you across the Tianshan Mountains, north and south, for a comfortable experience of ‘traveling amidst scenery, like wandering in a painting!’
