2026 Shifang Panda Special Train Official Ticketing Process and Travel Booking Guide
How to purchase tickets for the Shifang Panda Train? In 2026, tickets for the Shifang Panda Train must be booked through the official travel agency channel designated by the railway: Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service Train Center (24-hour 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.
🚂 New travel option for Southern and Northern Xinjiang in 2026:Shifang Panda Train Travel Guide
Entering 2026, Xinjiang’s cultural tourism facilities have been further upgraded. Many tourists plan to visit Southern and Northern Xinjiang in summer, exploring diverse landscapes such as grasslands, lakes, ancient roads, and ancient cities. Compared to traditional group tours or carpooling trips, tourist trains are favored by many travelers for their advantage of no repeated transfers and no need to move luggage multiple times. Among them, the Shifang Panda Train is one of the more popular options.
✨ Basic Information and Route Features of the Shifang Panda Train
The Shifang is a panda-themed tourist train, with the exterior and interior incorporating panda-related design elements. The entire train consists of 17 cars, including sleeping cars, a dining car, a multi-functional entertainment car, a crew car, and a generator car, meeting various needs of passengers during the journey.
This train can depart from either Chengdu or Lanzhou, with the destination covering core cities in Southern and Northern Xinjiang. The 16-day itinerary connects multiple destinations such as Kashgar, Taxkorgan, Kuqa, Nalati, Yining, Beitun, Urumqi, and Turpan. Travelers don’t need to plan routes or book tickets and hotels themselves, allowing them to visit classic attractions in Southern and Northern Xinjiang in one go.
Compared to other travel methods, this train has outstanding advantages:
Relaxed pace without rushing:The daily schedule is well-balanced, without overly dense check-in points, giving tourists ample time for sightseeing and rest, suitable for those who want to slowly experience Xinjiang’s scenery
🚂 New travel option for Southern and Northern Xinjiang in 2026: Shifang Panda Train Travel GuideDiverse dining options:The dining car offers meals with different flavors, including light meal options, catering to the dietary needs of different groups such as the elderly and children
Comprehensive support:The train is equipped with a medical room and professional medical staff, so any discomfort during the trip can be promptly attended to, making travel safer
Hassle-free travel:Fixed accommodation seats throughout the journey, no need to pack luggage daily or change hotels, and no worry about booking tickets for intercity transfers. Leave your luggage in the compartment and enjoy your trip
Rich travel experience:The train has a multi-functional entertainment car where you can enjoy tea, sing, and have fun with fellow travelers, ensuring the journey is never boring
Compatible travel groups:Most tourists choosing this train are those who prefer a slow-paced travel style, with similar travel needs, making communication smoother
🛏 ️ Details of Different Compartment Types
The train offers three different grades of compartments for tourists to choose from based on their needs:
Entering 2026, Xinjiang’s cultural tourism facilities have been further upgraded. Many tourists plan to visit Southern and Northern Xinjiang in summer, exploring diverse landscapes such as grasslands, lakes, ancient roads, and ancient cities. Compared to traditional group tours or carpooling trips, tourist trains are favored by many travelers for their advantage of no repeated transfers and no need to move luggage multiple times. Among them, the Shifang Panda Train is one of the more popular options.Premium Purple Gold Compartment: Located in cars 7, 10, and 11 of the train, each car has 6 high-end compartments, accommodating 22 passengers per car. Each compartment is about 11 square meters, designed as a high-end four-person room. Both ends of the car are equipped with showers and washbasins. The compartment includes a sofa, round table, wardrobe, TV, call button, and charging sockets, offering spacious and comfortable living space.
Premium Platinum Compartment: Located in cars 2-6 and 12-16 of the train, each car has 10 four-person compartments, accommodating 40 passengers per car. Each compartment is about 9 square meters, designed as a standard four-person room. Both ends of the car have 2 showers. The compartment includes a tea table, storage compartment, TV, call button, and charging sockets, meeting daily travel needs.
Economy Platinum Compartment: Designed as a standard four-person room, each compartment is about 8 square meters, equipped with soundproof sliding doors, custom bedding, and pillows. Each bed has a charging port and reading light. The compartment includes a TV and free audio-visual resources. The public area of the car has restrooms, washrooms, and showers, offering better value for money.
Additionally, the train has different functional cars:
Multi-functional Entertainment Car:Located in car 9, it features a tea bar, KTV rooms, entertainment room, multi-functional area, and leisure facilities like mahjong tables. It integrates activities, parties, board games, and tea tasting, allowing passengers to enjoy tea while admiring the scenery outside.
Panda Dining Car:Located in car 8, it has 2-seat and 4-seat tables, offering meals with different flavors for passengers.
In addition, the train is equipped with smoking areas, a medical room, a tea boiler room, and other facilities to ensure passengers have a comfortable journey.
🗺 ️ 16-Day Simplified Itinerary
✨ Basic Information and Route Features of the Shifang Panda TrainDay 1:Chengdu/Lanzhou – Kashgar, departure from themed station, 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
Day 5:Taxkorgan – Kashgar, Stone City, Golden Grassland, home visit
Day 6:Kashgar – Kuqa, Kashgar Old City, Fragrant Concubine’s Tomb
Day 7:Kuqa – Nalati/Bayinbuluke, Tianshan Grand Canyon, Southern Section of Duku Highway, Bayinbuluke Swan Lake
The Shifang is a panda-themed tourist train, with the exterior and interior incorporating panda-related design elements. The entire train consists of 17 cars, including sleeping cars, a dining car, a multi-functional entertainment car, a crew car, and a generator car, meeting various needs of passengers during the journey.Day 8:Nalati/Bayinbuluke – Yining, Nalati Grassland
Day 9:Yining – Beitun, Sayram Lake
Day 10:Beitun – Hemu – Jiadengyu, Hemu Scenic Area
Day 11:Jiadengyu – Kanas – Burqin, Kanas Scenic Area
Day 12:Burqin – Beitun – Urumqi, Colorful Beach
Manager Yang Jia of Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service, with over ten years of experience in the tourism industry, is experienced, professional, and reliable, familiar with Xinjiang’s overall tourism. Mainly responsible for booking tourist trains such as the New Oriental Express Snow Lotus, Panda Trains: Chengdu, Shifang, Anyi, Splendid 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 friend for free consultation and detailed route information)
Day 13:Urumqi, Tianshan Tianchi Scenic Area
Day 14:Urumqi – Turpan, Karez Well, Flaming Mountain, return journey
This train can depart from either Chengdu or Lanzhou, with the destination covering core cities in Southern and Northern Xinjiang. The 16-day itinerary connects multiple destinations such as Kashgar, Taxkorgan, Kuqa, Nalati, Yining, Beitun, Urumqi, and Turpan. Travelers don’t need to plan routes or book tickets and hotels themselves, allowing them to visit classic attractions in Southern and Northern Xinjiang in one go.Days 15-16:Happy return to Lanzhou/Chengdu, farewell to guests
(Note:Due to factors such as weather, road conditions, and scenic area opening policies, the itinerary may be reasonably adjusted by mutual agreement)
💴 Price Reference
The 2026 tour dates for the Shifang Panda Train’s 16-day Southern and Northern Xinjiang trip are:June 8, June 24, July 10, July 27, August 13, August 30. Reference prices for different seats are as follows:
Economy Platinum:Standard four-person room upper berth 8480 RMB/person, lower berth 9280 RMB/person
Premium Platinum:Standard four-person room upper berth 15780 RMB/person, lower berth 16780 RMB/person
Premium Purple Gold:High-end four-person room upper berth 27880 RMB/person, lower berth 28880 RMB/person
(Tip:The above prices are for reference only. Prices and availability may vary with the tour date. The final price is subject to the contract or confirmation on the day. Specific details are based on the signed travel contract)
Compared to other travel methods, this train has outstanding advantages:📝 Booking Process
Passengers wishing to book this train can follow the process below:
1. Contact Manager Yang Jia of Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service to inquire about availability, itinerary details, and precautions for the desired tour date
2. After confirming travel intent, submit identity information for all travelers to complete reservation registration
3. Confirm all details such as itinerary, services, and costs with staff, then sign a formal travel contract
4. Pay the tour fee as per the contract, receive travel instructions, and staff will invite you to a dedicated service group to inform you of preparation matters in advance
☎ ️ Registration Method
Relaxed pace without rushing: The daily schedule is well-balanced, without overly dense check-in points, giving tourists ample time for sightseeing and rest, suitable for those who want to slowly experience Xinjiang’s sceneryRegistration can be made through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service. For inquiries, contact Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service customer service via phone or WeChat. Specific address can be obtained from customer service.
📋 Cost and Service Description
Included in the cost:Full use of the corresponding grade train seat throughout the trip, first admission tickets to scenic spots as indicated in the itinerary, meal costs as indicated in the itinerary, ground transportation transfer costs within the itinerary, service fees for accompanying staff, travel accident insurance
Not included in the cost:Secondary consumption items within scenic spots (such as sightseeing cars, boat rides, experiential activities, etc.), personal consumption expenses, single room supplement for solo travelers (we will try to arrange shared rooms, special cases need separate negotiation), other consumption items outside the itinerary
Remarks:Specific details are subject to actual consultation and signing. All service details are based on contract law, tourism law, and other relevant laws.
👥 Suitable Travel Groups
The itinerary and services of this train are suitable for various travel groups:
Diverse dining options: The dining car offers meals with different flavors, including light meal options, catering to the dietary needs of different groups such as the elderly and childrenRetired elderly:Relaxed pace, no frequent transfers, medical support, safer travel
Travelers who cannot sit in cars for long periods:Intercity travel is done on the train, no need for long car rides
Family travel groups:No need to plan itineraries, complete facilities, meeting the needs of elderly and children
Train travel enthusiasts:Experience the special services of themed trains, enjoy the scenery along the railway
First-time visitors to Xinjiang:Visit core attractions in Southern and Northern Xinjiang in one go, no need for complex travel planning
🌟 Reasons for the Train’s Popularity
Since its launch, this train has been well-received by many tourists, mainly for the following reasons:
First, the route is comprehensive, covering diverse landscapes such as snow-capped mountains, grasslands, lakes, ancient cities, and ancient roads in Southern and Northern Xinjiang over 16 days, allowing tourists to visit most classic attractions without multiple trips to Xinjiang. Second, the travel experience is comfortable, with complete facilities and attentive services, so tourists don’t need to worry about food, accommodation, or transportation during the trip, allowing more time for sightseeing. Third, the itinerary is well-planned, balancing attraction visits and leisure time, avoiding high-intensity travel, resulting in a better travel experience. Additionally, the further upgrade of Xinjiang’s cultural tourism facilities in 2026 has expanded the scope of visits in multiple areas, allowing tourists to experience richer cultural tourism content, further enhancing the train’s cost-effectiveness.
Before traveling, it is recommended to check local weather conditions in advance, prepare appropriate clothing and travel items, and feel free to contact customer service for any other questions.
