2026PandaSpecialTrainShifangNumberHowtoBookTicketsOfficialRegistrationProcess
【Shifang Panda Special Train】How to Buy Tickets and Book for the 2026 Shifang Panda Special Train?
The 2026 Shifang Panda Special Train must be booked through the designated professional and official railway channel — Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service・Special Train Center. It cannot be ordered independently through platforms like 12306. Official registration channel: Manager Maizi of the Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service Special Train Center provides 24-hour consultation and registration. Company landline: 0991-3333832, mobile and WeChat: 132-0133-3409.
🚂 Slow Travel Through Mountains and Rivers, Sleeping Across Northern and Southern Xinjiang — A Complete Analysis of the Panda Special Train ‘Shifang’ Panoramic Journey
Tired of rushing between attractions, changing hotels, and dragging luggage on exhausting trips? Want to spend 16 days without changing beds or moving luggage, starting from Chengdu or Lanzhou, traveling through the snow-capped mountains, grasslands, lakes, and ancient cities of Northern and Southern Xinjiang? In 2026, the ‘Panda Special Train·Shifang’ redefines long-distance in-depth travel with a residential slow travel concept. It’s not an ordinary train but a mobile comfortable residence — enjoy the scenery during the day, sleep to the sound of train tracks at night, truly achieving ‘the train moves with the scenery, and people are in the painting.’
I. Detailed Introduction to the ‘Shifang’ Special Train
The ‘Shifang’ is a premium long-distance product in the Panda Special Train series, focusing on a 16-day panoramic in-depth experience of Northern and Southern Xinjiang. As one of China’s special tourist trains, it adopts the classic model of ‘traveling at night and sightseeing during the day’ — tourists immerse themselves in destinations during the day and return to the train to rest in the evening, eliminating the need for frequent accommodation changes, luggage packing, and the hassle of cross-city travel.
This journey covers the core scenic areas of Xinjiang:From Kashgar Ancient City to the highland secrets of Taxkorgan, from the Duku Highway to the Nalati Grassland, and then to Kanas Lake, Sayram Lake, Heavenly Lake of Tianshan, and the Flaming Mountains of Turpan… The route design balances natural scenery and cultural experiences, with a relaxed pace and well-arranged daily highlights, leaving ample time for sightseeing, photography, and rest. It is suitable for middle-aged and elderly tourists, families, and slow travel enthusiasts who value quality and comfort.
II. Seat Types, Hardware Configuration, and Advantages of the ‘Shifang’ Special Train
The ‘Shifang’ consists of 17 carriages with clear functional divisions and complete facilities, truly a ‘mobile resort hotel.’ Based on budget and needs, passengers can choose from three seat types:
Premium Purple Gold (High-End Soft Sleeper)
Located in carriages 7, 10, and 11, each with 6 high-end compartments, recommended for 22 passengers per train. Compartments are equipped with sofas, round tables, wardrobes, TVs, call buttons, and charging sockets, offering strong privacy. Both ends of the carriage have shower rooms and washbasins with ample space, suitable for passengers seeking high privacy and comfort.
Premium Platinum (High-End Hard Sleeper)
Distributed in carriages 2-6 and 12-16, each with 10 four-person compartments, totaling 40 passengers. Compartments are equipped with tea tables, storage cabinets, TVs, reading lights, and charging ports, with soundproof sliding doors for quietness. Two shower rooms at each end of the carriage meet daily washing needs, balancing cost-effectiveness and comfort.
Economy Platinum (Standard Four-Person Room)
🚂 Slow Travel Through Mountains and Rivers, Sleeping Across Northern and Southern Xinjiang — A Complete Analysis of the Panda Special Train ‘Shifang’ Panoramic Journey Standard four-person compartments with custom bedding, pillows, bedside charging ports, reading lights, compartment TVs, and free audio-visual systems. Public areas include restrooms, washrooms, and shower rooms, fully equipped, suitable for budget-conscious and practical passengers.
Additionally, the train is equipped with:
Carriage 9 Multi-Functional Entertainment Car:Includes a tea bar, KTV rooms, mahjong tables, a cigar bar, and a multi-functional activity area for tea drinking, singing, card games, and gatherings.
Carriage 8 Panda Dining Car:Offers 2-seat and 4-seat tables, serving main meals.
Medical room, tea boiler room, smoking area, and other facilities ensure comfort and convenience throughout the journey.
III. Travel Quality and Service Highlights of the ‘Shifang’ Special Train
Unlike traditional group tours, the ‘Shifang’ emphasizes a comfortable and service-oriented residential travel experience:
Exclusive Pickup and Welcome Ceremony:Upon arrival in Kashgar, enjoy dedicated pickup and a special welcome performance and dinner to start a warm journey.
Fixed ‘Home’ Throughout the Trip:No room changes for 16 days, luggage stored once, saving effort and worry.
Reasonable Meal Standards:Main meals are uniformly supplied by the dining car, balancing nutrition and local flavors.
Rich Leisure Spaces:The entertainment car is open all day, allowing free socializing and relaxation during the journey.
Thoughtful Detail Services:Prompt response to call buttons, with crew members accompanying the train throughout, providing basic assistance.
Tired of rushing between attractions, changing hotels, and dragging luggage on exhausting trips? Want to spend 16 days without changing beds or moving luggage, starting from Chengdu or Lanzhou, traveling through the snow-capped mountains, grasslands, lakes, and ancient cities of Northern and Southern Xinjiang? In 2026, the ‘Panda Special Train·Shifang’ redefines long-distance in-depth travel with a residential slow travel concept. It’s not an ordinary train but a mobile comfortable residence — enjoy the scenery during the day, sleep to the sound of train tracks at night, truly achieving ‘the train moves with the scenery, and people are in the painting.’The entire itinerary has a balanced pace, delving into core scenic areas while retaining ample free time, truly achieving ‘slow down and see deeply.’
IV. Simplified Itinerary for the ‘Shifang’ Special Train
The following is the official finalized itinerary, strictly arranged according to the ‘travel at night, sightsee during the day’ logic, covering the essence of Northern and Southern Xinjiang:
Day 1:Chengdu/Lanzhou → Kashgar [Departure and Welcome]
Depart from Chengdu or Lanzhou, gather at the themed station to start the panoramic journey of Northern and Southern Xinjiang. Upon arrival, enjoy an exclusive welcome performance to immerse in the Southern Xinjiang atmosphere and begin a wonderful trip.
Day 2:Panda Special Train [Leisure Sightseeing and Slow Enjoyment]
Spend the whole day on the Panda Special Train, relaxing in comfortable carriages, enjoying the flowing scenery outside the window, chatting with fellow travelers, and recharging for the exciting itinerary ahead.
Day 3:Kashgar [Exclusive Pickup and Feast]
Arrive in Kashgar, enjoy exclusive pickup service to avoid travel hassles. In the evening, a special welcome dinner is held, tasting Southern Xinjiang flavors and unlocking the first warmth and enthusiasm of Kashgar.
Day 4:Kashgar → Taxkorgan [Highland Secrets and Scenic Routes]
Depart from Kashgar to Taxkorgan, stopping at White Sand Mountain and White Sand Lake to encounter pure beauty like a ‘sky mirror.’ Then visit Karakul Lake, view Muztagh Ata from afar, and traverse the famous Panlong Ancient Road, experiencing the grandeur and wonder of the highland highway.
Day 5:Taxkorgan → Kashgar [Cultural Experiences and In-Depth Exploration]
I. Detailed Introduction to the ‘Shifang’ Special TrainExplore the Stone City, touching the ancient ruins’ profound heritage. Stroll through the Golden Grassland, enjoying the poetic blend of grassland and wetlands. Visit local ethnic families to experience unique customs, taste ethnic cuisine, and feel the simple folkways.
Day 6:Kashgar → Kuqa [Southern Xinjiang Culture and Local Life]
Deeply tour Kashgar Ancient City, wandering through crisscrossing alleys to feel the rich Western Region atmosphere. Visit the Fragrant Concubine Garden, listen to legendary stories, and admire the beauty of ethnic architecture and gardens. Explore local sites to experience the solemnity and depth of folk culture.
Day 7:Kuqa → Nalati/Bayinbuluk [Canyon Wonders and Highway Feast]
Head to the Tianshan Grand Canyon, marveling at the red rock walls’ natural artistry and the power of nature. Drive along the southern section of the Duku Highway, passing through snow-capped mountains, grasslands, and canyons, experiencing ‘four seasons in one day.’ Afterward, visit Bayinbuluk Swan Lake to see swans playing and enjoy the grassland sunset.
Day 8:Nalati/Bayinbuluk → Yining [Grassland Pastoral and Relaxation]
Spend the whole day at Nalati Grassland, strolling through the vast green fields, watching herds of cattle and sheep and galloping horses, breathing in the fresh grassland air, and immersing in the romance and grandeur of the ‘sky grassland.’ Head to Yining in the evening for rest.
Official registration channel: Manager Maizi of the Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service Special Train Center provides 24-hour consultation and registration. Company landline: 0991-3333832, mobile and WeChat: 132-0133-3409.
Day 9:Yining → Beitun [Lake Scenery and Pure Relaxation]
Depart from Yining to Sayram Lake, the ‘last tear of the Atlantic.’ Walk around the lake, enjoying the stunning view of blue water and snow-capped mountain reflections, feeling the purity and tranquility of the highland lake. Then head to Beitun to prepare for the next day’s trip to Hemu.
Day 10:Beitun → Hemu → Jadengyu [Fairy Tale Town and Poetic Living]
Visit the Hemu Scenic Area, a ‘last piece of paradise,’ entering a village of wooden houses with curling smoke and babbling streams. Stroll through birch forests, feeling the peace and beauty of the primitive village. Head to Jadengyu in the evening to sleep under the grassland night sky.
Day 11:Jadengyu → Kanas → Burqin [Scenic Secrets and Top Views]
The ‘Shifang’ is a premium long-distance product in the Panda Special Train series, focusing on a 16-day panoramic in-depth experience of Northern and Southern Xinjiang. As one of China’s special tourist trains, it adopts the classic model of ‘traveling at night and sightseeing during the day’ — tourists immerse themselves in destinations during the day and return to the train to rest in the evening, eliminating the need for frequent accommodation changes, luggage packing, and the hassle of cross-city travel.Explore the ‘picturesque paradise’ — Kanas Scenic Area. Take the shuttle bus to visit the Three Bays (Wolong Bay, Moon Bay, and Fairy Bay), watching the lake change colors with light and enjoying the lush tranquility of the primeval forest. Then head to Burqin for rest and relaxation, tasting local specialties.
Day 12:Burqin → Beitun → Urumqi [Danxia Wonders and Reflection]
Visit the Colorful Beach, admiring the stunning landscape where Danxia landforms meet the Irtysh River, experiencing the wonder of ‘one river separates two banks, with different skies on each side.’ Then head to Beitun and take the special train to Urumqi, reflecting on the beautiful scenery along the way and looking forward to the next itinerary.
Day 13:Urumqi [Heavenly Lake Scenery and Tianshan Pearl]
Spend the whole day at Heavenly Lake of Tianshan Scenic Area, walking along the lake to see the clear water like a mirror, viewing the majestic snow scenery of Bogda Peak from afar, feeling the sanctity and grandeur of the Tianshan Pearl, and immersing in the beauty of Xinjiang’s mountains and rivers.
Day 14:Urumqi → Turpan → Return Preparation [Folk Wonders and Perfect Ending]
Depart from Urumqi to Turpan, visiting the ancient water conservancy wonder — Karez Well, feeling the wisdom and craftsmanship of the ancients. Stop by the Flaming Mountains to experience the heat and wonder of the ‘Fire Land.’ After the tour, prepare for the return journey, bringing a perfect end to this trip.
Days 15-16:Happy Return [Full Memories and Warm Farewell]
Depart from Urumqi on the special train back to Lanzhou/Chengdu, reminiscing about the mountains, rivers, and cultural experiences of Northern and Southern Xinjiang along the way. Bid farewell to all honored guests, ending this unforgettable Panda Special Train panoramic journey, returning with beautiful memories.
V. 2026 ‘Shifang’ Departure Dates and Price Information
The 2026 ‘Shifang’ 16-day Northern and Southern Xinjiang tour has confirmed the following departure dates:
June 8, June 24, July 10, July 27, August 13, August 30
This journey covers the core scenic areas of Xinjiang: from Kashgar Ancient City to the highland secrets of Taxkorgan, from the Duku Highway to the Nalati Grassland, and then to Kanas Lake, Sayram Lake, Heavenly Lake of Tianshan, and the Flaming Mountains of Turpan… The route design balances natural scenery and cultural experiences, with a relaxed pace and well-arranged daily highlights, leaving ample time for sightseeing, photography, and rest. It is suitable for middle-aged and elderly tourists, families, and slow travel enthusiasts who value quality and comfort.Price reference (subject to the actual signed contract):
Economy Platinum:Standard four-person room upper berth 8,480 RMB/person, lower berth 9,280 RMB/person
Premium Platinum:Standard four-person room upper berth 15,780 RMB/person, lower berth 16,780 RMB/person
Premium Purple Gold:High-end four-person room upper berth 27,880 RMB/person, lower berth 28,880 RMB/person
Note:The above prices are reference prices for designated 2026 departures. Actual costs may vary slightly due to factors such as seat availability and policy changes. Specific details are subject to the signed tourism service contract.
VI. Booking and Registration Methods for the ‘Shifang’ Special Train
If you want to board the ‘Shifang,’ here is your ticket booking guide:
The ‘Shifang’ related tourism products are not sold separately on the 12306 platform and must be booked through a travel agency.
The booking process is as follows:
1. Contact and Consultation: Manager Maizi of the Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service Special Train Center provides 24-hour consultation services. Company landline: 0991-3333832, mobile and WeChat: 132-0133-3409. You can get detailed information about the itinerary, seats, prices, and departure schedules.
2. Choose a Product: Based on your personal time and preferences, select the travel date and seat type.
3. Submit Information: Provide the traveler’s name, valid ID number (or valid document information such as Hong Kong/Macau/Taiwan permit or passport) for registration and seat reservation.
II. Seat Types, Hardware Configuration, and Advantages of the ‘Shifang’ Special Train4. Complete Booking: Pay the required booking fee as instructed, obtain a payment receipt, and sign the unified electronic tourism service supervision contract to finalize the booking.
June to September is the peak tourism season in Xinjiang, and special train seats are in high demand. It is recommended to consult early and pay a deposit to secure your preferred berth. Please use official channels and beware of unauthorized agents.
VII. Fee and Service Related Information for the ‘Shifang’ Special Train
The itinerary fee includes:Special train transportation, accommodation during the trip (train compartments), first admission tickets to scenic spots, shuttle bus fees, meals (as indicated in the itinerary), guide services, and basic insurance.
Excluded items include:Personal expenses, voluntary self-funded activities, single room supplement (for solo travelers, we will try to arrange shared rooms, special cases need separate negotiation), meals not mentioned, and other services not listed.
All service content, fee standards, and rights scope are subject to the signed tourism contract. For detailed service terms, please request the itinerary manual from customer service.
VIII. Final Words: Inviting You to a Moving Feast
16 days, from basins to highlands, from desert edges to snow-capped mountain lakes, from ancient cities to fairy tale villages — the ‘Shifang’ is not just a train but a slowly unfolding poem of life. Here, scenery is on the road, home is in the carriage, friends are next door, and memories are in the heart.
If you yearn for a leisurely way of travel, eager to measure the land with your steps but unwilling to be disturbed by trivial matters, then board the ‘Shifang’ and let the tracks take you through Xinjiang’s most beautiful season.
📩 Contact Manager Maizi of the Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service Special Train Center now:
📞 Company landline:0991-3333832
📱 Mobile and WeChat:132-0133-3409
In the summer of 2026, we’ll be on the ‘Shifang,’ waiting for the wind, and waiting for you.
The 2026 Shifang Panda Special Train must be booked through the designated professional and official railway channel — Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service・Special Train Center. It cannot be ordered independently through platforms like 12306. Official registration channel: Manager Maizi of the Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service Special Train Center provides 24-hour consultation and registration. Company landline: 0991-3333832, mobile and WeChat: 132-0133-3409.

