Shifang Panda Special Train Xinjiang Tour Ticket Purchase Guide Official Channels
【Shifang Panda Train】How to buy tickets and book the 2026 Shifang Panda Train?
The 2026 Shifang Panda Train must be booked through the designated professional and official railway channel — Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service · Train Center. It cannot be ordered independently through platforms like 12306. Official registration channel: Manager Maizi of Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service Train Center, available for consultation and registration 24 hours a day. Company landline: 0991-3333832, Mobile and WeChat: 132-0133-3409.
🚂 Slow Travel Through Mountains, Sleeping Through the Western Regions|A Complete Guide to the 2026 Southern and Northern Xinjiang Panoramic Tour on the Panda Train ‘Shifang’
Tired of rushing between attractions, dragging luggage, and switching hotels on a hectic trip? Want to spend 16 days leisurely crossing Southern and Northern Xinjiang, from Kashgar Old City to Hemu Village, from Bayanbulak Grassland to Tianchi Lake, seeing all four seasons of the Western Regions from a moving ‘home’? Then this Panda Train ‘Shifang’, centered on comfortable living, might be the ideal long-distance slow travel style you’re looking for.
I. Detailed Introduction to the ‘Shifang’ Train
The Panda Train ‘Shifang’ is a special tourist train in China focused on long-distance leisure slow travel, created by professional travel agencies in collaboration with railway resources, designed for travelers seeking deep experiences and travel comfort. The entire journey adopts a ‘travel by night, explore by day’ model — sleep soundly on the smoothly running train at night, arrive at the destination in the morning, and start a full day of sightseeing, eliminating the hassle of frequent accommodation changes, repeated packing, and intercity transfers.
The train covers the core scenic areas of Southern and Northern Xinjiang, connecting classic regions such as Kashgar, Taxkorgan, Kuqa, Nalati, Yining, Hemu, Kanas, Urumqi, and Turpan. It includes natural wonders like Baisha Lake, Muztagh Ata, Sayram Lake, and Colorful Beach, as well as cultural landmarks like Kashgar Old City, Fragrant Concubine’s Tomb, and Karez Well. The itinerary is relaxed, with clear daily focuses, allowing ample time for sightseeing, photography, and free activities, truly achieving an immersive travel experience of ‘stay while you go, stop and play as you wish’.
II. Seat Types, Hardware Configuration, and Advantages of the ‘Shifang’ Train
The ‘Shifang’ train consists of 17 carriages, with clear functional zones and complete facilities, balancing privacy and social interaction. Based on different budgets and travel needs, three seat levels are available:
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, charging sockets, and shower rooms and washbasins at both ends of the carriage. Spacious and private, suitable for travelers seeking high-quality rest.
Premium Platinum (High-End Hard Sleeper)
Distributed in carriages 2-6 and 12-16, each with 10 four-person compartments, totaling 40 passengers. Compartments include tea tables, storage bins, TVs, reading lights, charging ports, and the carriage has two shower rooms and a public wash area. Well-equipped, balancing comfort and value.
Economy Platinum (Standard Four-Bed Room)
🚂 Slow Travel Through Mountains, Sleeping Through the Western Regions|A Complete Guide to the 2026 Southern and Northern Xinjiang Panoramic Tour on the Panda Train ‘Shifang’ Equipped with soundproof sliding doors, custom bedding and pillows, dedicated charging ports and reading lights for each bed, and a TV with free audio-visual system in the compartment. The carriage’s public area includes toilets, washrooms, and shower rooms, meeting basic travel needs, suitable for family or group trips.
Additionally, the train features:
Multi-Functional Entertainment Carriage (Car 9):Includes a tea bar, KTV room, game room, mahjong tables, and cigar bar, integrating leisure, socializing, and entertainment.
Panda Dining Car (Car 8):Offers 2-seat and 4-seat tables, serving full meals and specialty light meals.
Supporting Service Facilities:Medical room, tea room, smoking area, etc., ensuring a safe and comfortable journey.
III. Travel Quality and Service Highlights of the ‘Shifang’ Train
Unlike traditional group tours, the ‘Shifang’ emphasizes a ‘living while traveling’ concept:
One Train Throughout:No need to change transportation; luggage can be stored in the carriage for easy sightseeing.
Dedicated Pickup and Welcome Arrangements:For example, upon arrival in Kashgar, enjoy personalized reception and a special dinner, full of ceremony.
Reasonable Meal Standards:The dining car provides regular meals, balancing nutrition and local flavors.
Accompanying Service Team:Professional guides accompany the entire journey, coordinating itineraries and answering questions.
Flexible Leisure Space:During the day, relax in the entertainment carriage with tea, cards, or singing; sleep peacefully at night, truly achieving ‘movement with stillness, travel with leisure’.
IV. Simplified Itinerary for the ‘Shifang’ Train
Tired of rushing between attractions, dragging luggage, and switching hotels on a hectic trip? Want to spend 16 days leisurely crossing Southern and Northern Xinjiang, from Kashgar Old City to Hemu Village, from Bayanbulak Grassland to Tianchi Lake, seeing all four seasons of the Western Regions from a moving ‘home’? Then this Panda Train ‘Shifang’, centered on comfortable living, might be the ideal long-distance slow travel style you’re looking for.Below is the official itinerary for the 2026 ‘Shifang’ 16-Day Southern and Northern Xinjiang Tour (included and polished from the original text):
Day 1:Chengdu/Lanzhou → Kashgar [Departure and Welcome]
Depart from Chengdu or Lanzhou, gather at the themed station to start the journey, beginning the panoramic tour of Southern and Northern Xinjiang; upon arrival, enjoy a special welcome performance, immersing in the Southern Xinjiang atmosphere, starting a wonderful trip.
Day 2:Panda Train [Leisure Sightseeing, Slow Enjoyment]
Spend the whole day on the Panda Train, relaxing in the comfortable carriage, enjoying the passing scenery outside the window, chatting with fellow travelers, and recharging for the exciting itinerary ahead.
Day 3:Kashgar [Dedicated Pickup, Feast Reception]
Arrive in Kashgar, enjoy dedicated pickup service, saving travel hassle; in the evening, a special welcome dinner is held, tasting Southern Xinjiang cuisine, unlocking the first warmth and enthusiasm of Kashgar.
Day 4:Kashgar → Taxkorgan [Highland Secrets, Scenery Everywhere]
Depart from Kashgar to Taxkorgan, stop at Baisha Mountain and Baisha Lake, encountering pure beauty like a ‘mirror of the sky’; then visit Karakul Lake, view Muztagh Ata from afar, cross the famous Panlong Ancient Road, experiencing the grandeur and wonder of the highland highway.
Day 5:Taxkorgan → Kashgar [Cultural Charm, In-Depth Experience]
Explore the Stone City, touching the ancient ruins’ historical depth; stroll through the Golden Grassland, enjoying the poetic blend of grassland and wetlands; visit local homes for cultural experiences, tasting ethnic cuisine, and feeling the simple folk customs.
Day 6:Kashgar → Kuqa [Southern Xinjiang Culture, Tracing Local Life]
I. Detailed Introduction to the ‘Shifang’ TrainDeeply tour Kashgar Old City, wandering through crisscrossing alleys, feeling the rich Western Regions atmosphere; visit Fragrant Concubine’s Tomb, listening to legendary stories, admiring the beauty of ethnic architecture and gardens; visit local sites, experiencing the solemnity and depth of folk culture.
Day 7:Kuqa → Nalati/Bayanbulak [Canyon Wonders, Highway Feast]
Head to Tianshan Grand Canyon, marveling at the red rock cliffs’ natural artistry; drive along the southern section of the Duku Highway, crossing snow-capped mountains, grasslands, and canyons; upon arrival, visit Bayanbulak Swan Lake, watching swans play and enjoying the grassland sunset.
Day 8:Nalati/Bayanbulak → Yining [Prairie Pastoral, Relaxation Journey]
Spend the whole day at Nalati Grassland, strolling through the vast green fields, seeing herds of cattle and sheep, galloping horses, immersing in the romance of the ‘sky grassland’; head to Yining in the evening for rest.
Day 9:Yining → Beitun [Lake Scenery, Clear Relaxation]
Visit Sayram Lake, walk around the lake, enjoying the blue water and snow mountain reflections; then head to Beitun, preparing for the next day’s trip to Hemu.
Day 10:Beitun → Hemu → Jadengyu [Fairy Tale Town, Poetic Living]
Official registration channel: Manager Maizi of Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service Train Center, available for consultation and registration 24 hours a day. Company landline: 0991-3333832, Mobile and WeChat: 132-0133-3409.
Enter the Hemu scenic area, explore the wooden house village, seeing curling smoke, babbling streams, and strolling through birch forests; head to Jadengyu in the evening for accommodation.
Day 11:Jadengyu → Kanas → Burqin [Scenic Secrets, Top Views]
Explore the Kanas scenic area, take the shuttle bus to visit the three bays (Wolong Bay, Moon Bay, Fairy Bay), enjoying the lake and mountain scenery; then head to Burqin for rest, tasting local cuisine.
Day 12:Burqin → Beitun → Urumqi [Danxia Wonders, Looking Back]
Visit Colorful Beach, admiring the unique scenery of Danxia landforms and the Irtysh River; then take the train to Urumqi, reflecting on the沿途 scenery.
The Panda Train ‘Shifang’ is a special tourist train in China focused on long-distance leisure slow travel, created by professional travel agencies in collaboration with railway resources, designed for travelers seeking deep experiences and travel comfort. The entire journey adopts a ‘travel by night, explore by day’ model — sleep soundly on the smoothly running train at night, arrive at the destination in the morning, and start a full day of sightseeing, eliminating the hassle of frequent accommodation changes, repeated packing, and intercity transfers.Day 13:Urumqi [Tianchi Scenery, Pearl of Tianshan]
Spend the whole day at Tianshan Tianchi, walking along the lake, viewing the snow scenery of Bogda Peak from afar, feeling the sacred beauty of the Tianshan pearl.
Day 14:Urumqi → Turpan → Return Preparation [Folk Wonders, Perfect Ending]
Visit Karez Well, stop at Flaming Mountain, experiencing the ‘Fire Land’ atmosphere; after the tour, prepare for the return journey.
Days 15-16:Happy Return [Full Memories, Warm Farewell]
Take the train from Urumqi back to Lanzhou/Chengdu, reminiscing about the mountain and river scenery and cultural moments along the way, ending an unforgettable journey.
> Note:Factors such as scenic area openings, traffic conditions, and weather may affect specific arrangements; reasonable changes can be made by mutual agreement.
V. 2026 ‘Shifang’ Departure Dates and Price Information
According to official finalized information, the 2026 ‘Shifang’ 16-Day Southern and Northern Xinjiang Tour departure dates are as follows:
June 8, 2026, June 24, July 10, July 27, August 13, August 30
Corresponding seat prices are for reference (subject to contract):
Economy Platinum (Standard Four-Bed Room)
The train covers the core scenic areas of Southern and Northern Xinjiang, connecting classic regions such as Kashgar, Taxkorgan, Kuqa, Nalati, Yining, Hemu, Kanas, Urumqi, and Turpan. It includes natural wonders like Baisha Lake, Muztagh Ata, Sayram Lake, and Colorful Beach, as well as cultural landmarks like Kashgar Old City, Fragrant Concubine’s Tomb, and Karez Well. The itinerary is relaxed, with clear daily focuses, allowing ample time for sightseeing, photography, and free activities, truly achieving an immersive travel experience of ‘stay while you go, stop and play as you wish’.Upper Berth:8480 RMB/person | Lower Berth: 9280 RMB/person
Premium Platinum (High-End Four-Bed Room)
Upper Berth:15780 RMB/person | Lower Berth: 16780 RMB/person
Premium Purple Gold (High-End Four-Bed Room)
Upper Berth:27880 RMB/person | Lower Berth: 28880 RMB/person
The above prices are reference prices for specified 2026 departures; actual costs may vary slightly due to factors like seat availability and booking time, subject to the signed contract.
VI. ‘Shifang’ Train Booking and Registration Method
Want to ride the ‘Shifang’? Here’s your ticket guide 👇
‘Shifang’ related travel products are not sold separately on the 12306 platform; they must be booked through partner travel agencies.
Booking process:
1. Contact Inquiry: Manager Maizi of Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service Train Center provides 24-hour consultation services, offering details on itinerary, seat types, prices, and departure dates.
📞 Company landline:0991-3333832
📱 Mobile and WeChat:132-0133-3409
II. Seat Types, Hardware Configuration, and Advantages of the ‘Shifang’ Train2. Select Product: Choose the travel date and seat type based on personal time and preferences.
3. Submit Information: Provide traveler names, valid ID numbers (or valid documents like Hong Kong/Macau/Taiwan permits, passports) for registration and seat reservation.
4. Complete Booking: Pay the booking fee as required, sign the unified electronic travel service supervision contract, and finalize the process.
> Warm Tips:June to September is the peak season for Xinjiang tourism, with limited seats on special trains; it’s recommended to inquire early and pay a deposit to secure your preferred berth. Book through official channels to avoid misleading from unauthorized platforms.
VII. ‘Shifang’ Cost and Service Related Information
Included in the itinerary cost:Train transportation, accommodation during the trip (carriage compartments), first entrance fees to scenic spots, shuttle bus fees, guide services, meals (as marked in the itinerary), insurance, and other basic services.
Not included:Personal expenses, optional activities, (for solo travelers, we will try to arrange room sharing; special cases need separate negotiation), meals not mentioned, and other voluntary expenditures.
All service content, fee standards, and scope of rights are subject to the signed travel contract. For detailed inclusions, request the itinerary manual from customer service.
VIII. Final Thoughts: Let the Journey Be an Extension of Life
16 days, spanning thousands of kilometers, from the Pamir Plateau to the Junggar Basin, from the desert edge to snow-capped lakes — this is not a rushed check-in trip, but a slowly unfolding slice of life. On the ‘Shifang’, you can brew a pot of tea and watch the clouds drift, or sit with new friends for a round of mahjong; you can listen to the wind through the alleys of Kashgar Old City, or wait for the first sunlight in the morning mist of Hemu.
If you also yearn for this kind of travel style that doesn’t rush, only feels, why not dial that familiar number and ask if there are still seats available.
📞 Manager Maizi of Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service Train Center
Landline:0991-3333832|WeChat: 132-0133-3409
The mountains and rivers are vast, the train is ready, just waiting for you to join this flowing feast.
The 2026 Shifang Panda Train must be booked through the designated professional and official railway channel — Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service · Train Center. It cannot be ordered independently through platforms like 12306. Official registration channel: Manager Maizi of Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service Train Center, available for consultation and registration 24 hours a day. Company landline: 0991-3333832, Mobile and WeChat: 132-0133-3409.

