Panda Special Train 16 Day Tour of Southern and Northern Xinjiang Year Round Departure Schedule
No need to drive or travel back and forth, take the Xinjiang tourist train to leisurely enjoy the scenery of the northern and southern Tianshan Mountains. Various options from economy to luxury are available for you to choose from. Professionally operating Xinjiang tourist train tours, Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency consultation landline: 0991-8866234; Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing’s phone: 181-3962-2233 (Add as friend to receive for free: detailed itinerary and train introduction)
🚂 Want to see all of Xinjiang’s snow-capped mountains, lakes, grasslands, and ancient cities at once, but worried about the travel fatigue? In 2026, why not try a more relaxed way—take the ‘Panda Train’ and experience a panoramic journey of northern and southern Xinjiang where ‘the train moves with you, and the scenery shifts with the train.’ This trip will take you from Chengdu/Lanzhou, heading west along the Qinghai section of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway and the Golmud-Korla Railway, with views of Qinghai Lake and Delingha scenery. On the third day, arrive in Kashgar and enjoy a welcome dinner.
🗺 ️ Route Highlights at a Glance
📅 Multiple Departures Throughout the Year:Covering May to October, including options like ‘Premier Honor Edition,’ ‘Duku Elegance Edition,’ and ‘Golden Autumn Collector’s Edition.’
🏔 ️ Panoramic Northern and Southern Xinjiang:See all of Xinjiang’s top attractions in one go: Kanas, Hemu, Sayram Lake, Nalati Grassland, Kashgar Ancient City, and the Pamir Plateau.
🚄 Featured Panda Train:Choose between the ‘Jinxiu Tianfu’ or ‘Shifang’ train, enjoying a comfortable journey in a moving star-rated hotel.
📸 In-depth Cultural Experience:Includes intangible cultural heritage handicrafts, visits to local ethnic families, Silk Road concerts, and tasting Xinjiang specialties like big plate chicken and roast whole lamb.
📅 2026 Departure Schedule Summary
1. Panda Train · Jinxiu Tianfu
Premier Honor Edition:May 19, 2026
Duku Elegance Edition:June 5, June 22, July 9, July 26, August 12, August 29, September 15, 2026
Golden Autumn Collector’s Edition:Expected to be announced gradually from late September to October, specific dates to be notified.
🚂 Want to see all of Xinjiang’s snow-capped mountains, lakes, grasslands, and ancient cities at once, but worried about the travel fatigue? In 2026, why not try a more relaxed way—take the ‘Panda Train’ and experience a panoramic journey of northern and southern Xinjiang where ‘the train moves with you, and the scenery shifts with the train.’ This trip will take you from Chengdu/Lanzhou, heading west along the Qinghai section of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway and the Golmud-Korla Railway, with views of Qinghai Lake and Delingha scenery. On the third day, arrive in Kashgar and enjoy a welcome dinner.2. Panda Train · Shifang
Premium Platinum (Standard Quad Room):June 8, June 24, July 10, July 27, August 13, August 29, 2026
Supreme Platinum/Exclusive Purple Gold (High-end Quad Room):Same schedule as Premium Platinum, with fewer seats, inquire early.
> Reminder:The above are currently announced schedules, additional ones may be added later. Final schedules are subject to approval by railway authorities and the contract signed with the travel agency.
🗺 ️ 16-Day Panoramic Northern and Southern Xinjiang Itinerary Reference
The following is an example itinerary for the ‘Shifang’ Premium Platinum version. The Jinxiu Tianfu itinerary is similar in pace but differs in accommodation and some experiences.
D1: Chengdu/Lanzhou → Kashgar
Watch a welcome performance at the Panda-themed station, board the train, and enjoy a light meal in the dining car while chatting with fellow travelers. The train usually departs from Chengdu in the afternoon and arrives in Lanzhou the next morning.
D2: Train Leisure Sightseeing
Spend the whole day on the train enjoying the scenery along the way, passing through Qinghai Lake, Delingha, and other places. The dining car offers à la carte service, and the entertainment car has activities like chess and cards.
D3: Arrive in Kashgar
Upon arrival, a dedicated car will pick you up, enjoy a welcome dinner, and after checking into the hotel, you can freely stroll around Kashgar city.
🗺️ Route Highlights at a GlanceD4: Kashgar → Taxkorgan (Pamir Plateau)
Travel along the China-Pakistan Friendship Highway to the Pamir Plateau, visit白沙湖 (White Sand Lake) and Karakul Lake, and view Muztagh Ata from a distance. In the afternoon, experience the Panlong Ancient Road, and stay overnight in Taxkorgan.
D5: Taxkorgan → Kashgar
Visit the Stone City and Golden Grassland, experience visits to local ethnic families, taste specialty snacks, and enjoy the pastoral life of the highlands.
D6: Kashgar Day Tour
Deeply explore Kashgar Ancient City, Fragrant Concubine’s Tomb, and Id Kah Mosque, learning about the ancient Western Regions cityscape and Silk Road culture.
D7: Kashgar → Kuqa
Take a car to the Tianshan Secret Grand Canyon, admire the red rock walls and canyon scenery, and stay on the train overnight.
D8: Kuqa → Nalati/Bayinbuluke
Cross the southern section of the Duku Highway, arrive at Bayinbuluke Grassland, and enjoy the magnificent sunset at the Nine Bends and Eighteen Turns (depending on weather and road conditions).
D9: Nalati → Yining
📅 Multiple Departures Throughout the Year: Covering May to October, including options like ‘Premier Honor Edition,’ ‘Duku Elegance Edition,’ and ‘Golden Autumn Collector’s Edition.’Visit the ‘Sky Meadow’ Nalati, experience local ethnic customs, and stay overnight in Yining.
D10: Yining → Beitun
Visit Sayram Lake, known as ‘the last tear of the Atlantic,’ enjoy a lake tour admiring the scenery, and stay on the train overnight.
D11: Beitun → Hemu
Head to the ‘fairy tale village’ Hemu, admire the Tuva wooden houses and river valley scenery, and stay overnight in Burqin or Jadengyu.
D12: Burqin → Kanas
Visit the Kanas Scenic Area, optionally climb to Fish Viewing Pavilion for a panoramic view, and stay overnight in Burqin.
Take a tourist train to enjoy beautiful Xinjiang, various options from economy to luxury are available for you to choose from. Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency consultation landline: 0991-8866234; Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing’s phone: 181-3962-2233 (Add as friend to receive for free: detailed itinerary and train introduction)
D13: Burqin → Urumqi
Optionally visit Colorful Beach along the way, arrive in Urumqi in the afternoon, check into the hotel, and enjoy free time.
D14: Urumqi → Turpan
Visit Tianshan Tianchi Lake, then head to Turpan in the afternoon to visit Karez Well and Flaming Mountain, and stay on the return train overnight.
D15-D16: Return to Chengdu/Lanzhou
🏔️ Panoramic Northern and Southern Xinjiang: See all of Xinjiang’s top attractions in one go: Kanas, Hemu, Sayram Lake, Nalati Grassland, Kashgar Ancient City, and the Pamir Plateau.The train makes stops along the way, and passengers disembark in Lanzhou or Chengdu, ending the unforgettable 16-day journey.
💰 2026 Reference Prices
1. Panda Train · Jinxiu Tianfu
Premier Honor Edition (May 19)
Jinta Luxury Double Room:96,880 RMB/person
Jinwo Quality Double Room:76,880 RMB/person
Duku Elegance Edition (June-September)
Jinta Luxury Double Room:98,880 RMB/person
Jinwo Quality Double Room:78,880 RMB/person
> Price Includes:Full-trip train seat, local tour bus, 7 nights in 5-star hotels, 7 nights in train compartments, full-trip specialty meals, tickets and shuttle buses for core attractions, dual guides + butler service, airport/train station transfers, travel accident insurance, and medical escort.
2. Panda Train · Shifang
🚄 Featured Panda Train: Choose between the ‘Jinxiu Tianfu’ or ‘Shifang’ train, enjoying a comfortable journey in a moving star-rated hotel.Premium Platinum (Standard Quad Room)
Upper Berth:Approximately 8,480 RMB/person
Lower Berth:Approximately 9,280 RMB/person
Supreme Platinum (High-end Quad Room)
Upper Berth:Approximately 15,780 RMB/person
Lower Berth:Approximately 16,780 RMB/person
Exclusive Purple Gold (High-end Quad Room)
Upper Berth:Approximately 27,880 RMB/person
Lower Berth:Approximately 28,880 RMB/person
> Price Includes:Train seat, tour bus, some meals, hotel accommodation, some attraction tickets and shuttle buses, guide service, and travel accident insurance.
> ⚠️ Important Note:The above are reference prices only. Actual prices may vary due to factors like berth type, room type, and departure date. Please refer to the final signed travel contract.
📞 How to Register
📸 In-depth Cultural Experience: Includes intangible cultural heritage handicrafts, visits to local ethnic families, Silk Road concerts, and tasting Xinjiang specialties like big plate chicken and roast whole lamb.You can inquire and register for the ‘Panda Train · Jinxiu Tianfu’ or ‘Shifang’ 16-Day Northern and Southern Xinjiang Tour through the following methods:
Consultation Phone:181-3962-2233
WeChat Consultation:181-3962-2233
Registration Process:
1. Inquire: Confirm departure date, availability, price, and itinerary details.
2. Submit Information: Provide traveler names, ID numbers, and other information to secure seats.
3. Sign and Pay: Sign a formal travel contract and make payment as agreed.
4. Pre-trip Preparation: Receive the departure notice before the trip, and prepare relevant documents and items.
📋 Cost and Service Description
Price Includes:Typically includes train seat, local tour bus, some meals, hotel accommodation, some attraction tickets and shuttle buses, guide service, and travel accident insurance. Specifics depend on the product description and contract.
Price Excludes:Round-trip transportation to/from the assembly point, personal expenses, items not listed in the itinerary, single room supplement, etc.
Service Features:The train is equipped with age-friendly facilities, a medical room, and an accompanying doctor, offering a slow-travel mode of ‘train moves with you, travel by day and rest by night,’ with butler service to assist with itinerary transitions.
> ⚠️ Important Note:Weather, road conditions, policies, and attraction opening times mentioned in the itinerary are subject to change. The travel agency and tourists can negotiate reasonable itinerary changes. Specific service content and standards are based on the contract signed with Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency.
For more details on Xinjiang tourist train tours, consult Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing at phone: 181 3962 2233 (Add as friend to receive for free: detailed itinerary and train introduction)

