2026 Chengdu Panda Express Deep Tour of Northern and Southern Xinjiang Scenic Route
No need to drive or travel back and forth, take the Xinjiang tourist special train to slowly enjoy the scenery on both sides of the 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 the highlights of northern and southern Xinjiang at once, without having to drag your luggage and change hotels every day?
The Panda Special Train departing from Chengdu might be the tailor-made route for you.
This guide will break down this 16-day in-depth tour of northern and southern Xinjiang from the perspective of ‘budget and registration,’ helping you clarify your thoughts and make decisions easily.
🗺 ️ Route Overview:Departing from Chengdu, a 16-day panoramic tour of northern and southern Xinjiang
This is a combined ‘train + bus’ long-distance trip, adopting a ‘travel by day, rest by night’ mode, allowing you to explore deeply during the day and rest on the train at night, without frequently changing hotels and moving luggage.
Core Experience:The entire journey covers approximately 8,000 kilometers, connecting various landscapes such as snow-capped mountains, grasslands, Gobi deserts, and lakes, covering the essence of northern and southern Xinjiang attractions like Kashgar Old City, Pamir Plateau, Kanas, and Sayram Lake.
Train Features:The Panda Special Train is a high-end tourist train jointly created by the railway department and cultural tourism enterprises. The facilities inside the train are comparable to a mobile hotel, providing comfortable accommodation, dining, and entertainment services.
🚂 Special Train Experience:A mobile luxury hotel
Taking the ‘Panda Special Train·Shifang’ as an example, it is jointly built by China Railway Chengdu Group Co., Ltd. and Shifang Municipal People’s Government. The train body is painted in cyan-green, incorporating panda and ancient Shu cultural elements.
Composition and Facilities:The entire train consists of 17 cars, including sleeper cars, dining cars, and entertainment cars. The sleeper cars are divided into different grades, all equipped with comfortable beds, charging ports, and entertainment facilities.
Public Areas:It features a dining car, a multi-functional entertainment car (providing tea bar, KTV, chess and cards, etc.), and a medical room to meet various needs during the journey.
🐼 Want to see all the highlights of northern and southern Xinjiang at once, without having to drag your luggage and change hotels every day?> Warm Tips:Different ‘Panda Special Trains’ (such as Chengdu, Jinshu Tianfu, etc.) have slight differences in facilities and layout, subject to the actual train you take.
🗓 ️ Itinerary Overview:16-day essence of northern and southern Xinjiang
The following is a reference itinerary for the ‘Panda Special Train·Shifang’ 16-day tour of northern and southern Xinjiang. The specific arrangements may change due to weather, road conditions, etc., subject to the actual travel date.
D1-2 | Chengdu/Lanzhou → Kashgar
Board the special train from Chengdu or Lanzhou to start the journey. Enjoy the mountain scenery of western Sichuan and southern Gansu along the way, and participate in welcome activities upon arrival in Kashgar.
D3-5 | In-depth Kashgar Tour & Pamir Plateau
Visit Kashgar Old City to experience local customs. Then head to the Pamir Plateau to enjoy the magnificent views of Baisha Lake and Karakul Lake, with a distant view of Muztagh Ata.
D6-7 | Kashgar → Kuqa
Continue touring the Kashgar area, then take the special train to Kuqa, enjoying the Gobi and canyon scenery along the way. Upon arrival, you can visit Kuqa Grand Canyon.
D8-9 | Kuqa → Nalati/Bayinbuluke
Cross the Tianshan Mountains, enjoying the mountain scenery along the way. Arrive at Nalati or Bayinbuluke to experience the vastness and tranquility of the grasslands.
Departing from Chengdu, the Panda Special Train might be the tailor-made route for you. D10 | Nalati/Bayinbuluke → Yining
Free time at Nalati Grassland, with options for hiking or horseback riding. Head to Yining in the afternoon to experience the unique charm of this border city.
D11 | Yining → Beitun
Visit Sayram Lake to enjoy the stunning beauty of ‘the last tear of the Atlantic.’ Then take the special train to Beitun.
D12-13 | Beitun → Hemu → Kanas
Visit Hemu Village to experience the tranquility of the Tuva settlement. Then enter the Kanas Scenic Area to visit famous spots like Kanas Lake, Xianwan Bay, and Moon Bay.
D14 | Kanas → Urumqi
Free time at Kanas, with the option to climb Guanyu Terrace for a panoramic view of the lake. Take the special train back to Urumqi in the afternoon.
D15-16 | Urumqi → Turpan → Return
Head to Turpan to visit Karez Well, Flaming Mountain, and other attractions. Take the special train back to Chengdu in the afternoon, ending the unforgettable journey.
💰 Price Analysis:2026 Reference Ticket Prices and Room Type Options
The price of the Panda Special Train varies depending on the train model, berth type, and travel schedule. The following are the reference ticket prices for the ‘Panda Special Train·Shifang’ 2026 16-day tour of northern and southern Xinjiang:
This guide will break down this 16-day in-depth tour of northern and southern Xinjiang from the perspective of ‘budget and registration,’ helping you clarify your thoughts and make decisions easily.| Room Type | Berth | Reference Price (CNY/person) |
| :— | :— | :— |
| Premium Platinum | Upper | 8,480 |
| | Lower | 9,280 |
| Deluxe Platinum | Upper | 15,780 |
| | Lower | 16,780 |
| Exclusive Purple Gold | Upper | 27,880 |
Take the tourist special 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)
| | Lower | 28,880 |
💡 Price Explanation
The above are reference package prices for 2026, including special train seats, accommodation, most meals, and guide services.
Actual costs may fluctuate due to berth type, group size, and policy changes.
🗺️ Route Overview: Departing from Chengdu, a 16-day panoramic tour of northern and southern XinjiangFinal Confirmation:The final price, included items, and cancellation/modification rules are subject to the travel contract signed with the travel agency.
🛌 How to Choose a Room Type?
Premium Platinum (Standard Quad Room):High cost-effectiveness, suitable for group travel.
Deluxe Platinum (Standard Quad Room):Wider berths, higher service standards, more complete experience.
Exclusive Purple Gold (High-end Quad Room):Larger space, strong privacy, includes more value-added services, more luxurious experience.
📝 Registration Guide:How to Book and Prepare
Registration Method
You can register and inquire through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency.
Consultation Phone:181-3962-2233
Consultation WeChat:181-3962-2233
Booking Process
1. Inquire and Confirm: Contact customer service, provide the number of travelers, preferred schedule and room type, and confirm availability and pricing.
This is a combined ‘train + bus’ long-distance trip, adopting a ‘travel by day, rest by night’ mode, allowing you to explore deeply during the day and rest on the train at night, without frequently changing hotels and moving luggage.2. Submit Information: Provide the real name, ID number, and other information of each traveler for booking and signing.
3. Payment and Signing: Pay a deposit, then sign a unified electronic contract on the national tourism supervision platform.
4. Wait for Departure: Receive the ‘Travel Guide’ or ‘Departure Notice’ before departure, and gather on time.
Pre-trip Preparation
Documents:Bring the original valid ID document.
Clothing:Prepare easily adjustable clothing, such as a windbreaker or light jacket, as well as sunscreen and comfortable sports shoes.
Luggage:Each person can carry one 24-inch suitcase and one backpack. Large luggage can be stored with customer service in advance upon inquiry.
💡 Cost and Service Explanation
Included in Cost
Special train seats and corresponding cabin accommodation fees.
Hotel accommodation fees as indicated in the itinerary.
Core Experience: The entire journey covers approximately 8,000 kilometers, connecting various landscapes such as snow-capped mountains, grasslands, Gobi deserts, and lakes, covering the essence of northern and southern Xinjiang attractions like Kashgar Old City, Pamir Plateau, Kanas, and Sayram Lake. Most meal fees as indicated in the itinerary.
First admission tickets and shuttle bus fees for the scenic spots listed in the itinerary.
Full-tour guide and scenic spot commentary service fees.
Travel agency liability insurance and travel accident insurance fees.
Not Included in Cost
Personal expenses outside the itinerary (such as shopping, drinks, etc.).
Meal and scenic spot ticket fees not mentioned in the itinerary.
Additional costs incurred due to force majeure factors (such as weather, policies, railway scheduling, etc.).
Service Features
Panda Butler:Available in each car, providing 24-hour service.
Onboard Medical Staff:Equipped with professional medical personnel to ensure health.
Elderly-friendly Design:The cars feature anti-slip handrails, emergency call systems, and shower rooms with seats and handrails.
> Warm Tips:Specific included items are subject to the contract. If changes occur due to weather, road conditions, etc., both parties can negotiate reasonable adjustments.
For more details on Xinjiang train tours, contact Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing at phone: 181 3962 2233 (Add as friend to receive for free: detailed itinerary and train introduction)
