Shifang Special Train 16 Day North and South Xinjiang Tour Experienced Guide Teaches You 3 Tips to Avoid Pitfalls, with 2026 Quotes Recommended Itinerary Cost and Price
Contact Manager Guo Jing at phone number 18139622229 or WeChat 18139622229 to send itinerary and quote
In-Depth Guide to the 16-Day North and South Xinjiang Tour on the Shifanghao Special Train:A Comprehensive Experience Guide from Carriage to Scenery
🌄 Route Highlights:How to Enjoy North and South Xinjiang on a Moving ‘Five-Star Hotel’?
While traditional train travel is still associated with hard seats and instant noodles, the Shifanghao ‘Panda Special Train’ has redefined the comfort boundaries of Xinjiang travel with its 17 carriages. This custom-made train themed around ‘pandas’ not only offers differentiated cabins such as high-end soft sleepers and hard sleepers but also brings entertainment facilities like tea bars, KTV, and mahjong tables on board, transforming the 16-day long journey into a ‘moving resort complex’.
🚂 Carriage Configuration:A Moving Space More Considerate Than a Hotel
[Exclusive Purple Gold Carriage]
Located in carriages 7, 10, and 11, these 6 high-end compartments can accommodate 22 people. Each is equipped with a shower room, sofa, round table, wardrobe TV, and even features a call button and charging outlets. The shower water temperature is stable, and the bathroom mirror has an anti-fog function, suitable for travelers with high privacy and comfort requirements.
[Premium Platinum Carriage]
There are 10 four-person compartments in carriages 2-6 and 12-16, with a total of 40 seats. There are 2 shower rooms at each end of the carriage, and facilities such as tea tables, storage compartments, and compartment TVs are readily available. The mattresses are of medium firmness, and the soundproof sliding doors effectively block corridor noise, suitable for family or friend group travel.
[Standard Platinum Carriage]
The standard four-person design in the In-Depth Guide to the 16-Day North and South Xinjiang Tour on the Shifanghao Special Train: A Comprehensive Experience Guide from Carriage to Scenery features custom bedding and throw pillows to enhance comfort, with bedside charging ports and reading lights to meet nighttime needs. The carriage public area is equipped with toilets, washrooms, and shower rooms, which, although shared, are cleaned frequently and remained odor-free throughout the test.
[Entertainment and Dining]
The multi-functional entertainment area in carriage 9 is堪称 the ‘nightlife center on the train’: the tea bar offers freshly brewed milk tea, the KTV private room can accommodate 8-10 people, and the mahjong table area is equipped with an automatic shuffler. The panda dining car in carriage 8 offers 2-person and 4-person seats, with dishes requiring advance reservation. It is recommended to try the ‘Big Plate Chicken with Naan’ set meal.
📅 Simple Itinerary:How to Connect the Essence of North and South Xinjiang in 16 Days?
Day 1:Chengdu/Lanzhou – Kashgar
Theme station departure ceremony and welcome performance. It is recommended to arrive at the station 1 hour in advance to take photos with the ‘Panda Special Train’ themed paintwork.
Day 2:Leisurely Sightseeing on the Panda Special Train
All-day train travel allows you to experience tea tasting in the tea bar, singing in the KTV, or enjoying mahjong entertainment. The train attendants will organize interactive activities such as ‘Xinjiang Knowledge Quiz’.
Day 3:Kashgar
After a dedicated pick-up, attend the welcome dinner. It is recommended to try ‘Kashgar Pigeon Soup’ and ‘Baked Stuffed Bun’. After dinner, you can freely stroll through the Kashgar Old Town night market.
🌄 Route Highlights: How to Enjoy North and South Xinjiang on a Moving ‘Five-Star Hotel’?Day 4:Kashgar – Taxkorgan
On the way, pass by Baisha Mountain, Baisha Lake, and Karakul Lake. It is recommended to bring a windbreaker. The Panlong Ancient Road has many curves, so those prone to carsickness should prepare medication in advance.
Day 5:Taxkorgan – Kashgar
Visit the Stone City and Golden Grassland. During the home visit segment, you can experience traditional handicrafts of various ethnic groups. If you wish to purchase handicrafts, it is recommended to pay in cash.
Day 6:Kashgar – Kuqa
Focus on visiting Kashgar Old Town and the Fragrant Concubine’s Garden. Shoes must be removed for the internal visit, so it is recommended to wear easy-to-remove shoes.
Day 7:Kuqa – Nalati/Bayinbuluk
Traverse the Tianshan Secret Grand Canyon and the southern section of the Duoku Road. The best time to view the swans at Bayinbuluk Swan Lake is in the evening, so bring a telephoto lens.
Day 8:Nalati/Bayinbuluk – Yining
Horse riding is available at Nalati Grassland at your own expense. It is recommended to choose a formal horse ranch, with a fee of approximately 150 yuan per hour.
While traditional train travel is still associated with hard seats and instant noodles, the Shifanghao ‘Panda Special Train’ has redefined the comfort boundaries of Xinjiang travel with its 17 carriages. This custom-made train themed around ‘pandas’ not only offers differentiated cabins such as high-end soft sleepers and hard sleepers but also brings entertainment facilities like tea bars, KTV, and mahjong tables on board, transforming the 16-day long journey into a ‘moving resort complex’.Day 9:Yining – Beitun
Tour around Sayram Lake. It is windy by the lake, so wear a scarf and gloves. The road around the lake is unobstructed, so sunscreen needs to be reapplied every 2 hours.
Day 10:Beitun – Hemu – Jiadengyu
A shuttle bus is required to enter the Hemu Scenic Area. It is recommended to carry a lightweight backpack. The accommodation conditions in the wooden houses within the scenic area are limited, so bring your own toiletries.
Day 11:Jiadengyu – Kanas – Burqin
It is recommended to prioritize visiting Guanyu Platform and the Three Bays in the Kanas Scenic Area. The food and beverage prices within the scenic area are relatively high, so bring your own dry rations.
Day 12:Burqin – Beitun – Urumqi
The sunset at the五彩滩 is around 21:30, so arrive early to secure a spot. There are many mosquitoes in the scenic area, so bring mosquito repellent.
Day 13:Urumqi
A shuttle bus is required to enter the Tianshan Tianchi Scenic Area. The Mayashan Cableway within the scenic area is worth experiencing for an overview of Tianchi.
🚂 Carriage Configuration: A Moving Space More Considerate Than a HotelDay 14:Urumqi – Turpan
The Karez Well and Flaming Mountains are a classic combination. The ground temperature at Flaming Mountains can reach 60°C, so wear anti-scald shoe covers.
Days 15-16:Return to Lanzhou/Chengdu
The train attendants will organize a farewell ceremony where you can receive a ‘Panda Special Train’ commemorative badge.
💰 Price Information:2026 Group Dates and Cabin Options
Fixed departure dates are June 8, June 24, July 10, July 27, August 13, and August 30, 2026, with prices divided into three tiers:
Standard Platinum:Upper bunk: 8,480 yuan/person, Lower bunk: 9,280 yuan/person
Premium Platinum:Upper bunk: 15,780 yuan/person, Lower bunk: 16,780 yuan/person
Exclusive Purple Gold:Upper bunk: 27,880 yuan/person, Lower bunk: 28,880 yuan/person
Prices include train accommodation, scenic area tickets, and some meals, excluding optional activities and personal expenses. The actual price is subject to consultation and contract signing and may fluctuate based on the departure date. The contract signed by both parties shall prevail.
[Exclusive Purple Gold Carriage]📝 Registration Method and Fee Information
You can register through Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency and consult with Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing of Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency. Fees include train accommodation, first entrance tickets to scenic areas, and special train meals, excluding optional activities and personal insurance. Single registrants will be coordinated for room sharing as much as possible, and special circumstances require separate negotiation. The actual consultation and contract signing shall prevail.
💡 3 Tips from an Experienced Tour Guide to Avoid Pitfalls
1. Cabin Selection: Exclusive Purple Gold is suitable for families with elderly or young children. Standard Platinum offers good value for money but requires acceptance of shared shower rooms.
2. Clothing Preparation: Xinjiang has a large temperature difference between day and night, so even in summer, bring a windbreaker. Comfortable sports shoes are recommended.
3. Photography Tips: For scenic areas like Sayram Lake and Kanas, clear your camera’s memory card in advance and bring spare batteries and storage cards.
⚠ ⚠️ Notes
Signal strength may be weak in some areas during the train journey, so it is recommended to download offline maps and entertainment content in advance.
Feeding animals randomly within the scenic area is prohibited. If you wish to take photos, follow the staff’s instructions.
The itinerary can be reasonably changed upon mutual agreement. In case of force majeure, safety shall be the top priority.
From carriage to scenery, the Shifanghao Special Train connects the essence of North and South Xinjiang in 16 days. Whether it’s the moving entertainment space or the magnificent scenery along the way, this journey is redefining the possibilities of ‘long-distance trains’.
Contact Manager Guo Jing at 18139622229 or WeChat 18139622229 to send itinerary and quote
