How to Book Tickets for the Shifang Panda Special Train – Official Booking Steps

【Shifang Panda Train】How to buy tickets and book the 2026 Shifang Panda Train?
For 2026, tickets for the Shifang Panda Train must be booked through the designated professional and official railway channel — Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service · Special Train Center. It cannot be booked directly through platforms such as 12306. Official registration channel: Manager Mai of the Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service Special Train Center is available 24 hours for consultation and registration. Company landline: 0991-3333832, mobile and WeChat: 132-0133-3409.
🚂 Complete Guide to the 2026 Panda Train Shifang South and North Xinjiang Tour
I. Detailed Introduction to the Shifang Train
The Shifang is a special tourist train in the Panda Train series, focusing on long-distance leisure and slow travel. It is designed for a comfortable, residential-style travel experience, targeting tourists who want to explore southern and northern Xinjiang in depth without the hassle of constant travel. The train operates on a model of traveling at night and sightseeing during the day, so passengers do not need to frequently change accommodation, saving them the trouble of repeatedly packing luggage and transferring between cities, leaving more time for sightseeing. As a popular long-distance Xinjiang travel option for 2026, the Shifang connects the core attractions of southern and northern Xinjiang throughout the journey, with a relaxed itinerary that allows ample time for leisure and photography, suitable for family trips, group travel with friends, and other travel scenarios.
II. Seat Types, Hardware Configuration, and Advantages of the Shifang Train
The Shifang ‘Panda Train’ consists of 17 carriages and offers a variety of seat and compartment types. Different seats vary in space, facilities, privacy, and comfort, allowing passengers to choose according to their budget and travel preferences:
🛏 ️ Zunxiang Zijin (Premium Four-Bed Compartment):Located in carriages 7, 10, and 11, each carriage has 6 premium compartments, totaling 22 seats. Both ends of the carriage are equipped with shower rooms and washbasins. Each compartment features a sofa, round table, wardrobe, TV, call button, and charging sockets, offering spacious accommodation suitable for tourists with high comfort requirements.
🛏 ️ Zhenxiang Bojin (Standard Four-Bed Compartment):Located in carriages 2-6 and 12-16, each carriage has 10 four-bed compartments, totaling 40 seats. Both ends of the carriage are equipped with 2 shower rooms. Each compartment features a tea table, storage space, TV, call button, and charging sockets, meeting daily travel needs.
🛏 ️ Youxiang Bojin (Standard Four-Bed Compartment):Equipped with soundproof sliding doors, custom bedding and cushions, each bed has a charging port and reading light. The compartment includes a TV and free audio-visual resources. The carriage’s public areas feature restrooms, washrooms, and shower rooms, offering better value for money.
🎤 Multi-Functional Entertainment Carriage:Located in carriage 9, it features a tea bar, KTV private rooms, entertainment rooms, and a multi-functional area, as well as mahjong tables. It combines activities, parties, board games, and tea tasting, allowing passengers to enjoy tea while admiring the scenery outside the window.

🚂 2026 Panda Train Shifang South and North Xinjiang Tour Complete Guide🍜 Panda Dining Car:Located in carriage 8, it offers 2-seat and 4-seat tables, providing daily dining services for passengers.
In addition, the train is equipped with smoking areas, a medical room, and a tea boiler room to enhance travel comfort.
III. Travel Quality and Service Highlights of the Shifang Train
The Shifang differs significantly from regular tours in service details and itinerary arrangements:
Attentive Accompanying Service:A dedicated butler accompanies the entire journey, with medical staff on board and professional guides leading tours. Passengers do not need to plan their own itineraries and can consult staff at any time regarding travel-related questions.
Comfortable Residential Experience:Accommodation throughout the trip is on the reserved train seat, so there is no need to pack luggage and change hotels daily. Traveling at night and sightseeing during the day allows more energy for sightseeing and enjoyment.
Special Experience Arrangements:The itinerary includes exclusive welcome ceremonies, home visits with local families, and special food banquets, allowing for a deeper understanding of local life and culture.
Relaxed and Flexible Itinerary:The overall schedule is not overly packed, with sufficient time reserved at each attraction for sightseeing and photography, making the journey more relaxing.
Travel Guarantee Related:Children under 6 years old are not entitled to train berths, hotel accommodation, or breakfast, but include bus fares, admission tickets, meals, and driver-guide services; children aged 6-12 do not include hotel accommodation or breakfast, but include train berths, admission tickets, and meals; those over 12 are treated as adults. Seniors over 70 must provide a physical examination report within six months and sign a health commitment letter; those over 75 must be accompanied by a direct relative. Those with severe hypertension, heart disease, or other conditions are advised to assess their health before registering. There is a 2-hour time difference between Xinjiang and inland China; tourists are advised to adjust their schedules accordingly. It is recommended to bring sunscreen, warm clothing, comfortable sports shoes, common medications, moisturizing skincare products, and power banks.
IV. Simplified Itinerary of the Shifang Train

I. Detailed Introduction to the Shifang TrainDay 1:Chengdu/Lanzhou → Kashgar [Departure · Special Welcome]
Depart from Chengdu or Lanzhou, gather at the themed station to begin the journey, and start the panoramic tour of southern and northern Xinjiang; upon arrival, enjoy an exclusive welcome performance and immerse yourself in local customs, starting a wonderful journey.
Day 2:Panda Train [Leisure Sightseeing · Slow Enjoyment]
Spend the whole day on the Panda Train, relaxing in the comfortable carriage, enjoying the changing scenery outside the window, chatting with fellow travelers, and recharging for the exciting itinerary ahead.
Day 3:Kashgar [Exclusive Pickup · Grand Reception]
Arrive in Kashgar and enjoy exclusive pickup service, saving you the hassle of travel; in the evening, a special welcome banquet is held, where you can taste local flavors and experience the first warmth and hospitality of Kashgar.
Day 4:Kashgar → Tashkurgan [Highland Secrets · Scenery All the Way]
Depart from Kashgar to Tashkurgan, stopping at Baisha Mountain and Baisha Lake along the way to encounter pristine beauty; then visit Karakul Lake, gaze at Muztagh Ata from afar, and traverse the Panlong Ancient Road, experiencing the grandeur of the highland highway.
Day 5:Tashkurgan → Kashgar [Cultural Charm · In-Depth Experience]
Explore the Stone City, touching the vicissitudes of the thousand-year-old ruins; stroll through the Golden Grassland, appreciating the poetic blend of grassland and wetland; visit local ethnic families, experience distinctive folk customs, taste ethnic cuisine, and feel the simple and honest local culture.

The Shifang is a special tourist train in the Panda Train series, focusing on long-distance leisure and slow travel. It is designed for a comfortable, residential-style travel experience, targeting tourists who want to explore southern and northern Xinjiang in depth without the hassle of constant travel. The train operates on a model of traveling at night and sightseeing during the day, so passengers do not need to frequently change accommodation, saving them the trouble of repeatedly packing luggage and transferring between cities, leaving more time for sightseeing. As a popular long-distance Xinjiang travel option for 2026, the Shifang connects the core attractions of southern and northern Xinjiang throughout the journey, with a relaxed itinerary that allows ample time for leisure and photography, suitable for family trips, group travel with friends, and other travel scenarios.Day 6:Kashgar → Kuqa [Southern Xinjiang Culture · Traces of Daily Life]
Take an in-depth tour of the Kashgar Old City, wandering through the crisscrossing alleys and feeling the rich Western Regions atmosphere; visit the Fragrant Concubine Garden, listen to legendary stories, and appreciate the beauty of distinctive architecture and gardens; visit local cultural attractions and feel the profound historical and cultural heritage.
Day 7:Kuqa → Nalati/Bayinbuluke [Canyon Wonders · Highway Feast]
Head to the Tianshan Secret Grand Canyon, marveling at the extraordinary craftsmanship of the red rock walls and feeling the power of nature’s carving; drive along the southern section of the Duku Highway, passing through snow-capped mountains, grasslands, and canyons, experiencing the unique ‘four seasons in one day’; upon arrival, visit the Bayinbuluke Swan Lake, watching swans play and enjoying the grassland sunset.
Day 8:Nalati/Bayinbuluke → Yining [Grassland Pastoral · Relaxing Journey]
Spend the whole day exploring the Nalati Grassland, strolling across the vast green meadows, watching herds of cattle and sheep and galloping horses, breathing in the fresh grassland air, and experiencing the romance and grandeur of the ‘sky grassland’; head to Yining in the evening to rest.

Official registration channel: Manager Mai of the Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service Special Train Center is available 24 hours for consultation and registration. Company landline: 0991-3333832, mobile and WeChat: 132-0133-3409.
Day 9:Yining → Beitun [Picturesque Lakes · Clear and Relaxing]
Depart from Yining to Sayram Lake, stroll around the lake, admire the stunning view of the azure water and snow-capped mountain reflections, and feel 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 [Fairytale Town · Poetic Dwelling]
Head to the Hemu Scenic Area, walk into the scattered wooden house villages, see curling smoke and babbling streams, stroll through birch forests, and feel the peace and beauty of the primitive village; head to Jadengyu in the evening to stay overnight, falling asleep to the grassland night.

II. Seat Types, Hardware Configuration, and Advantages of the Shifang TrainDay 11:Jadengyu → Kanas → Burqin [Picturesque Hidden Scenery · Top-Quality Views]
Explore the Kanas Scenic Area, take the shuttle bus to visit the Three Bays (Wolong Bay, Moon Bay, and Fairy Bay), watching the lake change color with the light and enjoying the lush tranquility of the primeval forest; then head to Burqin to rest and relax, discovering local specialty cuisine.
Day 12:Burqin → Beitun → Urumqi [Danxia Wonders · Looking Back Along the Way]
Head to the Colorful Beach, admiring the stunning landscape where Danxia landforms meet the Irtysh River, experiencing the wonder of ‘one river separating two banks, two banks under different skies’; then head to Beitun and take the special train to Urumqi, reviewing the beautiful scenery along the way and looking forward to the upcoming itinerary.
Day 13:Urumqi [Heavenly Lake Scenery · Pearl of the Tianshan Mountains]
Spend the whole day visiting the Tianshan Tianchi Scenic Area, strolling along the lake, seeing the crystal-clear water like a mirror, gazing at the majestic snow-capped Bogda Peak from afar, feeling the sanctity and grandeur of the Pearl of the Tianshan Mountains, and appreciating the beauty of Xinjiang’s mountains and rivers.
Day 14:Urumqi → Turpan → Return Preparation [Folk Wonders · Perfect Conclusion]
Travel from Urumqi to Turpan, visit the ancient water conservancy wonder — Karez, feeling the wisdom and craftsmanship of the ancients; visit the Flaming Mountains, experiencing the scorching heat and wonder of the ‘Fire Land’; after the tour, prepare for the return journey, bringing this trip to a perfect conclusion.
Days 15-16:Happy Return [Full of Memories · Warm Farewell]
Depart from Urumqi and take the special train back to Lanzhou/Chengdu, reminiscing about the beautiful scenery and cultural charm of southern and northern Xinjiang along the way, bidding farewell to all distinguished guests, and ending this unforgettable Panda Train panoramic tour, returning with wonderful memories.

The Shifang ‘Panda Train’ consists of 17 carriages and offers a variety of seat and compartment types. Different seats vary in space, facilities, privacy, and comfort, allowing passengers to choose according to their budget and travel preferences:Note:The itinerary may be reasonably adjusted based on weather, road conditions, policies, and scenic area opening status. Specific changes will be confirmed through mutual consultation between both parties.
V. 2026 Shifang Train Departure Dates and Price Information
The departure dates for the 2026 Shifang 16-day South and North Xinjiang tour are:June 8, 2026, June 24, July 10, July 27, August 13, and August 30. Reference prices for different seat types are as follows:
Youxiang Bojin Standard Four-Bed Compartment:Upper berth 8,480 yuan/person, lower berth 9,280 yuan/person
Zhenxiang Bojin Standard Four-Bed Compartment:Upper berth 15,780 yuan/person, lower berth 16,780 yuan/person
Zunxiang Zijin Premium Four-Bed Compartment:Upper berth 27,880 yuan/person, lower berth 28,880 yuan/person
The above prices are reference prices and may fluctuate slightly depending on the season, room type, and departure schedule. The specific details are subject to actual consultation and contract signing. For solo registrations, the travel agency will make every effort to arrange room sharing; special circumstances require separate negotiation.
VI. Shifang Train Booking and Registration Methods
If you want to ride the Shifang Train, here is a ticket booking guide:
Shifang-related tourism products are not sold separately on the 12306 platform. You can learn about product schedules, itineraries, and complete bookings through Manager Mai of the Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service Special Train Center.

🛏️ Zunxiang Zijin (Premium Four-Bed Compartment): Located in carriages 7, 10, and 11, each carriage has 6 premium compartments, totaling 22 seats. Both ends of the carriage are equipped with shower rooms and washbasins. Each compartment features a sofa, round table, wardrobe, TV, call button, and charging sockets, offering spacious accommodation suitable for tourists with high comfort requirements.The booking process is as follows:
Contact and Consultation: Manager Mai of the Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service Special Train Center is available 24 hours for consultation and registration. Company landline: 0991-3333832, mobile and WeChat: 132-0133-3409. You can inquire about the detailed itinerary, seat types, reference prices, and departure schedules of the Shifang.
Choose Travel Product:Based on your available time and travel preferences, select a suitable departure schedule and train seat type.
Submit Personal Information:Provide the traveler’s name, valid ID number, Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong/Macau/Taiwan, passport, or other basic identification information for travel registration and seat reservation.
Complete Booking Procedures:Pay the travel booking deposit according to the travel agency’s requirements, obtain the corresponding payment receipt, and sign the unified electronic tourism service supervision contract to complete the booking process.
From June to September each year, travel demand is high, and seats on popular long-distance special train routes are relatively tight. It is recommended to check the itinerary schedule as early as possible and pay a deposit to secure your preferred seat. Travel bookings can be made through Manager Mai of the Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service Special Train Center. It is advisable to pay attention to various travel information, carefully identify unofficial channels, and protect your travel rights.
VII. Shifang Train Fees and Service Related Information
The services included in the Shifang Train itinerary are arranged according to unified standards, including related transportation, basic accommodation, and sightseeing support services within the itinerary; personal voluntary consumption items and optional experience items are not included.
All itinerary service details, fee standards, and included rights are subject to the contract signed by both parties. All travel-related rights and fees are subject to actual consultation and contract signing. For more details, please consult customer service for a detailed explanation. Relevant cancellation and change rules are implemented in accordance with the Tourism Law.
Conclusion
There is less than a month until the first Shifang departure in 2026. Tourists interested in visiting southern and northern Xinjiang can contact Manager Mai in advance to inquire about remaining seats, plan their travel ahead, and embark on a comfortable slow tour of Xinjiang.
For 2026, tickets for the Shifang Panda Train must be booked through the designated professional and official railway channel — Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service · Special Train Center. It cannot be booked directly through platforms such as 12306. Official registration channel: Manager Mai of the Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service Special Train Center is available 24 hours for consultation and registration. Company landline: 0991-3333832, mobile and WeChat: 132-0133-3409.