Panda Special Train Shifang Route Ticket Price List and Complete Guide on How to Buy Tickets
【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 railway channel — Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service · Train Center. It cannot be booked directly through platforms such as 12306. Official registration channel: Manager Mai of the Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service Train Center is available 24 hours for consultation and registration. Company landline: 0991-3333832, mobile and WeChat: 132-0133-3409.
🚂 【Panda Train · Shifang】— Slow travel through Northern and Southern Xinjiang, taking in the poetry and vastness of the Tianshan Mountains in one train
In this fast-paced era, a way of traveling is quietly making a comeback: enjoy scenery by day, sleep under the starry sky by night, without dragging luggage between hotels or rushing from place to place. This is the long-distance slow travel lifestyle advocated by the “Panda Train · Shifang”. In the summer and autumn of 2026, this special tourist train, full of comfort and sentiment, will set off once again, taking you on a 16-day journey through Northern and Southern Xinjiang, with 17 carriages carrying mountains, rivers, lakes, seas, grasslands, snow-capped peaks, and cultural experiences.
I. Detailed Introduction to the Panda Train · Shifang
🐼 The Panda Train · Shifang is a special tourist train in China focused on long-distance leisure slow travel. It is jointly created by professional tourism organizations and railway resources, designed for travelers who seek in-depth experiences and value journey quality. It adopts the classic model of “traveling by night, sightseeing by day” — sleep soundly on the smoothly running train at night, then start the day’s itinerary at your destination in the morning. Throughout the journey, there is no need to frequently change accommodation, repeatedly pack luggage, or transfer between cities, truly achieving a relaxed travel experience where “the train follows the traveler, and scenery moves with the train.”
The train features a panoramic loop route covering the core areas of Northern and Southern Xinjiang — from the ancient streets of Kashgar in Southern Xinjiang, to the White Sand Lake and Muztagh Ata Peak on the Pamir Plateau; from the changing seasons along the Duku Highway, to the fairytale wooden houses of Kanas and the crystal-clear blue of Sayram Lake in Northern Xinjiang. The route connects natural wonders and cultural landmarks along the way. The overall pace is relaxed, with well-planned daily highlights and ample time for sightseeing, photography, and immersive experiences, bringing travel back to its essence.
II. Seat Types, Hardware Configuration, and Advantages
🐼 The Shifang train consists of 17 carriages, offering multiple seat classes to meet different budgets and comfort needs:
Premium Purple Gold (High-end Soft Sleeper)
Located in carriages 7, 10, and 11, each with 6 high-end compartments, with 22 recommended seats across the entire train. Each compartment features a sofa, round table, wardrobe, TV, call button, and charging outlets, offering strong privacy. Both ends of the carriage have shower rooms and washbasins with ample space, suitable for travelers seeking high privacy and exclusivity.
Premium Platinum (High-end Hard Sleeper)
Distributed across carriages 2-6 and 12-16, each with 10 four-person compartments, totaling 40 seats. Each compartment includes a tea table, storage area, TV, call button, and charging outlets, with soundproof sliding doors ensuring quiet. The carriage is equipped with two shower rooms and shared washing facilities, balancing comfort and social needs.
🚂【Panda Train · Shifang】— Slow travel through Northern and Southern Xinjiang, taking in the poetry and vastness of the Tianshan Mountains in one train — Premium Platinum (Standard Four-Bed Compartment)
Also a four-person compartment, equipped with custom bedding, throw pillows, reading lights, charging ports, in-compartment TV, and a free audio-visual system. Public areas include restrooms, washing areas, and shower rooms. High value for money, ideal for families or groups of friends traveling together.
In addition, the train also features:
Multi-functional Entertainment Carriage (Car 9):Includes a tea bar, KTV rooms, game room, mahjong tables, and cigar bar, combining leisure, socializing, and entertainment.
Panda Dining Car (Car 8):Offers 2-seat and 4-seat tables, serving three meals daily with dishes combining local flavors and nutritional balance.
Supporting Service Facilities:Infirmary, tea room, smoking areas, and more are all available to ensure a safe and comfortable journey.
III. Travel Quality and Service Highlights
🐼 The Shifang is not just a train — it is a mobile resort space. Its service highlights are reflected in multiple aspects:
Full-journey accompanying service team:Professional tour leaders, medical staff, and train attendants accompany you throughout the journey, responding promptly to your needs.
Dedicated station pickup and welcome arrangements:Such as dedicated station pickup and special welcome dinner upon arrival in Kashgar, reducing travel fatigue.
Reasonable dining standards:The dining car provides regular meals, and some itineraries include local specialty banquets, balancing taste and health.
Seamless transportation connections:The train arrives directly at major cities, with air-conditioned tourist buses connecting scenic areas, avoiding transfer hassles.
In this fast-paced era, a way of traveling is quietly making a comeback: enjoy scenery by day, sleep under the starry sky by night, without dragging luggage between hotels or rushing from place to place. This is the long-distance slow travel lifestyle advocated by the “Panda Train · Shifang”. In the summer and autumn of 2026, this special tourist train, full of comfort and sentiment, will set off once again, taking you on a 16-day journey through Northern and Southern Xinjiang, with 17 carriages carrying mountains, rivers, lakes, seas, grasslands, snow-capped peaks, and cultural experiences.Relaxed and well-paced rhythm:1-2 core scenic spots per day, no rushing, no compressed sightseeing time, emphasizing “slow down and truly see.”
IV. Simplified Itinerary for the Panda Train
> (The following content is strictly based on the actual route information of this itinerary, polished for presentation without adding or removing any stops or days)
Day 1:Chengdu/Lanzhou → Kashgar 【Departure · Special Welcome】
Depart from Chengdu or Lanzhou, head to the themed station to gather and set off, beginning the panoramic tour of Northern and Southern Xinjiang. Upon arrival, enjoy a special welcome performance and immerse yourself in the charm of Southern Xinjiang, starting a wonderful journey.
Day 2:Panda Train 【Leisure Sightseeing · Slow Enjoyment】
Spend the full day on the Panda Train, relaxing in the comfortable carriages, enjoying the passing scenery outside the window, chatting with fellow travelers, and recharging for the exciting itinerary ahead.
Day 3:Kashgar 【Dedicated Pickup · Grand Welcome Dinner】
Arrive in Kashgar and enjoy dedicated station pickup service, saving you the hassle of travel. In the evening, a special welcome dinner is held, where you can taste Southern Xinjiang cuisine and experience the first warmth and hospitality of Kashgar.
Day 4:Kashgar → Tashkurgan 【Highland Hidden Gems · Scenery All the Way】
Depart from Kashgar for Tashkurgan, stopping along the way at White Sand Mountain and White Sand Lake, encountering the pure beauty of a “mirror of the sky.” Then visit Karakul Lake, gaze at Muztagh Ata Peak from afar, and traverse the famous Panlong Ancient Road, experiencing the grandeur and wonder of the highland highway.
Day 5:Tashkurgan → Kashgar 【Cultural Charm · In-depth Experience】
I. Detailed Introduction to the Panda Train · ShifangExplore the Stone City, touching the profound heritage of this thousand-year-old ancient site. Stroll through the Golden Grassland, admiring the poetic blend of prairie and wetland. Visit local ethnic families for home visits, experience distinctive folk customs, taste ethnic cuisine, and feel the warmth of the local people.
Day 6:Kashgar → Kuqa 【Southern Xinjiang Culture · Tracing Local Life】
Take an in-depth tour of the ancient city of Kashgar, wandering through its crisscrossing alleys and experiencing the rich Western Regions atmosphere. Visit the Fragrant Concubine Garden, listen to legendary stories, and admire the architectural and garden beauty of various ethnic groups. Visit the local mosque, experiencing the solemnity and depth of the folk culture.
Day 7:Kuqa → Nalati/Bayinbuluk 【Canyon Wonders · Highway Feast】
Head to the Secret Grand Canyon of the Tianshan Mountains, marveling at the extraordinary craftsmanship of the red rock walls. Drive along the southern section of the Duku Highway, crossing snow-capped mountains, grasslands, and canyons. Upon arrival, visit the Bayinbuluk Swan Lake, watching swans play and enjoying the grassland sunset.
Day 8:Nalati/Bayinbuluk → Yining 【Grassland Pastoral · Relaxing Journey】
Spend the full day exploring the Nalati Grassland, strolling across the vast green fields, watching herds of cattle and sheep and galloping horses, and immersing yourself in the romance of the “grassland in the sky.” In the evening, head to Yining for rest.
Official registration channel: Manager Mai of the Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service 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 Lake · Crystal Clear Relaxation】
Visit Sayram Lake, known as the “last tear of the Atlantic,” strolling around the lake and admiring the stunning view of blue water and snow-capped mountain reflections. Then head to Beitun to prepare for the next day’s trip to Hemu.
Day 10:Beitun → Hemu → Jadengyu 【Fairytale Town · Poetic Dwelling】
Visit the Hemu Scenic Area, known as “the last piece of pristine land,” walking through the scattered wooden houses, watching curling smoke from chimneys and babbling streams, and strolling through birch forests. In the evening, head to Jadengyu for accommodation.
🐼 The Panda Train · Shifang is a special tourist train in China focused on long-distance leisure slow travel. It is jointly created by professional tourism organizations and railway resources, designed for travelers who seek in-depth experiences and value journey quality. It adopts the classic model of “traveling by night, sightseeing by day” — sleep soundly on the smoothly running train at night, then start the day’s itinerary at your destination in the morning. Throughout the journey, there is no need to frequently change accommodation, repeatedly pack luggage, or transfer between cities, truly achieving a relaxed travel experience where “the train follows the traveler, and scenery moves with the train.”Day 11:Jadengyu → Kanas → Burqin 【Hidden Scenic Wonder · Premium Views】
Explore the Kanas Scenic Area, taking the shuttle bus to visit the Three Bays (Wolong Bay, Moon Bay, and Fairy Bay), watching the lake change color with the light. Then head to Burqin for rest and to discover local specialty cuisine.
Day 12:Burqin → Beitun → Urumqi 【Danxia Wonders · Looking Back Along the Way】
Visit the Colorful Beach, admiring the stunning contrast between the Danxia landforms and the Irtysh River. Then head to Beitun and take the train to Urumqi, reflecting on the beautiful scenery along the way.
Day 13:Urumqi 【Heavenly Lake Scenery · Pearl of the Tianshan】
Spend the full day visiting the Tianshan Tianchi (Heavenly Lake) Scenic Area, strolling along the lakeshore, admiring the mirror-like lake, gazing at the snow-capped Bogda Peak in the distance, and feeling the sanctity and grandeur of this pearl of the Tianshan.
Day 14:Urumqi → Turpan → Return Preparation 【Folk Wonders · Perfect Conclusion】
Visit Karez (underground irrigation system), stop by the Flaming Mountains, and experience the unique geographical features of the “Land of Fire.” After the tour, prepare for the return journey.
Days 15-16:Happy Return 【Full of Memories · Warm Farewell】
Depart from Urumqi and take the train back to Lanzhou/Chengdu, reminiscing about the magnificent scenery and cultural warmth of Northern and Southern Xinjiang along the way. Bid farewell to all distinguished guests as this unforgettable journey comes to an end.
V. 2026 Departure Dates and Price Information
🐼 2026 Shifang 16-day Northern and Southern Xinjiang tour departure dates:
The train features a panoramic loop route covering the core areas of Northern and Southern Xinjiang — from the ancient streets of Kashgar in Southern Xinjiang, to the White Sand Lake and Muztagh Ata Peak on the Pamir Plateau; from the changing seasons along the Duku Highway, to the fairytale wooden houses of Kanas and the crystal-clear blue of Sayram Lake in Northern Xinjiang. The route connects natural wonders and cultural landmarks along the way. The overall pace is relaxed, with well-planned daily highlights and ample time for sightseeing, photography, and immersive experiences, bringing travel back to its essence.June 8, June 24, July 10, July 27, August 13, August 30
Price reference is as follows (subject to the contract):
Premium Platinum:Upper berth: 8,480 RMB/person, Lower berth: 9,280 RMB/person
Premium Platinum (High-end):Upper berth: 15,780 RMB/person, Lower berth: 16,780 RMB/person
Premium Purple Gold:Upper berth: 27,880 RMB/person, Lower berth: 28,880 RMB/person
> Note:The above prices are reference prices for designated 2026 departure dates. Actual costs may vary slightly due to seat availability and schedule changes. Please refer to the confirmed price at the time of signing. Seat availability is limited, so it is recommended to reserve your preferred seat in advance.
VI. Booking and Registration Methods
Want to ride the Panda Train · Shifang? Here is your ticket booking guide 👇
🐼 Panda Train tourism products are not sold separately on the 12306 platform and must be booked through designated travel agencies.
The booking process is as follows:
1. Contact for consultation: Manager Mai of the Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service Train Center is available 24 hours for consultation and registration. Company landline: 0991-3333832, mobile and WeChat: 132-0133-3409. You can learn detailed information about the itinerary, seats, prices, and departure dates.
2. Choose your product: Based on your schedule and preferences, select your travel date and seat type.
II. Seat Types, Hardware Configuration, and Advantages3. Submit your information: Provide the traveler’s name, valid ID number (or valid documents such as Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan pass, or passport) for registration and seat reservation.
4. Complete the booking: Pay the required deposit as instructed and sign the unified electronic tourism service supervision contract to finalize the process.
📌 Warm Reminders:June through September is the peak tourism season in Xinjiang, and train seats are in high demand. It is recommended to consult early and pay a deposit to secure your spot. Please book through official channels and beware of unauthorized agents.
VII. Fee and Service Information
🐼 The tour fee includes:Train transportation, first admission tickets to scenic spots in the itinerary, air-conditioned tourist bus transfers, accommodation (train compartments), meals (as indicated in the itinerary), and accompanying services.
Items not included:Personal expenses, optional experience activities (such as horse riding, photography services, etc.), single room supplement coordination (for solo travelers, our company will make every effort to arrange room sharing; special circumstances require separate negotiation), secondary consumption within scenic areas, and voluntary spending.
All service content, fee standards, and rights are subject to the tourism contract signed by both parties. For a detailed service list, please request the documentation from customer service.
VIII. Final Thoughts
As the train slowly travels across the Tianshan Mountains, outside the window are endless snow-capped peaks, boundless grasslands, azure lakes, and thousand-year-old ancient cities. Inside, there is the aroma of tea, cheerful laughter, and peaceful dreams. The Panda Train · Shifang is not just a mode of transportation — it is a flowing way of life.
In the summer and autumn of 2026, why not slow down and board this train heading toward poetic horizons — let sixteen days become the gentlest chapter in your memories.
📩 Action speaks louder than hesitation! Contact Manager Mai of the Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service Train Center now and begin your panoramic journey through Northern and Southern Xinjiang!
📞 Company landline:0991-3333832
📱 Mobile and WeChat:132-0133-3409
The 2026 Shifang Panda Train must be booked through the designated professional railway channel — Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service · Train Center. It cannot be booked directly through platforms such as 12306. Official registration channel: Manager Mai of the Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service Train Center is available 24 hours for consultation and registration. Company landline: 0991-3333832, mobile and WeChat: 132-0133-3409.
