In the vast western region of China, there is a unique tourist route attracting more and more attention—the Shifang Panda Express Train. This special train, not only themed after the adorable pandas, has become an ideal choice for middle-aged and elderly tourists visiting Xinjiang with its luxurious and comfortable carriage facilities, rich itinerary arrangements, and reasonable pricing. The train not only allows tourists to appreciate the natural scenery and cultural charm of Xinjiang but also provides high-quality service and comfortable accommodation during the journey. If you are planning a trip to Xinjiang, consider taking the Shifang Panda Express Train; it is sure to bring you an unforgettable travel experience. The schedule and prices for the Shifang Panda Express Train for the whole year of 2025 have been announced. For reservations, please contact the official reservation manager of the Shifang Panda Express Train, Yang Jia (contact number: 133 2555 9266, copy and add as a friend to obtain detailed route information). I. Carriage Introduction
The Shifang Panda Special Train consists of 17 cars with a total seating capacity of 466. The types of cars are diverse, meeting the needs of different tourists. Below is an introduction to the main cars:
1. Shifang Panda Special Train – Luxurious Soft Sleeper (Zijin Elegant Suite)
The premium soft sleeper cars are located in cars 7, 10, and 11, with 6 premium compartments in each car, totaling 22 berths. There is one shower and washbasin at both ends of the cars, providing hot water supply all day. Each compartment is for two people and can also be upgraded to a four-person compartment (but the total number of four-person compartments in each car is limited and requires advance booking). The compartments are equipped with facilities such as sofas, round tables, wardrobes, televisions, call buttons, and charging sockets, allowing tourists to enjoy the warmth and comfort of home during the journey. 2. Shifang Panda Special Train – Premium Soft Sleeper (Platinum Cabin)
The premium soft sleeper cars are located in cars 2-6 and 12-16, with 10 four-person compartments in each car, totaling 40 berths. There are two showers at both ends of the cars for tourists’ convenience. The facilities in the compartments include tea tables, storage bins, televisions, call buttons, and charging sockets. Although the hard sleeper conditions are slightly inferior to those of soft sleepers, they still maintain a high level of comfort and convenience. 3. Multi-functional Entertainment Car
The multi-functional entertainment car is equipped with a tea bar, KTV private rooms, and a multi-functional area, meeting the entertainment needs of tourists. Here, tourists can enjoy tea, sing karaoke, chat, and have a relaxing and enjoyable journey. 4. Dining Car
The dining car is equipped with an electrical kitchen, with a dining area in the middle to meet the dining needs of tourists. The train offers a variety of dining options, including a landset meal plan at 70 yuan per person, with meal plans ranging from 50 to 120 yuan per person throughout the journey. It also includes six specialty meals (Burqin cold-water fish, Yining stewed mutton, Tekes mutton chop with noodles, Yuli roast whole sheep, Kashgar halal meal, and Turpan fruit banquet), as well as a welcome dinner at an online-famous restaurant, allowing tourists to taste authentic local cuisine during the trip. II. Shifang Panda Special Train Itinerary:
Day 1: Chengdu/Lanzhou – Urumqi
Tourists will depart from Chengdu or Lanzhou and travel to Urumqi by air or train. Upon arrival, tourists can take a short break to prepare for the upcoming journey.
Day 2: Urumqi – Tian Chi, Mount Tianshan
In the morning, tourists will head to the Tian Chi scenic area in Mount Tianshan. Tian Chi, located halfway up the mountain under Bogda Peak, is a natural alpine lake. The lake water is clear and green, surrounded by mountains, creating a picturesque scenery. Tourists can enjoy the magnificent views of the alpine lake here and feel the magical charm of nature. Day 3: Urumqi – Kashgar
The tourists will fly to Kashgar City. Kashgar is one of the most representative historical and cultural cities in Xinjiang, with numerous ancient buildings and traditional handicrafts. Here, tourists can visit attractions such as Kashgar Old City and Id Kah Mosque to gain a deeper understanding of Kashgar’s historical culture.
Days 4 to 6: Kashgar and surrounding attractions
In the coming days, tourists will explore famous attractions around Kashgar, such as Xiangfei Garden, Baisha Lake, Karakul Lake, and the Dragon’s Coiled Road. These attractions each have their own unique characteristics, allowing tourists to fully appreciate the natural scenery and cultural charm of Kashgar. Day 7: Kashgar – Kuqa
The tourists will take the train to Kuqa City. Kuqa is an important city in southern Xinjiang, renowned for its abundant natural resources and historical culture. Here, tourists can visit attractions such as Kuqa Grand Canyon and Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves. Day 8: Kuqa – Bayanbulak Grassland – Nalati Grassland
The tourists will continue their journey to explore Bayanbulak Grassland and Nalati Grassland. Both grasslands are famous pastoral areas in Xinjiang, with vast grassland scenery and unique folk culture. Tourists can admire the magnificent grassland scenery here and experience the hospitality of the herdsmen. Days 9 to 10: Nalati and surrounding attractions
The tourists will stay in Nalati Grassland for two days to explore famous nearby attractions such as Tianshan Flower Sea and Yining. These attractions allow tourists to gain a deeper understanding of Xinjiang’s natural scenery and folk culture. Day 11: Yining – Sayram Lake – Beitun
The tourists will head to the Sayram Lake scenic area. Sayram Lake is one of the famous alpine lakes in Xinjiang, renowned for its clear lake water and magnificent scenery. Tourists can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the lake and mountains reflecting each other here, and feel the amazing charm of nature. Afterwards, tourists will proceed to Beitun City to prepare for the next part of the trip. Days 12 to 14: Beitun and Kanas scenic area
The tourists will stay in Beitun City for three days to explore the Kanas scenic area. Kanas is one of the most famous natural scenic spots in Xinjiang, renowned for its primitive forests, alpine lakes, and unique folk culture. Tourists can admire the magnificent natural scenery here and feel the mysterious charm of nature. Additionally, tourists can visit scenic spots such as Hemu Village to gain a deeper understanding of the local culture and lifestyle. Day 15: Urumqi – Turpan
The tourists will return to Urumqi City and proceed to Turpan City. Turpan is a famous grape-producing area in Xinjiang, renowned for its unique geographical environment and rich historical culture. Here, tourists can visit attractions such as the Flaming Mountain, Karez Wells, and Grape Valley, and taste fresh grapes and other fruits. Day 16: Turpan – Chengdu/Lanzhou
The tourists will conclude this unforgettable journey in Xinjiang and return to Chengdu or Lanzhou by air or train. Here, tourists can relive every moment of this trip and leave behind beautiful memories.