Booking and registration process for the Xinjiang tourist train:
First: Where can I purchase and book tickets for the Xinjiang tourist train?
The Xinjiang tourist train (including the New Oriental Express, Tianshan Train, New Western Regions Tourist Train, and Yuanman South Xinjiang Train) is a comprehensive product that combines tourism (scenic area tickets + accommodation + meals + coach buses + tour guide services) with a dedicated train. It is not sold as train tickets on the official 12306 railway bureau website but is sold through designated official brand travel agency channels of the railway bureau.
Second: How far in advance should I book a Xinjiang tourist train?
Xinjiang tourist trains generally publish their specific departure schedules, itineraries, and fees in November of the year before departure, and bookings can be made that month. Since Xinjiang tourist trains do not depart every day but operate regularly each month, bookings must be made in advance. Some train seats need to be booked a year in advance. If you plan to join a tourist train temporarily, there may not be any seats available.
Third: Where do the Xinjiang tourist trains start and end?
For example, the New Oriental Express, Tianshan Train, New Western Train, Yuanman Southern Xinjiang Train, and other Xinjiang tourist trains start and end in Urumqi, the capital city of Xinjiang. The departure station is Urumqi High-speed Railway Station, and the arrival station is also Urumqi High-speed Railway Station; that is, the current Urumqi Station. Therefore, tourists from mainland cities need to take a train or plane to Urumqi. Just tell us your flight time and train number, and we provide 24/7 pick-up services.
Fourth: What are the main Xinjiang tourist train products?
For panoramic tours of North and South Xinjiang (about 13-15 days), tours of Southern Xinjiang only (about 10 days), or tours of Northern Xinjiang only (about 8 days), the starting and ending points are all at Urumqi Station. The departure dates are generally from May to November, with different departure dates, plans, and products each month.
Fifth: Where can I learn about Xinjiang tourist train products?
You can contact the Xinjiang Tourist Train Center at: 180 9596 9599
Learn about the New Western Train of Xinjiang, New Oriental Express, Tianshan Train, Yuanman Southern Xinjiang Train, Panda Train, Lindu Train, and other related tourism products to choose the appropriate tour date.
Fifth: How to book and pay for Xinjiang tourist trains?
After selecting the travel date and train product, you can confirm the booking and registration. Firstly, provide ID information (name + ID number). Secondly, pay the deposit for the New Oriental Express train ticket, and the balance must be paid 30 days before departure.
Sixth: How to sign a contract for Xinjiang tourist trains?
After booking, sign the unified electronic contract format on the National Tourism Supervision Platform. Arrive in Urumqi according to the departure time. Our company provides 24/7 pick-up services. After arriving in Urumqi, we will embark on the Xinjiang train tour.
Seventh: How to contact the booking and registration hotline for Xinjiang tourist trains?
Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency Official Train Center Booking and Inquiry Center:
Wang Fei: 180 9596 9599
More related Xinjiang tourist trains: New Oriental Express, New Western Train, Panda Train, Shifang Train, Silk Road Dream Train, Tianyuan Train, Tianshan Train Xinjiang Train Tours, and many other train tour plans. Please call for inquiries.
2025 Panda Train Route Guide
D1: Chengdu – Lanzhou – Urumqi
Station greeting, board the Shifang-branded Boutique Panda Train to the beautiful Xinjiang! · Chengdu Railway Station (around 7:00), VIP boarding for the journey to Xinjiang. · Lanzhou Railway Station (around 20:29), VIP boarding to continue the journey to beautiful Xinjiang.
Remarks: ①The above boarding times are for reference based on the 2024 panda-themed train schedule. In case of railway schedule adjustments by relevant departments, the boarding times may change.
Subject to railway schedule adjustments. ②For VIPs boarding in Lanzhou today, train meals are not included. ✯Breakfast: At your own expense Lunch: Train meal Dinner: Train meal
✯Accommodation: Shifang Special Panda Train Boutique Carriage
D2: Urumqi
Enjoy the panda-themed train sightseeing as it arrives in Urumqi today. ·The train crosses Gansu Province, passing through the Four Western Prefectures (Wuwei, Zhangye, Jiuquan, and Dunhuang) before entering Xinjiang.
Enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the Gobi Canyon along the way, reminiscent of the poem "Desolate desert with a straight column of smoke, vast river with a round setting sun". ·Arrive in Urumqi, the capital of Xinjiang, in the evening (around 21:30), with exclusive pick-up service and hotel accommodation.
Remarks: ①For VIPs departing or arriving in Urumqi, staff will hold a "Welcome Panda Train VIPs" sign at the agreed time on the same day.
We await your arrival at the airport/station! The Urumqi airport/station pick-up service is complimentary, and no refund will be given if not used. ②For VIPs departing or arriving in Urumqi,
Today’s train meals are not included. ✯Breakfast: Train meal Lunch: Train meal Dinner: Train meal
✯Accommodation: Urumqi online-reviewed five-diamond hotel
D3: Urumqi – Kashgar ·Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and head to [Tianshan Tianchi Scenic Area], a two-hour drive away, with a tour duration of about 3 hours.
This is a world-famous alpine lake and a national 5A scenic area known as the "Fairyland on Earth". Upon arrival, a dedicated guide will lead the tour.
Guided by a designated tour guide, take the scenic area shuttle bus to visit attractions such as Single Line Gate, West Mountain Pine Viewing, Dragon Pond and Clear Moon, and the Sea-Stabilizing Divine Spear.
Visit eight renowned landscapes and take in the majestic view of Bogda Snowy Peak in the distance. ·Return to Urumqi and board the panda-themed train to Kashgar.
✯Breakfast: Hotel breakfast Lunch: Formal meal Dinner: Train meal
✯Accommodation: Shifang Special Panda Train Boutique Carriage
D4: Kashgar ·The panda-themed train arrives in Kashgar in the afternoon, and there will be a greeting reception. ·Head to [Xiangfei Garden] for a visit with a tour duration of about 2 hours.
It is a national key cultural relic protection unit with prominent architectural features, respectively showcasing the hometown, former residence, and life stories of the person in question from three aspects.
It tells the legendary story of Xiangfei from birth to death, from Kashgar to Beijing, from a noble princess to one beloved by all. ·After dinner, check in at a Kashgar hotel.
✯Breakfast: Train Meal Lunch: Formal Meal Dinner: Formal Meal
✯Accommodation: Kashgar five-diamond hotel according to online reviews
D5: Kashgar – Taxkorgan ·Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and take a vehicle along the China-Pakistan Friendship Highway to the roof of the world, the [Pamirs Plateau], a three-hour drive away.
·Visit [布伦口 Lake] and [White Sand Mountain] at an altitude of about 3300 meters, with a tour duration of about 40 minutes.
This is an original ecological scenery formed by blue skies, white clouds, snowy mountains, lakes, and sand dunes, with Kongur Tag IX towering remotely on both sides of the lake.
The流沙河 described in "Journey to the West" is located here. ·Head to [Karakul Lake], a one-hour drive away at an altitude of 3600 meters, with a tour duration of about 40 minutes.
Karakul means "black lake", with a depth of 30 meters and a total area of 10 square kilometers. It is a rare plateau lake in the world, surrounded by ice peaks and snowy mountains, allowing for a close-up view of world-famous peaks over 7000m in altitude, such as Kongur Tag, one of the Three Heroes of Kunlun.
Kongur Tag (7719m), Kongur Tobe (7530m), and Muztagh Ata (7546m) stand tall on the Pamir Plateau
It is very spectacular on the Pamir Plateau. ·Experience the [Dragon’s Coil Road], at an altitude of about 3,500 meters, with a tour duration of about 30 minutes.
There are over 600 turns here, where you can experience the speed and excitement of the Pamir Plateau. ·In the afternoon, proceed to Taxkorgan County, with a journey time of about 2.5 hours at an altitude of about 3,000 meters. ·After dinner in Taxkorgan County, check into the hotel.
✯Breakfast: Hotel breakfast Lunch: Formal meal Dinner: Formal meal
✯Accommodation: Taxkorgan County four-diamond hotel according to online reviews
D6: Taxkorgan County – Kashgar ·Enjoy breakfast and take a car to [Taxkorgan Stone City], with a journey time of about 10 minutes and a tour duration of about 40 minutes.
This is a famous ancient city site on the ancient Silk Road, located on the north side of Taxkorgan Tajik Autonomous County. It occupies a strategic location and has a
Its fortifications are magnificent, with continuous expansion and garrisoning from the Tang Dynasty to the Qing Dynasty, and the walls reach a height of over 20 meters. There are multiple layers of discontinuous outer walls around the city
The walls and partitions are interspersed with overlapping stone hills and piles of rocks, forming a unique stone city landscape. ·Head to [Golden Grass Beach] for photos and a short break of about 40 minutes.
Named for its lush grass and water and sunset views, it is a beautiful wetland on the Pamir Plateau. ·Participate in a [Tajik Homestay], taste snacks prepared by Tajiks themselves, and learn about Tajik national culture. ·Return to Kashgar city, with a journey time of about 2 hours. ·Enjoy dinner and check into the hotel.
✯Breakfast: Hotel breakfast Lunch: Formal meal Dinner: Formal meal
✯Accommodation: Kashgar five-diamond hotel according to online reviews
D7: Kashgar – Kuqa ·Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. ·Visit the [Old Kashgar City] and watch the [Opening Ceremony], with a journey time of about 20 minutes and a tour duration of about 1.5 hours.
It is hailed as a living fossil for studying ancient Western Regions cities and is a cultural city with a history of over 2,000 years. This open
It is a scenic area and also a residential area for Uyghur residents, showcasing Uyghur family life, ethnic characteristics, traditions
Handicrafts, gourmet food, and other unique customs. The opening ceremony is a famous display of Xinjiang songs and dances in Kashgar Prefecture. ·Later, visit the [Id Kah Mosque], with a tour duration of about 1 hour.
This is a famous Chinese Islamic mosque, founded in 1442, with a strong national style and religious color of ancient
The architectural complex is a model of ancient Uyghur architectural art. ·After dinner, proceed to Kashgar Station and board the Panda Special Train to Kuqa.
✯Breakfast: Hotel breakfast Lunch: Formal meal Dinner: Formal meal
✯Accommodation: Shifang Special Panda Train Boutique Carriage
D8: Kuqa – Nalati/Bayinbrook ·The Panda Special Train arrives in Kuqa in the morning.
·Take a bus to visit the [Mysterious Grand Canyon of Tianshan], with a journey time of about 1.5 hours and a tour duration of about 2 hours.
It is known as one of the ten most beautiful canyons in China, located at the southern foot of the Tianshan Mountains in an inland arid area, covered with fine sand,
It also has bubbling springs. The spring water flows gently, appearing and disappearing, which is truly unique. ·Exclusive vehicles traverse the [southern section of the Duku Highway], from the Tianshan Grand Canyon to Bayinbrook, covering a distance of about 190
The distance is XX kilometers, with a sightseeing drive time of about 3.5 hours.
Along the way, you can admire the beauty of the Large and Small Dragon Lakes and the scenery of the Tianshan Snow Mountains, and take a photo at Tielimaiti Pass. · Visit [Bayanbulak Swan Lake Scenic Area], and visit for about 3 hours.
This is the second-largest grassland in China, with lush water and grass, surrounded by snowy peaks, the terrain is undulating, and the scenery is refreshing.
The famous “Swan Lake” is China’s only swan nature reserve, where you can see swans and terns in flocks, the winding Yellow River,
An excellent experience. · Based on today’s itinerary and time, reasonably arrange accommodation in Bayanbulak or Nalati Town hotel.
✯Breakfast: Train Breakfast Lunch: Formal Meal Dinner: Formal Meal
✯Accommodation: Four-Diamond Hotel in Nalati or Bayanbulak Based on Online Reviews.
D9: Nalati/Bayanbulak – Yining · Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. · Visit [Nalati Grassland], about 30-minute drive, and visit for about 4 hours.
This is a national 5A scenic spot known as one of the Four Grasslands of Asia and Europe, it is praised as “the Jiangnan (south of the Yangtze River) Beyond the Great Wall”, with beautiful scenery
natural scenery, here admire the dense mountain springs, crisscrossing streams, towering pine trees lining the gullies, scattered yurts, and sheep and cows like clouds in an absolutely beautiful scene
scenery, while experiencing the simple folk customs of the Kazak people and letting your mind wander on the vast grasslands. · Head to [Tianshan Flower Sea], about 2-hour drive, and visit for about 1 hour.
Here, there is a spectacular 12-kilometer-long lavender flower sea and diversified ecological crop planting areas, with regional characteristics including
Forest fruit orchards and special biological plantings, as well as a cute animal park. · Then take a car to Yining, about 1.5-hour drive.
· After enjoying dinner, check in.
✯Breakfast: Hotel breakfast Lunch: Formal meal Dinner: Formal meal
✯Accommodation: Yining Five-Diamond Hotel Based on Online Reviews
D10: Yining – Beitun · Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. · Visit [Sayram Lake], about 1-hour drive, and visit for about 1.5 hours.
Anciently known as the Western Pure Sea, it has the reputation of being “the last tear of the Atlantic Ocean”. It is a high-altitude, large-area lake in Xinjiang.
A high-mountain cold-water lake, a national 5A scenic spot, with flowers everywhere, a riot of colors. Nearby, you can see clear blue water and sky, waves
Glinting with light, in the distance, you can appreciate snowy landscapes blending with the sky. · Then take a car to Yining Station, about 1-hour drive. · Board the Panda Special Train to Beitun.
✯Breakfast: Hotel breakfast Lunch: Formal meal Dinner: Formal meal
✯Accommodation: Shifang Special Panda Train Boutique Carriage
D11: Beitun – Jiadengyu · The Panda Special Train arrives in Beitun around noon, enjoy lunch. · Take a car to [Wucai Beach], about 1.5-hour drive, and visit for about 1 hour.
Here, admire the unique Yadan landform: with undulating gullies and colorful slopes and beaches, it’s dazzling and splendid. · Head to Jiadengyu, about 2-hour drive. After arriving, enjoy dinner and check in.
✯Breakfast: Train Meal Lunch: Formal Meal Dinner: Formal Meal
✯Accommodation: Characteristic Folk House in Jiadengyu
D12: Jiadengyu – Kanas – Hemu · Enjoy breakfast, then take a car to Kanas, about 1-hour drive. · Arrive at [Kanas Scenic Area] and visit for about 3 hours.
This place boasts the most beautiful natural landscape of mountains and waters in northern Xinjiang, known as the "last pure land of mankind", "God’s backyard", etc.
It is praised as the "神仙的自留地" (a神仙’s private land) and other titles. The lake scenery and mountains are integrated, possessing both the grandeur of northern scenery and the beauty of southern landscapes.
Enjoy a leisurely walk along the wooden plank road by the lake, admiring the peaceful Moon Bay, the magical Fairy Bay, and the enchanting Wolong Bay. ·Head to Hemu for dinner, with a drive of about 1.5 hours. ·After dinner, check into a hotel within the Hemu Scenic Area.
✯Breakfast: Hotel breakfast Lunch: Formal meal Dinner: Formal meal
✯Accommodation: Hemu special folk customs accommodation
D13: Hemu-Beitun-Urumqi ·After breakfast, visit the 【Hemu Scenic Area】, with a tour lasting about 3 hours.
Here, there is China’s largest birch forest and the Hemu River surrounded by white fog, like a fairyland on earth, a dreamlike reality; visit Hemu.
Visit the valley, admire the alpine meadow flowers in Jiadengyu, the wooden bridge over Hemu River, view the Tuwa village and wooden houses in Hemuhe. ·After lunch, head to Beitun by car, with a drive of about 1.5 hours. ·Board the Panda Special Train in Beitun to head to Urumqi after dinner.
✯Breakfast: Hotel breakfast Lunch: Formal meal Dinner: Formal meal
✯Accommodation: Shifang Special Panda Train Boutique Carriage
D14: Urumqi-Turpan
·Arrive in Urumqi for breakfast in the morning and head to Turpan by car, with a drive of about 3 hours. ·After lunch, visit the 【Karez Well System】, with a tour lasting about 30 minutes.
This is Xinjiang’s special irrigation system in China, known alongside the Great Wall and the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal as the three major ancient engineering projects of China. ·Visit the 【Flaming Mountains】, with a tour lasting about 1 hour.
Here, you can see China’s largest thermometer, feel the ground temperature of the Flaming Mountains, and once again experience the rich tales of Journey to the West.
Culture. ·Enjoy dinner and check into the hotel.
✯Breakfast: Train meal Lunch: Formal meal Dinner: Turpan fruit banquet
✯Accommodation: Turpan five-diamond rated hotel (based on online reviews)
D15: Turpan-Lanzhou-Chengdu ·Enjoy breakfast and head to Turpan Station, with a drive of about 20 minutes. ·Board the Panda Special Train to return to Lanzhou and Chengdu.
Panda Special Train sightseeing, crossing the Lanzhou-Xinjiang Railway. Rich activities are arranged on the train.
Note: Guests departing from/arriving in Urumqi do not include train meals. ✯Breakfast: Hotel breakfast Lunch: Train meal Dinner: Train meal
✯Accommodation: Shifang Special Panda Train Boutique Carriage
D16: Arrive in Lanzhou/Chengdu
Farewell to guests at the station. ·Lanzhou Station (around 8:51), some guests disembark and end their trip. ·Chengdu Railway Station (around 23:00), the Panda Special Train arrives at the final destination of this journey, see you again next time.
Note: Guests departing from Lanzhou do not include today’s train meals. ✯Breakfast: Train meal Lunch: Train meal Dinner: Train meal
More tourism consultation (Panda Special Train, Chengdu Train, Anyi Train, Shifang Train, New Oriental Express, Silk Road Dream Train, Lindu Train, Yichun Train, Gobi Cruise Train, New Western Train, New National Train, Tianyuan Train, Tianshan Train) special train booking center: 180-9596-9599 (copy and add as a friend for free consultation and detailed route information)