Panda Special Train: The Sunset Red Tour Across Xinjiang, the Giant of China
Cross the Tianshan Mountains from north to south and appreciate the magnificent scenery of Xinjiang
Take the Elephant Special Train and indulge in the charm of the Silk Road
Travel across one-quarter of China in one trip. The special train for in-depth panoramic tourism of southern and northern Xinjiang allows you to enjoy the sights of Urumqi, Kashgar, Yining, Aksu, Altay, Turpan, and many other regions.
The special train takes you deep into Kanas, Ili, and Kashgar, the must-visit scenic spots in Xinjiang. Taking the special train saves you from the 30-hour journey by car from Urumqi to Kanas, Ili, and Kashgar. The special train departs in the evening and arrives in the morning, so you can arrive after a good night’s sleep.
Visit the essential attractions of northern and southern Xinjiang, delve deep into Kanas, and personally experience beautiful Hemu.
Fulfill your desire to travel throughout Xinjiang in one go, set out now!
For more tourism information (Panda Special Train, Chengdu Train, Anyi Train, Shifang Train, New Oriental Express, Silk Road Dream Train, Lindu Train, Yichun Train, Gobi Cruise Ship, New Western Train, New National Train, Tianyuan Train, Tianshan Train) Special Train Reservation Center: 180-9596-9599 (Copy and add as a friend for free consultation and detailed route information)
Feel the awe-inspiring sensation of being like an ephemeral insect in the universe, a single grain of millet in the vast sea. Feel the insignificance of life amidst the magnificent world.
Senior citizens traveling to Xinjiang ‘Xinjiang Sunset Red Special Train’
Preliminary preparations: Health aspects:
Before departure, undergo a comprehensive medical examination to ensure your physical condition is suitable for long-distance travel, with special attention to blood pressure, blood sugar, heart, joints, etc. Bring medications taken regularly (such as blood pressure-lowering drugs, hypoglycemic drugs, cardiovascular medications, etc.), and prepare some common medications such as cold medicine, anti-inflammatory drugs, gastrointestinal medicine, motion sickness medication, painkillers, etc. If possible, prepare a small first aid kit with band-aids, iodine, and other simple medical supplies.
Itinerary planning:
Choose an appropriate time. The peak tourist season in Xinjiang is summer and autumn, but summers are hot and crowded, while autumn weather is relatively more comfortable with unique scenery. Spring and winter also have different landscapes, but winters are cold and transportation may be inconvenient.
Plan a relatively relaxed itinerary to avoid long hours and long distances of travel each day. Try to minimize night travel and frequent changes of accommodation.
Focus on selecting scenic areas with convenient transportation and good supporting facilities.
Items to bring:
Clothing: Xinjiang has large diurnal temperature variations, so prepare appropriate clothing for all four seasons, such as rain jackets, warm outerwear, long-sleeved clothing, etc. Sunscreen items: sunscreen lotion, sunglasses, sun hats, sun umbrellas, etc.
Comfortable shoes: Casual shoes, sneakers, etc., suitable for long walks, with good waterproof and anti-slip properties.
Others: Insulated water bottle (to have hot water at any time), toiletries, lightweight foldable cane, etc.
Transportation options:
Airplane: For longer distances, taking a direct flight to major cities such as Urumqi is the preferred choice.
Train: You can choose a sleeper car for convenient rest and to enjoy the scenery along the way.
Local transportation: For small-scale activities, you can choose to take a taxi; for cross-regional travel, it is recommended to select formal chartered car services with experienced drivers familiar with road conditions.
Recommended tourist attractions (suitable for seniors):
Northern Xinjiang:
Kanas: Absolutely stunning natural scenery, with options to take scenic area shuttle buses to visit various attractions.
Hemu Village: Experience the primitive life of the Tuva people and take in the serene rural scenery.
Colorful Beach: Yadan landform with colorful hues, suitable for a short stop to admire.
Sayram Lake: You can take a walk by the lake and soak in the lake and mountain scenery.
Nalati Grassland: Enjoy the grassland scenery and breathe in fresh air.
Tianshan Tianchi Lake: It has mature tourism facilities and routes.
Southern Xinjiang:
Kashgar Old Town: Experience the rich ethnic flavor and historical culture by strolling leisurely within the ancient city.
Taklamakan Desert Highway: You can take a car to experience the vastness of the desert and take photos at a safe location for a short stay.
Bosten Lake: A large freshwater lake in Xinjiang with beautiful surrounding scenery.
Eastern Xinjiang:
Turpan Grape Valley: Taste various grapes and specialty foods, and learn about local folklore.
Flaming Mountain: View the unique landforms.
Precautions during the trip:
Diet:
Respect local dietary customs. Xinjiang mainly offers Muslim food.
Pay attention to food hygiene and try to choose formal and clean restaurants for meals.
Drink more water. Xinjiang’s climate is relatively dry. Avoid consuming too many spicy and greasy foods.
Moderate fruit consumption to avoid gastrointestinal discomfort.
Accommodation:
Book accommodations in advance and try to choose hotels or homestays with convenient transportation, a quiet environment, and good hygiene conditions.
Choose accommodations with elevators. If there are no elevators, try to arrange rooms on lower floors.
Urumqi (Tianshan Heavenly Lake) / Altay (Kanas, Hemu, Colorful Beach) / Bortala (Sayram Lake) / Ili (Six-Star
Six-Star Street, Nalati Grassland) / Kuqa (Mysterious Tianshan Grand Canyon) / Pamir Plateau (White Sand Lake, Karakul Lake) / Taxkorgan (Tajik
Tajik family visit, Stone City, Golden Grass Beach) / Kashgar (Kashgar Old City, Gaotai Residential Area, Id Kah Mosque) / Hami (Return王府
Comfortable Xinjiang tour for 15 days
Instant understanding of the itinerary:
Days Itinerary Breakfast Lunch Dinner Accommodation
D1 Chengdu/Lanzhou – Urumqi / Train meal Train meal Panda Train
D2 Arrive in Urumqi Morning train Train meal Train meal Urumqi
D3 Urumqi – Tianshan Heavenly Lake – Welcome dinner – Beitun Hotel breakfast Formal meal Welcome dinner Panda Train
D4 Beitun – Burqin — Hemu — Jiadengyu Early landing Formal meal Formal meal Jiadengyu
D5 Kanas — Jiadengyu — Burqin Hotel breakfast Formal meal Formal meal Burqin
D6 Burqin — Colorful Beach — Beitun Hotel breakfast Coldwater fish banquet Formal meal Panda Train
D7 Sayram Lake – Six-Star Street – Yining Morning train Formal meal Formal meal Yining
D8 Yining – Nalati Grassland – Yining – Kuqa Hotel breakfast Formal meal Formal meal Panda Train
D9 Kuqa – Mysterious Tianshan Grand Canyon – Kuqa – Kashgar Morning train Train meal Formal meal Panda Train
D10 Kashgar – Karakul Lake – Tajik family visit – Taxkorgan Early landing Formal meal Yak beef hot pot Taxkorgan
D11 Taxkorgan – Golden Grass Beach – Stone City – White Sand Lake – Kashgar Hotel breakfast Formal meal Whole roast sheep banquet Kashgar
D12 Kashgar – Kashgar Old City – Gaotai Residential Area – Mosque – Hami Hotel breakfast Formal meal Formal meal Panda Train
D13 Hami – Return王府 – Orchard picking experience Morning train Train meal Formal meal Hami
D14 Dahaitao – Hami – Return trip Hotel breakfast Formal meal Train meal Panda Train
D15 Arrive in Lanzhou/Chengdu Morning train Train meal Train meal Warm home
Booking and registration process for Xinjiang tourist trains:
First: Where can I buy and book tickets for Xinjiang tourist trains?
The Xinjiang tourist trains (including the New Oriental Express, Tianshan Train, New Western Train, Yuanman Southern Xinjiang Train) are comprehensive tourism products that include scenic area tickets, accommodation, meals, coach buses, and tour guide services, as well as dedicated train transportation. These trains are not sold on the 12306 official railway website but are sold through designated brand travel agencies authorized by the railway bureau.
Second: How far in advance should I book a Xinjiang tourist train?
Xinjiang tourist trains generally announce their specific departure schedules, itineraries, and fees in November of the year before departure, and bookings can be made that same month. Since Xinjiang tourist trains do not depart every day but operate regularly each month, bookings must be made in advance. Some trains require reservations a year in advance. If you plan to join a tourist train at the last minute, 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 (currently known as Urumqi Station). Therefore, tourists from mainland cities need to arrive in Urumqi by train or plane on their own. Just inform us of your flight time and train number, and we will provide 24/7 pick-up service.
Fourth: What are the main Xinjiang tourist train products?
The tours cover the panoramic view of North and South Xinjiang (around 13-15 days), solely Southern Xinjiang (around 10 days), or solely Northern Xinjiang (around 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 Xinjiang New Western Train, 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, with the balance due 30 days before departure.
Sixth: How to sign the 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 service. 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 Consultation Center:
Wang Fei: 180 9596 9599
For more information on Xinjiang tourist trains, such as the New Oriental Express, the New Western Train, Panda Chengdu Comfort Train, Shifang Train, Silk Road Dream Train, Tianyuan Train, Tianshan Train, and other Xinjiang train tour plans, please call us for consultation.