Panda Special Train: Sunset Red Across the Vast Xinjiang in China
Cross the Tianshan Mountains from north to south to appreciate the magnificent scenery of Xinjiang
Take the Elephant Special Train to enjoy the charm of the Silk Road
This trip covers one-fourth of China. The in-depth panoramic special train for southern and northern Xinjiang allows you to enjoy Urumqi, Kashgar, Yining, Aksu, Altay, Turpan, and many other regions.
The special train goes deep into Kanas, Yili, and Kashgar, the must-visit scenic spots in Xinjiang. Taking the special train can save 30 hours of car travel from Urumqi to Kanas, Yili, 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 essence of attractions in both southern and northern Xinjiang. Delve deep into Kanas and personally experience the beauty of Hemu Village.
Fulfill your desire to travel the entire Xinjiang in one trip. 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 of being like an ephemeral creature in the vast universe, a mere grain of millet in the vast sea. Feel how insignificant life is amidst the magnificent world.
Elderly people traveling to Xinjiang ‘Xinjiang Sunset Red Special Train’
Early 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 you take regularly (such as blood pressure-lowering drugs, hypoglycemic drugs, cardiovascular drugs, etc.), and prepare some common medications such as cold medicine, anti-inflammatory drugs, gastrointestinal medicine, motion sickness pills, painkillers, etc. If possible, prepare a small first-aid kit with items like adhesive bandages, iodine, and other simple medical supplies.
Itinerary planning:
Choose the right time. The peak tourist season in Xinjiang is summer and autumn. However, summer is hot and scenic areas are crowded with people. Autumn weather is relatively more comfortable and the scenery is unique. Spring and winter also have different landscapes, but winter is cold and transportation may be inconvenient.
Arrange a relatively relaxed itinerary to avoid long hours and long distances of traveling each day. Try to minimize traveling at night and frequently changing accommodation locations.
Focus on selecting scenic areas with convenient transportation and good supporting facilities.
Items to bring:
Clothing: Xinjiang has a large temperature difference between day and night. Appropriately prepare clothing for all four seasons, such as a rain jacket, 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. Good waterproof and anti-slip properties are recommended.
Others: Vacuum flask (for hot drinks anytime), toiletries, lightweight foldable walking sticks, etc.
Transportation options:
Airplane: If the distance is far, taking a direct flight to major cities like 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: If you are only moving within a small area, you can choose to take a taxi; if you are traveling across regions, it is recommended to choose formal chartered car services. Experienced drivers are familiar with the road conditions.
Recommended tourist attractions (suitable for the elderly):
Northern Xinjiang:
Kanas: Absolutely stunning natural scenery. You can choose to take the scenic area shuttle bus to visit various attractions.
Hemu Village: Experience the life of the original Tuwa village and take in the peaceful rural scenery.
Colorful Beach: A colorful Yadan landform. It is recommended to stop by for a short visit.
Sayram Lake: Take a walk along the lakeside to soak in the lake and mountain scenery.
Nalati Grassland: Enjoy the grassland scenery and breathe in fresh air.
Tianshan Heavenly Lake: Boasts mature tourism facilities and routes.
Southern Xinjiang:
Kashgar Old Town: Experience rich ethnic customs and historical culture by taking a leisurely stroll inside the ancient city.
Taklamakan Desert Highway: You can take a car to experience the vastness of the desert and stop briefly in a safe place to take photos.
Bosten Lake: Xinjiang’s largest freshwater lake, surrounded by beautiful 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, as Xinjiang mainly offers Halal cuisine.
Pay attention to food hygiene, and try to choose formal and clean restaurants for meals.
Drink plenty of water, as Xinjiang’s climate is relatively dry, and avoid consuming too much spicy and greasy food.
Moderate fruit consumption to avoid gastrointestinal discomfort.
Accommodation:
Book accommodations in advance, preferably choosing hotels or homestays with convenient transportation, a quiet environment, and good hygiene conditions.
Choose accommodations with elevators, if not, try to arrange for rooms on lower floors.
Urumqi (Tianshan Heavenly Lake) / Altay (Kanas, Hemu, Colorful Beach) / Bortala (Sayram Lake) / Yili (Six-Star Street)
Six-Star Street, Nalati Grassland) / Kuqa (Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon) / Pamir Plateau (White Sand Lake, Karakul Lake) / Taxkorgan (Tajik
Tajik family visit, Stone City, Golden Grass Beach) / Kashgar (Kashgar Old Town, Gaotai Residential Area, Id Kah Mosque) / Hami (Former King’s
Comfortable Xinjiang 15 Days
Understand the itinerary quickly:
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 – Jadenyu Early arrival Formal meal Formal meal Jadenyu
D5 Kanas – Jadenyu – 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 – Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon – Kuqa – Kashgar Morning train Train meal Formal meal Panda Train
D10 Kashgar – Karakul Lake – Tajik family visit – Taxkorgan Early arrival Formal meal Yak beef hotpot Taxkorgan
D11 Taxkorgan – Golden Grass Beach – Stone City – White Sand Lake – Kashgar Hotel breakfast Formal meal Whole roasted sheep banquet Kashgar
D12 Kashgar – Kashgar Old Town – Gaotai Residential Area – Mosque – Hami Hotel breakfast Formal meal Formal meal Panda Train
D13 Hami – Former King’s Palace – Orchard picking experience Morning train Train meal Formal meal Hami
D14 Sea Road – 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 purchase and book tickets for Xinjiang tourist trains?
The Xinjiang tourist trains (including the New Oriental Express, Tianshan Train, New West Train, Yuanman Southern Xinjiang Train) are comprehensive tourism products that include scenic area tickets, accommodation, meals, bus transportation, and tour guide services, plus a dedicated train. These trains are not sold on the 12306 official railway website but are sold through designated official brand travel agencies.
Second: How far in advance should I book a Xinjiang tourist train?
The specific departure schedule, itinerary, and fees for Xinjiang tourist trains are usually announced in November of the year before departure and can be booked in the same month. Since Xinjiang tourist trains do not depart daily but operate on a regular monthly schedule, 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 West 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. Just inform us of your flight time and train number, and we provide 24-hour pick-up service.
Fourth: What are the main Xinjiang tourist train products?
The tours cover the panoramic view of North and South Xinjiang (about 13-15 days), solely Southern Xinjiang (about 10 days), or solely Northern Xinjiang (about 8 days), all starting and ending 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 West Train, New Oriental Express, Tianshan Train, Yuanman Southern Xinjiang Train, Panda Train, Lindu Train, and other related tourism products to choose the suitable tour date.
Fifth: How do I book and pay for a Xinjiang tourist train?
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 to be paid 30 days before departure.
Sixth: How do I sign a contract for a Xinjiang tourist train?
After booking, sign the unified electronic contract format on the National Tourism Regulation Platform. Arrive in Urumqi according to the departure time. Our company provides 24-hour pick-up service. After arriving in Urumqi, we will embark on the Xinjiang tourist train journey.
Seventh: How can I 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, New West Train, Panda Chengdu Comfort Train, Shifang Train, Silk Road Dream Train, Tianyuan Train, Tianshan Train, and other train tour plans, please call us for consultation.