Have you ever seen a train with its own karaoke, dance area，shower system and themed cultural restaurant? Have you ever taken a train with its own bar and deluxe cabins? Now, you can experience it!
At 9 am on March 24, 2021, China's first "Panda" themed tourist train (hereinafter called "Panda Special Train - Shifang") left Chengdu North Railway Station and headed for Emei Railway Station along the Chengdu-Kunming Railway to start its journey.
What Does It Look Like?
The body of the "Panda Special Train" adopts the overall painting, and the interior and exterior decoration of the whole train is designed in accordance with the theme elements of "Panda". The train has a total of 12 carriages, including 10 theme carriages composed of 1 super soft sleeper, 2 high-class soft sleeper, 5 high-class hard sleeper, 1 dining car, 1 multi-purpose entertainment carriage, 1 camping carriage and 1 electric carriage, with a seating capacity of 252 seats. In terms of hardware equipment, "Panda Special Train" is equipped with such humanized service facilities as safe and intelligent electronic locks, intelligent service system, long viewing table, song ordering, audio-visual entertainment, USB charging device and constant temperature shower system compared with ordinary tourist trains.
Starting in 2024, the Shifang train underwent a rolling stock upgrade: the newly commissioned Shifang "Panda Special Train" consists of 17 carriages with a total capacity of 466 seats, including 3 "Yinghua" deluxe soft sleeper carriages, 10 "Matsu" deluxe hard sleeper carriages, 1 "Yongcheng" gourmet car, 1 "Shigu" multi-functional entertainment car, 1 sleeping car, and 1 power generation car.
The new model of the Shifang "Panda Special Train" incorporates colors from the bronze standing figure of Sanxingdui, along with graphics of the ancient Shu origin, "Panda Special Train" badges, and exclusive Shifang logos. It also increases the number of premium soft sleeper and premium hard sleeper carriages, which have received positive feedback from passengers. The train's fire safety and noise reduction facilities have been optimized and upgraded, and the intelligent facilities and equipment in the compartments and shower rooms have been rationally renovated to provide a better passenger experience.
The train is positioned as an advanced tourist train. It is not only equipped with high-quality household items, independent toilet, constant temperature shower system, intelligent electronic locks, wireless network, long viewing table, intelligent service system, etc., but also equipped with KTV, mahjong machine, bar and other facilities in the multi-functional entertainment carriage. It is called as a "mobile star hotel".
How many trains are there on the Panda Special Train?
As of January 2026, there are three Panda Special Train services: "Panda Special Train Chengdu", "Panda Special Train Anyi", and "Panda Special Train Shifang".
Their itineraries are as follows:
"Panda Special Train - Chengdu": Departing from Anjing Station in Chengdu, with Turpan as the final destination.
"Panda Special Train - An Yi": Divided into short and long routes. Main short routes: Chengdu-Emei, Chengdu-Guizhou, Chengdu-Chongqing. Long route: Chengdu-Urumqi.
"Panda Special Train - Shifang": Short routes: Attractions near Chengdu (Guanghan Sanxingdui Museum, Shifang Cigar Museum, Jiuzhaigou). Long routes: Chengdu-Liaoning, Chengdu-Jilin, Chengdu-Heilongjiang, Chengdu-Xinjiang.
How about The Cost?
Marketers said that it’s for 3 days and 2 nights provinces tourism, travel to Chengdu – Zunyi - Maotai - Bijie - Chengdu, the first day from Chengdu to Zunyi road to take "panda train”, follow-up for car or high-speed rail transportation, on the way will visit the site of Zunyi, Maotai 1915 Square, Chishui Monument, etc.
The lowest price of this product is 1680 yuan/person, and 4 passengers in 1 room. The price of the high-class VIP room and the luxury room is 2980 yuan and 4580 yuan respectively.
The Panda Train from Chengdu to Xinjiang typically takes about 16 days, with prices ranging from 8,480 to 28,000 yuan per person depending on the itinerary and room type.
According to the sales staff, the above fees include transportation, accommodation, ticket for the first route, tour guide fee, two breakfasts and three meals, but not the shuttle bus or earphones. In addition, services such as KTV, mahjong machines, bars and catering on the train also require additional fees, which are subject to the public notice on the train.
Booking Your Panda Train Tickets Via China Train Booking
You are welcome to ask us for details about the panda train. We will make the process of booking a train ticket quite easy for you. Payment is also safe and convenient via credit card, WeChat, and Alipay.
Booking typically follows a process of "consultation → seat reservation → payment → pre-trip preparation".
1. Install the China Train Booking APP to communicate and book anytime, anywhere, including other travel-related needs such as customized travel.
2. Contact us via email for booking assistance.
How to Book Your “Panda Special Train” Ticket(s)
1. Open 12306 app and select Railway Tourism.
2. Find the product indicated by the arrow.
3. Pick your date and buy directly.
Further reading:
Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station
Hangzhou East Railway Station
Nanjing Railway Station
