What is a Tourist Train?
A reimagined travel experience—a scenic hotel on the rails. No daily packing, no hotel hops. Your private cabin stays the same, while the world outside your window changes every day.
Ever dreamed of exploring by day and traveling to your next destination by night?
Travel by night, explore by day: drift to your next destination in calm as the train moves, and wake up to a breathtaking new landscape. This 16-day epic journey is a luxury mobile palace ride across Xinjiang’s most extraordinary scenery.
Follow a over 8,000km railway loop linking northern and southern Xinjiang’s iconic spots: fiery deserts, lush oases, alpine flower seas, hidden grasslands. Dive into local life, savor authentic flavors and immerse in Uyghur and border culture.
8,000km Panoramic Epic Route
One trip to experience Xinjiang’s most stunning natural beauty and diverse cultures.
Travel by Night, Explore by Day
Cover thousands of miles in sleep, wake up at your destination. Ditch packing hassles—spend all your vacation on exploration.
All-Inclusive, Worry-Free
Fare covers: exclusive cabin, star hotels/boutique homestays, all attraction tickets, 30 main meals + 15 breakfasts (including local feasts), guides, ground transport, airport-hotel transfers, 2 start/end night hotel stays.
Small Exclusive Group (≈100 Guests)
Personalized care, more time with cultural guides, flexible itineraries, authentic local experiences.
Top-Onboard Facilities
Cultural exhibition area, music bar, coffee lounge, small theater. Free unlimited soft drinks, alcohol & coffee—sip cocktails and chat with new friends to mellow music.
Panda & Sichuan Cultural Immersion
Glazed blue exterior, Sichuan brocade and embroidery inside. Sichuan opera face-changing on board, authentic Xinjiang song & dance off the train.
24/7 Butler-Style Service
18-car train with 5 carriage types: lounge, dining, kitchen, entertainment, guest cabins. Cantonese & modern Sichuan cuisine by master chefs.80+ professional team: 18 Panda Butlers (1 per guest), 7 Vacation Ambassadors, 8 chefs, 2 certified medical staff.
Day 1: Chengdu → Lanzhou → Turpan | Chauffeured to Chengdu Anjing Station, panda welcome, Sichuan opera, riddle games (no meals for Lanzhou boarders)
Day 2: Onboard Sightseeing | All-day mobile observation deck on board, play board games & Sichuan mahjong with new friends.
Day 3: Turpan | Karez Irrigation System, Flaming Mountains, Xinjiang feast | Train to Kashgar at night
Day 4: Kashgar | Arrive afternoon, welcome dinner | Stay at 5-diamond/ high-end hotel
Day 5: Pamir Plateau | White Sand Mountain & Lake, Karakul Lake, see the Flowing Sand River as depicted in Journey to the West | Overnight in Kashgar hotel
Day 6: Kashgar → Kuqa | Kashgar Old Town, Grand Mosque, Gaotai Folk Residence, halal lunch | Train to Kuqa at night (afternoon tea at Gaotai Folk Residence)
Day 7: Kuqa → Bayinbuluke | Morning arrival , Tianshan Grand Canyon, Duku Highway (South) crossing, Swan Lake Scenic Area | Overnight hotel stay in Bayinbuluke
Day 8: Bayinbuluke → Narat | Duku Highway middle section scenery, Narat Grassland | Whole roasted lamb feast, hotel stay
Day 9: Narat → Yining | Tianshan Ten-Thousand-Mu Flower Sea (June–August full bloom), Liuxing Street check-in | Dinner & hotel stay
Day 10: Yining → Beitun | Sayram Lake tour, high whitefish feast | Overnight train to Beitun (afternoon tea by Sayram Lake, 2.5h drive, 3h exploration)
Day 11: Beitun → Hemu | Birch forest, Hemu River Valley, local villages | Afternoon tea + drone aerial photography | Stay in Hemu wooden cabin
Day 12: Hemu → Kanas | Optional sunrise, Kanas Scenic Area, lake cruise | Stay in Kanas boutique hotel
Day 13: Kanas → Urumqi | Fish Watching Platform panoramic view, Burqin cold water fish feast | Train to Urumqi from Beitun
Day 14: Urumqi | Tianshan Heavenly Lake, "Jade Lake" themed feast | Back to Urumqi downtown, dinner & hotel stay
Day 15: Urumqi → Lanzhou → Chengdu | Return train ride, board games/ Werewolf Kill/ folk song parties
Day 16: Lanzhou → Chengdu | Chauffeured to airport/hotel | Breakfast on board for Lanzhou alighters; lunch/ dinner at own expense
The Duku Highway is only open in summer and closed in autumn. The route was adjusted in 2027 and is subject to final booking and communication.
panda train map plan view: click to enlargeKey Itinerary Notes
Duku Highway (Days 7&8): China’s "most beautiful road"—see Big/Small Dragon Ponds, snow-capped Tianshan, landscape shifts from grasslands to red canyons.
Sayram Lake: "The last tear of the Atlantic Ocean"—crystal-blue waters, snow-capped mountains blending with the sky.
Altitude Reminder: Train climbs slowly overnight for acclimatization. Pamir Plateau (Day5, high altitude) – 65+/pre-existing conditions advised to take caution; rest on train or explore the city if unwell.
Exclusive Afternoon Teas: Gaotai Folk Residence (Day6), Sayram Lake (Day10), Hemu wooden cabin (Day11) – slow down and soak in local culture.
Dining Note for the Final Day (Day 16): Guests alighting in Lanzhou will be served breakfast on train. Lunch and dinner on this day are at your own expense.
Why Choose This Tourist Train?
Onboard Service & Transfer Exclusive 24/7 Service Team 80+ professionals for total peace of mind: 18 Panda Butlers, 7 Vacation Ambassadors, 8 master chefs, 2 certified medical staff
Themed Leisure Spaces: Yuefu Hall (Carriage 11): Multi-functional social space – music bar, coffee lounge, movie screenings. Liuyun Pavilion (Carriage 18): Ginkgo-themed immersive lounge for singing/films
There are 6 themed leisure zones feature private boxes (Qianqiu Snow, Wanli Boat, Jinjiang Pavilion, Kuanzhai Alley, etc.), catering to family fun, reading with tea, business salons and more.Maybe you could learn mahjong/gomoku/poker with new friends!
Door-to-Door Transfer & Hotel Service-Day Before Departure
1. Fly into Chengdu/Lanzhou/Urumqi?
We arrange airport pickup + 1-night 5-diamond hotel stay. Chauffeur takes you to Chengdu Anjing Station on departure day.
2. Last Day-Need an overnight stay in Chengdu before your flight?
Station pickup + 1-night 5-diamond hotel stay + airport drop-off are provided.
About Chengdu Anjing Railway Station
China’s first dedicated tourist train base station—connection hub for Panda Express. Easy rail access to western Sichuan’s top spots (Qingcheng Mountain, Dujiangyan, Jiuzhaigou).Fully equipped bus, taxi & ride-hailing pick-up/drop-off points outside the station.
Cabin Options
All cabins with hotel-standard amenities: dry and wet separation bathroom, mini bar fridge, hair dryer and charging port.
Cabin Type |
Ideal For |
Bed Size |
Cozy Cabin(8M²) |
Couples/ friends(2 adults) |
2 single beds(0.76m*2.0m) |
Poetry Cabin(10M²) |
Couples/ family(2 adults+ 1child) |
2 single beds(0.76m*2.0m)+ 1 pull-out soft bed(0.6m*1.6m) / Single bed room |
Cabin Type |
Adult (per person) |
Child < 12 (inclusive, per person) |
Cozy Cabin(8M²) |
$9,513 |
$2,281 |
Poetry Cabin(10M²) |
$10,089 |
$2,281 |
Cozy Cabin：
Potery Cabin：
Includes: onboard meals, hotel breakfast, attraction tickets/internal transport, coach seat, all other meals, guide and driver fees
Excludes: train berth, hotel bed
Children will be charged the adult price when purchasing tickets; please don't worry, you will receive a refund of the price difference later.
2026 Departure Dates
8 July | 25 July | 11 August | 28 August(Autumn itinerary) | 14 September(Autumn itinerary)
2027 Departure Dates
4 June | 21 June | 8 July | 25 July | 11 August | 28 August(Autumn itinerary) | 14 September(Autumn itinerary)
Important Booking Tips
- Train seats are high international demand–book 3–6 months in advance to secure your spot.
- 2027 departures (June–August) are now open for booking.
- Other same-route options: Panda Express·Shifang (2026 bookable), Splendid Tianfu Express (2027 bookable).
Pricing Inclusions
Meals: 15 breakfasts, 30 main meals, free late-night snacks on board.
Accommodation: 5-diamond/luxury hotels (Kashgar/Yining/Urumqi/boutique); 4/5-diamond hotels (Narat/Bayanbulak).
Tickets: All attraction tickets + internal scenic transport (group rate – no discounts or refunds).
Insurance: 1 group travel accident insurance policy per person.
Guides and Staff: 3+ years experienced local certified guides; full-time escorts; onboard Panda Butlers & medical staff
1.A formal contract will be signed to protect both parties’ rights.
2.Deposit & Cancellation Policy (Personal Reasons)
Deposit: ≥ 2,882USD/person (non-refundable if cancelled; free traveler change allowed)
Balance: Pay 30 days before departure (non-payment = voluntary cancellation, deposit non-refundable)
15–29 days before departure: 50% of total contract amount charged
1–14 days before departure: 70% of total contract amount charged
On departure day: 85% of total contract amount charged
Free traveler change up to 3 days before departure (excl. pre-booked flights)
3.Itinerary Change Policy
Duku Highway: Opened on 31 May 2025 (subject to annual weather). If closed by force majeure (weather/disasters/policies), train travels Kuqa→Yining directly (Bayanbulak visit cancelled) – 144USD/person refund.
Kanas/Hemu Accommodation: Peak season resource shortages may mean a stay in Jiadenyu (no attraction reduction). Refund: 72USD/adult/night if Kanas/Hemu stay is unavailable.
These are alternative plan, and its likelihood of being adopted is low.
Documents: Passport (≥6 months validity after the trip)
Sun Protection: High-SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, sun hat (essential for Xinjiang’s strong sunshine)
Clothing: Layered dressing (huge day and night temperature differences); a warm jacket is must.
Shoes: Comfortable walking shoes for long explorations.
Luggage: Pack light (cabin space limited); public luggage compartment available on board.
Recommended Items: Camera, personal medication, power bank.
Choosing Panda Express·Chengdu is more than a trip—it’s a cultural immersion in a mobile palace. We handle all planning and hassles, so every day is dedicated to feeling, connecting and creating.
Witness the Pamir Plateau’s snow-capped peaks glow gold at sunset, experience the Duku Highway’s "four seasons in one day", listen to Kashgar Old Town’s thousand-year stories, and watch Sayram Lake’s sapphire blue and Kanas’ hidden beauty pass by your window.
These moments will stay with you forever, shining bright in your life’s story.
We look forward to welcoming you on board—a once-in-a-lifetime journey to the heart of Xinjiang!
Panda Train·Shifang – 2026 Departures (Now Open for Booking)
Splendid Tianfu Express – 2027 Departures (Now Open for Booking)