Shifang Panda Express: See North and South Xinjiang
Premium Room Packages

- Approx. 6.5 m² compartment
- Four fixed beds, each about 75 cm x 196 cm
More room details and inclusions⌄
- Password-lock sliding door for added privacy
- Custom mattresses, panda bedding, and throw pillows
- Charging port and reading light at each berth
- LCD TV with free on-demand audio and video
- Leisure table, chairs, and luggage space inside the compartment
- Shared squat or sit toilets, washstands, and shower rooms in the carriage

- Approx. 6.5 m² compartment
- Four fixed beds, each about 75 cm x 196 cm
More room details and inclusions⌄
- Password-lock sliding door for added privacy
- Custom mattresses, panda bedding, and throw pillows
- Charging port and reading light at each berth
- LCD TV with free on-demand audio and video
- Leisure table, chairs, and luggage space inside the compartment
- Shared squat or sit toilets, washstands, and shower rooms in the carriage

- Approx. 6.5 m² compartment
- Four fixed beds, each about 75 cm x 196 cm
More room details and inclusions⌄
- Password-lock sliding door for added privacy
- Custom mattresses, panda bedding, and throw pillows
- Charging port and reading light at each berth
- LCD TV with free on-demand audio and video
- Leisure table, chairs, and luggage space inside the compartment
- Shared squat or sit toilets, washstands, and shower rooms in the carriage

- Approx. 6.5 m² compartment
- Four fixed beds, each about 75 cm x 196 cm
More room details and inclusions⌄
- Password-lock sliding door for added privacy
- Custom mattresses, panda bedding, and throw pillows
- Charging port and reading light at each berth
- LCD TV with free on-demand audio and video
- Leisure table, chairs, and luggage space inside the compartment
- Shared squat or sit toilets, washstands, and shower rooms in the carriage
Shifang Panda Express Highlights

Panda-Themed Adventures
Board from a panda-themed station with welcome performances, then carry that theme onto the train with onboard song, dance, and panda details in the cabin.

Premium Quadruple Compartments
Private lockable compartments add fixed beds, in-room seating, on-demand video, and panda-themed bedding to the rail portions of the route.

Onboard Medical Support
A medical team travels with the group to monitor health and assist when needed.

Special Privileges
Arrival welcome events, a Xinjiang welcome dinner, and VIP access at some scenic spots add more support at key moments.

Kashgar and the Pamir Plateau
Kashgar Old City, Id Kah Mosque, Xiangfei Park, Baisha Lake, Karakul Lake, and the Pamir Plateau give the southern stretch real Silk Road weight.

Panlong Ancient Road and Duku Crossing
The route pairs the switchbacks of Panlong Ancient Road with the southern section of the Duku Highway for two of the trip's clearest road-scenery days.
Shifang Panda Express Itinerary
From arrival in China to your final day onboard, every detail is arranged to keep your journey smooth
Day 1
Board in Chengdu or Lanzhou with a panda-themed welcome performance, then settle into the Shifang Panda Express as the route begins.
Day 2
Spend the day onboard as the train crosses Qinghai and heads toward Xinjiang, passing lake, Gobi, and plateau scenery along the way.
Day 3
Arrive in Kashgar, enjoy an exclusive station pickup and welcome dinner, then settle into a five-diamond or luxury hotel.
Day 4
Visit Baisha Lake and Karakul Lake beneath snow peaks, then continue to Tashkurgan on the Pamir Plateau.
Day 5
Visit Taxkorgan Stone City and the nearby wetland scenery, then join a Tajik home visit with local snacks before returning to Kashgar.
Day 6
Walk Kashgar Old City, visit Xiangfei Garden and Id Kah Mosque, then board the Panda Express for the overnight run to Kuqa.
Day 7
Explore the Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon, cross the southern section of the Duku Highway by exclusive vehicle, and continue to Bayanbulak Swan Lake before overnighting in Bayanbulak or Nalati.
Day 8
Spend the day in Nalati River Valley Grassland, where springs, firs, yurts, and Kazakh customs shape the landscape, then continue to Yining.
Day 9
Visit Sayram Lake for alpine water and open flower-covered grassland, then board the Panda Express again toward Beitun.
Day 10
Stop at Wucaitan for its layered colors and Yardang-like terrain, then continue to Jiadengyu for the night.
Day 11
Enter Kanas Scenic Area, walk the boardwalks around Moon Bay, Immortal Bay, and Sleeping Dragon Bay, then take the Kanas cruise before continuing to Hemu.
Day 12
Explore the Hemu Scenic Area for Tuva village life, birch forest, river valley views, and wooden houses, then return to Beitun and board the train to Urumqi.
Day 13
Visit Heavenly Lake of Tianshan with an exclusive guide, then return to Urumqi for the night.
Day 14
Drive to Turpan to see Karez Well and the Flaming Mountains, then finish with a Turpan fruit feast before boarding the train back toward Lanzhou or Chengdu.
Day 15
Spend the day on the Panda Express as the train heads back east.
Day 16
Arrive in Lanzhou or Chengdu and end the journey.
A First-Class Luxury Experience
Dedicated Staff and Butlers
Enjoy a 1:4 staff-to-guest ratio with a 24 hour butler-style service system. Multilingual “Panda Butlers,” Express Concierges, and vacation ambassadors support you throughout your journey.
Onboard Medical Support
Travel with peace of mind knowing certified medical staff are on board, with a dedicated infirmary. Available around the clock for immediate assistance.
Premium Room & Cleaning Services
Return to your cabin with evening turndown service and complimentary snacks (fruit, nuts, milk). Includes one complimentary laundry or dry-clean service per room (up to 5kg).
On-Demand Meals
Enjoy all-day in-room dining. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner delivered on request for private dining in your cabin.
High-End Amenities
Relax with smart toilets (TOTO, Kohler) and wet-dry rain showers. Premium toiletries include Natura Bissé, Dyson hairdryers (Panda Train).
Curated Excursions
Explore each stop through guided activities, with train travel and overnight stays arranged around the itinerary.

Tajik Home Visit
Sit down in a Tajik family home, taste local snacks, and get a more personal look at life on the Pamir Plateau.
- Panda Express - Shifang

Panlong Ancient Road
Climb the switchbacks of Panlong Ancient Road for one of the route's most dramatic mountain-road views.
- Panda Express - Shifang

Kashgar Old City
Walk the old lanes of Kashgar, where handicrafts, Uyghur daily life, and Id Kah Mosque still shape the city.
- Panda Express - Shifang
Testimonials
What Our Guests Say
These stories come from guests across Huayun journeys; each quote names the journey they experienced.
Covering such a large part of Xinjiang gave a real sense of scale. We moved between lakes, mountains, and desert landscapes, along with stops in historic towns. It wasn’t just about the views, you also get a better understanding of the region as you go.
Sitting by the window for long stretches was easily the highlight. The scenery kept changing between deserts, mountains, and open plains, so there was always something new to look at. The large windows made it easy to stay engaged with the landscape the entire time. It really did feel like watching a film, just without the screen.
The train itself felt closer to a boutique hotel than typical rail travel. The cabins were comfortable, the bathrooms were well designed, and the service was consistent. What stood out most was how the design reflected the region instead of feeling generic.
The food alone made the trip memorable. Each region had its own style, from simple grilled kebabs and naan to heavier dishes like braised lamb and yak hotpot. It wasn’t repetitive and you could tell there was real effort to show the range of local cuisine. Visiting places where traditional naan is still made by hand added to the experience.
The pace of the trip was noticeably calmer than most tours I’ve done. Long stretches of forest views made it easy to just sit back and take it in. The observation areas were well designed, and having space to slow down and even take photos properly made a difference.
The trip through Northeast China felt well balanced. We moved between quiet natural areas and small communities, so it never felt repetitive. Some of the cultural stops stood out because they felt real rather than staged, which made the whole experience more grounded.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you provide assistance with obtaining a Chinese Visa?
Yes. Visa assistance is included as part of the hassle-free travel experience. The team can provide guidance, connect you with visa agents, and issue invitation letters to support your application.
What payment options are available?
International payments are supported via Visa, Mastercard, and international Alipay, along with all major domestic Chinese payment methods.
How do I get to the train after arriving in China?
Complimentary airport pick-up and transfers to the boarding station or your first hotel are included. Luggage delivery is also handled. Note: international flights or travel to the starting city are not included.
Are children under 12 charged the full price?
How do I confirm a room and date?
Choose a room and departure date on this page and send a journey enquiry. Our concierge will confirm cabin and berth availability, the final quote and booking arrangements. Adding a journey to your cart does not confirm a reservation.
How do I confirm the service language?
Tell our concierge your language requirements before booking and confirm the arrangements for your chosen departure. The language of this page does not determine the language of the journey's services.
Escape into Luxury and Beauty
Travel will never be the same after you’ve experienced a tour through China with Huayun. Ready to take the next step on your journey? Book with us today!