Description
15 Days Panda Train: Discover the Silk Road Adventure Through Western China（Only June to September）
*This tour is available on only seven departure dates: June 6, June 23, July 10, July 27, August 13, August 30, and September 16. Please confirm your travel date in advance, as spots are limited. Be sure to consult us before making a reservation.
*If you need a lower bunk in a four-person room, an additional fee of 1,000 RMB（139 USD） will be required.
15-Day Itinerary
+ Day 1: Chengdu/Lanzhou – Urumqi
Today, you can choose to board the Anyi Panda Express from either Chengdu or Lanzhou. Step aboard and transform into a modern-day “Panda Envoy” embarking on a Silk Road adventure! You’ll receive fun themed accessories from our staff as your journey to Xinjiang officially begins.
💡 Travel Tips:
Xinjiang spans a large area with varied climates — bring along basic medication for potential altitude changes or digestive discomfort.
Xinjiang is 2 hours behind standard Beijing time. Locals typically start work around 9:30–10:00 AM, lunch around 2:00 PM, and dinner at 8:00 PM. Prepare to enjoy the region’s vibrant night life!
+ Day 2: Arrive in Urumqi
As the Panda Train journeys through the vast Gobi Desert and majestic landscapes of western China, sit back and enjoy scenic views or join fun on-board activities organized by your Panda attendants. By evening, you’ll arrive in Urumqi, the capital of Xinjiang. Check into your hotel and rest up for the adventures ahead.
🛬 For those flying directly to Urumqi: Our staff will greet you at the airport holding an “Anyi Panda Express” sign at the designated time.
+ Day 3:Urumqi – Heavenly Lake of Tianshan – Welcome Banquet – Beitun
After breakfast, drive to the Heavenly Lake of Tianshan (Tianchi) – a national AAAAA-rated alpine lake known as a “fairyland on Earth” (approx. 2 hrs drive, 3 hrs visit). Take the shuttle into the park and explore its iconic sights: Stone Gate Pass, Dragon Pool, Needle Rock, and stunning views of Bogda Peak.
Return to Urumqi and enjoy a Xinjiang-style Welcome Dinner, complete with local music and dance performances. After dinner, board the Panda Train again for your overnight ride toward Altay Prefecture.
+ Day 4: Beitun – Burqin – Hemu – Jiadengyu
Arrive early in Beitun and head out after breakfast toward the magical Hemu Village (approx. 3 hrs drive, 3 hrs visit), often described as a “fairy tale hidden in the mountains.” On the way, glimpse the Irtysh River, the only river in China flowing to the Arctic Ocean, and vast birch forests blanketed in mist.
Explore Hemu Valley: alpine meadows, the wooden bridges across the river, traditional log cabins of the Tuva people, and postcard-perfect scenes straight out of a dream. After dinner, rest at your hotel in nearby Jiadengyu.
+ Day 5: Jiadengyu – Kanas Nature Reserve – Burqin
Start your day with a drive to Kanas Scenic Area (approx. 1.5 hrs drive, ~5 hrs total visit), often hailed as the “last untouched paradise on Earth” and “Switzerland of the East.” Admire its pristine lakes, dense forests, and snowcapped peaks.
Walk the peaceful wooden boardwalks along the lakeshore and take in serene views of Moon Bay, Fairy Bay, and Wolong Bay. Weather and time permitting, visit Fish Viewing Pavilion (a bonus attraction – optional, non-refundable), which requires climbing 1,068 steps to reach a panoramic viewpoint above the lake.
After this day of breathtaking natural beauty, return to Burqin for the night.
+ Day 6: Burqin – Rainbow Beach – Beitun – Train to Yining
Enjoy a signature cold-water fish feast for lunch in Burqin.
Then head to Rainbow Beach (Wucaitan), about a 2-hour drive. Known for its vividly layered Yadan landforms, this scenic spot looks like a natural watercolor painting brought to life.
After dinner, transfer to Beitun Station and board the Panda Train to Yining.
+ Day 7: Sailimu Lake – Liu Xing Street – Yining
Arrive and transfer to Sailimu Lake, a national AAAAA-rated destination (approx. 1.5 hours by car, 2-hour visit).
Called the "Last Tear of the Atlantic", this is the largest and highest alpine lake in Xinjiang. Picture snow-capped peaks reflected in sapphire-blue waters—it’s like stepping into a real-life painting.
En route, you’ll pass over Guozigou Bridge, the largest cable-stayed bridge in Asia, and admire the stunning Guozigou Valley from the coach (no stop due to traffic restrictions).
Later, explore Liu Xing Street, a vibrant district known for its hexagonal street layout and immersive local culture.
Enjoy dinner before checking in to your hotel in Yining.
+ Day 8: Nalati Grassland – Bayinbuluk Grassland
Overnight: Bayin Town
After breakfast, travel to the Nalati Grassland, one of the four major grasslands in Eurasia and a national 5A-level scenic area (approx. 3 hours tour). Located in the Ili River Valley—often called the “Jiangnan beyond the Great Wall”—Nalati features lush meadows, winding streams, pine trees lining the valleys, scattered yurts, and flocks of cattle and sheep grazing freely.
Later, switch to smaller vehicles and continue over the Tianshan Mountains via one of the most scenic stretches of the Duku Highway (Nalati–Bayinbuluk section). En route, enjoy magnificent views of alpine forests and grasslands.
Visit Bayinbuluk Grassland (approx. 3 hours), China's second-largest grassland, known for its flat terrain, abundant water sources, and rich pastures. It is also home to the iconic "Nine Bends of the Kaidu River" and the beautiful Swan Lake, encircled by snowcapped peaks.
Enjoy dinner and check into the hotel in Bayin Town.
+ Day 9: Bayin Town – Southern Duku Highway – Tianshan Grand Canyon – Kuqa – Kashgar
Overnight: Panda Train (Overnight train)
Travel along the southern section of the Duku Highway, often praised as "China’s most beautiful road," offering a visual feast of snow-capped mountains, dense forests, vast grasslands, and dramatic canyons.
Stop at the Tianshan Grand Canyon (approx. 2 hours), one of China’s top ten most beautiful canyons. Known locally as the “Red Cliff,” it features red rock formations, hidden springs, and breathtaking landscapes in an otherwise arid region.
After dinner, board the Panda Express Train bound for Kashgar.
+ Day 10: Kashgar – Karakul Lake – Tajik Family Visit – Tashkurgan
Overnight: Tashkurgan
Arrive in Kashgar and travel along the China-Pakistan Friendship Highway toward the majestic Pamir Plateau. En route, see Ghez Canyon, Ghez Post Station, Shifting Sands River, and the Red Mountain.
Visit Karakul Lake (approx. 4-hour drive, 40-minute tour), which means “Black Lake.” Located at 3,600 meters above sea level and surrounded by snowcapped peaks, it offers views of several 7,000-meter mountains, known as the “Three Heroes of Kunlun.”
Next, visit a local Tajik family, enjoy traditional snacks, and experience their unique culture.
Enjoy a hearty yak meat hot pot for dinner and stay overnight in Tashkurgan.
+ Day 11: Tashkurgan – Golden Grassland – Stone Fortress – White Sand Lake – Kashgar
Overnight: Kashgar
Visit the Stone Fortress of Tashkurgan (approx. 30-minute tour), a significant Silk Road fortress at an elevation of 3,700 meters. This ancient site features massive stone walls and dramatic ruins, offering a glimpse into Central Asia’s strategic history.
Stop at Golden Grassland (30 minutes) for scenic photography, then return to Kashgar with a detour at White Sand Lake (approx. 40 minutes), a stunning high-altitude lake known for its vivid contrast of snow mountains, blue skies, and sand dunes.
Enjoy a traditional whole roasted lamb banquet, then check into your hotel in Kashgar.
+ Day 12: Kashgar Old Town – Gaotai Folk Dwellings – Id Kah Mosque – Hami
Overnight: Panda Train
Explore the Old Town of Kashgar (1.5 hours), a 2,000-year-old city full of rich Uyghur culture, traditional crafts, historic homes, and local delicacies.
Visit Gaotai Folk Dwellings (40 minutes), a picturesque area featured in the Oscar-winning film The Kite Runner, known for its unique mud-brick architecture and vibrant local life.
Then tour the Id Kah Mosque (40 minutes), the largest mosque in China, showcasing a blend of Arabic and Uyghur architecture.
After dinner, board the Panda Express Train to Hami, the eastern gateway of Xinjiang.
+ Day 13: Hami – Hui Royal Palace – Fruit Orchard Experience
Overnight: Hami
Upon arrival in Hami, visit the Hui Royal Palace (approx. 40 minutes), originally built in 1705. This former royal residence features a mix of architectural styles and was once the largest and most magnificent palace complex in Xinjiang.
Exclusive Panda Train Experience: Participate in a fruit-picking activity in a local orchard—Hami is famous for its fruits! (Varieties will depend on the season.)
In the evening, enjoy a special dinner accompanied by a live performance of the “Twelve Muqam,” a UNESCO-listed intangible cultural heritage of Uyghur music.
Stay overnight in Hami.
+ Day 14: Hami – Tianshan Grand Desert (Dahaitan) – Departure
Overnight: Panda Train
After breakfast, explore the Dahaitan Scenic Area, a hidden gem along the ancient Silk Road. Highlights include Sea Turtle Rock, Double-headed Horse Rock, and the Aiskekxar Ancient Castle Ruins. Dahaitan offers breathtaking desert landscapes and historical ruins in a desolate, mysterious setting.
In the evening, board the Panda Express Train for your return journey.
+ Day 15: Arrival in Lanzhou/Chengdu – Return Home
Enjoy your final meals aboard the train. Upon arrival in Lanzhou or Chengdu, conclude your unforgettable journey along the Silk Road. Wish you a pleasant trip home!
Tour 'Wow' Points
1. Panda Royal Suite – Deluxe Twin Room
Only one carriage, with 4 rooms and a total of 8 seats.
Room Size: 9.7 sqm
Beds can be combined into a king-size bed
The highest-standard accommodation on the Panda Train, featuring hotel-level amenities: private bathroom, solid wood beds, latex mattresses for superior comfort.
Smart TV and entertainment system, temperature control, multifunctional storage, charging outlets, and more.
2. Panda Elegant Residence – Deluxe Four-Person Room
Four carriages, with a total of 80 seats
Room Size: 6.8 sqm – the most spacious four-person cabin on any train in China
Amenities: solid wood beds, premium custom mattresses, electronic door locks, two shared shower rooms and restrooms per carriage
Each cabin comes with a table and chairs, offering guests a relaxing and social space during the journey.
3. Panda Refined Cabin – Premium Four-Person Room
Two carriages, with a total of 44 seats
22 seats per carriage
Room Size: 3.5 sqm for a two-person room, 6.5 sqm for a four-person room
Amenities: solid wood beds, premium custom mattresses, electronic door locks, luggage storage, high-definition TV, shared shower rooms and restrooms
Each cabin includes a table and chairs, offering guests a relaxing space for entertainment and leisure during the journey.
4. Panda Classic Cabin – Standard Four-Person Room
Five carriages, with 10 rooms per carriage, totaling 200 seats
Room Size: 3.5 sqm
Amenities: comfortable sleeping berths, HD LCD television, coat hooks, small tea table, toiletry kit. Each seat is equipped with a USB port, night light, and a personal service call button
Each carriage includes shared shower rooms and restrooms.
Panda Paradise
Panda Paradise is a multifunctional carriage designed as a vibrant social and leisure space. It brings together party activities, board games, and relaxing lounges all in one. Guests can enjoy a variety of events including card games, afternoon tea parties, karaoke nights, cocktail parties, and even meetings or workshops. It caters to different tastes and preferences, offering a personalized leisure experience for every traveler.
Panda Dining Car
The Panda Dining Car is a versatile space that combines a gourmet restaurant, a stylish bar, and a coffee lounge. In addition to Sichuan specialties, the menu features regional delicacies and local snacks that correspond to the train’s travel route. The car also hosts themed afternoon teas and cocktail parties. Special meals such as children's menus and halal options are available upon request.
Price Includes & Price Excludes
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Transportation:
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Any expenses not specifically listed under “Service Standards.” |
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Meals:
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Tickets & Transfers:
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Additional costs arising from unforeseen events such as transportation delays or cancellations, war, strikes, natural disasters, or other force majeure circumstances.
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Accommodation:
Room type is standard twin (double occupancy). If there is an unmatched solo traveler (e.g., one male or one female), we will try to arrange a shared room. If room sharing is not possible or if you prefer a private room, please contact our staff to pay the single supplement. |
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Guide & Service Staff:
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Insurance:
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Children’s Service Standards:
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Panda Train: “Anyihou” Edition
The Panda Train is a boutique train themed around pandas, remodeled from Type 25G carriages. It blends the cultural elements of Sichuan, Guizhou, and Chongqing, and offers innovative comfort, fully equipped amenities, and advanced smart technology. From smart electronic locks to temperature-controlled showers, every detail is thoughtfully designed to ensure a relaxing journey. The “Anyihou” Panda Train sets a new trend in “Railway + Tourism,” turning each trip into a beautiful memory.
Onboard the Panda Train, you can sing karaoke, enjoy specialty cocktails, play mahjong, and watch lively performances that showcase ethnic minority cultures. The train also hosts various interactive activities, making the ride both fun and memorable.
The exterior design of “Anyihou” features elements inspired by mountains, rivers, lakes, and seas, with each carriage having its own unique style.
Seat Types on the "Anyihou" Panda Train:
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Panda Royal Suite (悦府) – Deluxe Twin Room: 8 seats
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Panda Elegant Residence (雅居) – Deluxe Four-Person Room: 80 seats
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Panda Refined Cabin (雅舍) – Premium Four-Person Room: 44 seats
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Panda Classic Cabin (归阁) – Standard Four-Person Room: 200 seats
Total: 332 seats
The overall decor is business-class in style—spacious, luxurious, and comfortable. The entire train is equipped with Wi-Fi.
Registration Notice
All individuals who are physically and mentally healthy and maintain a positive outlook are welcome to register. However, individuals with serious medical conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, or asthma are not suitable for this itinerary. If such conditions exist, they must be disclosed at the time of registration. Failure to disclose health issues will result in the traveler bearing full responsibility for any consequences. The travel agency reserves the right to advise against participation or terminate the contract during the trip if a traveler's health condition is deemed unsuitable. Travelers aged 75 and above must be accompanied by immediate family members. Due to certain limitations, we are unable to accommodate travelers aged 80 and above.
Change & Cancellation Policies
- If the cancellation request is submitted before 00:00, 29 days prior to departure, a 50% fee will be charged.
- If the cancellation request is submitted before 00:00, 14 days prior to departure, a 85% fee will be charged.
- If the cancellation request is submitted before 00:00, 3 days prior to departure, a 100% fee will be charged.
- If a discount is applied, the fee will be calculated as a proportion of the pre-discount price. It will not exceed the amount actually paid.
- *Partial refund not available
- *If you need to change the date, please cancel the booking and then rebook.
Attractions in Sichuan, China
Huanglongxi Ancient Town Tours | People's Park Tours | Daocheng Yading | Jiuzhaigou Valley | Mt. Emei (Emeishan) Tours | Mt. Qingcheng (Qingcheng Shan) Tours | Chongqing | Terracotta Warriors | Dujiangyan Tours | Wuhou Temple Tours | Kuan Zhai Alley Tours | Leshan Giant Buddha Tours