16D Panda Tianfu Train: Panoramic North & South Xinjiang (Tianshan)
Enjoy a 16-day Xinjiang adventure combining culture, nature, and local life. Start in Chengdu with welcome activities, then travel by train to Urumqi. Explore Tianchi Lake, Altay, Hemu Village, Kanas Lake, Sailimu Lake, and the Nalati Grasslands. Visit the Pamir Plateau and Tashkurgan, including Karakul Lake and a Tajik home visit. End the trip in Kashgar and Turpan, seeing ancient cities, flaming mountains, and local markets before returning to Chengdu.
Good to know
- Remarks: Minimum of 2 person to go – private basis, flexible departure
- Selective departure date: 19 May, 05 Jun, 22 Jun, 09 Jul, 26 Jul, 02 Oct 2027
- Sequence of itinerary is subject to change without prior notice
- Final price to be advised upon the time of booking
Tour Highlights
- Chengdu & Panda Culture – Welcome ceremony, tea experience, and local performances.
- Xinjiang Scenic Wonders – Tianchi Lake, Hemu Village, Kanas Lake, and Sailimu Lake.
- Altay & Grasslands – Explore the Altay Mountains, Three Bays, and Nalati Grasslands.
- Pamir Plateau & Tajik Culture – Karakul Lake, Tashkurgan home visit, and plateau scenery.
- Historic Kashgar & Ancient Sites – Kashgar Old Town, Id Kah Mosque, Jiaohe Ancient City.
- Turpan Highlights – Flaming Mountains, Karez Wells, Jiaohe City, and local winery tasting.
Day-by-day itinerary
DAY 0 ARRIVAL CHENGDU
Guests arrive at Chengdu Tianfu International Airport. A private car will be arranged to pick up guests and transfer them to the hotel for rest
18 May: Guests will have breakfast at the hotel.
– Daytime: Free activities; lunch is at your own expense.
– Afternoon: Return to the hotel. At 14:00, a private car will transport guests to a designated venue for an afternoon tea activity.
– Evening: A group dinner will be arranged at 18:00, followed by a transfer to Chengdu West Railway
Station to board the train.
19 May: The train is scheduled to depart at 00:10.
Note: If you choose not to participate in the afternoon tea, you must arrange your own transportation to the dinner location; no additional transfer services will be provided.
breakfast · dinner
DAY 01-2 JOURNEY BEGINS IN CHENGDU
Route: Chengdu / Lanzhou — Urumqi
Featured Activities:
– Welcome Ceremony
– Song & Dance Performance
– Cultural Salon
– Cocktail Party
Itinerary Highlights:
When distinguished guests board the train, the dedicated butler team of the “Jinxiu Tianfu · Panda Special” will have a welcome ceremony prepared to kick off your magnificent Xinjiang journey. The train travels through the Hexi Corridor, where the grand scrolls of the thousand-year Silk Road pass by your window. After a journey of two days and one night, you will arrive in Urumqi the following day to begin your wonderful adventure.
breakfast · lunch · dinner
DAY 3 SCENIC YAOCHI & CULTURAL GIANTS
Morning: Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region Museum
– Experience a private museum lesson and immerse yourself in the treasures of the Silk Road.
– A specially invited [Historical Master] will provide an exclusive decoding of ancient civilizations.
Afternoon: Tianshan Tianchi (Heavenly Lake)
– Distance: 70km | Drive: approx. 1 hour | Sightseeing: 3 hours
– Take a direct shuttle to the world-famous high-mountain lake known as “Yaochi on Earth” and enjoy
views of the majestic Bogda Peak.
Evening: Departure for Altay
– Return to Urumqi for dinner after sightseeing.
– Head to the station at the designated time to board the Jinxiu Tianfu train for Altay.
Exclusive Perks
– VIP Access: Jinxiu Tianfu “Silk Road Ambassador” exclusive VIP direct shuttle for the Tianshan Tianchi scenic area.
Note: If the itinerary falls on a Monday or the museum is closed due to special circumstances, a visit to the Xinjiang Akhal-Teke Horse Ecological Park will be arranged as an alternative.
breakfast · lunch · dinner
DAY 4 TRANQUIL HOMETOWN & HEMU WILDERNESS FEAST
Route: Altay Station — Hemu
Morning: Journey to Hemu Village
– Travel from Altay Station via the A-He Highway (240km, approx. 5 hours).
– Heartwarming supplies and snacks are provided on board.
– The A-He Highway is the core section of the Altay “Thousand-Mile Gallery” ecological route with beautiful scenery.
Afternoon: Exploring the “Garden of the Gods”
– Visit the beautiful Tuva village, explore the Hemu River valley, alpine meadows, the Hemu wooden
bridge, and traditional wooden houses.
– Enjoy a customized leisure afternoon tea.
Evening: Outdoor Luxury Banquet
– In the pure lands of Hemu, enjoy an exclusive, slow-paced outdoor luxury dinner.
– Return to the hotel for rest after the meal.
Special Perk: Exclusive VIP direct shuttle for the Hemu scenic area.
breakfast · lunch · dinner
DAY 5 AN INVITATION TO THE PURITY OF KANAS
Route: Hemu — Kanas
Morning: Transfer to Kanas
– Details: 80km distance; approx. 2-hour drive; 5-hour sightseeing.
Afternoon: Kanas Lake Cruise & Guanyu Pavilion
– Lake Cruise: Explore the lake often called “the last piece of pure land for humanity”.
– Guanyu Pavilion (Fish-Viewing Pavilion): Climb to the top of Camel Peak for a soul-stirring panoramic view of nature.
Pro Tip: The Guanyu Pavilion has 1,068 steps. There is a viewing platform at the 520th step if you need a break. Please pace yourself based on your physical condition!
Special Perk: Exclusive VIP direct shuttle for the Hemu scenic area.
breakfast · lunch · dinner
DAY 6 THREE BAYS GALLERY & INTANGIBLE HERITAGE FISH FEAST
Route: Kanas — Beitun
Morning: The Three Bays of Kanas
– Details: Approx. 3-hour sightseeing.
– Take the VIP shuttle to see the tranquil Moon Bay, the mysterious Celestial Bay, and the ethereal
Dragon Bay.
– Immerse yourself in the sound of flowing water and shifting light and shadow.
Afternoon: Travel to Beitun Station
– Details: 280km distance; approx. 4.5-hour drive.
– “Heartwarming Supplies” and snacks are provided during the journey.
Evening: Cold Water Fish Banquet
– Taste the local “Intangible Heritage” delicacy—the Cold Water Fish Feast.
– After dinner, board the Jinxiu Tianfu train for Yining.
Special Perk: Exclusive VIP direct shuttle for the Hemu scenic area.
breakfast · lunch · dinner
DAY 7 TRACING THE WONDERS OF SAILIMU LAKE
Route: Beitun — Sailimu Lake
Morning: Arrival and Transfer
– Disembark at Jinghenan or Yining Station and travel to Sailimu Lake (150km, approx. 2 hours).
Afternoon: Lakeside Tour & Afternoon Tea
– Enjoy a 3-hour lakeside tour by private vehicle.
– Experience an exclusive Lakeside Afternoon Tea.
– Known as “the lake on the ridge of the mountains,” Sailimu offers stunning scenery and moving legends.
Evening: Rest in Yining
– Enjoy dinner in Yining city before checking into your hotel.
breakfast · lunch · dinner
DAY 8 GRASSLAND & HIGHWAY CULTURE
Morning: Nalati Grassland
– Details: 250km distance; approx. 4-hour drive; 4-hour sightseeing.
– Tour the “Air Grassland” (Kongzhong Grassland). Nalati is known as the “Emerald Isle of Tianshan” for its diverse 3D landscapes and rich nomadic culture.
Afternoon: Return to Yining
– Return to Yining by private vehicle. After dinner, board the Jinxiu Tianfu train for Kuqa.
breakfast · lunch · dinner
DAY 9 CRIMSON CLIFFS
Route: Kuqa — Kashgar
Morning: Arrival in Kuqa and welcome reception.
Afternoon: Kizilya Grand Canyon (Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon)
– 1-hour tour of this “crimson wonderland,” ranked as one of China’s top ten most beautiful canyons.
– In Uyghur, the name means “Red Cliffs.”
Evening: Dinner in Kuqa before boarding the train for Kashgar.
breakfast · lunch · dinner
DAY 10 JOURNEY TO THE SACRED PLATEAU LAKE
Route: Kashgar — Tashkurgan (Taxkorgan)
Morning: Early arrival in Kashgar Travel along the China-Pakistan Friendship Highway toward the “Roof of the World”—the Pamir Plateau. Arrive at Baisha Lake (White Sands Lake), located 150km away (approx. 3 hours drive). Enjoy the views of the rolling silver-white sand dunes and the crystal-clear turquoise waters.
Afternoon: Tashkurgan County & Tajik Home Visit Head to the legendary border town of Tashkurgan (150km, approx. 2.5 hours drive). This “one county bordering three countries” was the filming location for visitors on the Icy Mountain and the hometown of the “Pamir Eagle,” Alafini Bayika. You will participate in a Tajik Home Visit, where you can taste local snacks, dance with the Tajik people, and deeply experience their ethnic culture.
Warm Tips: Today’s travel area (such as Karakul Lake and Tashkurgan) is at an altitude of approximately 3,000–4,000 meters. While enjoying the beautiful plateau scenery, please pay close attention to your health and safety. If you feel any physical discomfort, please contact our staff immediately; we will do our best to assist you.
breakfast · lunch · dinner
DAY 11 THE PHANTOM COLORS AND HANDCRAFTS OF PAMIR
Route: Tashkurgan (Taxkorgan) — Kashgar
Morning: Karakul Lake – Aerial Photography Experience
– Travel to Karakul Lake (distance 100km, approx. 1.5 hours drive, tour duration approx. 1 hour).
– Visit the lake, known as the “Color-changing Lake” of the Pamir Plateau and the “Mirror of the Father of Ice Mountains.”
– It is a brilliant pearl embedded at the foot of Muztagh Ata.
Afternoon: Intangible Cultural Heritage Ancient Crafts
– Head to Kashgar Folk Music Village to experience the Jinxiu Tianfu·Jiangyu Ambassador Special
Ancient Craft Activity.
– Engage in a close-up dialogue with century-old intangible cultural heritage musical instrument
craftsmanship.
Evening: Private Sheep Opening Ceremony and Dinner
– Attend a private “Sheep Opening Ceremony” and taste a Southern Xinjiang specialty—a Whole
Roasted Lamb Feast.
– Afterward, you will be transferred back to the hotel to rest.
breakfast · lunch · dinner
DAY 12 ECHOES OF LIGHT AND SHADOW
Route: Kashgar — Turpan
Morning: Kashgar Old Town
– Tour the Ancient City of Kashgar, which has endured over 2,000 years of history and stands as Xinjiang’s most representative historical and cultural landmark.
Afternoon: Gaotai Ancient Homes & Id Kah Mosque
– Explore the filming location of The Kite Runner at Gaotai Ancient Homes (approx. 40-minute tour).
– Visit the Id Kah Mosque (approx. 40-minute tour), a masterpiece of religious culture and architectural art.
– Special Arrangement: Afternoon tea in the Ancient City.
Evening: After enjoying dinner, board the Jinxiu Tianfu train to head toward Turpan.
breakfast · lunch · dinner
DAY 13 INTERPRETATION OF HISTORICAL RHYMES
Route: Arrival in Turpan
Afternoon: Arrival in Turpan & Karez Well
– Arrive in Turpan and visit the Karez Well with an exclusive explanation.
– Check into the hotel for a brief rest.
Evening: Jiaohe Ancient City – Live Ethnic Music Concert
– As night falls, visit the World Cultural Heritage site, Jiaohe Ancient City, to watch a live ethnic music
concert.
– Listen to folk music movements composed specifically for this land amidst the ruins of layered
civilizations.
Note: If the concert cannot be held due to force majeure (e.g., strong winds), an alternative performance of equal value will be arranged
breakfast · lunch · dinner
DAY 14 FIRE ISLAND WONDERS
Route: Arrival in Turpan
Morning: Flaming Mountains & Ethnic Specialty Fruit Feast
– Visit the Flaming Mountains (approx. 1-hour tour), see China’s largest thermometer, and feel the
ground temperature.
Afternoon: Tuyugou Mazar Village
– Stroll through traditional Uyghur streets and find the best photography spots.
Evening: Visit a private winery for a special tasting session before boarding the Jinxiu Tianfu train for the return journey.
breakfast · lunch · dinner
DAY 15 & 16 ARRIVAL IN LANZHOU/CHENGDU
Themes: Intangible Heritage Handcrafts, Movie Screenings, Song-style Tea Ceremony
– Activities: Participate in various experience activities held on the Jinxiu Tianfu train and enjoy your time onboard.
– Arrival: Expected arrival in Chengdu on the morning of Day 16.
– Closing: Thank you for traveling with us. May the beauty of this Xinjiang journey stay in your heart
forever. We look forward to seeing you again!
breakfast · lunch
What's included
Included
- 15 Nights Accommodation with daily breakfast
- Sightseeing, entrance tickets & transportation as per itinerary
- Train journeys throughout the itinerary
- English speaking guides
Not included
- International / domestic flight ticket
- Tipping for guide and driver
- Travel insurance
- Visa (if any)
- Peak Season surcharge
- Items not mentioned
Prices & dates
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Your hotels
W Chengdu Hotel
★★★★★
Chengdu No, 300 交子大道 Gaoxin District, Chengdu, China, 610041
Conrad Urumqi
★★★★★
Urumqi 669 Youhao N Rd, Saybag District, Ürümqi, Xinjiang, China, 830099
Hilton Urumqi
★★★★★
Urumqi 1237 Hongguangshan Rd, Shuimogou District, Ürümqi, Xinjiang, China, 860063
Wanda Vista Hotel
★★★★★
Urumqi China, Ürümqi, 乌鲁木齐经济开发区玄武湖路777号 邮政编码: 830000
Huamei Shengdi Yining InterContinental Hotel
★★★★★
Xinjiang No. 999, Binhe Avenue, Yining City, Xinjiang 835099, China
Tashkurgan Dongxun Culture Hotel
★★★★★
Xinjiang No. 009 & 108, Hongqilafu Road, Tashkurgan, Xinjiang, China
Tashkurgan Panorama Starry Sky Hotel
★★★★
Xinjiang 032 Gucheng Road, Tashkurgan, Xinjiang, Chin
Kashgar Lizhen Hotel
Xinjiang No. 6 Kunlun Avenue, Kashgar, Xinjiang 844000, China
Kashgar Global Harbor International Hotel
★★★★★
Kashgar No. 291 Western Regions Road (Xiyu Avenue), Kashgar City, Xinjiang 844000, China.
Turpan Hengze Hotel
★★★★★
Xinjiang China, Xinjiang, Turpan, Gao Chang Qu, 滨河路360号 邮政编码: 838006



