The Panda-themed Tourist Train is a specialty travel service brand operated by China Railway Chengdu Group Co., Ltd. Adopting the panda as its design motif, the train showcases regional culture and local character through thoughtful touches inside and out. Today, the brand operates multiple themed services, with routes reaching more than 30 destinations nationwide, from Guizhou and Yunnan to Xinjiang and Heilongjiang. Each train offers a distinct concept and experience—from value-priced group getaways to immersive cultural slow-travel journeys. Below, we introduce four "Panda Trains" and the types of travelers each is best suited for.

Panda Train · Anyi (The "Easy Ride")

Panda Train · Anyi 

In Sichuan dialect, "Anyi" means "comfortable" or "just right"—and this train lives up to its name. Every cabin is private, with four room categories to choose from: standard four-person, premium four-person, deluxe four-person, and deluxe twin rooms. The deluxe twin room features an en-suite bathroom, while the other cabin types share communal showers. With its wallet-friendly pricing, the train is all about affordable comfort.

A deluxe four-person room on Panda Train · Anyi

Photo courtesy of China Railway Chengdu Group Co., Ltd.

Beyond the journey itself, guests can enjoy authentic Sichuan cuisine, supplemented by local snacks and afternoon tea tailored to each stop. Onboard entertainment is rich and varied—KTV, a chess and card lounge, and a screening room keep passengers engaged, along with special performances such as Sichuan opera face-changing. Throughout the trip, a 24-hour steward, onboard medical staff, and luggage-checking service ensure a worry-free experience—making it ideal for friends or families traveling together.

Panda Train · Anyi

Route: Primarily short-distance tours within Sichuan, Guizhou, and Chongqing. In 2025, the service also launched long-haul routes such as Chengdu–Urumqi, as well as special departures to destinations such as Ejina Banner in Inner Mongolia and Ningxia.

Panda Train · Shifang

Panda Train · Shifang

Panda Train · Shifang stands out for its "age-friendly" design. Handrails, non-slip floor mats, and emergency call buttons are installed throughout the train. Meals are balanced to suit both northern and southern palates—light, moderately seasoned, and free of heavy grease and spice—and the pace of the journey is relaxed, with ample time set aside for rest.

A packed schedule of wellness activities adds another layer of enjoyment: passengers can learn to identify medicinal herbs, craft their own wellness mallets, and practice Baduanjin (Eight Pieces of Brocade), all with the support of dedicated medical staff and a "Panda Steward" team.

Panda Train · Shifang

The train also offers deluxe soft-sleeper and hard-sleeper cabins, a dining car, and a multifunctional entertainment car, complete with shower facilities and KTV equipment.

The entertainment car on the Panda Train · Shifang 

Photo by Pan Yangwei

Route: Focused on long-distance tours, the train covers scenic areas across Northeast China, Yunnan, Xinjiang, and beyond, with itineraries such as Qinling autumn colors, hidden gems of northern Sichuan, the Xinjiang Grand Loop, and a comprehensive tour of the Northeast region.

The train's exterior is finished in bronze green and light gold, inspired by the bronze human-figure statue and mask from the Sanxingdui site, and accented with ancient Shu mythical-bird patterns.

Panda Train·Chengdu 

Panda Train · Chengdu

The multifunctional car at the rear of Panda Train · Chengdu

Photo courtesy of China Railway Chengdu Group Co., Ltd.

The train features a showcase of Shu brocade and Shu embroidery, both intangible cultural heritage, a dedicated "Panda Resort Steward," a starlit dining car, a bar carriage, and floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows throughout. Passengers can also take part in hands-on heritage workshops, trying their hand at Shu embroidery and bamboo weaving. On board, the train regularly hosts Tianfu cultural performances, including Hanfu dances, the Sichuan-style long-spout tea ceremony, and folk music recitals.

Panda Train · Chengdu

The train's body is finished in a deep jewel blue, with the silhouettes of the Shu mountains rendered as golden lines—painting, in effect, the "Thousand-Li Landscape of Shu" across its length.

Core route: A 16-day comprehensive, in-depth tour from Chengdu to northern and southern Xinjiang. Departing from Chengdu's Anjing Station, the train passes through Lanzhou and Xining before following the Golmud–Korla Railway. Kashgar serves as the first sightseeing stop, followed by Kuqa and Yining, before ending at Turpan—16 days and 15 nights in total. Travellers can also choose the Qinghai–Gansu Silk Road loop or the Southwest China circuit.

Panda Train · Splendid Tianfu

Bedrooms on the Panda Train · Splendid Tianfu

Photo by Bai Hua

The train offers 46 guest rooms in two categories—"premium suites" and "comfortable cabins"—and is supported by a kitchen car, a camping car, and a generator car, along with two tour guides, dedicated train stewards, and other hospitality staff. The itinerary weaves in rich cultural experiences such as heritage handicraft workshops, visits to Tajik households, and Silk Road music concerts.

The dining car on the Panda Train · Splendid Tianfu

Photo by Bai Hua

Dining: Guests can savour the flavours of Tianfu and the Western Regions. The Tianfu menu centers on Sichuan cuisine, complemented by local snacks and refined hot dishes, with a profile of spicy, fresh, and aromatic flavours. The Western Regions menu brings Xinjiang to the table with beef, lamb, melons, dairy products, and aromatic spices. Menus can also be tailored to the demographics and dietary customs of specific groups.

Exterior of the Panda Train · Splendid Tianfu

Photo by Bai Hua

Inaugural route: A 16-day comprehensive, in-depth tour of northern and southern Xinjiang, departing from Chengdu and linking Urumqi, Kanas, Sayram Lake, Kashgar, and Turpan. Throughout the year, several premium routes operate: from May to October, the 16-day North and South Xinjiang tour and the 13-day Southern Xinjiang exploration; and from November to April, the 8- to 11-day Southwest Cultural Discovery tour.

How to Book

Travellers can register online via the official 12306 China Railway app (Home → Railway Travel → Special Tourist Trains). Early planning is strongly recommended, as popular routes tend to sell out quickly. For the latest departure dates, fares, and full itineraries, please refer to official railway announcements.