[Panda Train·Jinxiu Tianfu Express] 2027 Panoramic Southern Xinjiang Cruise 13 Days

Departure from Chengdu

Assemble in Chengdu and board the train, stepping aboard the Jinxiu Tianfu Express·Panda Train. As the train slowly sets off, your exclusive journey to the hidden wonders of Xinjiang begins.

Accommodation: Panda Train·Jinxiu Tianfu Express

Arrival in Ürümqi

Spend the whole day immersed in the flowing Eastern aesthetics aboard the dedicated train, gazing out the window to fully enjoy the vast, desolate gobi and the layered mountains and rivers of the northwest. Distinguished guests may also join the special onboard activities organized by the Panda Butler, enjoying laughter and joy all the way until arriving in Ürümqi, then check in to the hotel to rest.

Accommodation: Ürümqi Hilton or Wanda Vista Hotel (Deluxe Room)

Urumqi - Kuqa

[Noon] Head to the Jinxiu Tianfu Express [Xinjiang Welcome Banquet], and start your wonderful Xinjiang journey with distinctive Xinjiang singing and dancing. [Afternoon] Visit [Tianshan Tianchi]. Surrounded by spruce trees, Bogda Peak and the lake and mountains of Tianchi set off each other, making it a great destination for experiencing myths and legends and the majestic natural scenery of the Western Regions. After the visit, enjoy dinner, then depart at the designated time for the station and board the Jinxiu Tianfu Express to Kuqa.

Accommodation: Panda Train·Jinxiu Tianfu Express

Kuqa

After breakfast, drive to the [Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves], China's earliest large-scale complex of stone caves, where thousand-year-old Qiuci murals survive on the cliff faces. Examine the diamond-lattice narrative paintings and flying apsaras and celestial musicians up close, and trace the artistic origins of Qiuci music and dance. Visit the [Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon] (about 1 hour 20 minutes by road, about 1 hour of sightseeing). Known as one of China's ten most beautiful canyons, the Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon means "red cliffs" in Uyghur and is a red geological wonder hidden at the southern foot of the Tianshan Mountains. In the evening, return to Kuqa, enjoy dinner, and then check in at the hotel to rest.

Accommodation: Kuqa Zhaoyu Wanhua International Hotel, Tianyuan International Hotel or equivalent

Kuqa–Kashgar

[Morning] After enjoying a leisurely morning with no alarm clock, head to the [Kucha Museum] to admire precious artifacts from the ancient Kucha kingdom, understand the interwoven threads of Silk Road civilization, and unlock the cultural codes of Kucha. [Afternoon] In the afternoon, enjoy some free time to explore the old town of Kuqa on your own—stroll through its streets and alleys, wander past colorful doorways and small lanes, encounter artisan workshops and everyday local life, and immerse yourself in the living heritage of southern Xinjiang's culture. Afterward, proceed to a restaurant for dinner, then be transferred to the train station to board the Jinxiu Tianfu Express for Kashgar.

Accommodation: Panda Train·Jinxiu Tianfu Express

Kashgar - Tashkurgan

[Morning] Arrive in Kashgar in the morning, then travel along the China-Pakistan Friendship Highway to the Roof of the World — the [Pamir Plateau] (approximately 3 hours by car). Arrive at [Baisha Lake] (sightseeing time approximately 40 minutes). The rolling silvery-white sand mountains and the clear, turquoise lake waters have guarded each other for a thousand years, forming a distinct and fantastical boundary line; this is a must-see place when visiting Kashgar. Afterward, proceed to the legendary border town standing proudly on the Pamir Plateau — [Tashkurgan], which stands in the western frontier of the motherland with its unique position of "one county bordering three countries." Then join a [Tajik family visit], taste snacks prepared by the Tajik people themselves, sing and dance with the Tajik people, and learn about Tajik ethnic culture. [Evening] For dinner, taste authentic Tashkurgan yak hot pot, then check in at a Tashkurgan hotel for rest.

Accommodation: Tashkurgan Panorama Starry Sky Hotel, Yunjing Hotel, Pamir Hotel or equivalent

Taxkorgan - Kashgar

After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, head to [Karakul Lake] (approximately 2 hours by vehicle, with about 1 hour of sightseeing time). It is known as the "color-changing lake" of the Pamir Plateau and the "mirror of the father of glaciers," and is a brilliant pearl set beneath Muztagh Peak. Afterwards, take part in a [intangible cultural heritage handicraft experience], personally try an intangible cultural heritage handicraft, and experience the simple traditional ethnic cultural life. Through the transmission of skills, feel the charm of rustic ethnic life and gain a unique cultural memory. Upon arrival in Kashgar, enjoy a whole roast lamb banquet and then check into the hotel to rest.

Accommodation: Global Harbor International Hotel South Xinjiang, Radisson Blu Hotel, or equivalent

Kashgar - Korla

After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, proceed to [Kashgar Old City] (sightseeing time approximately 1.5 hours). Having weathered over 2,000 years of wind, frost, snow, and rain, Kashgar Old City is Xinjiang's most representative historical and cultural landscape. Afterwards, stroll through the crisscrossing streets and alleys of the old city to experience the most authentic Western Regions charm. Visit the nationally renowned mosque—[Id Kah Mosque] (sightseeing time approximately 40 minutes). This mosque is an outstanding showcase of Islamic religious culture and a perfect fusion of unique Islamic architectural style with traditional Chinese building techniques. After dinner, board the Jinxiu Tianfu Express and head to Korla.

Accommodation: Panda Train·Jinxiu Tianfu Express

Korla

Arrive in Luntai in the morning. Disembark and visit [Luntai Populus Euphratica Forest], the largest primitive populus euphratica forest reserve in the world. The Tarim River winds through the forest, and thousand-year-old populus euphratica trees stand in the desert. The sand sea, the long river, and the golden populus euphratica trees coexist, painting a stunning picture of life in the desert. After the visit, drive to Korla. Enjoy dinner, then check in at a Korla hotel for rest.

Accommodation: Courtyard by Marriott Korla, Howard Johnson Life, or equivalent

Korla - Turpan

Transfer to the railway station at the designated time and board the Jinxiu Tianfu Express, bound for Turpan, a key town on the Silk Road. [Afternoon] Arrive in Turpan and check in at the hotel. Afterwards, visit the [Jiaohe Ancient City], exploring the ruins of this earthen city that has stood for a thousand years and discovering the relics of a Silk Road city-state. In the evening, attend an exclusive Jiaohe concert and listen to Silk Road melodies amidst the vast night of the ancient city. Afterwards, return to the hotel to rest.

Accommodation: Hengze Hotel or equivalent

Turpan

[Morning] After breakfast, head to [Flaming Mountains] to set foot on the hot soil of the Flaming Zone, feel the scorching texture of the land, and visit the landmark giant thermometer. Then walk into [Mayu Village], stroll through the original ancient village beneath the Flaming Mountains, wander the lanes of earthen folk houses, and immerse yourself in the earthy, everyday life of the Uyghur people. [Afternoon] In the afternoon, head to [Loulan Red Winery] to explore the hidden world of Silk Road wine, visit the underground cellar and vineyard plots, taste the fine wines made from the terroir of the Western Regions, and learn about the Flaming Zone's grape winemaking culture. [Evening] After dinner, check in to the hotel and rest.

Accommodation: Hengze Hotel or equivalent

Return Journey・Finale

Meet at the designated time and be transferred to the railway station to board the Jinxiu Tianfu Express for the return journey. Spend the full day experiencing the mobile train of Eastern aesthetics, enjoying views of the vast northwestern Gobi Desert and mountain scenery along the way. Distinguished guests may also join the special onboard activities organized by the Panda Butler, with laughter and joy throughout the journey.

Accommodation: Panda Train·Jinxiu Tianfu Express

Arrival in Chengdu

Sightseeing aboard the Jinxiu Tianfu Express, arrival at the destination, and the end of a pleasant journey through Xinjiang. The Jinxiu Tianfu Express looks forward to seeing you again next time.