Itinerary
Step into a narrative where history meets adventure. Become a Panda Ambassador embarking on a diplomatic mission to the Western Regions, armed with a specially crafted travel passport and imperial credentials. This immersive experience transports you across time to engage with the legendary Thirty-Six Kingdoms, blending interactive storytelling with breathtaking landscapes.
Day 1 Arrive Chengdu
Meet and Greet upon arrival at Chengdu Airport. Transfer to accommodation and the rest of day is at leisure.
Meal: nil
Stay: 5* hotel, Chengdu
Day 2 Chengdu
It’s an entire day free at leisure to explore Chengdu.
Alternatively, let us arrange a day of private touring* tailored according to your needs to discover Chengdu.
This evening at around 9.30 PM^, check out and gather at the hotel lobby to be transferred to the train station to board the train.
Meal: Breakfast
Stay: onboard
*additional expense
^the gather time may change, subject to the train’s departure time
Day 3 Chengdu (成都) – Lanzhou (兰州) D1
Welcome onboard Anyi Panda Express (熊猫专列, 安逸号)!
Step onboard on a ‘diplomatic’ mission to the Western Regions. As the wonderful journey through Xinjiang officially begins.
The train is scheduled to depart at 00:10* hours. Rest and relax as the journey to amazing Xinjiang starts.
At 12:42* hours, the train will make a stop at Lanzhou.
Meal: Lunch, Dinner
Stay: onboard
*scheduled time may change, subject to rail authority’s arrangement/approval
Day 4 Lanzhou (兰州) – Urumqi (乌鲁木齐) D2
Spend the day mesmerising the vast northwestern deserts and majestic mountain landscapes onboard.
You may also participate in unique onboard activities organised by the Panda Concierge. The journey continues with joy and laughter until the arrival in Urumqi at 15:19* hours, followed by hotel check-in and rest.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Stay: 5* hotel, Urumqi
*scheduled time may change, subject to rail authority’s arrangement/approval
Day 5 Urumqi (乌鲁木齐) – Beitun (北屯) D3
Later today, proceed to attend the Xinjiang Welcome Banquet (新疆欢迎宴) hosted by the Anyi Express, officially commencing your wonderful Xinjiang journey with authentic local song and dance performances.
This afternoon, after around 1.5-hour drive away, visit the world-renowned mountain lake “Heavenly Lake on Earth” (人间瑶池) – the Tianshan Tianchi Scenic Area* (天山天池风景区). Take the shuttle bus into the scenic area to view the renowned attractions, including the First Line of Stone Gate (石门一线), Pines on the Western Hill (西山观松), Moonlit Dragon Pool (龙潭碧月天), and the Sea-Calming Needle (定海神针), while also enjoying a distant view of the majestic Bogda Snow Peak (博格达雪峰).
After the tour, dinner will be served. Depart for the station at a designated time to board the train and proceed to Altay.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Stay: onboard
*3 hours for sightseeing.
Day 6 Beitun (北屯) – Hemu (禾木) D4
Upon arrival at Beitun in the morning, proceed by vehicle to the fairy-tale haven of the Khomi Scenic Area* (禾木风景区).
The Khomi Scenic Area is celebrated as one of China’s most beautiful Tuwa villages. Upon arrival in Khomi, you will pass by the Ertix River (额尔齐斯河) – the only river in China that flows northwest into the Arctic Ocean. The journey then continues to China’s largest birch forest, offering breathtaking natural scenery along the way. Explore the Khomi River Valley, admire the highland meadows and Jiadengyu flowers (贾登峪花卉), cross the wooden bridge over the Khomi River, and observe the traditional Tuwa village with its characteristic wooden houses.
Check in and stay overnight at a local-style Khomi (禾木) guesthouse or hotel.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Stay: hotel or guesthouse, Hemu
* approx. 5-hour drive to Hemu, with breaks and meals arranged as required; visit the scenic area visit for about 3 hours.
Day 7 Hemu (禾木) – Jiadengyu (贾登峪) D5
You may choose to rise early to witness the morning mist and sunrise in Khomi. At dawn, the delicate, veil-like mist drifts among the Tuwa wooden houses and birch forests, the entire village faintly visible as if in a fairy-tale realm.
Transfer by vehicle to the Kanas Scenic Area* (喀纳斯景区). The Kanas Scenic Area boasts the only Swiss-style landscape in Asia and is renowned as “the last pure land on Earth”. Enjoy a scenic lake cruise too!
Its Mongolian name means “beautiful, bountiful, and mysterious.” Here, the lake and mountain scenery blend into one, possessing both the grandeur of northern landscapes and the delicate beauty of southern rivers and hills. Stroll along the wooden boardwalk by the lake to soak in the tranquility and serenity of the Kanas Scenic Area. On the descent, take in the stunning views of the serene Moon Bay (月亮湾), the enchanting Immortal Bay (神仙湾), and the majestic Crouching Dragon Bay (卧龙湾).
Check in for your overnight stay within the Kanas Scenic Area.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Stay: guesthouse, Jiadengyu
*approx. 2-hour drive to Kanas; total duration of visit is about 5 hours.
Day 8 Kanas (喀纳斯) – Beitun (北屯) D6
Visit a Kazakh Family (哈萨克家访), where you’ll be warmly welcomed by a local Kazakh family and treated to an authentic Kazakh meal. Enjoy traditional Kazakh song and dance performances, and feel free to join in the festive dancing.
Later, explore the Colourful Beach* also known as Fairyland of Wucaitan (五彩滩). Marvel at its unique Yardang landforms (雅丹), characterized by undulating ridges and vibrantly coloured, comb-like slopes that create a stunning and spectacular landscape.
Savour the distinctive Intangible Cultural Heritage Cold-Water Fish Banquet (非遗冷水鱼宴).
Transfer to Beitun Station to board the train and continue the journey to Yining.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Specialty Dinner
Stay: onboard
*approx. 2-hour drive to Colourful Beach; total duration of visit is about 1 hour.
Day 9 Beitun (北屯) – Yining Station (伊宁站) D7
Arrive at train station around morning, be greeted and welcomed.
Transfer to the national scenic area Sayram Lake* (赛里木湖). Known as “the last tear of the Atlantic Ocean” (大西洋最后一滴眼泪) because it is the final place touched by the Atlantic’s warm, moist air currents. Then, pass by the largest mountain-spanning cable-stayed bridge in Asia. Along the way, enjoy a drive through with a view of the beautiful scenery of the Ili First Pass – Guozigou (伊犁第一关果子沟). Please note that stopping is not permitted due to traffic regulations.
After arriving in Yining for dinner, you will be transferred to the hotel for rest.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Stay: 5* hotel, Yining
*approx. 1.5-hour drive to Sayram Lake Scenic Area, with about 3 hours for sightseeing.
Day 10 Nalati (那拉提) – Yining (伊宁) D8
Transfer to Nalati Grassland*(那拉提草原) – Sky Grassland Route (空中草原路线), renowned as one of the four great grasslands across Asia and Europe. Celebrated as the “Green Island of the Tianshan Mountains” (天山绿岛), Nalati Grassland is known for its multi-dimensional landscapes and rich nomadic culture, making it an ideal destination to escape the city’s hustle and immerse yourself in nature and ethnic traditions.
Transfer to the station to board the train, continuing your journey to Kuqa.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Stay: onboard
*around 3-hour visit.
STRONG NOTE: for departures from June onwards, after sightseeing, travellers who are nationals of People’s Republic of China, Hong Kong SAR, Macao SAR and Taiwan will then transfer to a private vehicle to cross the Tianshan Mountains via the middle Section of the Dushanzi-Kuqa Highway (独库公路中段), from Nalati (那拉提) to Bayinbuluke (巴音布鲁). Along the way, enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the Tianshan Mountains before arriving in Bayin Town (巴音). After dinner, check in at the hotel for overnight rest.
Day 11 Yining (伊宁) – Kuqa (库车) – Kashgar (喀什) D9
Arrive in Kuqa, visit the Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon (天山神秘大峡谷) for about 1 hour. Known as one of China’s top ten most beautiful canyons, its Uyghur name means “red cliffs” (红色的山崖) representing a stunning red geological marvel hidden at the southern foot of the Tianshan Mountains.
Get onboard and continue the journey to Kashgar.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Stay: onboard
STRONG NOTE: for departures from June onwards, travellers who are nationals of People’s Republic of China, Hong Kong SAR, Macao SAR and Taiwan will travel through the southern section of the Dushanzi-Kuqa Highway (独库公路南段), viewing the vast Bayinbuluke Grasslands (巴音布鲁克草原) from the vehicle enroute to Kuqa (库车). Renowned as one of “China’s Most Scenic Highways” (中国最美公路), this route winds between cliffs and deep valleys, carrying you across the snow-capped peaks of the Tieliemaiti Daban Pass (铁力买提达坂) and offering encounters with the alpine emeralds of the Great and Small Dragon Lakes.
Day 12 Kashgar (喀什) – Tashkurgan (塔县) D10
Arrive in Kashgar and travel along the China-Pakistan Friendship Highway to the “Roof of the World” – the Pamir Plateau* (帕米尔高原). Upon reaching Karakul Lake (喀拉库勒湖), witness the mesmerising scene where rolling silver-white sand dunes meet clear, turquoise waters, forming a distinct and enchanting boundary – a must-see landmark in Kashgar. We’ll sightsee around here for about 40 minutes.
Continue to the legendary borderland town perched on the Pamir Plateau – Tashkurgan (塔县), uniquely positioned as “a county bordering three nations” at the western frontier of China. This area is not only the filming location of the classic film, Visitors on the Icy Mountain (冰山上的来客) but also the hometown of Rahman Baqer (拉齐尼·巴依卡), the 2021 “Touching China” annual award winner. His story of sacrifice has resonated across the nation, allowing the spirit of the “Pamir Eagle” (帕米尔雄鹰) to soar forever.
Visit a Tajik Home (塔吉克家), savour traditional snacks prepared by the Tajik people, join in their singing and dancing, and learn about their rich ethnic culture.
In the evening, enjoy an authentic Tashkurgan Yak Meat Hotpot (塔县牦牛肉火锅) for dinner before checking in to the hotel.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Specialty Dinner
Stay: 4* hotel, Tashkurgan
*approx. 4-hour drive to Pamir Plateau
Day 13 Tashkurgan (塔县) – Kashgar (喀什) D11
Transfer to Tashkurgan Stone City* (塔什库尔干石头城). This ancient site served as the royal city of the Puli Kingdom, one of the thirty-six kingdoms of the Western Regions, and was a crucial hub along the ancient Silk Road.
Next, proceed to Golden Grass Beach* (金草滩) for photography and a brief rest.
Then return to Kashgar, stopping enroute to visit White Sand Lake* (白沙湖). This unique landscape presents a striking contrast: on one side, rolling white sand dunes stretch endlessly, while on the other, turquoise waters meet snow-capped peaks. This mesmerising blend of desert and lake creates a dreamlike scene, making it an essential stop on any trip to Kashgar.
Tonight, enjoy a whole roasted lamb banquet (烤全羊宴)!
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Highlight Dinner
Stay: 5* hotel, Kashgar
*sightseeing duration: Tashkurgan Stone City (approx. 1 hour); Golden Grass Beach (approx. 30 minutes); White Sand Lake (approx. 30 minutes).
Day 14 Kashgar (喀什) – Turpan (吐鲁番) D12
Proceed to Kashgar Old City* (喀什老城). Having endured over 2,000 years of history, the ancient city of Kashgar is the most representative historical and cultural landscape in Xinjiang. Wander through its intricate maze of ancient streets and alleys to experience the most authentic atmosphere of the Western Regions.
Explore Gaotai Minju* (高台民居) also known as Old City of Kashi, the filming location for the Oscar-winning movie The Kite Runner. This area is one of the most original prototypes of Kashgar’s old city and is renowned as the “Living Fossil of Kashgar.”
Visit the nationally famous Id Kah Mosque* (艾提尕尔大清真寺). This mosque is not only a magnificent display of Islamic religious culture but also a perfect blend of distinctive Islamic architectural styles and traditional Chinese building techniques.
After dinner, board the train and depart for the ancient Silk Road hub – Turpan.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Stay: onboard
*sightseeing duration: Kashgar Old City (approx. 1.5 hours); Gaotai Minju (approx. 40 minutes); Id Kah Mosque (approx. 40 minutes)
Day 15 Turpan (吐鲁番) D13
Upon arrival in Turpan, visit the nationally acclaimed AAAAA-rated scenic area, Grape Valley* (葡萄沟). Stroll through the vibrant local dwellings, where a blend of rustic charm and lively energy awaits. The exotic decor and colorful architecture transport you into a storybook world.
Afterward, check into the hotel for a short rest, followed by dinner.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Stay: 4* hotel, Turpan
*approx. 1 hour sightseeing
Day 16 Turpan (吐鲁番) D14
Visit the Flaming Mountains (火焰山) for approx. 1 hour. See China’s largest outdoor thermometer and experience the ground temperature of this legendary area. A special Turpan fruit feast will be arranged for lunch.
Afterwards, explore the Karez Well System (坎儿井) for about 30 minutes. The Karez is a unique irrigation system in Xinjiang, renowned as one of China’s three great ancient engineering projects, alongside the Great Wall and the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal.
At a designated time, gather for the transfer to the station to board the train for the return journey.
Meal: Breakfast, Highlight Lunch, Dinner
Stay: onboard
Day 17 Lanzhou (兰州) D15
Rest and relax onboard. The train is scheduled to arrive Lanzhou at 23:11* hours.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Stay: onboard
*scheduled time may change, subject to rail authority’s arrangement/approval
Day 18 Chengdu (成都) D16
As the train pulls into the station around 10:17* hours, we conclude this delightful journey through Xinjiang with Jinxiu Tianfu Express (锦绣天府号). We look forward to welcoming you aboard again in the future!
A transfer will take you to the hotel to check in. Official check in time is 3 PM. Then it’s free time at leisure in Chengdu.
^Private touring can be organised for this afternoon and evening.
Meal: Breakfast
Stay: 5* hotel, Chengdu
*scheduled time may change, subject to rail authority’s arrangement/approval
^additional expense
Day 19 Depart Chengdu
Simply rest and relax until it’s time for the transfer to Chengdu Airport. Official check out time is 12 PM.
Meal: Breakfast.