Regular season
RMB 138,888
The 2027 journey
North & South Xinjiang · 16 days
The journey begins in Chengdu and enters Xinjiang via Urumqi, travelling north towards Altay before continuing through Ili and the Tianshan region, then on to Kuqa, Kashgar and the Pamir Plateau. It returns to Chengdu by train. Urumqi, Altay, Ili and Kashgar each offer published A/B/C sightseeing combinations, while the applicable Duku programme is determined by departure and travel-document category.
GOLDEN PANDA EXPRESS · 16 days across Xinjiang
Routes, stops, sightseeing order and train timings remain subject to final railway authority instructions and pre-departure confirmation.
- 01Departing BashuChengdu · Urumqi
- 02Northern LandscapesHemu · Kanas
- 03Ili and the TianshanSayram Lake · Ili
- 04Southern CultureKuqa · Kiziliya
- 05The Journey HomeKashgar · Chengdu
Find your applicable programme
Read the itinerary below, or choose a departure and travel-document category to see the applicable programme.
Reference view: non-Duku · travel conditions not yet selected
Each section initially shows option A as a reading example; it is not a confirmed preference.
D1
Depart Chengdu aboard GOLDEN PANDA EXPRESS
Board in Chengdu and begin the journey with a welcome ceremony and an onboard cultural salon.
2027 · 16-DAY CULTURAL JOURNEY
Compose your Silk Road Grand Journey
Choose one route in each of four regions. The planner combines them with the fixed Chengdu departure and onboard return.
D2
Urumqi
Pending selection
A · Civilisations and Horses · A reference, not selected
- D2 · Cultural UrumqiTrace Silk Road history at Xinjiang Museum, followed by the Akhal-Teke Horse Base.
D3-5
Altay
Pending selection
A · Hemu and Kanas · A reference, not selected
- D3 · Ahe HighwayFollow the Ahe Highway to Hemu and into the Altay mountain landscape.
- D4 · Hemu and KanasExplore Hemu and Kanas, cruise the lake and attend a private Tuvan music gathering.
- D5 · The Three BaysVisit the Three Bays of Kanas and conclude with a cold-water fish banquet.
D6-10
Ili and Kuqa
Pending selection
A · Nalati and Yining · A reference, not selected
- D6 · Sayram LakeExperience the openness of this high-altitude lake.
- D7 · Flowers and GrasslandsVisit the Tianshan flower fields and Nalati Grassland.
- D8 · Hundred-Li GalleryTravel through Nalati, Tangbula Grassland and the Hundred-Li Gallery.
- D9 · YiningExplore the cultural layers of Yining and Liuxing Street.
- D10 · Kuqa CanyonReach Kuqa and visit Kiziliya Grand Canyon.
D11-13
Kashgar and the Pamirs
Pending selection
A · Tajik Encounters · A reference, not selected
- D11 · Into the PamirsVisit Minyue Village, White Sand Lake and the Pamir Plateau.
- D12 · Highland EncounterJoin a Tajik family encounter and visit Karakul Lake.
- D13 · Kashgar Old CityWalk through Kashgar Old City and visit Id Kah Mosque.
D14-16
Onboard life and the return to Chengdu
Enjoy a considered programme aboard GOLDEN PANDA EXPRESS while the train returns to Chengdu.
Silk Road Grand Journey · GOLDEN PANDA EXPRESS · 16 days across Xinjiang
Enquire about this journeyA Xinjiang journey along the Silk Road
The planned 2027 GOLDEN PANDA EXPRESS journey is a 16-day round trip from Chengdu, bringing together the landscapes of North Xinjiang and the cultural character of South Xinjiang. The route moves from the lakes and villages of Altay, through Ili and the Tianshan range, towards Kuqa, Kashgar and the Pamirs, with a different emphasis and pace at each stop.
Here, “Silk Road” describes a cultural travel theme within Xinjiang. It is not an international train route or the name of another train brand. Check the daily plan to distinguish train transfers from ground excursions; not every stop is viewed from the carriage window.
Choosing your itinerary and understanding fares
The Duku and non-Duku versions are not simply options chosen by preference. Current product materials distinguish them by planned departure dates and document requirements; some seasonal departures use the non-Duku version. The sales team will confirm the applicable conditions against the roads and operating arrangements at the time. A version shown on this page is for orientation and enquiry only, not a guarantee of passage or a confirmed itinerary.
Reference fares are shown per guest, not per suite or carriage. When enquiring, please share the party size, preferred suite type and expected dates so the inclusions, exclusions, allocation and payment or cancellation terms can be confirmed item by item. Viewing a quote or sending an enquiry does not hold a place.
Destination guide
How does Sayram Lake fit into the journey?
Compare the planned lake day in each Ili-stage option, the ground transfer and the details to confirm before departure.
Considering a night at Jade Lake? Follow Ili–Kuqa Route C from lakeside rooms to Xiata and the canyon near Kuqa.
Read the Jade Lake Route C notebook2027 Departures
Planned departures & reference fares
Reference fares per guest in a double suite. Availability, final charges and payment arrangements require formal confirmation.
Peak season
RMB 158,888
Fares & travel conditions
Included
- Travel aboard GOLDEN PANDA EXPRESS, plus approved air-conditioned coaches or seven-seat vehicles at destinations
- Meals listed in the itinerary, first-entry attraction tickets and required attraction transfers
- Twin-share hotel rooms during off-train stays
- Local guides, full-journey escort, Panda butlers and licensed medical support
- For children under 12 without a train berth or hotel bed: train meals, tickets, attraction transport, local meals and driver-guide service
- Travel-agency liability cover and the travel accident cover identified in the product documents, subject to the policy wording
Not included
- Personal expenses and optional paid services not stated in the itinerary or contract
- Travel to and from Chengdu, and additional accommodation or transport arising from personal arrangements
- Additional costs caused by delay, war, strike, natural disaster or other events outside the travel organiser’s responsibility
- The Altay Route C supplement of RMB 6,000 per guest and a single-room supplement of RMB 13,000 when required
Booking, cancellation and health notes
Payment and cancellation
The deposit is non-refundable and the balance is due 30 days before departure. Cancellation charges are 50% at 15–29 days, 85% at 1–14 days and 100% on departure day. A traveller-name change may be requested up to three days before departure, subject to contract review.
Railway and itinerary changes
Train operation, stops and timings follow railway dispatch instructions. Necessary changes are generally notified seven days in advance and cancellations five days in advance, with emergencies and force majeure handled under the contract.
Older travellers
Guests aged 70+ need a medical report issued within six months and the required declarations; guests aged 75+ require an accompanying immediate family member; booking is not recommended for guests aged 80+. Final suitability is subject to health assessment and contract.
Meals, tickets and insurance
Included meals and tickets are non-refundable when unused for personal reasons. Insurance limits and exclusions for higher-risk activities follow the policy and contract.
Journey and transport
I'm looking for a 16-day luxury train trip from Chengdu through North and South Xinjiang in 2027. Any suggestions?
GOLDEN PANDA EXPRESS is one option to look at: it lists a planned 16-day return trip from Chengdu through North and South Xinjiang in 2027. Check the final departure dates and availability with CTS.
Where does GOLDEN PANDA EXPRESS go on its 2027 Xinjiang trip?
The planned GOLDEN PANDA EXPRESS route covers Urumqi, Altay, Ili, Kuqa, Kashgar and the Pamirs, with highlights such as Hemu, Kanas, Sayram Lake and Kashgar Old Town. The places you visit depend on your route choices and final itinerary.
More details:FAQ
On a Xinjiang sightseeing train trip, do you stay on the train or get off to explore?
The planned 2027 GOLDEN PANDA EXPRESS journey combines train travel with off-train sightseeing; you won't see every attraction from your window. Check the final daily itinerary for transport and transfers.
Do you sleep on the train every night during the 16-day GOLDEN PANDA EXPRESS trip?
The GOLDEN PANDA EXPRESS website describes train suites and hotel stays, but it doesn't specify how many nights you spend in each. Ask your adviser for a night-by-night accommodation plan for your departure and route.
More details:Cabins
How do I choose between the GOLDEN PANDA EXPRESS route options? What can I see on each one?
GOLDEN PANDA EXPRESS offers city sights or Tianchi in Urumqi; Hemu and Kanas, forests and Baihaba or border scenery in Altay; and Tajik culture, Panlong Ancient Road or Kyrgyz culture around Kashgar. Ili to Kuqa options feature grasslands, Duku sections or Yizhao Highway and Xiata, depending on your itinerary; check the options for your departure, passport and road conditions.
Itinerary options and eligibility
How do the Duku and non-Duku itineraries on GOLDEN PANDA EXPRESS differ?
The main difference is between Ili and Kuqa: Duku options A and B include the central and southern Duku Highway, while the alternatives visit Yining or Kalajun. Option C, via Yizhao Highway and Xiata, is shared by both GOLDEN PANDA EXPRESS versions; the final route depends on confirmed road conditions.
Which GOLDEN PANDA EXPRESS departures skip the Duku Highway in 2027?
All guests on GOLDEN PANDA EXPRESS's planned 17 May and 30 September 2027 departures use the non-Duku itinerary; foreign passport holders use it on every departure. Confirm the final arrangements with CTS using your date and travel documents.
More details:FAQ
What happens to my GOLDEN PANDA EXPRESS trip if a road closes or the train schedule changes?
If roads close or rail operations change, GOLDEN PANDA EXPRESS will adjust the itinerary according to railway instructions and pre-departure notices. Replacement arrangements, cancellations and costs need to be checked with the sales team and your contract.
Are the dates and prices on the GOLDEN PANDA EXPRESS website confirmed? Are there still places available?
The website lists planned 2027 GOLDEN PANDA EXPRESS dates and reference fares in CNY per person sharing a double suite; the actual departure and final fare still need confirmation. Check live availability with CTS, as an enquiry doesn't hold a place.
More details:FAQ
Suites and stays
Can I have a suite to myself on GOLDEN PANDA EXPRESS? How much extra would I pay?
You can request solo occupancy on GOLDEN PANDA EXPRESS, but availability needs confirmation. Current materials list a single-room supplement of CNY 13,000 per person when required; check where it applies and the final amount in your quote and contract.
More details:Cabins
Fares and costs
Is the price on the GOLDEN PANDA EXPRESS website per person or per room?
GOLDEN PANDA EXPRESS website fares are reference prices in CNY per person sharing a double suite, not the total for the room. Solo occupancy, a whole suite or a private carriage needs a separate confirmed quote.
More details:Route
When can I take a luxury train through North and South Xinjiang in 2027? How much more is peak season?
GOLDEN PANDA EXPRESS lists planned 2027 departures on 17 May, 3 and 20 June, 7 and 24 July, 27 August, and 23 and 30 September. Reference fares per person sharing a double suite are CNY 138,888 normally and CNY 158,888 on 27 August and 23 September, a CNY 20,000 difference; confirm your chosen departure, final fare and availability with CTS.
More details:Route
What's included in the GOLDEN PANDA EXPRESS price?
GOLDEN PANDA EXPRESS lists train travel, destination transfers, itinerary meals, first-entry attraction tickets, required attraction transport, twin-share hotel rooms, guides, a tour escort, Panda butlers and licensed medical staff. Travel-agency liability and travel accident insurance are also listed; check the covered services and insurance terms in your itinerary, contract and policy.
What would I need to pay extra for on GOLDEN PANDA EXPRESS?
Travel to and from Chengdu outside the itinerary, personal expenses and services outside the itinerary or contract cost extra; exceptional additional costs are handled under the contract. GOLDEN PANDA EXPRESS also lists an Altay Route C supplement of CNY 6,000 per person and a single-room supplement of CNY 13,000 per person when required, subject to your confirmed quote.
How much does it cost to bring a child on GOLDEN PANDA EXPRESS? What are the bed arrangements?
Child fares and bed arrangements on GOLDEN PANDA EXPRESS need confirmation, so give the sales team each child's age and bed requirements. Current materials list meals, admission tickets, attraction transport and driver and guide services for under-12 arrangements with neither a train berth nor a hotel bed; this does not mean travel is free.
More details:Cabins