For two thousand years, the Silk Road was crossed on foot, by camel, in caravans that took seasons rather than days. Today, the journey unfolds at a gentler pace aboard a luxury train, allowing travellers to follow the same historic route with the comfort and refinement that such an extraordinary passage deserves.
Aboard the Jinxiu Tianfu Panda Train, this curated 16-day rail journey includes guided touring and is as compelling as its destinations.
Designed as a grand hotel in motion, the train offers front-row views of China's magnificent landscapes with panoramic viewing tables and private guest suites.
Travel Route: Chengdu → Urumqi → Beitun → Hemu → Kanas → Yining → Nalati → Kuqa → Kashgar → Turpan → Lanzhou → Chengdu
Accomodation
Each guest suite onboard the luxury sleeper offers:
A Tribute to Heritage: Paying homage to the country's rich traditions, the train aesthetics draw inspiration from the Song Dynasty. Seatings and train partitions incorporate traditional hand-crafted Shu brocade design elements to showcase elite craftsmanship originating from Chengdu.
As the train winds through soaring plateaus, river valleys and dramatic mountain ranges, each passing landscape reveals another layer of China's cultural tapestry, enriching the journey at every turn.
Onboard the train, guests are taken care of by an exceptional team of 18 dedicated panda butlers, 7 vacation ambassadors, 8 professional chefs, and a 50-member crew ensuring round-the-clock premium service with bilingual concierge support.
Whether travelling as a couple, with family, or in a group, the "Panda" Jingxiu Tianfu Luxury Sleeper Train ensures every journey is tailored to your needs.
This premium tourist train features 18 elegantly designed carriages hosting 54 guest rooms. It can accommodate up to 132 passengers in ultimate comfort. Every guest room features a private en-suite bathroom. There are triple and quad-share options for families to share the journey without compromising on space or luxury.
NOTE: The train journey program is conducted in Mandarin. English guides can be arranged upon request.
Jinwo Superior room - from SGD 14,800 per person
Jin Ta Deluxe room - from SGD 18,600 per person
| Departure Date | Return Date | Season | Price | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 19 May 2027 | 27 May 2027 | SGD 14,800 | Available |
Exclusive Welcome Ceremony • Live Music & Dance Performance • Cultural Salon • Cocktail Reception
Your extraordinary Silk Road adventure begins in Chengdu. Upon boarding the luxury train, guests are welcomed by an exclusive butler team, setting the tone for an unforgettable journey across China's legendary Silk Road.
Relax in elegant surroundings while enjoying themed onboard experiences including cultural salons, live performances, gourmet dining and cocktail evenings. Or explore the onboard amenities including the tea lounge and mahjong room.
The train will pass through the historic Hexi Corridor, a narrow, oasis-lined passage flanked by the dramatic, snow-capped peaks of the Qilian Mountains on one side and the vast, atmospheric wilderness of the Gobi Desert on the other.
It is a cinematic journey steeped in the romance of the ancient Silk Road, offering a front-row seat to the timeless frontier from the absolute comfort of your private suite.
This evening, the train will arrive in Urumqi, our gateway to Xinjiang.
Overnight Hotel Stay
Conrad Urumqi or similar
A scenic 90-minute private drive brings you up into the mountains to the alpine sanctuary of the Tianshan Tianchi Scenic Area. Admire the crystal-clear "Heavenly Lake on Earth", a stunning alpine lake. Here, you will also see the iconic, glacier-crowned Bogda Snow Peak rising majestically in the background,
Dinner will be in Urumqi before we board the train bound for Altay.
After breakfast onboard, you will disembark and step onto the scenic Ahe Highway, one of Xinjiang's most beautiful eco-routes. Arrive in the Hemu Scenic Area, famously known as "God's Back Garden" and celebrated as the most beautiful Tuvan village in China.
Spend the afternoon exploring the pristine beauty of the Hemu River Valley. Admire the vibrant wildflowers blooming across the alpine grasslands of Jiadengyu, stroll across the historic wooden bridge over the roaring Hemu River, and observe the peaceful rhythm of life of the Tuvan indigenous community.
This evening, dine under a canopy of stars surrounded by the alpine wilderness.
Luggage Note: Pack light and leave your main luggage onboard the Panda Train.
Overnight hotel stay
Hemu Holiday Hotel or similar
Wake at dawn to witness the legendary morning mist and sunrise over Hemu Village. From the viewing platform, watch a fairytale spectacle unfold as the first light of day paints the distant snow-capped peaks in soft shades of rose and gold. Below, a delicate blanket of river mist rises from the valley, swirling gracefully around the rooftops of the Tuvan log cabins as the village slowly awakens. It is a cinematic, deeply serene moment that stands as a definitive highlight of the journey.
Today, we travel to Kanas Scenic Area, famous for its emerald waters, dense forests and dramatic mountain scenery. Tucked away near the borders of China, Kazakhstan, Russia, and Mongolia, this sprawling glacier-carved sanctuary represents the absolute pinnacle of Xinjiang’s wilderness.
Enjoy a private cruise across the legendary Kanas Lake, often compared to Switzerland's alpine lakes. Afterwards, climb to the famous Fish Viewing Pavilion on Camel Peak for panoramic views across this untouched wilderness.
Overnight hotel stay
Manyunjian Cabin (or similar within Kanas Scenic Area)
Take a leisurely stroll along the lakeside wooden boardwalk to soak in the deep tranquility and serenity of the Kanas Scenic Area.
On your descent, enjoy the picturesque views at the serene Moon Bay, the enchanting Immortal Bay, and the ethereal Dragon Bay.
Dinner this evening is at Burqin, where you will enjoy a culinary experience - a distinctive Intangible Cultural Heritage Cold-Water Fish Banquet. The fish are caught from the pure, glacier-fed rivers of the Altay range, and prepared using time-honored traditional techniques that capture their delicate, pristine flavor.
Transfer to Beitun Station to board your luxury train and continue your journey onwards to Yining.
Arrive at Yining Station, where a private transfer will bring you to the magnificent Sayram Lake. This high-alpine wonder sits 2,073 meters above sea level, where its brilliant, sapphire-blue waters captivate. Enjoy an incredibly scenic drive along the lakeside road, taking in a continuous panorama of pure wilderness.
Later in the afternoon, step out for a lakeside afternoon tea experience. Surrounded by a vibrant carpet of wildflower meadows and framed by the dramatic, snow-capped peaks of the Tianshan range, take time to pause and soak in the absolute serenity of this natural masterpiece.
Head back to Yining for dinner. As an ancient Silk Road oasis near the Kazakhstan border, Yining is home to over 40 distinct ethnic groups—including Uyghur, Kazakh, Hui, Uzbek, and Russian communities.
Each dish tells a story of the ancient Silk Road, bringing a perfect, flavourful close to a day spent in the heights of the Tianshan Mountains.
After dinner, a private transfer will bring you to your premium hotel.
Overnight hotel stay
Huamei Resort InterContinental Yining or similar
Journey through breathtaking landscapes to the world-famous Nalati Grasslands, one of China's most beautiful alpine meadows. Nalati, meaning "the place where the sun first shines," sits at an average elevation of roughly 1,800 meters. The drive from Yining follows the path of the Ili River, climbing into the Tianshan Mountains where the steppe gives way to subalpine meadows.
Nalati showcases nomadic Kazakh culture and magnificent mountain scenery. Scattered across the hills are traditional yurts (felt tents), where livestock graze freely against a backdrop of dense spruce forests.
Return to Yining before boarding the overnight train to Kuqa.
Arrive in Kuqa, an ancient kingdom frozen in time. It was the capital of the ancient Qiuci (Kucha) Kingdom where Central Asian, Indian, Persian, and Chinese cultures melted together. It was the absolute heart of Buddhism along the northern Silk Road long before Islam arrived in the region.
Explore the dramatic Kizilya Grand Canyon, one of China's Ten Most Beautiful Canyons. This breathtaking geological wonder is located at the southern foot of the Tianshan Mountains.
In the local Uyghur language, Kizilya translates beautifully to "Red Cliffs." True to its name, the canyon's wind-sculpted sandstone walls rise dramatically toward the sky, glowing in vivid, shifting hues of crimson, ochre, and gold.
Walking through Kuqa today is like stepping across eras. The city retains a distinct, soulful rhythm and it is home to hidden Buddhist grottoes carved into river gorges.
After dinner in Kuqa, board the overnight train toward the legendary, vibrant oasis city of Kashgar.
*NOTE: Due to regional travel regulations, travellers who are Chinese nationals including Hong Kong SAR, Macao SAR, and Taiwan will take an alternative overland route via the southern section of the Duku Highway to Kuqa.
Embark on a legendary drive along the Karakoram Highway, the highest paved road in the world. This engineering marvel snakes through the dramatic gorges of the Kunlun, Karakoram, and Hindu Kush mountain ranges, retracing high-altitude trails once trodden by ancient Silk Road caravans.
The drive brings you to the dazzling Baisha Lake, where a striking natural phenomenon awaits. Here, the surreal contrast of desert dunes, pristine alpine water, and crisp mountain air is stunning. It is one of the most photographed and unforgettable vistas along the entire Karakoram Highway.
As the highway climbs higher, you enter the breathtaking Pamir Plateau. Ringed by some of the highest mountain ranges on earth, the plateau feels entirely cut off from the modern world—a place where the sky feels immense, the air grows thin and crisp, and the sheer scale of the frontier truly settles in.
Continue to the legendary borderland town perched on the Pamir Plateau – Tashkurgan (often called Taxian locally). Holding a unique geographic position with "one county bordering three countries," it stands majestically at the western frontier where China meets Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Tajikistan.
Tashkurgan is the ancestral home of the Tajik people, a community renowned for their extraordinary warmth and hospitality. Here, you will visit a local family inside a traditional home. This intimate cultural encounter offers a rare glimpse into their enduring heritage, culminating in a performance of authentic Tajik music and dance
After dinner, you will check in to your hotel, featuring a specialized diffuse oxygen supply room*.
In this setup, oxygen is continuously pumped into the room’s ventilation system. This ensures optimal physical comfort and a restful night's sleep.
*At approximately 3,000–4,000 metres., high-altitude comfort is a primary concern for travellers.
Overnight hotel stay
Taxian Dongxun Culture Hotel
This morning, descend from the high valleys of Tashkurgan, tracking a route where the landscape unfolds in cinematic proportions. Your destination is the ethereal Karakul Lake a brilliant pearl nestled 3,600 meters high on the Pamir Plateau. Known as the “Colour-Changing Lake” , its waters shift remarkably from deep turquoise to shimmering jade under the shifting light.
Mount Muztagh Ata (7,546 m) can be seen behind the lake, almost like an iceberg. In Uyghur language, its name literally means "iceberg", and as it seems to be watching over the Pamirs—is affectionately known as the "Father of ice mountains"
To capture this stunning landscape, we have arranged for you to have an aerial photography experience.
Deepen your connection to the region’s heritage at Kashgar’s historic Folk Music Village. Here, you will spend the afternoon exploring traditional Uyghur musical instrument craftsmanship, uncovering the secrets of an art form that has kept Silk Road melodies alive for centuries.
Conclude the day with a grand Whole Roasted Lamb Southern Xinjiang Feast.
Overnight hotel stay
Radisson Hotel Kashi or similar
Explore the 2,000-year-old Ancient City of Kashgar, one of the best-preserved Silk Road trading centres. Wander through its intricate maze of ancient streets and alleys.
It is here—among the coppersmiths, artisanal potters, and vibrant neighborhood teahouses—that you will experience the most authentic, untouched atmosphere of the historic Western Regions.
Perched precariously atop an earthen cliff, Gaotai Minju is celebrated as the definitive prototype of Kashgar’s ancient urban landscape. This dense labyrinth of historic clay homes famously stood in for 1970s Kabul in the Academy Award-nominated film The Kite Runner, providing a living window into the stories of the historic Silk Road.
Enjoy afternoon tea within the atmospheric old town before boarding the overnight train to Turpan
Upon arrival in Turpan, transfer to your hotel for check-in and enjoy a brief rest.
Descend underground to witness the Karez Irrigation System, celebrated alongside the Great Wall and the Grand Canal as one oaf the three greatest engineering achievements of the ancient world. This brilliant network of hand-dug subterranean channels taps into melted snow from the Tianshan Mountains, moving water across vast distances entirely below the surface. By shielding the flow from the blistering desert heat, ancient engineers successfully eliminated evaporation. This structural mastery transformed an otherwise arid wasteland into a lush, fertile haven renowned for its world-class, vine-ripened gastronomy.
Jiaohe Ancient City Concert Under the Stars
As dusk falls, Jiaohe Ancient City commands the landscape like a monumental, living stage. The 2,000-year-old UNESCO-protected site transforms into a natural amphitheater. Surrounded by towering clay walls that project a visceral presence beneath the desert stars, you will experience a spectacular live ethnic music show* that matches the sweeping, magnificent scale of the Silk Road.
Overnight Hotel Stay
Turpan Hengze Hotel or similar
*Alternative cultural performances will be arranged should the weather affect the outdoor show.
After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, embark on a day that showcases the stark, beautiful contrasts of the Turpan Basin—from its fiery sandstone ridges to its ingenious underground springs.
Visit the striking crimson sandstone hills of the legendary Mount Huoyan, made famous by the classic Chinese novel Journey to the West. As the sun catches the multi-layered red ridges, the mountains look like dancing tongues of fire. Here, you will see China’s largest outdoor thermometer rising dramatically from the earth.
Continue on to the historic Tuyugou Village, one of Xinjiang's oldest Uyghur settlements, renowned for its earthen architecture and traditional culture.
Later, visit a private winery for an exclusive wine tasting and cultural performance.
A private transfer brings you to Turpan Station to commence your return trip back to Chengdu.
Lanzhou
Rest and relax onboard. The train is scheduled to arrive in Lanzhou at 23:11 hours.
Spend your final day relaxing onboard while enjoying a variety of exclusive cultural experiences, including:
A grand finale farewell dinner will mark the miles travelled together across the ancient Silk Road corridors. The last evening of your journey will be onboard the sleeper train.
Arrive back in Chengdu in the morning, bringing your unforgettable luxury Xinjiang railway journey to a close.
May the breathtaking landscapes, rich cultures and timeless stories of the Silk Road remain with you long after your journey ends.
*Let us know if you would like us to organise a guided our in Chengdu.