Traveling through China is about more than visiting famous landmarks. It is also about discovering regional traditions, tasting local specialties, and experiencing the country's remarkable diversity along the way.
For travelers seeking something beyond a conventional sightseeing tour, China's themed tourist trains offer a distinctive way to explore the country. Among them, the Panda-themed Tourist Train services operated by China Railway Chengdu Group Co., Ltd. bring together panda-inspired design, regional culture, onboard entertainment, and thoughtfully planned travel experiences.
With routes extending from Southwest China to destinations such as Xinjiang, Yunnan, Guizhou, Northeast China, and beyond, these journeys offer different ways to experience China's landscapes and local cultures.
Meet China's Panda-Themed Tourist Trains
Panda Train · Anyi — Easy, Comfortable and Fun
Designed around the Sichuan expression “Anyi,” meaning comfortable or just right, Panda Train · Anyi focuses on accessible, enjoyable group travel.
Private cabins are available in several configurations, including four-person rooms and deluxe twin rooms. Depending on the cabin category, facilities range from shared shower areas to private bathrooms.
The experience extends beyond the train itself. Passengers can enjoy Sichuan cuisine, regional snacks, afternoon tea, and onboard entertainment such as KTV, chess and card games, screening facilities, and special performances including Sichuan opera face-changing.
With steward services, onboard medical support, and luggage assistance, Anyi is designed for travelers who value convenience, social activities, and a comfortable journey.
Typical routes: Shorter journeys around Sichuan, Guizhou, and Chongqing, alongside selected long-distance and seasonal departures, including routes to Urumqi and special trips to destinations such as Ejina Banner.
Panda Train · Shifang — Wellness and Leisure for Every Generation
Panda Train · Shifang emphasizes comfort, accessibility, and a relaxed pace, making it particularly appealing to older travelers and multigenerational families.
Age-friendly features include handrails, non-slip flooring, and emergency call buttons. The onboard experience combines regional dining with wellness activities such as traditional Baduanjin exercises, medicinal herb identification, and hands-on wellness crafts.
Passengers can also enjoy sleeper accommodation, dining facilities, entertainment areas, and shower facilities, depending on the train's configuration.
Rather than rushing from one attraction to another, the journey places greater emphasis on rest, cultural discovery, and opportunities to enjoy the travel experience itself.
Typical routes: Selected long-distance itineraries covering Northeast China, Yunnan, Xinjiang, and other regions, with seasonal themes such as Qinling autumn scenery, northern Sichuan discoveries, and the Xinjiang Grand Loop.
Panda Train · Chengdu — Discover Sichuan Culture on Board
For travelers who appreciate traditional craftsmanship and cultural experiences, Panda Train · Chengdu offers a distinctive way to discover the heritage of Sichuan.
The train showcases Shu brocade and Shu embroidery, two traditional crafts associated with Sichuan's intangible cultural heritage. Passengers may have opportunities to participate in hands-on activities such as embroidery and bamboo weaving, while onboard cultural programs can include Hanfu-inspired dance, Sichuan's long-spout tea ceremony, and traditional music performances.
Panoramic windows, a themed dining car, a bar carriage, and dedicated hospitality services add to the experience.
The train's deep blue exterior, accented with golden outlines inspired by the mountains of Sichuan, reflects the region's distinctive cultural identity.
Core route: A 16-day, 15-night journey from Chengdu into northern and southern Xinjiang, with stops including Kashgar, Kuqa, Yining, and Turpan. Other selected itineraries may explore the Qinghai–Gansu Silk Road or Southwest China.
Panda Train · Splendid Tianfu — A Premium Cultural Rail Journey
For travelers seeking a more comprehensive and service-oriented rail holiday, Panda Train · Splendid Tianfu combines comfortable accommodation, regional cuisine, and cultural discovery.
The train offers two accommodation categories, supported by dedicated hospitality staff and onboard facilities designed for extended journeys. Its itineraries may incorporate traditional handicraft workshops, visits with local Tajik families, and Silk Road music performances.
Dining is another highlight. Guests can discover the flavors of Tianfu through Sichuan dishes, regional snacks, and hot dishes, while Western Regions-inspired menus introduce Xinjiang specialties featuring ingredients such as beef, lamb, melons, and dairy products. Menus may be adjusted to suit group requirements and dietary customs.
Featured itineraries: Its inaugural program included a 16-day journey through northern and southern Xinjiang, connecting destinations such as Urumqi, Kanas, Sayram Lake, Kashgar, and Turpan. Other seasonal programs may include Southern Xinjiang explorations and cultural journeys through Southwest China.
2.Combine Chengdu Sightseeing with a Unique Rail Experience
If you are interested in panda culture, Sichuan cuisine, traditional Chinese experiences, or scenic journeys by rail, consider building your trip around Chengdu and adding a suitable train experience where the route and departure dates align.
Our team can help you explore different ways to organize your trip:
Chengdu City Discovery: Visit the giant pandas, explore historic neighborhoods, and enjoy authentic Sichuan food.
Chengdu and Southwest China: Connect Chengdu with destinations such as Chongqing, Leshan, Mount Emei, or Jiuzhaigou, subject to your preferred itinerary.
Chengdu with a Panda-Themed Tourist Train: Begin in Chengdu and incorporate an available themed rail departure, with the final route depending on operating dates and train availability.
Customized China Multi-City Tours: Combine Chengdu with other destinations across China using suitable rail services, private transfers, or domestic flights.
As a local China travel agency specializing in inbound travel, we can help arrange accommodation, transportation, sightseeing, local experiences, and itinerary coordination for international visitors.
Whether you are traveling as a couple, a family, a group of friends, or a study group, we can tailor your itinerary to your travel style and schedule.
Select an itinerary below to explore the details, or contact our team for a customized travel plan.
9-Day Sichuan World Heritage and Food Culture Tour:
https://www.airportprime.cn/tour-packages/9-day-sichuan-world-heritage-and-food-culture-tour.html
8-Day Chengdu, Leshan, Emei Mountain, Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong Tour:
9-Day Chongqing, Wulong, Fairy Mountain, Wujiang& Jiuli City Cultural Tour:
References：https://www.travelchina.org.cn/,Let's Board the "Panda Train" and Enjoy the Journey Together