Sichuan is the panda capital of the world and one of China's most layered regions: teahouse Chengdu, the giant Buddhas of Leshan, the golden summit of Emei, the fairy-tale lakes of Jiuzhaigou and the Tibetan plateau of Daocheng Yading. Two of the fleet's most comfort-minded trains are Sichuan-rooted, the Panda Express Chengdu and the Jinxiu Tianfu, both built around Sichuan hospitality and slow, scenic days.
Highlights
Chengdu
The panda capital: the Giant Panda Breeding Base, the Sanxingdui Bronze Age finds, Kuanzhai lanes and some of China's best street food.
Jiuzhaigou
Tier upon tier of turquoise lakes and waterfalls inside a national park, best in autumn when the surrounding forest turns red and gold.
Huanglong & Munigou
Terraced travertine pools in shocking blues and creams, high among the mountains north of Chengdu.
Leshan & Mount Emei
The 71-metre Giant Buddha carved into a riverside cliff, and Emei's golden summit above the sea of clouds.
Daocheng Yading
The 'last Shangri-La' on the Tibetan plateau: three snow peaks, glacial lakes and high meadows at 4,000 metres plus.
Sanming & the tea hills
Less-crowded Sichuan: bamboo, tea terraces and the slower rhythm that the Jinxiu Tianfu is built to show.
The trains that reach Sichuan
Sichuan is the home ground of two trains. The Panda Express Chengdu is the panda-themed flagship, with Sichuan dining and a family-friendly feel, while the Jinxiu Tianfu is the largest and most premium in the fleet, an 18-car train of 46 rooms running Sichuan and westbound routes toward Urumqi. Both board from Chengdu, with some sailings also taking guests from Lanzhou.
Panda Express Chengdu
The panda-themed train: JinTa and JinWo suites, Sichuan dining and a relaxed, guest-friendly pace.
Jinxiu Tianfu
The fleet's largest train, 46 rooms and 92 guests, with Sichuan-rooted routes and a 2027 Xinjiang edition.
Best time to go
April to June and September to November are best: mild, green and clear. Jiuzhaigou is spectacular in late October; summer (July-August) is lush but busy and humid. Daocheng Yading is safest from May to October, as winter closes the high passes.
Practical notes
- Chengdu is the usual boarding point and the easiest place to add panda and Sanxingdui days before or after the train.
- Daocheng Yading and the western plateau sit above 3,500 metres; acclimatise and travel with the onboard medic's advice.
- Sichuan food is famously spicy; tell the train kitchen your tolerance and vegetarian needs in advance.
- Some routes board from Lanzhou as well as Chengdu, check the departure city when you book.