The Purple Scenic Train: New Summer Routes Through Guizhou, Sichuan & Chongqing
A Train That Turns the Journey Into the Destination
Most trains get you from A to B. The "Splendid Rivers & Mountains · Colorful Guizhou" scenic train from China Railway Chengdu Group is designed to do the opposite — it makes the ride itself the highlight of your trip.
This summer, the operator has rolled out a fresh schedule that stitches together some of southwest China's most beautiful scenery across Guizhou, Sichuan and Chongqing.
For travelers who want the comfort of organized transport without losing the joy of discovery, this purple all-sleeper train is a genuinely unusual way to see the southwest — and here's what you need to know.
What Makes This Train Special
The "purple train" look. The train wears a dreamy purple livery decorated with ethnic minority patterns — a nod to the intangible heritage aesthetics of southwest China's minority cultures. It's instantly recognizable and very photogenic.
All-sleeper comfort. The 11-car train is made up of soft-sleeper compartments, a dining car and a panoramic viewing car. Each four-berth cabin comes with a tea table, storage, a TV, a call button and charging sockets — and the ladders to the upper bunks are widened specifically so older travelers can climb safely. Long journeys feel far less tiring in this setup.
The panoramic viewing car is the star. Both ends of the viewing car feature floor-to-ceiling glass with unobstructed views — green mountains, clear rivers, farmland and villages rolling past as the train glides through. There's even a KTV setup on board, so the ride doubles as entertainment. Travelers have described it as "sitting in the train, scenery flowing past the window" — which is exactly the point.
The New Summer Routes: Guiyang to Panzhihua
From late July to early August 2026, Chengdu Railway Group added new round-trip services between Guiyang and Panzhihua, threading through some of the best summer scenery in the region:
Route 1 (westbound): Y926/927 from Guiyang via Chongqing West, Chengdu West, Emei and Xichang West to Panzhihua South. The return Y924/921 comes back via Xichang West, Meishan, Chengdu West and Chongqing West.
Route 2 (northbound via Zunyi): Y922/923 from Guiyang via Zunyi, Chongqing West, Chengdu West and Xichang West to Panzhihua South, with the return Y929/928 touching Miyi East, Xichang West, Chengdu West and Chongqing West.
These routes link tourist cities across three regions — Zunyi in Guizhou, Chongqing, and Chengdu, Meishan, Xichang and Panzhihua in Sichuan — and land travelers conveniently near Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture, home of the famous Yi Torch Festival summer celebrations.
Note that exact trains, dates and stops follow the "one-day-one-timetable" model and change with demand — always confirm on China Railway 12306 or station announcements before booking.
Where This Route Can Take You
Liangshan and the Yi Torch Festival. The new lines put the Torch Festival of Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture within easy reach — one of southwest China's most spectacular summer folk festivals, with bonfires, music and traditional Yi culture.
Liupanshui, the 19°C summer city. Earlier this summer the train also ran Guiyang–Zhenyuan and Zhenyuan–Liupanshui routes. Liupanshui's highland climate hovers around 19°C in summer — a natural escape from the heat, with the Wumeng Grassland and Yi ethnic experiences nearby.
Historic towns along the line. The eastern segment touches Zhenyuan Ancient Town, the Miao villages of Xijiang (Xijiang Qianhu Miao Village), and Shibing Yuntai Mountain — a mix of old-town charm and minority culture that fits neatly into a multi-stop itinerary.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I book tickets for the scenic train?
Through China Railway 12306 (app or website), station windows or self-service machines — search for the Y-series train numbers.
 |  |
Is this train suitable for older travelers?
Yes. The all-sleeper setup with widened bunk ladders was designed with senior passengers in mind, and soft-sleeper cabins offer more space and amenities than standard hard sleepers.
Can I use this train for a multi-stop trip?
Yes — that's the idea. You can hop between stops like Zunyi, Chongqing, Chengdu, Xichang and Panzhihua, combining the scenic ride with city and folk-culture experiences along the way.
Do I need to speak Chinese to book?
Booking via 12306 has an English interface and is widely used by international travelers. If you'd prefer, we can help arrange the tickets and a full itinerary for your southwest China trip — just ask.
Recommended China Travel Tours
Pair your reading with a hand-picked itinerary from our real tour collection:
- Zhejiang Wellness Journey: Hangzhou Luxury Bathhouse & West Lake Zen 5-Day Healing Tour — Jiangnan Tang Quan tea-scented SPA, Yue-style Tui Na, West Lake Zen, Longjing tea. 5-day Zhejiang wellness.
- Yunnan Wellness Journey: Kunming Hot Spring & Lijiang Ancient Town 5-Day Healing Tour — 5-day Yunnan wellness: Kunming hot springs, Dali Bai herbal bath, Lijiang & Jade Dragon.
Ready to Plan Your China Trip?
Email Sam for customized tour planning.
Email Luppy for group bookings (10+ travelers).
Visit ChinaTravelPlus.com for the full collection.
More Than Travel. It's the Plus That Matters.
