20 Days Culture Diversity of the Silk Road Tour

Day 1

Beijing

Today you will arrange your international flight to get to Beijing, the capital city of China. Be transferred to the hotel and the rest of the day will be your free time to do a little exploration at your leisure.
Accommodation: In Beijing
 

Day 2

Beijing

Full day sightseeing in Beijing. the first site we will visit for today is Tiananmen Square, which is the largest city public square in the world. It has great cultural significance as it was the site of a number of important events in the Chinese history, including the proclamation of the People’s Republic of China on October 1, 1949. Thereafter, bus transfer to the next stop The Temple of Heaven, which is located in the southern part of Beijing, and has been one of the most sacred places for the whole country for more than five centuries. The complex was visited by the Emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties for annual ceremonies of prayer to heaven, and is the largest one in Beijing among several royal altars to Heaven, Earth, Sun, Moon and other deities or symbolic forces of Nature
And in the afternoon, we are going to visit the Chinese royal palace Forbidden City, Also called Palace Museum, the Forbidden City is recognized as the most magnificent and splendid palace complex in China and one of the five world-famous palaces, along with the Palace of Versailles in France, Buckingham Palace in England, the White House in United States, and the Kremlin in Russia.  After the visiting, we will enjoy the traditional Chinese Kongfu Show in the evening.
Accommodation: In Beijing 

Day 3>

Beijing

Morning head to visit the Mutianyu Great Wall, Mutianyu Section is called as the Majestic Pass on Precipitous Mountains, which is one of the best-preserved parts of the Great Wall, it is also the longest Great Wall in China. On the way, you can take a photo stop at the 2008 Olympic Site to see the Bird's Nest National Stadium and Water Cube Aquatic Centre
After a few hours of exploration, we will down from the Great Wall and travel to The Ming Tombs, which is also known as the “13 Tombs”, this is a collection of mausoleums of the 13 out of 17 of the Ming Dynasty emperors. The tomb that can be visited is that of Emperor Wanli, who reigned from 1537 to 1620, and his two empresses. Unearthed in 1956, this is literally an underground palace located 27m below ground surface. Thereafter, we will drive back to downtown for dinner and overnight stay.  
Accommodation: In Beijing 

Day 4

Beijing Xi'an

Monrning enjoy your nice buffet breakfast at the hotel and then tour will begin from the Summer Palace, Situated in the Haidian District northwest of Beijing City, the Summer Palace is 15 kilometers from central Beijing. Being the largest and most well-preserved royal park in China, it has greatly influenced Chinese horticulture and landscape with its famous natural views and cultural interests. It has long since been recognized as 'The Museum of Royal Gardens', here you can spend a few hours to explore the garden or take a boat trip if you are interested. then continue to explore Beijing Hutong, It is said that the real culture of Beijing is the culture of the Hutong and Courtyards. That is so true. Hutong is a Mongolian word meaning water well. At nine meters wide, it is the term given to a lane or small street that originated during the Yuan Dynasty (1271–1368). These hutongs, or alleyways, are formed by lines of traditional courtyard residences. Many neighborhoods were thus formed, and the word hutong now refers to these neighbourhoods of alleyways. They have become representatives of local culture, thus it is the first choice for people who would like to learn about the local history and culture. After the visiting, we will head to the prosperous shopping market Silk Street. you can buy some Silk products or other souvenirs for your family and friends. then you will be transferred to the airport to catch your flight to the next destination Xi'an and say goodbye to Beijing.
Accommodation: In Xi'an

Day 5

Xi'an

As the starting point of Silk Road, Xi'an has a profound history and culture. Drive to the countryside of the Xi'an city about 1hrs, we will visit the most impressive historic site Terracotta Warriors which are the most significant archeological excavations of the 20th century. Work is ongoing at this site, which is around 1.5 kilometers east of Emperor Qin Shi Huang's Mausoleum in Lintong, It is a sight not to be missed by any visitor to China. Believe you will be amazed by the culture and history to get a feeling back to Qing Dynasty during the 3hrs experience. （No flash when take photos)
Lunch will be in the local restaurant, we will continue the sightseeing to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda built to house Buddhist scriptures collected by a Chinese Monk. Big Wild Goose Pagoda has 7 floors in total. Architecture is traditional Chinese style decorating with some Buddha statues. Tourists can see variety of Buddha statues and see the whole Xi’an city at the top floor. and head to the emblem of Xian city Bell Tower, Atop the Bell Towet you will have a panoramic view of Xi'an city.
In the evening, you will have a time to enjoy the famous Tang Dynasty Show, the show presents the palace dances and songs from the Tang Dynasty (618AD-907AD) when Xian was the capital of China.
Accommodation:In Xi'an

Day 6

Xi'an

Spend the other whole day exploring culture and customer in Xi'an. we will go to the Shanxi Province Museum, This provincial museum is one of the major museums in China. It holds numerous unearthed cultural artifacts from within the Shaanxi province as well as the rest of China. The newly built modern building recreates Tang-dynasty architecture and successfully symbolizes the great extent of Shaanxi history and its remarkable culture. Afterwards, drive you to the Ancient City Wall, This is the most complete city wall that has survived in China as well being one of the largest ancient military defensive systems in the world. you will enter the city wall through the ticket gate. Standing on the wall, you can't use your eyes to judge how long the wall is. you can walk around the city wall or experience the cycling. and then explore the Muslim Street, Relax with free walking along the street tasting he local delicious food and exploring the local lifestyle. 
Accommodation: In Xi’an 

Day 7

Xi'an Lanzhou D2651 (08:00-11:08)Xiahe

Today you will end the tour in Xi'an and take the express train to Lanzhou in the morning, you can take a break on the train or enjoy the scenery along the way. Arrive in Lanzhou, drive you to Liujiaxia Reservoir, we will take a speedboat to Binglingsi Thousand Buddha Caves, On the way, you will see the green water connects to the yellow water while the blue sky connects to the yellow earth. Perhaps this can only be experienced in Liujiaxia. Upon arrival, head to visit the Binglingsi Thousand Buddha Caves  which is close to Liujiaxia Reservoir, These caves stretch for 200 meters, were built during the Western Qin, North Wei, Sui, Tang, and Song, Yuan, Ming, Qing dynasties (between the 3rd and 18th centuries). After that, bus transfer to Xiahe with about 4 hours driving. Upon your arrival, we will enjoy the lonely and beautiful place Songke Grassland in the afternoon. here you will see the Tibetan nomads left on the grasslands, and graze their yak herds.
Accommodation: In Xiahe 

Day 8

Xiahe  Lanzhou  (240kms, 4hrs driving)

After breakfast, we will visit the Labrang Monastery, The monastery is renowned for its rich Tibetan culture, imposing Buddhist structures, unique Tibetan food, and the long corridor of prayer wheels. It is a holy place where Buddhism followers learn the essence of Buddhism. thereafter, we will go back to Lanzhou and take a city tour at the Yellow River Mother Sculpture. The sculpture comprises a mother and a baby, the mother with long hair, slim figure, lying on the undulating water looking happy and kind. Resting on her breast is a small child smiling naively. and explore the The Waterwheel Garden, the garden covers an area of 1.45 hectares (3.58 acres) and is comprised of two waterwheels, a cofferdam, the recreation area and a water mill house.
Today you will spend the night in Lanzhou and depart from Lanzhou in tomorrow morning.
Accommodation:In Lanzhou

Day 9

Lanzhou Jiayuguan  D2703 (08:20-12:57)

After breakfast, your guide and driver will pick you up from the hotel lobby and transfer you to the train station. you will take the morning express train to the next stop Jiayuguan. we will meet you and accompany you to climb the Jiayuguan pass when you arrive in Jiayuguan. This Ming Dynasty fort guards the strategic Jiayuguan pass, at the western end of the Great Wall – this was the last section built by the Ming Dynasty. and visit the The Great Wall Museum, which was opened to visitor in October 1989 and it is the first one to exhibit the Great Wall culture in a comprehensive and systematic way. (There are many steps from one tower to the other, please consider if are able to walk and climb about 2hrs)
Next, travel to the Weijin Tombs, which are ancient tombs of brick paintings dating back 265-420 AD. The wall paintings discovered are lifelike and succinct in style and cover a wide range of subjects including politics, economics, culture, military affairs, folk customs, and science and technology during the Wei and Jin periods. 
Accommodation: In Jiayuguan

Day 10

Jiayuguan Dunhuang  (350kms, 4.5 hrs driving)

A new day begins. after breakfast we will depart from the hotel and head to Dunhuang with about 4.5 hours driving. On the way, you will see the historical and cultural site Yulin Grottoes,The Grottoes are chiseled into the cliffs on both the east and west sides of the Yulin River. The east cliff has 30 grottoes and the west has 11, with a distance of more than 100 meters between them. It used to be called Ten-Thousand Buddha Gorge. The grottoes began to be chiseled and sculpted during the Northern Wei Dynasty (386-534), and was enlarged in the later dynasties, such as Tang (618-907), Five Dynasties (907-960), Song (960-1279), the Western Xia (1038-1227), Yuan (1271-1368) and so on. More than 1,000 square meters of frescoes, and more than 100 colored sculptures are still extant there. The name Yulin (elm forest) came from the elms in the valley, and as you travel along the valley road you can easily imagine how it must have been to be a poet or brave solder in the distant past.
Arrive in Dunhuang, head up to Echoing Sand Mountain&Crescent Lake. When there is wild wind, the sands will be blown up and make loud sound, while the sound sounds like being produced by some ancient musical instrument when blew by breeze, There is also a Crescent Lake that  has been in existence for hundreds of years without ever being buried by the sand. Riding the camel as the Silk Road Caravan in the vast desert is highly recommended (approximately 40mins). Please bring your sunglasses and and mask to keep out the dust.
In the evening, you will enjoy the walking tour to the Shazhou Night Market, the most bustling place of Dunhuang at night. It's easy to lose our sense of time wonder the market while enjoy your leisure time and taste some local cuisine.
Accommodation: In Dunhuang

Day 11

Dunhuang Turpan   D55 (16:10-19:53)

This morning, we will visit Mogao Grottoes, also known as the Thousand Buddha Grottoes, this UNESCO World Heritage site. It is one of the great artistic and religious wonders of the world and it is famous for its exquisite murals and various sculptures inside the caves, which was built in different dynasties, spanning 1,000 years of Buddhist art, enjoy the Silk Road Movies in the visitor Center about 40 mins before our exploration into the Grottoes.The professional guide from the Mogao will bring you to 8grottoes with their special torch so that you  have clear view of the murals and paintings. （Note: No photos and Video in the caves). The visiting time is around 4hrs including movie.
Following a lunch in the local restautant, we will transfer to Liuyuan train station and take the express train to Turpan, 
Accommodation: In Turpan

Day 12

Turpan

Today we will spend a whole day to visit Turpan. A must and first visit is the oldest Uighur village Tuyoq Village located in the very center of Flaming Mountain Canyon. It used to be the holy site of Buddhism and Islam. The village consists of four parts: Canyon scenery, Thousand Buddha Caves, Maza tomb and the old buildings of the ancient village. here you will also see the scenery of the Flaming Mountain. Following a lunch in the traditional Uighur family in their grape yard,we will drive all the way of 1hr to Sugong Minaret, the largest Islamic minaret in China built in 1778 by Sulaiman that is the ruler and leader of Turpan to commemorate and commend his father's achievements of the reunion of Xinjiang. 
In the afternoon we will also pay a visit to Karez Well, A special irrigation system that the locals make full use of the topography of Turpan to draw the underground water to irrigate their farmland ingeniously. The tour today end up to enjoy the sunset of Jiaohe Ruins with a history of 2,300 years lies between two rivers on a loess plateau atop a cliff of over 30m. It is one of the best preserved ruins of its ancient era in China, it was include in the World Heritage List on June 22, 2014.
Accommodation: In Turpan

Day 13

Turpan Korla  (381kms, 5hrs driving)

Breakfast at the hotel, then we will drive about 381 kilometers to Korla, one of birthplaces of western region culture, also is the important city on the Silk Road. known as the "City of Pears" and the "City of Petroleum". On the way, you will see the scenery of Bosten Lake, Lying in Bohu County of Korla, southeast of the Yanqi Basin, Bosten Lake is the biggest inland freshwater lake in China. It is 34 miles (55 kilometers) long from east to west and 15 miles (25 kilometers) wide from north to south, consisting of big and small lake districts. The big one is 381 square miles (988 square kilometers) and the small one covers 93 square miles (240 square kilometers). With an altitude of 3,438 feet (1,048 meters) and an average depth of 30 feet (9 meters), the lake is rich in fish and reeds. you can stroll on the shore and take some nice photos.
Accommodation:In Korla

Day 14

Korla Kuqa (350kms, 5-6hrs driving)

Continue our Silk Road trip to Kuqa. Kuqa, also called Qiuci in ancient times, there are a large number of ancient city walls, temples, caves, tombs and other culture relics. Before arriving in Kuqa, we will pay a visit to Diversifolius Poplars Park. The park is located in the north of Taklimakan Desert, and the middle portion of Tarim River. One can see Tarim River, poplar trees, the desert and the oil industry complexes. It is a good resort for sightseeing, entertainment, adventure, scientific expedition and vacation. Diversiform - leaved poplar is a rare and precious plant in Xinjiang And in Uygur language it is called "Tuhorak", meaning "the pretest tree". It has striking capacity to resist drought, sand and salinization. The poplar alkali secreted from the bark can be used as sola as well as in making medicine and Soap, degumming and degreasing. Grown-up poplars, strong and tall, stand on the edge of the Taklamakan Desert along the Tarim River, showing diverse poses. They offer lives for the boundless desert, protect the oasis and balance the ecosystem in the desert. "desert hero".
Thereafter, we will drive back to Kuqa and have a good rest.
Accommodation: In Kuqa

Day 15

Kuqa Kashgar  K9787 (20:56-06:05)

Today we will have a chance to go our first step a typical representative of Qiuci Grottoes Kizil Grottoes, the Chinese Buddhist Grottoes, it has 4 grottoes and 81 murals for you to enjoy. And then you will be arranged to visit the Tianshan Great Canyon, which is the excellent geological park all over the world. It recorded the whole process of crustal movement in Xinjiang during the past 400 million years. Ending the visit to Tianshan Great Canyon, we will explore the Kizilgaha Beaacon Tower, which is provided security for traveling caravans on the Silk Road and prevented enemy invasions. Round earth tower built with a wooden roof, it rises to the sky in the middle of the desert landscape as typical scenery of the region.  Among these towers, Kizilgaha is one of the oldest but also the best preserved of all. After that, proceed to visit the Subashi Ruins, a Buddhism temple, which was built in the first century and reached its peak during the sixth to the eighth centuries in the Sui and Tang dynasties. In the Tang Dynasty (618 - 907), the hierarch Xuanzang was attracted by the splendor of the temple and the popularity of Buddhism in this area, and stayed here for more than 2 months on his way to India to get Buddhist sutra. Finally, we will head to the last site Kuqa Mosque, the second largest mosque in Xinjiang. The mosque consists of a main worshiping hall, a small worshiping hall, a minaret, a qubbah, a religious court and hostels, etc. The mosque is a representative of Uygur architectural art of the Qing Dynasty.
In the evening, you will be transferred to the train station and take the overnight train to Kashgar.
Accommodation: on the soft sleeper train

Day 16

Kashgar 

In the early morning, your guide and driver will meet you at the train station and transfer you to the hotel check in. then we will do full day Kashgar city excursion. around 09:00 we will visit the Idigar Mosque, the largest Mosque in China and the most sacred mosque for the locals to practise their Islamic activities. around 10:30 we have to visit the Old Town when the open ceremony ready to greeting all the tourists with the culture show, further exploration to the special culture and experience the lifestyle with the arrangements of the visiting to the local Uighur Family. Lunch arranged in the local Restaurant. Today's highlights is the Sunday bazaar that is combined two section. The covered bazaar sells the clothing, nuts, household goods and many things out of your imagination.The outdoor Animal Bazar is the first bazaar we visit, where the farmers and buyers arriving by donkey cart, truck, bicycle, horseback, motorbike or on foot, with their animals. It's loud, lively and cheerful as they arrive. It is quite interesting to witness their typical methods of bargin. After the visiting to Cenral Asia Market, continue to the  Apak Hoja Tomb, which is the holiest place in Xinjiang and an architectural treasure. Kashgar city tour ends with the wandering to the bustling Handicraft street, dazzling jewelry, primitive pottery,unique musical instrument, daily resources of the locals. The spare time in the teahouse is our special arrangement for you to relax and get a feel for the local culture and traditions.
Accommodation: In Kashgar

Day 17

Kashgar Taxkorgan  (320kms, 6hrs driving)

Today we will start the adventure in Karakul Lake. At 09:00 your guide and driver will meet you at hotel lobby and driving on the China and Pakistan highway about 4hrs to enjoy the landscape of Pamirs Plateau.40mins driving. we stop in the Opal village to visit the tradition bustling bazaar. The following day will be spent exploring the stunning landscape surrounding the Karakul Lake, where the herds of livestock around the lakeside are reflected in lake and is extraordinarily graceful,where Kirghiz herdsmen usually settle down and graze their herds. You will have ample opportunity for leisure walking and enjoy the Magnificant Muztagh Peak. It is highly recommended to visit the local Kirgiz family in their yurt. 
After the visiting, we will drive about 6 hours to Taxkorgan County for rest.
Accommodation: In Taxkorgan

Day 18

Taxkorgan Kashgar Urumqi

After breakfast, our guide will escort you to the Stone Fortress it is one of three most famous stone cities in history. Surrounded by the grassland, snow mountains and rivers, it is a strategically important castle on the ancient Silk Road. Here you will see the temple, city wall and official office which built in Tang and Qing Dynasty. afterwards, walk around the local pasture to experience the lifestyle of Tajik and enjoy the scenery of Taxkorgan.
In the afternoon, drive back to Kashgar downtown along the beautiful scenery. then you will be transferred to the airport and catch the evening flight to Urumqi, the capital city of Xinjiang.
Accommodation: In Urumqi 

Day 19

Urumqi

Today you will enjoy the tour of the picturesque Heavenly Lake (approximately1.5hrs), 2000m up in the Tianshan mountain range. which is surrounded by the snow mountains, blooming wildflowers, evergreen pine trees. 40-minute sceniic shuttle bus ride that twists though the dramatic mountains. Then you can either walk to the lakeside in 10mins or take the electronic cart. There are 3 options suggested. Boating cruise to take the incredible view of Tianshan Mountain. Trekking along the lake in the fresh air. or you can explore further uo to the Maya Mountain by the cable car to enjoy the magnificent view of the Mountains. The lunch in the local Kazakh's yurt is highly recommended.
Travel back to Urumqi in the afternoon which is about the other 1.5hrs, continue the tour at the Xinjiang regional museum to see archaeological treasures from the Silk Road and Xinjiang's minority cultures. After then, visit the Xinjiang International Bazaar, the largest bazaar in Urumqi. You'll find a bustling market filled with fruit, clothing, crafts, knives, carpets and almost anything that you can imagine. (Option: The Culture Show with Banqute,fr $45/pp)
Accommodation: In Urumqi 

Day 20

Urumqi

Breakfast, transfer to the airport to catch your flight back to your sweet home.It has been a great silk road holiday and we look forward to seeing you another China trip.

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