Beijing, the capital city of China, it has nurtured many places of interest in the history of more than 3,000 years. Today your flight will touch down in here, Our professional guide and driver will meet you at the airport and bring you to downtown to check in your hotel.
Meals : No
Accommodation : In Beijing Sunworld Hotel
We will start our Silk Road trip today. The first site will be the famous 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.
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, drive back to downtown for overnight stay. 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.
Meals : B
Accommodation : In Beijing Sunworld Hotel
Enjoy your nice buffet breakfast at the hotel and then our guide will accompany you to do an exploration of 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.
Meals : B
Accommodation : In Beijing Sunworld Hotel
Enjoy a free day to explore the capital city Beijing. It is said that the real culture of Beijing is the culture of the Hutong and Courtyards. That is so true. These hutongs, or alleyways, are formed by lines of traditional courtyard residences. 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. You can take a tricycle through the alleyways to explore the history and culture in Beijing. Or rent a bicycle and ride along the Houhai, walking along the Houhai is also a good choice. If you like delicious food, Beijing Roast Duck can't be missed.
Meals : B
Accommodation : In Beijing Sunworld Hotel
Xi'an G655(09:43-15:38)
Today you will say goodbye to Beijing where you must have a unforgettable memories. We will meet you at the hotel lobby and transfer you to the train station to catch the express train to Xi'an, our next stop on the Silk Road, also the one of the four capitals in China. Our local guide will wait for you at the arrival exit with the signage of your name and escort you to the hotel check in. Have a good night.
Meals : B
Accommodation : In Beijing Sunworld Hotel
Drive to the countryside of the Xi'an city about 1hrs, we will start our journey from 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 proceed to visit 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.
Meals : B
Accommodation : In Xi'an Grand Dynasty Culture Hotel
Full day sightseeing in Xi'an. we will go to the Shaanxi 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.
In the evening, you will have a time to enjoy the famous Tang Dynasty Show with dumpling banquet, the show presents the palace dances and songs from the Tang Dynasty (618AD-907AD) when Xian was the capital of China. You can enjoy the performances while tasting delicious dumplings.
Meals : B/D
Accommodation : In Xi'an Grand Dynasty Culture Hotel
Today is free day. you will have enough time to explore this historical and cultural city on your own. Visit the Drum and Bell Tower, the emblem of Xian city. Atop the Tower you will have a panoramic view of the Xian City and Muslim Quarters. And explore the Muslim Street (street called muslim, but good place for food and walking tour), Relax with free walking along the street tasting he local delicious food and exploring the local lifestyle.
These attractions are approximately 2kms from the hotel, it will be easier for you to visit.
Meals : B
Accommodation : In Xi'an Grand Dynasty Culture Hotel
Xining D2685(09:30-14:34)
In the morning we will depart from the hotel and transfer to the train station to catch the express train to Xining, which is the important place on the ancient Silk Road, It is one of the high-altitude cities in the world. Upon your arrival, be met and transfer to the hotel check in. The rest of the day will be your free time to explore this city.
Meals : B
Accommodation : In Xining Xingwang International Hotel
Morning we will pick you up from the hotel and you will enjoy the tour to the picturesque Qinghai Lake, which is the largest inland salt water lake in China. It is no exaggeration to say that Qinghai Lake is a miracle that is endowed by a deity. Outside, it encircled the lake with four continuous mountains and extends broad grassland at the foot of them. Inside, like a master baker, it decorated the water with many little islands. All these natural attractions come together perfectly to form a Xanadu on earth to win many tourists' favor. On the way to Qinghai Lake, you also can enjoy the scenery of Jinyintan grassland and Sand Island. After the visiting, we will back to Xining for overnight stay.
Meals : B
Accommodation : In Xining Xingwang International Hotel
Spend a whole day exploring Xining. We will do an exploration to Ta'er Monastery, Located 26km south of the Xining city proper, the sacred Kumbum Monastery, or Ta'er Si, is the best of the sights in the Xining area. The ancient monastery, built during the 39th year (1560 AD) of the reign of emperor Jiajing of Ming Dynasty, boasts a Tibetan name, Kumbum, which means a grand place housing 100,000 Buddhas. Coming out from the Ta'er Monastery, we will pay a visit to Dongguan Mosque, one of the four major mosques in the northwest region of China, also the biggest mosque in Xining. The Mosque is not only famous for its magnificent architecture but also as a religious education center and as the highest learning institution of Islam. Next, we will travel to Tibetan Medicine Culture Museum, as the world's only Tibetan medicine professional museum, it aims at displaying the splendid Tibetan medicine culture, recurring the development history of Tibetan medicine and inheriting the traditional Tibetan medicine, This museum currently is also the only comprehensive themed museum in the world to exhibit the culture of Tibet.
Meals : B
Accommodation : In Xining Xingwang International Hotel
Today you will have enough time to explore this city on your own. If you are interested in the history and culture, Qinghai Museum may be a good choice for you, The Museum has collected over 10,000 items, including the chipped stone implements from the Paleolithic Age, the stone artifacts objects, ceramics and bronze from the Neolithic Age and the Bronze Age; the bronze seals, bronze figurines, bronze mirrors, ect. here you will learn more about the history and culture of Qinghai. And if you are a food lover, exploring the night market and snacks in Xining will be not missed.
Meals : B
Accommodation : In Xining Xingwang International Hotel
Zhangye D2703 (10:41-12:36)
Take the morning express train to Zhangye, the train journey will take 2 hours. Upon your arrival, we will pick you up from the train station and bring you to downtown to check in your hotel. Afternoon will be your leisure time in this city. Walk around the center square, or head to the night market to find local cuisines.
Meals : B
Accommodation : In Zhangye Tianyu International Hotel
Jiayuguan (223kms, 2-3hrs driving)
In the morning, we will meet you at the hotel lobby and take you to visit the Grand Buddha Temple, which is the important place of the Silk Road. Midway in the Hexi Corridor along the Silk Road lies the historic city of Zhangye, the centerpiece of which is the mysterious Giant Buddha Temple. Located in the southwest corner of Zhangye in Gansu Province, the Giant Buddha Temple is the largest architectural relic in Gansu Province of the Western Xia (1038-1227) period. you will see the largest and well-preserved reclining Buddha in this temple. thereafter, drive you to enjoy the scenery of Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park, which is the most typical arid area of northern China. Ribbons of reds, oranges and yellows slice through the rock, to create a rainbow vista contained only by the contours of the jagged mountain peaks. so many people also call it "Rainbow Mountain". Afternoon transfer to Jiayuguan for rest.
Meals : B
Accommodation : In Jiayuguan Hotel
Dunhuang (350kms, 4.5hrs driving)
Morning depart from the hotel and drive you to Dunhuang. Upon your arrival, 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.
Meals : B
Accommodation : In Dunhuang Fuguo Hotel
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 local restaurant, proceed the journey to Dunhuang Museum, you can explore the local culture and history. Dunhuang Museum was officially founded in October, 1979. Built with three storeys and covers an area about 2400 square meters, the exhibition building of the museum was completed in 1984. Dunhuang Museum is a comprehensive topography one principally exhibits historic and cultural relics. Now it has collected over 4000 precious cultural relics in the locality.
Meals : B
Accommodation : In Dunhuang Fuguo Hotel
Spend a whole day exploring Dunhuang freely, It has always been an important town on the Silk Road and a famous historical and cultural city of the country. Here you can do an exploration to Dunhuang Painting and Calligraphy Institute, visit the Carpet display, Painting and Calligraphy exhibition, The Murals of the Mogao Grottoes. You also can experience and copy the murals of Mogao Grottoes or make the lithographs. Or explore the lifestyle of local people.
Meals : B
Accommodation : In Dunhuang Fuguo Hotel
Turpan D2701(15:13-18:46)
Enjoy your free time in the morning, then we will transfer you to Dunhuang Liuyuan train station to take an express train to the next stop Turpan, an important town on the ancient silk road, also one of the centers of the Uygur cultures. Arrive in Turpan, be met and transfer you to the hotel check in. Turpan is very hot, especially in summer, so Hats, scarves, sunglasses, sun block and lip balm or some protective material are essential to protect you from sun and wind burns.
Meals : B
Accommodation : In Turpan Shuangcheng Hotel
Today you will start your journey in 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. and then you will head to visit the Astana Tombs, which is the graveyard of the residents who lived in the Gaochang City in the Jin-Tang period. Between 1959 and 1975, a great number of cultural relics had been unearthed, including Chinese documents, textiles, epitaphs, coins, clay sculptures, pottery, wooden wares, silk-paintings, crops and foods, etc. The site is known as the Underground Museum.
In the afternoon, drive you to explore the Bezeklik Grottoes, the Buddhist Center of Gaochang area, is a complex of Buddhist cave grottos dating from the 5th to 14th century between the cities of Turpan and Shanshan at the north-east of the Taklamakan Desert near the ancient ruins of Gaochang in the Mutou Valley. Some murals show a large Buddha surrounded by other figures, including Turks, Indians and Europeans. Some of the murals are masterpieces of religious art. From here, you can enjoy the outlook of Flaming Mountain around the Grottoes.
Meals : B
Accommodation : In Turpan Shuangcheng Hotel
Morning enjoy your nice buffet breakfast at the hotel and then we will do a Turpan city tour. the first stop is 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. Afterwards, 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 in Turpan 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.
Meals : B
Accommodation : In Turpan Shuangcheng Hotel
Urumqi (200kms, 3hrs driving)
Start the trip off with the 3hours driving to Urumqi, passing by the wind power station which is the largest one in Asia spreading at the foot of Tianshan Mountain. Following glimpse of Salt Lake in Dabancheng. With the beautiful scenery along the way, we will arrive in Urumqi, the capital city of Xinjiang. Check in the hotel and take a short break, then we will transfer to 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. Here you will enjoy the Culture Show with banquet.
Meals : B
Accommodation : In Urumqi Bingtuan Grand Hotel
Heavenly Lake (120kms, 1.5hrs driving)
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, upon arrival, transfer to the hotel, have a good rest.
Meals : B
Accommodation : In Urumqi Bingtuan Grand Hotel
Today you will travel to the beautiful Red Hill Park with your guide. Red Hill Park is located the center of Urumqi, close the People's Park and Youhao Shopping Mall. It is the most famous park in Urumqi, also the one of symbols of Urumqi. Entering the park, you will see that the mountains of the park are crimson, and there is a red mountain in the park, many trees in the mountain road, the environment is good. you can take about half an hour to climb up, or take a sightseeing bus from the bottom to the top of the mountain. Atop the Red hill, you will have a panoramic view of Urumqi city. There are many local people coming to exercise every day, so the Red Hill Park is also a good place to learn about the local lifestyle. Thereafter, transfer to the next stop Xinjiang Regional Museum to see archaeological treasures from the Silk Road and Xinjiang's minority cultures. There are more than 50,000 pieces of various kinds of cultural relics stored in the museum, among them are the ancient mummies represented by the "Loulan Beauty", manuscripts in Chinese, Karosthi, Qiuci, Yanji, Tibetan, Uighurian and other characters prevailing in ancient Western regions of China, as well as silk, wool, cotton and hemp fabrics and folk raiment, etc., all items of great intrigue. The 'Loulan beauty' mummy in particular is a well-preserved mummy from 4000 years ago. It still Has a reddish brown skin, thick eyelashes, charming large eyes, and long hair. After the visiting, the rest of the day will be your free time.
Meals : B
Accommodation : In Urumqi Bingtuan Grand Hotel
Kashgar
Enjoy your breakfast time at the hotel, then we will pick you up from the hotel and transfer you to the airport to catch the flight to Kashgar, the westernmost city of China, also the most folk-custom city in Xinjiang. Arrive in Kashgar, we will meet you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel. You will have the rest of the day free to do a little exploration at your leisure.
Meals : B
Accommodation : In Kashgar Qinbagh Hotel
Taxkorgan County (320kms, 6hrs driving)
In the morning, enjoy your nice buffet breakfast. At 09:00 your guide and driver will meet you at hotel lobby to start the adventure. Driving on the China and Pakistan highway about 4hrs to enjoy the landscape of Pamirs Plateau. 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, drive to Taxkorgan County and dinner in local Tajik family will be arranged.
Meals : B/D
Accommodation : In Taxkorgan Crowninn Hotel
Kashgar
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 hotel and have a good rest.
Meals : B
Accommodation : In Kashgar Qinbagh Hotel
Today is Sunday and 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.
Meals : B
Accommodation : In Kashgar Qinbagh Hotel
Free time in Kashgar. You can have a good rest in the hotel and then explore this city on your own. and in walking the streets of its Old Town, one gets the sense of what this legendary Central Asian hub was like in the days when the Silk Road was at its zenith. Visit the small alleys to look at the characteristic Uygur residences. Perhaps you can go to the local teahouse to relax and get a feel for the local culture and traditions.
Meals : B
Accommodation : In Kashgar Qinbagh Hotel
A one-month Silk Road trip will end today, trust you are deeply impressed by the Silk Road and China. We will assist you to check-in and wish you have a pleasant journey home.
Service included:
* Excellent English speaking guide service
* Hotel listed with breakfast
* The Culture Show with Banquet in Urumqi International Bazaar
* Tang Dynasty Show with dumpling banquet in Xi'an
* Dinner in local Tajik family
* Entrance fee listed in the itinerary
* Airfare from Urumqi to Kashgar
* 2nd class train from Beijing to Xi'an, Xi'an to Xining, Xining to Zhangye, Dunhuang(Liuyuan) to Turpan
* 2bottles of water each person on daily use.
* Government tax
* Travel insurance
* Visa support if necessary
Service excluded:
* Lunch and dinner listed everyday
* Some other activities such as boating, camel riding, culture show etc.
* Flight arrive in Dunhuang and leave from Kashgar
* No Service on free day
