Today your flight will touch down in Xi'an, one of the four ancient capitals in China. We will expect you at the airport with the signage of your name and escort you to the hotel check in. The rest of the day will be your free time to explore this city.
Accommodation : In Xi'an
Xining D2697(17:04-22:39)
Driving 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)
Coming out from the Terracotta Warriors, proceed the journey to Muslim Street, Relax with free walking along the street tasting he local delicious food and exploring the local lifestyle. Thereafter, transfer to the train station to catch an express train to Xining.
Accommodation : In Xining
Terracotta Warriors Muslim Street
Ulan (380kms, 5hrs driving)
This morning we will start our journey from the famous Ta'er Monastery which is the center of Tibetan Buddhism in Northwest China, and enjoys a high reputation in China and Southeast Asia. from here you will learn more history and culture of Tebetan Buddhism. Then drive you to the picturesque Qinghai Lake, which is the largest inland saltwater lake in China, the spectacular high-mountain scenery, and the cultural mix of Tibetan, Mongolian, and Muslim people. Qinghai Lake has become a popular tourist attraction due to the perfect combination of all the these natural attractions. you can stroll on the grass or ride on a yak, and the hospitable local people will welcome you to visit their home. After the visiting, transfer to Ulan for overnight stay.
Accommodation : In Ulan
Ta'er Monastery Qinghai Lake
Dachaidan Yadan (450kms, 5hrs driving)
We will pick you up from the hotel lobby and the tour will begin from the Chaka Salt Lake, Chaka means salt lake in Tibetan, the lake is located between Qilian Mountain and Kunlun Mountain. Chaka Salt Lake is a salt field for more than 3000 years, the salt content of the lake is very high, so naturally it will crystallize into a white lake, here you can enjoy the beautiful scenery reflected in the white salt lake, such as clouds, mountains and rivers, which is quite stupendous. After the tour, we will depart from the salt lake to our next stop Dachadan Yadan Landform.
Accommodation : In Dachaidan
Chaka Salt Lake Chaka Salt Lake
Dunhuang (520kms, 6-7hrs driving)
In the morning, we will drive to Dachaidan to start our journey today, you can see the Gobi along the way. then we are going to visit the Dachaidan Yadan Landform surrounded by the water, this is the only one in the world. Arrival in Dachaidan, we also can enjoy the scenery of Nanbaxian Yadan Landform, It is one of the largest and most typical Yadan landscapes in the world. Thereafter, you will be transferred to the hotel check in, have a good rest.
Accommodation : In Dunhuang
Yadan Landform Yadan Landform
Morning we will start our journey from the 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 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.
Evening enjoy the walking tour to the Dunhuang’s 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
Mogao Grottoes Crescent Lake
Jiayuguan (350kms, 4.5hrs driving)
Say farewell to this small town with a long history and culture and drive all the way to our next stop Jiayuguan. Upon your arrival, head to the first site for today - Jiayuguan pass, 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
Jiayuguan Pass Weijin Tomb
Zhangye (223kms, 2-3hrs driving)
The first site we will visit today is 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. The tour today will end up to enjoy the sunset 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".
Accommodation : In Zhangye
Giant Buddha Temple Zhangye Danxia Park
Xi'an An enjoyable journey will come to an end today, your nice guide and driver will meet and transfer you to the airport for departure, Looking forward to seeing you next time.
| Travel in party of |
Superior Class ★★★★★ |
Deluxe Class ★★★★ |
Tourist Class ★★★ |
| 2-5 persons | N | $ | $ |
| 6-9 persons | N | $ | $ |
| 10 persons & above | N | $ | $ |
| Single room Supplement | N | $ | $ |
Service included:
* Excellent English speaking guide service
* 4star hotel with breakfast
* Entrance fee listed in the itinerary
* 2nd class train from Xi'an to Xining
* Airfare from Zhangye to Xi'an
* 2bottles of water each person on daily use.
* Government tax
* Travel insurance
* Visa support if necessary
Service excluded:
* Lunches and Dinners
* Some other activities such as boating, camel riding, culture show etc.
* Flight arrive and leave from Xi’an
