Essence of the Silk Road Tour
Overview
This is a real Silk Road discovery tour in China of 12 days deep into Gobi desert and with amazing landscapes. Like the ancient caravans on the Silk Road thousand-year ago, your journey starts in the ancient capital Xian, then comes to the Mogao grottoes in Dunhuang, through ancient ruins and sites, and visit splendid attractions in Turpan & famous Sunday Bazaar in Kashgar… And other popular scenic spots like Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses Museum, small Wild Goose Pagoda, Ancient City Wall, Yadan Geo Park, Yumen Pass, Emin Minaret, Desert Botanical Garden, Heavenly Lake, Id Kah Mosque...
Duration: 12 days & 11 nights
Destinations: Xi'an - Dunhuang - Turpan - Urumqi - Kashgar - Urumqi
Starting Point: Xi'an
Ending Point: Urumqi
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Drive to the most famous Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses Museum, which is one of the top attractions in China and famous for its historical significance, uniqueness and sheer size. Meet thousands of "ancient Chinese warriors". Then proceed to Bell Tower, which originally built in Ming Dynasty and used to house the bells that were sounded every morning to announce the time to the ancient capital’s inhabitants. Later, enjoy a walk at the old quarters of the city.
Meal: B, L
This morning, enojy a trip to the Small Wild Goose Pagoda built in the early 8th Century, an important site on the Silk Road, which is a less visit spot but with its own unique designs. Then pay a visit to Xian Museum, as many as 130, 000 fine cultural relics are preserved here, most of which were unearthed in the ancient tombs from different dynasties before Tang Dynasty (618-907). Then proceed to the Ancient City Wall, the most intact ancient Chinese wall in existence. It encircles and protects the ancient part of Xian City. At last, go to the Forest of Stele Museum, there are 3,000 steles in the museum, which is divided into seven exhibitions halls, which mainly display works of calligraphy, painting and historical records.
Meal: B, L
Leave Xian, and travel deeper into the great Silk Road. Transfer to the airport and fly to Dunhuang in Gansu Province. According to historical records, the mechant travelers started from Chang 'an (ancient Xian), set food on silk road and reached Dunhuang through hexi corridor. Upon arrival, be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel.
Meal: B,
Drive out of Dunhuang for 180km to Yadan Geo Park, named a "Ghost City", to see the spectacular desert landform, wild gobi scenery and peculiar rocks and peaks. Then on the way to see the Yumen Pass, which was originally built more than 2000 year ago and vital for the Silk Road caravans making their way to Xinjiang and Central Aisa. Learn from your expert guide about the history and legends. You can also have the chance to see the ruined Great Wall of Han Dynasty, which has been eroded by wind,rain and mountain torrents.
Meal: B, L
Visit the highlights of Dunhunag today - the world famous Mogao Grottoes built in the 4th Century. The 492 cells and cave sanctuaries are famous for their 2415 statues and fabulous wall paintings, spanning 1,000 years of Buddhist art. Then proceed to the Singing Sand Mountains and Crescent Moon Lake. Take in the amazingly beautiful desert scenery, and try a short camel ride in the desert. Transfer to take an overnight train to Turpan. Your Silk Road journey continues.
Meal: B, L, D
Arrival in Turpan in the early morning. After breakfast, pay a visit to Karez Irrigation System, which was created by ancient Uygur people at the second half of 18th century. It can mainly be found in the area of Turpan, Hami and Helei. It is regarded as one of ancient China's greatest public projects. Then visit Jiaohe Ruins to know the history there. Emin Minaret is the next spot, an existing largest minaret in Xinjiang with a circular shape, It is 44 meters high with a diameter of 10 meters. The huge structure was built of grey bricks and earth in 15 different decorative patterns such as waves, flowers or rhombuses. At last, go to the Desert Botanical Garden and gain the knowledge of desert plants.
Meal: B, L
Drive for about 3 hours from Turpan to Urumqi, proceed to Heavenly Lake, labeled as a Chinese version of Swiss lakes. The crystal water reflecting the snow-topped peaks, fluffy white clouds and blue sky create a breathtaking view. Enjoy yourself the lake views and the serenity of nature.
Over night at Urumqi.
Meal: B, L
Transfer to airport for your flight to Kashgar. After arrival, visit a must-visit site in Kashgar - the Id Kah Mosque - the biggest mosque in Xinjiang, to appreciate the unique architecture style of it and get to know its back story. Later, wander around local bustling bazaar and old quarters of Kashgar to get close to local Muslim people’s life and perhaps taste their foods.
Meal: B, L
The landscape on Silk Road is wild and spellbinding. Today drive 191km out of Kashgar to trip to Karakul Lake. At the foot of the mighty Muztagata Mountains, the lake is popular among travelers for its gorgeous scenery and the clarity of its reflection in the water, whose color ranges from a dark green to azure and light blue. Never miss to take great photos. On the way you will visit a local village and see snow-capped mountains. Enjoy picnic lunch at the lake side.
Meal: B, L
Transfer to fly to Urumqi. Be met and transferred to visit Xinjiang Autonomous Region Museum to witness the diversity and cultural cultural roots of Xinjing. Know how 12 minority groups such as Uygur, kazak, hui, kirgiz, Mongolia and the others live in this wild land. Then visit Red Hill Park, which is a symbol of Urumqi which has a reddish brown color with 1.5km long and 1km wide from east to west. Afterwards, hotel check in. Free at the rest of the day.
Meal: B, L
Enjoy your last minute experiencing culture and life in Urmuqi. Be picked up and escorted to the airport for your flight back home. End of your 12 days amazing Silk Road discovery tour.
Meal: B
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