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This 6-day Xinjiang tour offers an immersive journey through the region’s rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture.
Starting in Urumqi, you’ll explore the Xinjiang Museum’s Silk Road relics and the bustling Erdaoqiao Grand Bazaar before visiting the breathtaking Heavenly Lake in the Tianshan Mountains. In Turpan, a desert oasis along the ancient Silk Road, you’ll discover UNESCO-listed ruins like Jiaohe and Gaochang Ancient Cities, the Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves, and the ingenious Karez Well irrigation system. Along the way, you’ll encounter Uyghur traditions, sample local flavors like grapes and laghman(noodles), and admire architectural gems such as the Emin Minaret.
The tour blends adventure, archaeology, and cultural encounters, culminating with a return to Urumqi for departure.
Welcome to Urumqi, the capital city of Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region in China. Upon arrival Urumqi, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Enjoy your free time to explore.
Today you will visit Xinjiang Regional Museum(close on Mondays) to discover Silk Road relics and the ancient Buddhist artifacts.
Then you will head to Erdaoqiao Grand Bazaar, wander through the largest market in Central Asia, bustling with spices, carpets, and handicrafts.
Next stop is the Red Hill Park where you can have a bird view of the city views.
Then you will move to the 40-meter-tall Golden Buddha Statue, the largest in Xinjiang.
Today you will take 1-hour car ride to this alpine Heavenly Lake or Tianchi in Chinese nestled in the Tianshan Mountain. Enjoy the walk along the forested trails.
In the afternoon, transfer to Turpan by car (3hr drive).
In the evening, relax at a local markert; Turpan is renowned for its sweet grapes and raisins.
Today you will visit Gaochang Ancient City, Tuyoq Valley, Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves, Emin Minaret, and Turpan Museum(close on Mondays) in Turpan .
Gaochang Ancient City - Explore the ruins of this 2,000-year-old Silk Road kingdom, once a hub for Buddhism and commerce.
Tuyoq Valley - Hike through this picturesque village of adobe houses and cliffside **Buddhist caves**, still used by Uyghur families today.
Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves- Admire the surviving murals of this Tang Dynasty grotto complex hidden in the Flaming Mountains, though many were looted by early explorers.
Emin Minaret (Sugong Pagoda) - Photograph Xinjiang’s tallest minaret, a masterpiece of Uyghur Islamic architecture.
Turpan Museum - Learn about the region’s history, from Karez irrigation systems to Xinjiang’s multicultural heritage.
In the morning you will visit Jiaohe Ancient City to walk through this UNESCO-listed ruin, a 2300-year-old fortress carved entirely from a river-island plateau. Then head to Karez Well System to explore the underground canals, a 2000-year-old engineering marvel that sustains Turpan’s oasis agriculture.
In the afternoon, return to Urumqi (2.5hr drive).
Today you will depart from Urumqi. You will be transferred to Urumqi airport to catch your flight, where the wonderful tour concludes.
Accommodation: 5-star in Urumqi and 4-star hotel in Turpan
Transport: Chartered vehicle
Meals: Listed in the itinerary
Guide: English-speaking local guides
Entrance Fees: Sites stated
Gratuities
Travel insurance
Things not listed in the INCLUDED
Tour duration: 6 days 5 nights
Difficulty: Easy
