OVERVIEW

This wonderful tour will let you explore all must-see sites on the ancient China Silk Road from Kashgar to Urumiq, Turpan, Dunhuang and Jiayuguan in 7 days, and enjoy the nice hotels. It is a cultural tour to learn the history in the old time of western China, modern Xinjiang and Gansu province. Our local guide will give you the hidden stories about the Silk Road.

ITINERARY

Day 1Kashgar Arrival Transfer

Welcome to Kashgar, the historical city on the ancient Silk Road. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to hotel. Enjoy your free time if you arrive early.

Transport: Private vehicle
Accommodation: Overnight in Kashgar

Day 2Kashgar City Tour, then fly to Urumqi

Today it is a busy day to explore Kashgar with a local guide. You will take the city tour by the first stop to visit the Apa Hoja Mausoleum which was built in 1640 by local Imam for his father, and later it became a family graveyard to bury 72 people for 5 generations. The mausoleum is impressive for its delicate Uyghur architectural style including the blue tiles, the dome and the minaret. 

Next, you will visit Kashgar Old Town to explore the interesting area where there are old houses for shops, workshops, restaurants, bakery, and tea houses etc. It displays the long history and vivid lifestyle in Kashgar from ancient Silk Road period to today. Handicraft Street is a must-see section in the old town, where the huge music instruments and bronze vessels are very impressive. You might taste some local snacks here, such as Nang Bread, grilled eggs, dried fruits etc. before visiting the old Id Ghar Mosque, the biggest mosque in Xinjiang. Enter the mosque at non-praying time to appreciate its architecture and decor, please wear long pants and cover the shoulders for ladies while visiting this mosque. 

Lunch is arranged at a local Uyghur's house for you to taste the authentic and traditional Uyghur food including nang bread, hand-stretched noodles, and pilau...etc. 

The animal bazaar is relocated near Kashgar Airport and opens only on Sundays. If it is Sunday, you will also visit the Animal Bazaar.

When your tour is finished, you will be transferred back to Kashgar airport to catch flight to Urumqi. Upon arrival, transferred to hotel. 

Transport: Private Vehicle + Flight
Accommodation: Overnight in Urumqi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 3Urumqi to Tianchi, then drive to Turpan

This morning you will take 1-hour ride to Heavenly Lake, or Tianchi in Chinese, which is a high mountain lake with stunning scenery in the Tianshan Mountains. After lunch, you will visit the renowned Xinjiang Museum that is famous for the well-preserved mummies, particularly Loulan Beauty and Xiaohe Princess. Note: Xinjiang Museum closes on Mondays, so we will arrange to visit Turpan Museum instead if it is Monday.
Afterwards you will take 3-hour car ride to Turpan via the desert, grassland, and Tianshan highway.  

Transport: Private vehicle
Accommodation: Overnight in Turpan
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 4Turpan City Day Tour

Turpan is a hub on the ancient Silk Road, and there are lots of historical sites that are renowned for its well-preserved conditions. 

Today you will visit Bezklik Thousand Buddha CavesAstana Ancient Tombs, the Ancient City of Jiaohe and GaochangKarez Irrigation System, and Emin Minaret with a local guide. 

You may taste some dried fruits and eat Uyghur food at the lunchtime.

Transport: Private vehicle
Accommodation: Overnight in Turpan
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 5Turpan to Liuyuan by bullet train, then drive to Dunhuang

Take 3.5-hour bullet train from Turpan to Liuyuan, where you will take 2-hour car ride to Dunhuang. Wander around the Minsha Shan or Singing Sand Dunes this afternoon, and view the crescent spring in the dunes. 
It is nice to eat or wander around the Dunhuang night market this evening. Or you can watch the performance copied from Mogao Caves.

Transport: Private vehicle + Bullet train
Accommodation: Overnight in Dunhuang
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 6Dunhuang to Jiayuguan by car

In the morning, you will visit Mogao Caves, the gem of the ancient Silk Road. The early history of Mogao can be tracked back to the 4th century, and built many times in the histoty. The colorful fresco, statues in Mogao Caves display various stories about Buddhism.
After lunch, you will take 5-hour car ride to Jiayuguan via the western Hexi Corridor. Enjoy the sceney on the way for Gobi Desert, oasis towns, and snow-capped Qilian Mountains. 

Transport: Private Vehicle
Accommodation: Overnight in Jiayuguan
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 7Departing from Jiayuguan

Today you will isit Jiayuguan Fortress in the morning to learn the splendid history on the Silk Road in the past. Then you will be transferred to Jiayuguan airport to catch your flight back to your destination. 

Note: Please book the flight departing after 1 pm from Jiayuguan. 

Transport: Private vehicle
Accommodation:
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

INCLUDED

Group Size: 1--15 pax 

Travel Season: Year around 

Accommodation: 5-star hotel (4-star in Turpan)

Transport: Chartered car or bus

Train: High speed train (First Class)

Flight: Kashgar/Urumqi (Economy)

Meals: Listed in the itinerary

Entrance fees: Sites listed 

Guide: English-speaking local guides

EXCLUDED

Gratuities

TRIP NOTES

You must apply China Visa before your tour.

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