9 Days Silk Road Tour

Day 01 Xian

Arrive in Xian. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by the local guide and transferred to four-star Aurum International Hotel.

Day 02 Xian (B, L)

A full day tour recalls the glories of ancient Xian as you visit the burial site of the incredible army of 8000 lifelike Terra-cotta soldiers, the majestic Big Wild Goose Pagoda and the City Wall. Today you will enjoy the authentic Chinese cuisine for lunch.

Day 03 Xian / Urumqi (B, D)

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Urumqi, the capital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Check into the Xinjiang Grand Hotel. Continue to visit the Nanshan Pasture to enjoy the life of the minorities in Xinjiang. Enjoy the typical local flavor for dinner.

Day 04 Urumqi (B, L)

The highlight of our visit to Urumqi is an excursion to Heavenly Lake. Only one hour and a half drive from the city, it lies on snow-capped Mount Bogda at almost 2000 meters above sea level. The sapphire-blue lake is set in deep slope of pine forests and meadows of wild flowers where Kazak nomads camp. The views from the cruise boat are breathtaking. After lunch at carefully-selected restaurant, you will drive back to Urumqi. Proceed to visit the Regional Museum and excursion to Erdaoqiao International Grand Bazaar.

Day 05 Urumqi / Turpan (B, L)

Today’s highlight is the Nanshan Pastures where nomadic tribesmen herd their yaks and sheep. You will have the opportunity to visit a family in their tent for a taste of traditional nomadic hospitality. A short coach journey takes you through the desert to the Oasis town of Turpan, famous for its melons and vineyards. Check into the local best Hotel Tuha Petroleum.

Day 06 Turpan / Dunhuang (B, L)

Today's tour includes visits to the ruined city of Gaochang by donkey cart, and the underground tombs of Astana, the legendary Flaming Mountains, and Bezeklik Caves, whose walls are adorned with Buddhists frescoes. You will also see the Emin Minaret, one of the finest buildings on the Silk Road, and Karez Well - an underground irrigation system. Board the overnight train to Dunhuang. Over night on the train.

Day 07 Dunhuang (B, L)

Arrive in Dunhuang in the morning. Enjoy breakfast in the International Hotel. Dunhuang was a strategic post on the Silk Road and frontier town of the ancient. A leisurely day includes visits to Minsha Hill and Crescent Moon Lake. Stay at the local best Dunhuang Hotel this evening.

Day 8 Dunhuang / Xian (B, D)

You will visit the most famous monument of Dunhuang-the Mogao Caves, popularly known as "Thousand Buddha Caves". An art gallery in the desert, the walls of the caves are lined with Buddhist frescoes and sculpted figures, is said to be the finest examples of Buddhist art in the world. Mixing Indian and Chinese styles, they are a remarkable record of Silk Road civilization. You will enjoy delicious local flavor fro today’s lunch. Transfer to the airport and fly to Xian. Upon arrival, meet and transfer to the Aurum International Hotel. Enjoy a good rest tonight. Typical local flavor will be arranged for the dinner.

Day 9 Xian (B)

Transfer to the airport for you flight to the next destination. The whole tour ends with a memorable experience.