A reputable China tour operator & China travel agency from 1987
This tour takes you from the ancient glories of Xian to the western frontier regions of Xinjiang on the famous Silk Road. Explore forgotten towns, desert oases and mystical Buddhist caves all the while enjoying the different culture and customs of the Uygur minority. Special features of this tour include a visit to a nomad camp and a camel ride across sand dunes.
Tour Code: CCT-SR01SS
Destinations: Xi'an, Urumqi, Turpan, Dunhuang
| Day 1 | Xian arrival |
| Day 2 | Xian Meal: Breakfast Highlights: Terracotta Warriors Museum, Emperor Qin's Mausoleum |
| Day 3 | Xian Plane Urumqi Meal: Breakfast Highlights: City Wall, Bell & Drum Tower Square, Great Mosque, Muslim Street |
| Day 4 | Urumqi Meal: Breakfast Highlights: Heavenly Lake, the Regional Museum, Erdaoqiao International Grand Bazaar |
| Day 5 | Urumqi Bus Turpan Meal: Breakfast Highlights: the Nanshan Pastures |
| Day 6 | Turpan Train Dunhuang Meal: Breakfast Highlights: Karez Well, underground tombs of Astana, legendary Flaming Mountains, Bezeklik Caves, Emin Minaret, ruined city of Gaochang |
| Day 7 | Dunhuang Accommodation: Tent Meal: Breakfast Highlights: Singing Sand Dune, Crescent Moon Lake |
| Day 8 | Dunhuang Plane Xian Meal: Breakfast Highlights: the Mogao Caves |
| Day 9 | Xian Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Day 01 Xian
Upon arrival, you will be greeted by the local guide and transferred to the hotel.
Day 02 Xian (B)
After breakfast travel to Lintong, the place where The Terracotta Army and the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor was discovered. The Terracotta Warriors are the most significant archeological excavations of the 20th century. There are more than 8,000 life-size Terra-cotta soldiers and horses excavated from this area which all displayed in the practical battle formation in 3 pits respectively. In the late afternoon, travel back to your hotel.
Day 03 Xian / Urumqi (B)
In the morning visit the City Wall built in the Ming dynasty, one of the oldest and best preserved ancient Chinese city walls. The wall is 14 kilometers long. Walk on the top of it, you can have an idea of medieval defense system composed of by watchtowers, ramparts and a moat. Contrasting the old from its inside are the modern high-rises and bustling traffic of Xian. Cross the street and walk to the Muslim quarter. You will visit the mosque at Daxuexixiang. After that, enjoy your shopping time at the Muslim Street which is lined with shops selling souvenirs and local snacks. Transfer to the airport for your flight to Urumqi, the capital of Xinjiang Uigur Autonomous Region. Check into your hotel. Enjoy a good rest this evening.
Day 04 Urumqi (B)
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)
After breakfast, drive to Turpan. Today's highlight is the Emin Mosque, one of the finest buildings on the Silk Road, and Karez Well - an underground irrigation system. A short coach journey takes you through the desert to the Oasis town of Turpan, famous for its melons and vineyards.
Day 06 Turpan / Dunhuang (B)
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. Overnight on the train.
Day 07 Dunhuang (B)
Arrive in Dunhuang in the morning. Enjoy breakfast at 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.
Day 8 Dunhuang / Xian (B)
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. Transfer to the airport and fly to Xian. Upon arrival, meet and transfer to the hotel.
Day 9 Xian (B)
Transfer to the airport for you flight to the next destination. The whole tour ends with a memorable experience.
