Silk Road Journey from Urumqi to Xian in 14 days

Our guide will meet you at Urumqi Airport with a sign bearing your name and drive you directly to the hotel in an air-conditioned vehicle. Rest at the hotel to recover from jet lag.

Embark on a day-long journey through Urumqi, immersing yourself in its cultural riches. Start at the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region Museum, exploring the captivating history and diverse traditions of Xinjiang. Marvel at the extensive collection of artifacts, gaining insight into the region's cultural tapestry.

Next, visit the iconic Red Hill, adorned with vibrant red sandstone formations. Climb its slopes for awe-inspiring views of Urumqi and the surrounding mountains. Discover the historical significance and serenity of this ancient burial site.

In the afternoon, wander through the bustling International Bazaar, a vibrant marketplace offering a wealth of local crafts, traditional Uyghur products, and international goods. Delight in the enticing aromas and flavors of regional cuisine, indulging in the culinary delights found within.

Fly from Urumqi to Kashgar in the morning.

Upon arrival, visit the Abakh Khoja Family Tomb, a magnificent architectural gem with blue masonry resembling a grand palace.

Explore Kashgar's Old Town, a captivating destination known for its traditional Uyghur residences, which have stood for over 600 years. Experience the Uyghur way of life and traditions as you stroll through the town's charming streets.

Discover Zhiren Street, famous for its craft workshops showcasing pottery, bakeries, embroidery, and knife shops.

Savor a tea-tasting experience at the renowned Century-Old Tea House in Kashgar. Admire its beautiful courtyard, intricate wooden carvings, and ornate decor while sampling different teas and classic snacks. This visit offers a unique cultural immersion into the traditional lifestyle and warm hospitality of the Uyghur people.

Embark on a journey from Kashgar to Tashkurgan, exploring two stunning lakes along the way.

First, visit Baisha Lake, also known as White Sand Lake. As its name suggests, this lake showcases glistening white sand beaches, creating a unique and enchanting landscape. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the shore, feel the soft sand between your toes, and appreciate the tranquil ambiance of this hidden gem.

Next, continue your adventure to Karakul Lake, a picturesque alpine lake nestled amidst the Pamir Mountains. Marvel at the crystal-clear waters reflecting the surrounding snow-capped peaks. The serene beauty of Karakul Lake, also known as "Black Lake," offers a peaceful respite and breathtaking views of nature's splendor.

Both Karakul Lake and Baisha Lake offer opportunities for scenic photography, nature walks, and moments of serenity amidst the natural wonders of the region. Take in the awe-inspiring vistas and immerse yourself in the tranquility of these captivating lakes.

Tashkurgan means "city of stones." Today, visit Tashkurgan Fort and the Golden Prairie.

Start your day by visiting Tashkurgan Fort, an ancient fortress perched atop a hill in Kashgar. Dating back to the Tang Dynasty, this architectural marvel offers a glimpse into the art and design of that era. Marvel at its rectangular stone structure, towering walls, and defensive towers, reflecting the region's historical significance and rich heritage.

Next, venture to the enchanting Golden Prairie, also known as Alar National Wetland Park. Situated at an elevation of 3,100 meters and spanning over 100,000 acres, this marshy meadow showcases nature's magnificence. In summer, be mesmerized by the lush greenery that blankets the landscape. As autumn arrives, witness the wetland's transformation into a golden paradise, as the vegetation turns a brilliant yellow, aptly earning it the name "Jincaotan" or Golden Grassland. Finally, in winter, behold the park's captivating snowy scenery, as it becomes adorned in a pristine white blanket.

In the early morning, take a flight from Kashgar to Urumqi, then proceed to Turpan by car.

Visit the Karez Wells, a unique and ancient irrigation system that has been providing water to the arid region of Turpan for over 2,000 years. Explore the underground channels and learn about the significance of this engineering marvel in sustaining agriculture and civilization in the area.

Explore the Suleiman Minaret, an impressive Islamic monument that stands as a symbol of the region's cultural heritage. Admire the intricate architectural design and intricate patterns of the minaret, and learn about its historical and religious importance.

Discover the Jiaohe Ruins, an ancient archaeological site that offers a glimpse into the prosperous city that once thrived along the Silk Road. Explore the well-preserved ruins of houses, temples, and government buildings, and learn about the city's significance as a trading and cultural center.

Spend your day exploring the fascinating Gaochang Ruins, Astana Tombs, Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves, and connecting with the local Hami community. This itinerary offers a comprehensive and enriching experience of Turpan's historical and cultural wonders.

Visit the Gaochang Ancient City, a significant site on the Silk Road. Explore its expansive ruins, including palaces, temples, streets, Uyghur dwellings, and intricate brick carvings, showcasing the East-West civilization exchange.

Discover the Astana Tombs, located in the Gobi Desert. Uncover thousands of historical treasures, such as mummies, scripts, inscriptions, paintings, figurines, and artifacts, earning it the title of the "Underground Museum of Turpan."

Explore the Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves, renowned for their exquisite Buddhist murals and sculptures. These caves, dating back to the 5th-14th centuries, served as a prominent center for Buddhist worship and learning along the Silk Road.

Engage in an immersive cultural experience with a local Hami family in their ancestral city. Enjoy tea, snacks, and a glimpse into their life, customs, and cuisine.

In the morning, take the high-speed train from Turpan to Liuyuan in Gansu province, then proceed to visit the Crescent Lake and Singing Sand Dunes.

The Singing Sand Mountains and Crescent Spring, located near Dunhuang in northwest China, offer a breathtaking natural spectacle. The sand dunes, known for the haunting sound they produce when wind-blown, create a unique musical experience. Amidst the vast desert landscape, the Crescent Spring emerges like an oasis, forming a crescent-shaped lake surrounded by towering dunes. This harmonious combination of sand and water creates a picturesque and tranquil scene. Visitors can enjoy camel rides(optional), sand sliding(optional), and exploring the dunes, as well as admire the beauty of the Crescent Spring against the backdrop of the Singing Sand Mountains.

In the morning, start your day by visiting the Mogao Grottoes, a symbol of Dunhuang city. These historic temples, carved into cliffs 25 km southeast of Dunhuang, showcase the world's largest and richest collection of Buddhist art. Explore 10 of the caves, carefully selected for public viewing, and witness the remarkable artistic and cultural heritage spanning several centuries.

Afterward, continue your journey towards Jiayuguan, making a stop at the Yulin Grottoes along the way. Situated in Guazhou County, Jiuquan City, these grottoes are carved into steep cliffs lining the Yulin River Gorge. Also known as the "Cave of Ten Thousand Buddhas," they date back to the Northern Wei Dynasty and feature 43 surviving caves. While lesser-known, the Yulin Grottoes hold immense artistic value, particularly with their Western Xia murals that surpass those of the renowned Mogao Grottoes.

In the evening, arrive in Jiayuguan and settle in for a well-deserved rest, reflecting on the rich cultural experiences of the day.

In the morning, start by visiting the Jiayuguan Pass. It marks the western starting point of the Great Wall and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is the most spectacular and well-preserved military defense of the Ming Dynasty Wall.

Next, explore the Hanging Great Wall, located on the northern slope of the Black Hill. It is built on a 150-meter-high ridge, giving the impression of a wall suspended on the mountain. From the top, enjoy stunning views of the desert and mountains.

Afterwards, proceed to Zhangye National Geopark. It is one of the most beautiful Danxia landform parks in China. The Danxia landform features stunningly colorful rock formations, especially under the sunlight. With its vibrant colors, it is a perfect place for photography.

Conclude the day by staying overnight in Zhangye.

The Giant Buddha Temple is located in Zhangye and houses a majestic reclining Buddha statue. The statue is 34.5 meters long and is one of the largest reclining Buddha statues in China. Explore the temple complex and admire the intricate architecture and Buddhist artwork.

Continue the journey to the Maiji Grottoes, located near Tianshui. These grottoes are renowned for their Buddhist rock-cut sculptures and murals, dating back to the Tang Dynasty. Marvel at the more than 7,200 sculptures and admire the artistic details displayed in these ancient caves.

Start your exploration at the Great Mosque of Xian, a significant Islamic architectural masterpiece in China. Marvel at the blend of Chinese and Islamic architectural styles as you wander through the beautiful courtyards and halls of the mosque.

Afterward, make your way to the bustling Muslim Quarter, a vibrant neighborhood known for its rich cultural heritage and delicious street food. Explore the lively streets filled with food stalls, shops, and traditional architecture. Indulge in the local cuisine, particularly the famous Xi'an dumplings, which come in a variety of flavors and fillings.

Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the Muslim Quarter and savor the flavors of Xi'an before concluding the day's journey in this historic city.

In the morning, visit the Terracotta Army. It is a remarkable archaeological site and one of the world's most significant discoveries. The army consists of thousands of life-sized terracotta soldiers and horses, guarding the tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huang.

In the afternoon, explore the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda. This ancient Buddhist pagoda is a symbol of Xi'an and offers panoramic views of the city from its top. It holds a rich history and serves as a Buddhist pilgrimage site.

Next, enjoy a bike ride on the City Wall of Xian. The well-preserved city wall is one of the oldest and most complete walls in China. Cycling along the wall provides a unique perspective of the city and its surroundings.

Free time until departure to the airport (or train station). End of service.