The Great Wall and Ancient Silk Road

Itinerary

• Day 1: Beijing, Arrival

  Touching down in Beijing, the capital of China, you'll be greeted by your guide who will escort you to your hotel for a well-deserved rest. As you settle in, prepare to delve into the rich tapestry of Chinese history and culture, with each day promising discoveries and unforgettable experiences.

  • Beijing

• Day 2: Beijing, Forbidden City

  Start your day at Tiananmen Square, one of the world's largest city squares and a symbol of modern China. Here, you can admire the Monument to the People's Heroes, Chairman Mao's Mausoleum, and other notable structures. Proceed to the Forbidden City, the world's best-preserved ancient wooden complex, which served as the imperial palace for the Ming and Qing dynasties. In the afternoon, embark on a Hutong tour with a rickshaw, meandering through narrow streets and traditional courtyard houses to experience the charm of old Beijing.

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  • Beijing

• Day 3: Beijing, Mutianyu Great Wall

  Depart from Beijing for the Mutianyu Great Wall, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its unique scenery and historical significance. As taking the cable car up to the wall, you'll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The wall is not only a historical marvel but also a testament to the strategic military thinking of its time, with both sides featuring crenelated parapets for defense.

  On the way back to your downtown hotel, stop to capture the image of the Olympic Bird Nest and Water Cube.

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  • Beijing

• Day 4: Beijing - Lanzhou, Temple of Heaven

  Start the day by visiting the Temple of Heaven, a masterpiece of Ming dynasty architecture. Surrounded by its vast park, witness locals leisurely strolling with bird cages and immerse yourself in the melodic tunes of the erhu. Engage in a Tai Chi session, where participants can master the elegant techniques of this age-old martial art.

  After lunch, proceed to the airport for a flight to Lanzhou. Upon landing, be greeted and escorted to your accommodation by the local driver.

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  • Lanzhou

• Day 5: Lanzhou, Bingling Temple Grottoes

  Drive about 2 hours to the first large reservoir in Yellow River - Liujiaxia Reservoir. Continue with an hour's speedy boat ride, offering a breathtaking view of the Yellow River and the surrounding natural beauty, to the Bingling Temple. This sacred place, initially constructed in A.D. 420 during the Western Qin Dynasty, is a treasure trove of 183 caves and niches, 694 stone statues, 82 clay sculptures, and 900 square meters of murals that transport you through the artistic evolution of Chinese Buddhist art across different dynasties.

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  • Lanzhou

• Day 6: Lanzhou - Zhangye, White Pagoda Hill Park

  Continue your exploration to the Baita Mountain Park this morning, offering a panoramic view of the city's skyline. Ascend the mountain to discover the White Pagoda, a historic landmark that stands as a testament to the region's cultural heritage. From the park, meander towards the banks of the Yellow River to encounter the iconic Yellow River Mother statue, with its flowing lines and gentle curves, pays homage to the river's nurturing role in the lives of the people. In the afternoon, take an approximately 3-hour train transfer to Zhangye for the night.

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  • Zhangye

• Day 7: Zhangye - Jiayuguan, Danxia Landform View

  Embark on a cultural and natural expedition starting with the majestic Dafo Temple, a sanctuary of serenity and architectural splendor. Wander through its hallowed halls, absorbing the tales etched into the stone and wood.

  Thereafter, head to the Danxia Landform National Geopark to admire the captivating strata landscapes, an ideal photography spot for enthusiasts. You can stroll along the trails and ascend to the viewpoints for panoramic views. If time permits, witness a spectacular sunset here, with the entire sky and the Danxia landforms bathed in hues of red and orange. Then, drive about 2.5 hours to Jiayuguan for the night.

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  • Jiayuguan

• Day 8: Jiayuguan - Dunhuang, Jiayuguan Pass

  Set off to the iconic Jiayuguan Fort, a sentinel marking the western extremity of the Ming Great Wall and a vital nexus on the storied Silk Road. Delve into the Great Wall Museum to unravel the intricacies of the ancient military defense architecture that once protected the empire.

  After that, marvel at the Overhanging Great Wall, a section built on a ridge, known for its steepness and danger. Conclude your trip to Jiayuguan, then continue to Dunhuang with approximately 3 hours of high-speed train for the following itinerary.

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  • Dunhuang

• Day 9: Dunhuang, Mogao Caves

  Kick off the day with a visit to the illustrious Mogao Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a sanctuary of Buddhist art. Immerse yourself in this majestic gallery, home to an exquisite array of murals that unfurl like scrolls of celestial tales and sculptures that stand as silent witnesses to centuries of devotion.

  Next, venture to Crescent Lake, encircled by the dramatic dunes of Mingsha Mountain. Marvel at the harmonious coexistence of water and sand, where the lake's crescent shape glistens like a desert gem, cradled by the undulating waves of sand. As dusk falls, ascend the slopes of Mingsha Mountain to admire the enchanting transformation of the landscape under the soft hues of twilight.

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  • Dunhuang

• Day 10: Departure From Dunhuang

  On your last day in Dunhuang, you will be transferred to the airport to conclude your unforgettable journey in China.

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