Xi’an, Dunhuang & Xinjiang: A Silk Road Culture Tour

Itinerary

• Day 1: Xi'an: Arrival

  Welcome to Xi'an! Once the starting point of the ancient Silk Road, and also the beginning of your journey. Upon arrival, your local guide will meet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel for a good rest.

  • Xi'an

• Day 2: Xi'an: Terracotta Warriors & Bronze Chariots, Handicraft Experience, Grand Tang Ever Bright City

  Today, begin with the Eighth Wonder of the world, the Terracotta Army. Thousands of terracotta soldiers and bronze chariots showcase the grandeur of the Qin Dynasty and the sophistication of early craftsmen. After admiring the intricate funerary army of China's first emperor, join in a terracotta warrior making experience. Mold and carve your unique clay soldier as a unique souvenir.

  As the night falls, step into a re-creation of Chang'an in the Tang Dynasty. The bustling streets, glowing lanterns, and traditional folk performances bring you back to the golden age of the Silk Road and thriving Chang'an, which once attracted people from all corners of the world.

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  • Xi'an

• Day 3: Xi'an - Dunhuang: Airplane Transfer

  This morning, transfer to the airport to catch a flight to Dunhuang, the gateway to the western Silk Road. Nestled at the intersection of the Gobi Desert and the oasis, Dunhuang boasts rich landscapes and is also a center of religious and artistic exchange. Upon arrival, your guide will greet you at the airport and take you to the hotel.

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  • Dunhuang

• Day 4: Dunhuang: Mogao Grottoes, Singing Sand Dunes & Crescent Spring

  Explore the Mogao Grottoes today, a treasure trove of Buddhist art along the Silk Road. The intricate murals and sculptures depict not only Buddhist tales, but also Silk Road commerce and the fusion of cultures from Central Asia, India, and other regions.

  Afterwards, visit Singing Sand Dunes and Crescent Spring. As the sunlight glows on the crescent-shaped lake, golden sand whispers a soft hum in the wind, showcasing the tranquility and vitality that coexist in the desert.

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  • Dunhuang

• Day 5: Dunhuang: Yumen Pass, Danya Geological Park, Shazhou Night Market

  Early in the morning, visit the Yumen Pass, an important frontier marking the western exit of ancient China. The ruins of walls and beacon towers reveal the majesty of border defenses at that time. Next, explore the Yadan Geological Park. The wind-eroded peaks and ridges make it look like a dramatic "Ghost City," once a natural barrier on the Silk Road.

  In the evening, dive into the lively Shazhou Night Market, which mixes Han, Uyghur, and Kazakh foods and crafts, showcasing the Silk Road's rich cultural fusion.

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  • Dunhuang

• Day 6: Dunhuang - Turpan: Transfer by Car and Train

  This morning, transfer to Liuyuan Railway Station by private vehicle in about 2 hours, and hop on a high-speed train to Xinjiang. After 3h 40min, you will arrive in Turpan, a key hub on the Silk Road, where your guide will greet you warmly and take you to your hotel for an overnight stay.

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  • Turpan

• Day 7: Turpan: Emin Minaret, Jiaohe Ruins, Karez Irrigation System, Uyghur Family visit

  Begin your day in Turpan at the towering Emin Minaret (Sugong Tower), a stunning blend of Islamic and Uyghur architecture, standing 44 meters high. Explore the Karez Irrigation System, a remarkable underground water system that has endured for 2,000 years.

  Followed by visiting the ancient Silk Road town of Jiaohe, now a ruin of rammed earth perched on a willow-shaped island. Drive past the legendary Flaming Mountain, then step into a Uyghur village to observe locals' life and taste its famed seedless grapes.

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  • Turpan

• Day 8: Turpan - Kashgar: Airplane Transfer, Id Kah Mosque, Kashgar Ancient Town

  Fly about 2 hours this morning to Kashgar, the crossroads of the Silk Road. After landing, your guide will pick you up at the airport and bring you to your hotel for a brief rest.

  In the afternoon, begin your exploration in Kashgar at the renowned Id Kah Mosque, experiencing its stunning Islamic architecture and spiritual atmosphere. Afterwards, walk into the bustling Kashgar Old Town, brimming with Uyghur charm. On Artisan Street, witness craftsmen making traditional cuisines and ethnic handicrafts, as if the trade and vibrant life of the Silk Road from centuries ago comes to life.

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  • Kashgar

• Day 9: Kashgar: Karakuri Lake & Baisha Lake, Kirgiz Family Visit

  Start the day with a scenic car ride to Karakuri Lake over vast alpine plains. Along the historic route of Xuanzang's Journey to the West, stop at Baisha Lake, where shifting sands meet turquoise waters, creating a serene picture. Continue to Karakuri Lake, an oasis in the high-altitude wilderness, surrounded by jagged peaks, with Muztagh Ata looming in the distance.

  Before returning to Kashgar, pay a visit to a Kyrgyz family, a rare chance to meet this small ethnic group. Taste their homemade dried yak meat and watch the shepherds lead their herds across emerald pastures, soaking in the peaceful, pastoral scenery.

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  • Kashgar

• Day 10: Kashgar - Urumqi: Abakh Khoja Tomb, Local Bazaar

  Today, visit the Abakh Khoja Tomb, the resting place of revered religious leader Abakh Khoja and his 72 relatives. Admire its emerald-green tiles and the perfect fusion of Islamic and Uyghur architectural styles.

  Afterwards, your local guide will take you to the day's open bazaar, which played an important role as a commercial node on the Silk Road. With over a thousand years of history, Kashgar's bazaar hosts a different theme each day, where locals still love to buy, offering an authentic glimpse into their daily life. Later, you will transfer to the airport and fly to Urumqi.

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  • Urumqi

• Day 11: Urumqi, Departure

  Your Silk Road Journey perfectly ends in Urumqi. Head to the airport for your flight to your next destination. Until we meet again!

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