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Upon your arrival in Beijing, our guide will greet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel, ensuring a smooth check-in process. With the rest of the day at your disposal, feel free to venture out and explore the city at your own pace.
Stay in Beijing
Today, our tour of Beijing begins with a visit to Tiananmen Square(天安门广场), the world’s largest public square, steeped in cultural significance. Next, we’ll head to the Temple of Heaven(天坛), a sacred site in southern Beijing that has been revered for over five centuries. Emperors from the Ming and Qing dynasties would visit this complex annually to pray to heaven, making it the largest of several royal altars dedicated to celestial and natural deities.
In the afternoon, we’ll explore the Forbidden City(紫禁城), a majestic palace complex that ranks among the world’s most renowned. After immersing ourselves in the grandeur of the Forbidden City, we’ll conclude the day with a captivating performance of traditional Chinese Kung Fu in the evening.
B, L, D, Stay in Beijing
We’ll start the day with breakfast at the hotel, followed by a visit to the Mutianyu Great Wall(慕田峪长城), one of China’s best-preserved and longest sections. After exploring this historic site, we’ll head to the Ming Tombs(明十三陵), a collection of mausoleums for 13 Ming emperors. The highlight will be Emperor Wanli’s tomb, an underground palace discovered in 1956. On our return to downtown Beijing, we’ll stop for photos at the iconic 2008 Olympic Site, featuring the Bird’s Nest(鸟巢) and Water Cube(水立方), before enjoying dinner and an overnight stay.
B, L, D, Stay in Beijing
Our tour begins at the Summer Palace(颐和园), located 15 kilometers northwest of central Beijing. This magnificent royal park is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and cultural significance. Visitors can spend hours exploring the gardens or enjoy a leisurely boat ride.
Next, we’ll delve into the heart of Beijing’s culture by visiting the historic Hutongs(胡同). These traditional alleyways are lined with classic courtyard homes and embody the authentic spirit of local life. Exploring the Hutongs offers a unique glimpse into Beijing’s rich history and cultural heritage.
B, L, D, Stay in Beijing
This morning, you’ll take a flight to the historic city of Datong, where you’ll meet your guide. Your first stop will be the Yungang Caves(云冈石窟), a breathtaking site featuring intricate Buddhist carvings. This ancient complex boasts 53 caves and over 51,000 stone statues, showcasing some of China’s most impressive Buddhist art.
Next, you’ll visit the 1,500-year-old Hanging Monastery(悬空寺), an architectural marvel nestled at the foot of Hengshan Mountain. Located 65 kilometers from downtown Datong, it has endured for centuries, blending Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism in a unique cultural fusion.
B, L, D, Stay in Datong
After breakfast, we’ll head to Pingyao. This historic town was once China’s financial hub and features numerous mansions, temples, museums, and traditional shops. We’ll explore Ming Qing Street(明清街) and the Temple of the City God(城隍庙), one of China’s best-preserved temples.
Next, we’ll head to the Qiao Family Courtyard House(乔家大院), a stunning example of northern Chinese architecture. This compound not only showcases the wealth of the Qiao family but also highlights the local customs of Shanxi Province.
In the evening, we’ll board an overnight soft sleeper train to Xi’an.
B, L, D, On the Soft Sleeper Train
Upon arrival in Xi’an, you’ll be greeted and transferred to your hotel for a brief rest. Then, we’ll head to the Ancient City Wall(西安城墙), one of China’s most impressive and well-preserved defensive structures. You can explore the wall on foot or by bike, taking in its grandeur from a unique perspective.
Later, we’ll visit the Muslim Quarter(回民街), a stunning blend of Islamic and Chinese architectural styles. The mosque and surrounding quarter are not only significant cultural landmarks but also important ecological and historical preservation sites.
B, L, D, Stay in Xi’an
We’ll begin our day with a visit to the Terracotta Warriors(兵马俑), one of the most significant archaeological discoveries of the 20th century. Located near Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s Mausoleum, this site is a must-see for anyone interested in China’s rich past.
After lunch at a local restaurant, we’ll head to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda(大雁塔), a stunning seven-story structure built to house Buddhist scriptures brought back by the monk Xuanzang(玄奘). From the top, you can enjoy panoramic views of Xi’an and see a variety of Buddha statues. If time allows, we recommend ending the day with the captivating Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show.
B, L, D, Stay in Xi’an
Start your day with a delicious buffet breakfast at the hotel, followed by a morning flight to Jiayuguan. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted and escorted to explore the historic Jiayuguan Fort(嘉峪关城楼), a strategic Ming Dynasty fort marking the western end of the Great Wall. This site was the last section built by the Ming Dynasty and offers a glimpse into China’s military past.
Next, visit the Great Wall Museum(长城博物馆), which provides a comprehensive look at the history and culture of the Great Wall. Afterward, head to the Overhanging Great Wall(悬臂长城), a breathtaking section of the Great Wall built on a steep ridge, giving it the appearance of hanging in mid-air.
B, L, D, Stay in Jiayuguan
We’ll depart from the hotel and embark on a 4.5-hour drive to Dunhuang. Along the way, we’ll stop at the Yulin Grottoes(榆林窟), a historic site carved into the cliffs on both sides of the Yulin River. This collection of caves features 41 grottoes with stunning frescoes and sculptures created during various dynasties, including the Tang and Yuan periods.
In the evening, we’ll explore the vibrant Shazhou Night Market(沙洲夜市) in Dunhuang, where you can immerse yourself in local culture, savor regional delicacies, and enjoy a leisurely stroll through this bustling hub.
B, L, D, Stay in Dunhuang
We’ll begin our day at the Mogao Grottoes(莫高窟), a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its stunning Buddhist art. Before exploring the caves, we’ll watch a Silk Road film at the visitor center to set the context. A professional guide will then lead us through eight specially selected grottoes, using torches to highlight the intricate murals and sculptures that span over 1,000 years of history.
Next, we’ll visit Echoing-Sand Mountain(鸣沙山) and Crescent Lake(月牙泉), where the sand creates unique sounds in the wind, ranging from gentle whispers to thunderous roars. You can experience the thrill of riding a camel across the dunes, just like ancient Silk Road travelers. Don’t forget to bring sunglasses and a mask to protect yourself from the desert dust.
After exploring Dunhuang, we’ll head to the train station and board an express train to Turpan for an overnight stay.
B, L, D, Stay in Turpan
Our day in Turpan begins with a visit to Tuyoq Village(吐峪沟), nestled in the heart of Flaming Mountain Canyon. This ancient oasis village is a blend of Buddhist and Islamic heritage, featuring stunning canyon scenery, the Thousand Buddha Caves, a Maza tomb, and traditional village architecture.
Next, we’ll explore the Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves(柏孜克里克千佛洞), a complex of Buddhist caves dating back to the 5th to 14th centuries. Located near the ancient city of Gaochang, these grottoes are renowned for their vibrant murals depicting diverse figures from various cultures. From here, you can also take in the breathtaking view of the Flaming Mountains(火焰山), famously featured in the classic novel “Journey to the West.”
Finally, we’ll head to the Jiaohe Ruins(交河故城), one of China’s best-preserved ancient sites, situated atop a cliff between two rivers. With a history spanning 2,300 years, this site was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2014, offering a glimpse into China’s rich past.
B, L, D, Stay in Turpan
Begin your day with a delicious buffet breakfast at the hotel, followed by a tour of Turpan. Our first stop will be the Emin Minaret(苏公塔), the tallest Islamic minaret in China, built in 1778 to honor the achievements of Emin Khoja, a local leader. This impressive structure showcases the unique architectural style of the Uighur people.
Next, we’ll explore the Karez Well(坎儿井), a remarkable irrigation system that ingeniously harnesses Turpan’s topography to bring underground water to the surface, supporting the region’s agriculture.
In the afternoon, we’ll drive to Urumqi, passing by the massive wind power station at the foot of the Tianshan Mountains and catching a glimpse of the Salt Lake in Dabancheng. Upon arrival in Urumqi, you’ll have the opportunity to visit the vibrant Xinjiang International Bazaar(新疆国际大巴扎), where you can immerse yourself in a bustling marketplace filled with a wide array of goods, from fresh produce to handicrafts.
B, L, D, Stay in Urumqi
We’ll start our day at the Xinjiang Regional Museum(新疆维吾尔自治区博物馆), a comprehensive cultural hub showcasing over 50,000 relics from the Silk Road and Xinjiang’s diverse ethnic groups. The museum is home to the famous “Loulan Beauty,” a remarkably preserved ancient mummy, as well as a vast collection of manuscripts, fabrics, and traditional clothing.
B, L
Must-eat foods in Xinjiang include roast lamb, hand-pulled noodles (Lagman), Da Pan Ji (Big Plate Chicken), lamb kebabs, and Uyghur-style polo (pilaf).
The Mutianyu section is the best to visit in Beijing because it is well-preserved, less crowded than Badaling, and offers stunning scenic views with easier accessibility.
The Forbidden City is popular for its rich history, grand imperial architecture, and status as China’s largest and best-preserved ancient palace complex. It offers a glimpse into the lives of emperors and the country’s cultural heritage.
The Terracotta Warriors in Xi’an are famous because they are a massive underground army built over 2,000 years ago to guard China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, in the afterlife. This archaeological wonder showcases thousands of life-sized, uniquely detailed soldiers, making it one of the greatest discoveries of the 20th century.
Dunhuang is a must-visit for its Mogao Caves, home to stunning ancient Buddhist art, the Mingsha Sand Dunes, offering breathtaking desert scenery, and its rich Silk Road history.
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Lanzhou - Xining - Dunhuang - Jiayuguan - Jiuquan - Zhangye - Wuwei - Lanzhou
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Cultural immersion
Michaela –
Every part of the tour was fascinating. The blend of ancient history and natural beauty was captivating. It’s a tour I’d recommend to anyone wanting to experience China’s ancient culture.
Good!!
David Chen –
I had the pleasure of taking this tour and it exceeded my expectations. From the grandeur of the Forbidden City to the awe-inspiring Terracotta Warriors, every location was rich in history and culture. The guides were knowledgeable and professional, making each day informative and enjoyable. The trip felt perfectly organized, and I loved learning about ancient China while experiencing the natural beauty along the Silk Road. I especially appreciated the personal touch during the Hutong visit in Beijing and the cultural immersion in Urumqi’s market.
great tour experience
John –
Absolutely loved the visit to the Terracotta Warriors! The history is mind-blowing, and the guide made everything come to life.