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Upon arriving in Urumqi, our tour guide will welcome you at the airport and escort you to your hotel. Feel free to spend the remainder of the day exploring the city at your leisure.
Stay in Urumqi
Following breakfast, embark on a visit to Heavenly Lake (天池) in the Tianshan Mountains, which sits at an elevation of 1,910 meters. Enjoy a scenic boat tour on the lake, taking in the views of the surrounding snow-capped peaks and the “magical color covering the lake”. The lake is associated with many “beautiful myths and legends”.
Afterward, explore the Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar(国际大巴扎), the “largest bazaar in the world”.
After dinner, we will board a deluxe train to Korla at 9:00 PM, where you can enjoy the evening and morning views of the local countryside.
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Korla, was once an important stop on the Silk Road. After breakfast, visit Tiemen Pass(铁门关), known as the “Iron Gate” for its solid structure. This pass was crucial for entering the Tarim Basin in ancient times.
Next, head to Bosten Lake(博斯腾湖), a beautiful oasis known as the “West Sea” in the Han Dynasty. The lake is abundant with aquatic life and offers stunning scenery. After dinner, board a deluxe train to Kashgar at 8:30 PM.
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Following breakfast on the China Orient Express, you’ll travel along the Sino-Pakistan Karakorum Highway on the Pamir Plateau(帕米尔高原), also known as the “roof of the world”. You will visit Karakul Lake(喀拉库勒湖), which sits at 3,600m above sea level, nestled at the foot of the Muztagh Ata (7,546m) and Gongur Tagh (7,719m) mountains.
Muztagh Ata is located on the Pamir Plateau in Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region and is known as the “father of ice mountains”. The mountain is part of the Kunlun Mountains, and is close to the Karakoram highway.
We’ll return to Kashgar in the late afternoon.
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Immerse yourself in Uyghur culture in Kashgar by visiting the Sunday Livestock Market(牛羊大巴扎), where farmers gather to trade horses, sheep, goats, camels, and other animals. This vibrant market offers a glimpse into traditional life and a chance to capture memorable photos.
Next, explore the Sunday Bazaar, one of Central Asia’s largest markets, featuring a wide range of goods like sheepskin hats, camel-hide boots, and local produce.
After lunch, stroll through Kashgar’s Old Town(喀什古城), exploring ancient streets, handicraft workshops, and historical sites. Relax at a century-old tea house with locals over medicinal teas. Later, board the China Orient Express to Kuqa at 11:00 PM.
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After breakfast on the China Orient Express, visit the Tianshan Grand Canyon(天山大峡谷), formed by wind and rain erosion over millions of years near Keziliya Mountain(克孜利亚山), a branch of the Tianshan Mountains.
Next, explore the Kizil Thousand-Buddha Caves(克孜尔千佛洞), renowned for their extensive murals that surpass other cave complexes in China. These caves are significant in Buddhism and the history of Qiuci(龟兹), with murals covering over 10,000 square meters across 81 caves.
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Today, explore Turpan by visiting the Karez Irrigation System(坎儿井), an ancient engineering marvel that showcases the ingenuity of the Uyghur people in desert agriculture. This extensive network of underground channels stretches over 5,000 km, rivaling the Great Wall and the Jinghang Grand Canal in significance.
Next, head to the Flaming Mountains(火焰山), famous for their extreme heat and their role in the Chinese legend “Journey to the West.”
Finally, visit Jiaohe Ancient City(交河故城), the world’s largest and best-preserved earthen city, with a history dating back over 2,000 years. After dinner, board a deluxe train to Dunhuang at 8:30 PM.
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After breakfast, visit Crescent Lake(月牙泉) and the Singing Sand Dunes(鸣沙山), a stunning oasis in the Gobi Desert surrounded by towering sand dunes. The dunes are named for the musical sound they make when the wind blows.
In the evening, explore the vibrant Shazhou Night Market(沙洲夜市), known as the “Night Scenery and Painting” of Dunhuang. Here, you can enjoy local snacks, specialties, and crafts amidst the lively atmosphere.
B, L , D, Stay in Dunhuang
After breakfast, visit the renowned Mogao Caves(莫高窟), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring 492 cave temples and 45,000 square meters of frescoes. This site is a treasure trove of cultural, architectural, and artistic riches spanning 1,600 years.
After lunch, board the luxurious China Orient Express train to Jiayuguan, a journey of about five hours.
B, L, D, Stay in Jiayuguan
After breakfast, you’ll visit Jiayuguan Pass(嘉峪关), the western end of the Great Wall from the Ming Dynasty. This well-preserved pass is the most magnificent military fort in China.
Then we drive seven miles to the Overhanging Great Wall(悬壁长城). This section earned its name because it drapes over a mountain ridge at a 45-degree angle, resembling a dragon. Built in 1539 during the Ming Dynasty, the Overhanging Great Wall was constructed to strengthen the defensive capabilities of the Jiayuguan area.
At 8:30 PM, we will board the China Orient Express to Lanzhou.
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This morning, we will visit the Waterwheel Garden(水车博览园) in Lanzhou, showcasing the oldest irrigation tools from the Ming Dynasty. The garden highlights traditional water-driven devices used year-round to collect water from the river or a cofferdam.
After lunch, take a high-speed train to Xi’an, a journey of about three hours. Upon arrival, meet your guide and transfer to your hotel.
B, L, D, Stay in Xi’an
After breakfast at the hotel, we’ll drive to visit the Terracotta Warriors(兵马俑), hailed as one of the “eight wonders of the world”. Here, you can observe the “great army” of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, with approximately 8,000 life-sized terracotta soldiers and horses. These figures, dating back to the late 200s BCE, were created to protect the emperor in the afterlife.
In the afternoon, explore the Ancient City Wall(西安城墙), one of the oldest and most complete city walls in China.
B, L, D, Stay in Xi’an
After breakfast, enjoy your free time until it’s time to transfer to the airport, marking the end of your Silk Road adventure on the China Orient Express. This luxurious train journey offers a unique and comfortable way to explore China’s rich culture and stunning landscapes.
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The best time for a Silk Road tour is during spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November). These seasons offer mild weather, ideal for exploring stunning landscapes and cultural sites like Heavenly Lake, Karakul Lake, and the Terracotta Warriors. Summers are hot, especially in desert areas like Turpan, while winters are cold in mountainous regions.
It takes about 3-4 hours to visit the Terracotta Warriors.
You'll have plenty of opportunities to shop for unique local products throughout the tour. Visit vibrant markets like the Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar in Urumqi, the Sunday Bazaar in Kashgar, and the Shazhou Night Market in Dunhuang to find traditional Uyghur handicrafts, spices, textiles, and jewelry—perfect souvenirs that reflect the region's rich cultural heritage.
Traveling on the China Orient Express is a luxurious and comfortable way to explore the Silk Road. The train features spacious cabins with modern amenities, offering restful journeys between destinations like Korla, Kashgar, and Dunhuang. Enjoy panoramic views, gourmet meals, and exceptional service, making long-distance travel both enjoyable and convenient.
Lanzhou - Hezuo - Diebu County - Tangke County - Aba County - Hezuo - Lanzhou
Lanzhou - Zhangye - Dunhuang - Golmud - Chaka - Xining - Lanzhou
Lanzhou - Xining - Dunhuang - Jiayuguan - Jiuquan - Zhangye - Wuwei - Lanzhou
Urumqi - Korla - Kuqa - Aral - Hotan - Shache - Kashgar - Taxkorgan - Kashgar
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Definitely worth it
Luca –
Wow, what a trip. From the Great Wall in Jiayuguan to the ancient city walls in Xi’an, every stop had its own story. The Flaming Mountains in Turpan were so much more impressive in person. I was also pleasantly surprised by the comfort of the train. It really helped make the long journeys enjoyable. This tour gave me a real feel for the history of the Silk Road, and I’ll never forget it!
Unforgettable China trip!
Sophie –
This trip was something special. I had no idea how incredible the Silk Road could be until I saw it for myself. The Terracotta Warriors were amazing. A must-see!
Great!
David –
Loved the whole trip!
Trip of a lifetime!
Nur Aisyah –
Wow, this tour was everything I dreamed of and more. The landscape at Karakul Lake? Absolutely breathtaking. Our guide, Li Jie, was super knowledgeable and really friendly—felt like a friend by day 3! The train was surprisingly comfy and clean. I especially loved the cultural markets in Kashgar—got so many nice souvenirs. Definitely recommending this to all my friends back home.