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Welcome to Urumqi, the vibrant capital of Xinjiang. Surrounded by breathtaking natural landscapes and rich cultural heritage, Urumqi offers a unique blend of traditions and customs that make it a haven for travelers. Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to your hotel, where you can check in and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.
Stay in Urumqi
This morning, we’ll visit the Xinjiang Regional Museum to explore the rich archaeological treasures of the Silk Road and learn about the diverse minority cultures of Xinjiang. You’ll gain insights into the region’s history and unique ethnic customs.
Next, we’ll head to the vibrant Grand International Bazaar, where you can enjoy a Uygur dance performance and sample local specialties. After immersing yourself in Urumqi’s cultural delights, we’ll bid farewell to the city and take a flight to Kashgar. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted and transferred to your hotel for check-in.
B, L, D, Stay in Kashgar
After breakfast, we’ll visit the Id Kah Mosque(艾提尕尔清真寺), China’s largest mosque and a sacred site for local Muslims. This historic mosque is a hub of Islamic culture and a must-see attraction in Kashgar.
Next, we’ll explore Handicraft Street, a vibrant hub of creativity featuring hundreds of workshops showcasing the region’s finest handicrafts. This street is renowned for its unique crafts, making it a boutique exhibition of Central Asian artisanal goods.
Following this, we’ll head to the bustling Sunday Bazaar, which combines a covered market selling everything from clothing to household items, with an outdoor animal market. Here, you can witness the lively atmosphere as farmers and buyers arrive with their livestock, using a variety of transportation methods.
Finally, we’ll board a train to Kuqa, marking the next leg of our journey.
B, L, D, On the Soft Sleeper Train
Upon arriving in Kuqa early in the morning, we’ll drive to the Nalati Grassland(那拉提草原), one of the world’s largest sub-alpine meadows. This stunning landscape has long been a renowned pasture, offering breathtaking views and a glimpse into traditional Kazakh folk customs. Here, you can immerse yourself in local life by staying in a ger and enjoying horseback rides across the open prairie.
B, L, D, Stay in Nalati
Today, we’ll make our way back to Urumqi, taking in the stunning scenery along the route. Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to your hotel in the downtown area, where you can check in and relax. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure, allowing you to explore Urumqi’s vibrant cityscape or simply unwind in your hotel.
B, L, D, Stay in Urumqi
We’ll begin our day at 8:00 AM with a three-hour drive to Turpan, passing by a massive wind power station and the expansive Gobi Desert. Our first stop will be Tuyoq Valley(吐峪沟), an ancient oasis village nestled in the heart of the Flaming Mountains. Here, we’ll enjoy lunch with a local Uygur family and explore the village’s traditional architecture and lush vineyards.
In the afternoon, we’ll visit the Karez Well irrigation system(坎儿井), renowned for its ingenious method of cultivating China’s finest melons and grapes. Next, we’ll head to the Emin Minaret(苏公塔), a symbol of cultural exchange between different ethnic and religious groups.
Finally, we’ll spend two hours exploring the Jiaohe Ruins(交河故城), a 2,000-year-old archaeological site situated on a cliff between two rivers. This ancient city, often compared to Pompeii but 300 years older, offers a glimpse into the lives of the Uygur ancestors.
B, L, D, Stay in Turpan
This morning, take the train to Dunhuang and check into your hotel. Then, explore the breathtaking Crescent Lake(月牙泉) and Singing Sand Mountains(鸣沙山), a natural oasis in the Gobi Desert surrounded by towering sand dunes.
In the evening, after dinner, head to the vibrant Shazhou Night Market(沙洲夜市), where you can indulge in delicious local snacks, browse traditional crafts, and soak up the lively atmosphere. This bustling market is a must-visit for its unique flavors and cultural experiences.
B, L, D, Stay in Dunhuang
Today, we’ll continue our exploration of Dunhuang. After meeting your guide and driver at the hotel, we’ll head to Yangguan Pass(阳关), a scenic spot built on the ancient site. Here, you can admire historic buildings and exhibitions showcasing relics from the Silk Road.
Next, we’ll visit Yumenguan Pass(玉门关), famous for being the entry point of Khotan jade into Dunhuang. You’ll learn about the rich history and culture of the Silk Road, as well as famous Tang Dynasty poems.
Finally, we’ll travel to the breathtaking Yardang National Geological Park(敦煌雅丹国家地质公园), often referred to as the “Yadan Ghost City.” This vast park features unique desert landscapes and stunning rock formations, creating a surreal and enchanting atmosphere.
B, L, D, Stay in Dunhuang
After breakfast, we’ll visit the renowned Mogao Grottoes(莫高窟), a UNESCO World Heritage site celebrated for its 1,600 years of cultural, architectural, and artistic treasures. This complex features 492 cave temples and an impressive 45,000 square meters of frescoes.
Following lunch, we’ll embark on a 4-5 hour drive to Jiayuguan. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted and transferred to your hotel for check-in.
B, L, D, Stay in Jiayuguan
Today, we’ll begin our journey at the majestic Jiayuguan Fort(嘉峪关城楼). This fortress is a testament to ancient defensive engineering, standing proudly like a guardian of the land. It was a crucial hub along the Silk Road, the world’s oldest trading route.
Next, we’ll visit the Great Wall Museum(长城博物馆), which offers a comprehensive look at the history and culture of the Great Wall. Opened in 1989, it’s the first museum to systematically showcase the Great Wall’s significance. Following this, we’ll explore the renowned Weijin Tombs(魏晋墓), an underground art gallery featuring vivid murals that depict life during the Wei and Jin periods, covering topics from politics to folk customs.
After lunch, we’ll drive to the breathtaking Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park(张掖丹霞国家地质公园), located near the Qilian Mountains. Over the course of four hours, you’ll marvel at the park’s stunning multicolored mountain ridges, a natural masterpiece that will leave you in awe.
B, L, D, Stay in Zhangye
This morning, we’ll explore the Grand Buddha Temple(大佛寺), a significant landmark along the Silk Road and the largest architectural relic from the Western Xia period in Gansu Province. The temple is home to China’s largest and most well-preserved reclining Buddha statue, a stunning piece of art that showcases the region’s rich cultural heritage.
In the afternoon, we’ll head to the train station to board an express train to Lanzhou, marking the next stage of our journey.
B, L, D, Stay in Lanzhou
Today, we’ll start early and arrive at Binlingsi Grottoes(炳灵寺石窟) by 9:30 AM after a 1.5-hour drive. We’ll take a 40-minute speedboat ride into the park to admire the diverse artworks and stone sculptures, gaining insights into ancient social customs and marveling at the Buddha caves.
Afterward, we’ll head back to downtown Lanzhou to visit the Gansu Provincial Museum, the largest and most comprehensive museum in the province. It’s a must-visit attraction, offering a wealth of historical and cultural insights.
Finally, we’ll stop by the iconic Yellow River Mother Sculpture(黄河母亲塑像), a poignant representation of the Yellow River’s nurturing role in Chinese civilization. The sculpture features a mother figure cradling a child, symbolizing the river’s enduring impact on the nation’s heritage.
B, L, D, Stay in Lanzhou
As we conclude our journey in Lanzhou, enjoy a delightful breakfast before we transfer you to the airport for your return flight home or onward travel. We wish you a safe and enjoyable journey!
B, L
Yes, the tour is suitable for families and elderly travelers, but some activities involve long drives and walking on uneven terrain. If you have mobility concerns, let us know in advance, and we can adjust the itinerary accordingly.
Most destinations on this tour are at moderate altitudes, so altitude sickness is unlikely. However, Bayanbulak and Naraty Grasslands are at higher elevations (around 2,500 meters), so mild altitude discomfort is possible.
The best time to take this tour is from May to October when the weather is pleasant, and the landscapes, especially the grasslands and deserts, are at their most beautiful.
No special permit is required for visiting Urumqi, Kashgar, or other cities in Xinjiang included in this itinerary. However, travelers should carry their passports at all times for identification checks at train stations, airports, and some attractions.
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