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Upon arriving in Urumqi, your guide and driver will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. You’ll have the rest of the day to relax and prepare for your Silk Road adventure.
Stay in Urumqi
After breakfast, we will pick up you from your hotel to visit Heavenly Lake(天池), nestled 2,000 meters high in the Tianshan Mountains. The lake is surrounded by snow-capped peaks, wildflowers, and pine trees.
Take a 40-minute shuttle bus ride through the mountains, then walk or take an electric cart to the lake. You can choose to take a boat cruise, hike around the lake, or ride a cable car up Maya Mountain for stunning views. Afterward, drive to Fuhai (about 8 hours) and stay overnight at a downtown hotel.
B, L, D, Stay in Fuhai
Today, we will take a five-hour car ride to Hemu and visit Hemu Village(禾木村庄), considered the most beautiful of the Tuwa villages. Upon arrival, a shuttle bus will transport you into the village; leave large luggage on the coach and bring only essentials.
Hemu Village offers a serene atmosphere with grazing livestock and friendly locals. To truly experience the culture, consider visiting a Tuwa family, known for their hospitality. This will give you a firsthand look at their way of life.
B, L, D, Stay in Hemu
Get ready for an exciting day as you journey to the Kanas Nature Reserve(喀纳斯自然保护区), a highlight of Xinjiang. This scenic drive takes about 3.5 hours and offers breathtaking views of mountains and lakes. You’ll have plenty of time to explore the famous Three Bays: Moon Bay, Wolong Bay, and Fairy Bay, and marvel at the stunning beauty of Kanas Lake, known for its changing colors.
After arriving, you can take another shuttle to the Fish Viewing Pavilion(观鱼台) for a panoramic view or opt for a lake cruise. In the late afternoon, check into your hotel, enjoy dinner, and relax.
B, L, D, Stay in Kanas
This morning, we’ll set off for Karamay by car (about 5 hours), traveling across the Gurbantunggut Desert to reach Urho Ghost City(乌尔禾魔鬼城). This unique, wind-eroded landscape is known for its frequent, howling winds, giving it the name “wind city”. It is the most stunning example of Yadan landforms in the area. Upon arrival, a shuttle bus resembling a small train will transport us through the entirety of the Ghost City.
B, L, D, Stay in Urho
Enjoy the sunrise and the beautiful scenery during our approximately five-hour drive back to Urumqi today. After arriving and checking in, you can relax at the hotel or explore Urumqi at your leisure.
B, L, D, Stay in Urumqi
This morning, take a bullet train to Turpan and start exploring Uyghur culture. Your first stop is Tuyoq Village(吐峪沟), the oldest Uyghur village, nestled in the Flaming Mountain Canyon. Here, you can experience authentic Uyghur life by visiting a family and enjoying local fruit juice.
Next, visit the Jiaohe Ruins(交河故城), a 2,300-year-old site known as the “Oriental Pompeii.” Added to the World Heritage List in 2014, these ancient ruins still retain their original charm.
B, L, D, Stay in Turpan
Early this morning, take a bullet train to Dunhuang Liuyuan South Station (about 3.5 hours). Upon arrival, we will transfer to downtown Dunhuang by car (about 1.5 hours).
After a short break, head to Mingsha Shan (鸣沙山), famous for its roaring sand dunes, and Crescent Lake(月牙泉), a centuries-old oasis in the desert. Enjoy camel rides and sand sliding in the vast dunes.
In the evening, visit the Shazhou Night Market(沙洲夜市), where you can savor local cuisine and explore handicrafts.
B, L, D, Stay in Dunhuang
Today offers another cultural adventure. Your guide will meet you in the hotel lobby, and you’ll visit the Mogao Grottoes(莫高窟), a cultural treasure. With a professional guide, explore eight grottoes, marveling at the stunning murals and art. You’ll gain insights into Dunhuang’s Buddhist history through detailed explanations and a film.
Afterward, travel to Jiayuguan by tourist bus (about 4 hours) for an overnight stay.
B, L, D, Stay in Jiayuguan
After breakfast, visit Jiayuguan Fort(嘉峪关城楼), the westernmost end of the Ming Dynasty Great Wall, known as “the First and Greatest Pass Under Heaven.” This magnificent fort is the best-preserved military stronghold in China.
Next, drive to the Overhanging Great Wall(悬壁长城), built on a mountain ridge that slopes at a 45-degree angle, resembling a dragon. Then, head to Zhangye (about 3 hours away) and enjoy a stunning sunset at Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park(张掖丹霞国家地质公园). The park’s “Rainbow Mountains” display vibrant colors, creating a breathtaking landscape with red, orange, and yellow hues.
B, L, D, Stay in Zhangye
Wake up early to witness a breathtaking sunrise before continuing our journey to Mati Temple(马蹄寺), founded in the Jin Dynasty, about a 2-hour drive away. Legend has it that a series of horseshoe prints are visible in Grotto 9, said to be left by a celestial horse, hence the temple’s name, with the prints considered a treasure.
After visiting Mati Temple, we’ll head to Zhangye West Railway Station to catch a high-speed train(about 2 hours) to Xining for overnight stay.
B, L, D, Stay in Xining
This morning, we will visit Ta’er Monastery(塔尔寺), surrounded by prayer wheels. Walk along the corridors, spinning the wheels and offering prayers for blessings. The monastery is famous for its butter sculptures, one of the “Three Wonders of Art,” featuring intricate creations like Buddha statues and landscapes made from butter.
Next, drive to Qinghai Lake (about 2 hours), a natural wonder offering breathtaking scenery. You can cycle around the lake or take a leisurely trek through the cole flower fields.
B, L, D, Stay in Xining
This morning, we will take a high-speed train to Xi’an (about 4.5 hours). In the afternoon, our first destination is the Ancient City Wall(西安城墙), the most complete city wall still standing in China and one of the world’s largest ancient military defense systems.
After visiting the wall, we’ll explore the narrow, bustling streets of the Muslim Quarter (回民街) to immerse ourselves in the local way of life. Here, street vendors offer a variety of goods, including souvenirs, handcrafted items, and local snacks.
B, L, D, Stay in Xi’an
This morning, we will visit the Terracotta Warriors(兵马俑), a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most significant archaeological discoveries of the 20th century. Located near Emperor Qin Shi Huang‘s Mausoleum, this site offers a glimpse into the Qin Dynasty’s culture and history.
Next, head to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda (大雁塔), a traditional seven-story pagoda built in 652 during the Tang Dynasty. Admire Buddha statues and enjoy panoramic views of Xi’an from the top.
B, L, D, Stay in Xi’an
Today, you will departure from Xi’an as we transfer you to the airport for your flight home. It has been a wonderful holiday, and we hope to see you on another trip to China!
B, L
The best times to visit Northern Xinjiang are during spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October). These seasons offer mild and pleasant weather, with temperatures between 15°C and 25°C (59°F to 77°F).
This tour is great for families, especially older children who can handle longer travel days and walking. There are many scenic stops where kids can enjoy nature, like camel rides at Mingsha Mountain or exploring the desert in Karamay's Urho Ghost City. If you're traveling with younger children, let us know so we can customize the experience to fit your family's needs.
Yes! This tour offers multiple opportunities to immerse yourself in local cultures. You’ll visit Hemu Village, where you can interact with the Tuwa people, and Tuyoq Village, where you’ll experience authentic Uyghur life. In both locations, you can meet local families, learn about their traditions, and enjoy a warm welcome.
When visiting Xinjiang, pack light clothing for warm days and a warm jacket for cooler evenings. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for sightseeing. Don't forget sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun. In summer, bring a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated during outdoor activities.
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Great experience with terracotta warriors
Juan Garcia –
I couldn’t have asked for a better tour! The Terracotta Warriors were beyond impressive. Each stop along the route provided a unique perspective of Chinese history and culture. I especially enjoyed the time in Dunhuang, where the desert landscape and the Mogao Grottoes left a lasting impression.
Silk Road journey
James –
Heavenly Lake was breathtaking, and Kanas Nature Reserve was a highlight.