The Classic Silk Road 13 Days JOIN +

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive Beijing

Your flight lands at Beijing – the capital of China. You are transferred to the hotel for well-deserved rest and relaxation.

Day 2

Beijing

Morning program begins with Tian An Men Square, the largest city square in the world. Then proceed to the Forbidden City, the residence of emperors for more than 500 years, housing numerous precious art objects. After lunch, take a Hutong tour by rickshaw with a home visit to explore the real Beijing life style. (B,L)

Day 3

Beijing

This morning start tours to the Badaling Great Wall, a symbol of the Chinese ancient civilization. The longest man-made object in the world, this 2,000-year landmark is an astonishing feat of engineering. After lunch, visit the Summer Palace to see the beautiful Kunming Lake. (B,L)

Day 4

Beijing—Urumqi

Take a morning flight to Urumqi. Upon arrival, meet and visit the Xinjiang Museum. It is by far the best museum you’ll find along the Silk Road and is home to some of the area’s most famous and controversial artifacts. (B,L)

Day 5

Urumqi

Today, visit the Lake of Heaven at an elevation of 2600 meters on top of Tianshan. It is a beautiful highland lake, flanked by rugged pines and cypresses, and with clear waters that reflect the surrounding mountains. Back to the City in the afternoon, and visit the Old Town and Er Dao Qiao Bazaar, is the most famous compact communities of the Uygurs. (B,L)

Day 6

Urumqi—Turpan

Today take the high-speed train to Turpan to visit the Ruined City of Jiaohe. Located in the Yarnaz Valley, 13 kilometers away from the Turpan. Jiaohe Ruin was built by the old Cheshi people in Qin dynasty and Han dynasty. Then, visit the famous Karez Well, the grand underground irrigation system created by ancient local people. Afterwards, visit Sugong Minaret, the existing largest ancient pagoda in Xinjiang China. (B,L)

Day 7

Turpan

Full day trip to the Gaochang Ruins, the ancient walled capital of the Uighurs which flourished the 7th and 14th centuries. Followed by the Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Cave, the Astana Tombs and the Flaming Hill which is combination of red sand and rocks that makes the mountain looks like a red dragon sleeping on the area basin. (B,L)

Day 8

Turpan--Dunhuang

After breakfast, drive to train station for high speed train to Dunhuang. Upon arrival, enjoy a leisure day includes visits to Minsha Hill and Crescent Moon Lake set in an amphitheater of sand dunes. Take a short camel ride en route at sunset. (B,L)

Day 9

Dunhuang

This morning, visit Dunhuang’s most famous monument-the Mogao Caves, popularly known as "Thousand Buddha Caves". An art gallery in the desert. After lunch, visit the Yumen Pass, also known as Small Square Castle, has lost its splendor as an invincible military fortress.  This evening, visit in the Night Market to explore & to eat some local delicacy and snacks & buy some handicrafts. (B,L)

Day 10

Dunhuang--Xian

This morning, visit the Dunhuang Museum, contains unique exhibits from the Mogao cave temple complex, which were collected by archaeologists from all over the world. And then, transfer to airport for flight to Xian. Upon arrival, meet and transfer to hotel for rest. (B,L)

Day 11

Xian

Today’s highlight is a visit to the Archaeological Museum with Cotta Warriors and Horses excavated from the tomb of the first emperor of Qin Dynasty. Afternoon, visit the Ancient City Wall, the most complete ancient city wall in China. It's also the most dramatic place to view one of China's most fascinating cities. (B,L)

Day 12

Xian

Spend a full day exploring the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, one of the best preserved Buddhist temples in China; and the Shaanxi Historical Provincial Museum to learn all about the “Silk Road” city, one of the most well-protected cities in China.  (B,L)

Day 13

Depart Xian

After breakfast, free at leisure until transfer to airport to take your homebound flight to home. (B)