5 Days Short Silk Road Tour from Dunhuang to Urumqi

Day-by-day Itinerary

1. Day 1: Dunhuang Arrival
   Have Fun in Desert and Local Night Market

   Upon your arrival at Dunhuang airport/train station, the local English-speaking tour guide and the driver will pick you up and transfer you to a local hotel for check-in.

   Start your Dunhuang tour at Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Spring. Located 5 kilometers south of the city, this is a natural landscape known for its desert wonder of "sand-water coexistence". Mingsha Mountain stretches for 40 kilometers from east to west and 20 kilometers from north to south, formed by the accumulation of fine sand in red, yellow, green, black, and white colors.

   Crescent Spring is surrounded by Mingsha Mountain, shaped like a crescent moon, with clear water that never runs out throughout the year. You can experience various desert entertainment activities here, including camel riding, sand slide, desert off-road surfing, etc. (optional, at your own expense). ‌

   

   After that, we will transfer you to Shazhou Night Market, one of the most representative night markets in Dunhuang. The night market is divided into five major areas: local snacks, handicrafts, tea houses, agricultural and sideline products, and local specialties. You can taste various delicacies of Dunhuang and also appreciate the rich handicrafts, such as Dunhuang silk carpets and replicas of murals.

   Meal: Lunch

   Accommodation: Overnight in Dunhuang

2. Day 2: Dunhuang to Turpan Tour by High-speed Train
   Appreciate Buddhist Mural and Colored Sculptures

   After breakfast, head to the amazing Mogao Grottoes this morning, one of the world's cultural heritage sites. Founded in 366 AD, this Buddhist cave has undergone multiple dynasties of construction and currently has 735 caves, 45,000 square meters of murals, and over 2,000 colored sculptures. Entering the Mogao Grottoes, visitors feel as if they have traveled through time and space - colorful murals and lifelike Buddha statues are telling the stories of thousands of years of vicissitudes and glory. ‌

   

   In the afternoon, take a high-speed train to Turpan. The train rides around 3.5 hours, you can have some rest on the train or enjoy the scenery on the way.

   Upon arrival at Turpan station, there will be our local driver to pick you up and escort you to a local hotel.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: Overnight in Turpan

3. Day 3: Best Turpan Tour
   Visit the Ancient Valley and Irrigation System

   After breakfast, your guided Turpan tour will take you to Tuyugou Valley. Tuyugou is an ancient Uyghur village located at the foot of Flaming Mountain, with a history of over 1,700 years, and is known as a "living fossil of folk customs". Here, the oldest and most complete group of primitive buildings is preserved. You can appreciate the magnificent canyon scenery, explore mysterious Buddhist grottoes, and experience the simple folk customs. ‌

   

   Next, follow your guide to marvel at the stunning Karez Well, one of the three major ancient engineering projects in Xinjiang, which utilized underground culverts to divert water for irrigation, showcasing the wisdom of ancient laboring people. You will learn about the magical structure and ancient history of the Karez well, and experience the coolness and mystery of the underground canal.

   Afterward, go to the Sugong Pagoda, which was built in 1778 to commemorate the achievements of a Turpan prince in the Qing Dynasty. The tower body is made of earth bricks, with a unique shape, and is an outstanding representative of Uyghur architectural art. ‌

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: Overnight in Urumqi

   

4. Day 4: Turpan to Urumqi Tour
   See "the World's Most Perfect Ruin", Learn about Xinjiang's History

   This morning, continue your tour in Turpan and visit the world's largest, oldest, and best-preserved earthen architecture city - Jiaohe Ancient City. It is an important transportation hub on the Silk Road and is known as the 'most perfect ruin in the world'. The tour guide will take you to visit functional areas such as residential areas, temple areas, and storage areas, and experience their unique architectural layout and ancient history.

   

   After that, we will drive to Urumqi for about 3 hours. After lunch, start your Urumqi tour to Xinjiang Regional Museum.

   This is the only provincial-level comprehensive geological museum in Xinjiang, with a rich collection of precious textiles, mummies, and documents. The museum combines the Uyghur style with modern design and uses modern methods to fully restore the ancient Western Regions. It is an excellent window for understanding the history and culture of Xinjiang.

   In the evening, you can stroll the Xinjiang International Bazaar on your own. Aka Erdaoqiao Grand Bazaar, it is the world’s largest bazaar, where you can admire strong Islamic architecture and explore various ethnic products from jewelry and handicrafts to local specialties and musical instruments.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: Overnight in Urumqi

5. Day 5: Heavenly Lake Tour, Urumqi Departure
   Enjoy the Stunning Natural Beauty with Optional Boat Ride

   Today, you will enjoy a Urumqi side tour to the amazing Heavenly Lake of Tianshan Mountains with a 1.5-hour drive.

   Also known as Tianchi Lake, Heavenly Lake is a stunning alpine lake situated at an elevation of 1,910 meters (6,266 feet) above sea level. Enjoy the surrounding snow-covered mountains and the lake from various viewpoints around the lake. Or you can pay extra on the spot to rent a boat for an exploration of the crystal-clear waters. (optional, at your own expense)

   

   After the sightseeing, you will be driven back to Urumqi airport/train station to see you off. Your 5-day private Silk Road tour from Dunhuang to Urumqi will end here.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: N/A