7 Days China Silk Road Tour of Dunhuang Turpan Urumqi Kashgar

Day-by-day Itinerary

1. Day 1: Dunhuang Arrival
   Optionally Experience Riding a Camel in Desert

   Upon your arrival, the local guide will greet you at the exit of the airport or train station.

   Then unfold today's Dunhuang tour with one of the most famous attractions along the Silk Road- the Echoing-Sand Mountain and Crescent Lake. When you slide down the slope, you can hear the roaring echo of sand, hence the name. A short camel ride (optional, at your own expense) will leave you with an unforgettable memory. Riding along the mountain to reach the Crescent Lake, your eyes will be feasted on the crescent-shaped spring surrounded by the endless Gobi desert. It has not dried up over the past one thousand years and still gushes with fresh current.

   After the tour, drive you to your hotel for a rest.

   Meal: Lunch

   Accommodation: Dunhuang

   

2. Day 2: Dunhuang to Turpan Tour by High-speed Train
   Explore Buddhist Art and Cultural Exchange

   After breakfast, you will be guided to explore the most popular attractions in Dunhuang. The first site is the amazing Mogao Grottoes, commonly known as Thousand Buddha Caves, a world cultural heritage. Founded in 366 A.D., the Mogao Caves have been expanded through many dynasties, and today there are 735 caves, 45,000 square meters of murals, and 2,415 colored sculptures. It is not only a holy place of Buddhist art, but also an important witness to the cultural exchange between the East and the West.

   After the Silk Road tour in Dunhuang, we will take a high-speed train to Turpan. Upon arrival, the local driver will pick you up and transfer you to the hotel for check-in.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: Turpan

   

3. Day 3: Turpan Ancient Ruins Tour
   Discover Ancient Ruins and Buddhist Caves

   Today we will visit four famous sites all together. First on your Turpan tour is a famous ruin, Gaochang Ruins, which used to be the capital of the ancient Gaochang Kingdom. Then you will go to the Bizaklik Thousand Buddha Cave, a series of caves with thousands of Buddhist murals. The vivid murals show many Buddhist figures, stories, and social life about 1,000 years ago in the Ancient Gaochang Kingdom.

   After lunch, have an exploration of Jiaohe Ruins, one of the most important towns along the ancient Silk Road. It is also the largest, oldest, and best-preserved earth construction in the world. The last stop will be the hottest place in China -  the Flaming Hill, situated the north of ancient Silk Road. The temperature is so high that nothing grows on the hill. The record highest temperature of summer could reach 47.8 ℃ (118 ℉).

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: Turpan

   

4. Day 4: Turpan to Urumqi Tour
   Pay a Visit to Kazak Family, Explore a Scenic Alpine Lake

   After breakfast, we will drive to Urumqi for around 3 hours. Upon arrival, be invited to visit a warm-hearted Kazak People Family, who will offer fried cookies, milk tea dried grapes which are local specialties.

   Continue your Turpan tour to Heavenly Lake, a 5A-level scenic spot known for its high mountains, lakes, and magnificent natural scenery.

   Your expert tour guide will explain the myths related to the area, such as the bathing of the Queen Mother of the West. Optional boat activities (self funded) are available here. It will make you totally relaxed no matter if you are sitting in a boat, walking in the mountains, or just standing by the lake.

   Then drive back to Urumqi. You can stroll around the International Grand Bazaar on your own. The bazaar is built in the Islamic style and is the best place for sightseeing and shopping.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: Urumqi

   

5. Day 5: Urumqi to Kashgar Tour by Flight
   Witness the Lively Sunday Livestock Market

   Take the morning flight to Kashgar. Upon your arrival in Kashgar, met by a local guide and driver.

   After a short rest, begin your Silk Road trip in Kashgar at the famous Sunday Market, namely Sunday Bazaar, which used to be the largest international trade market in northwest China. Traders at home and abroad come to exchange all kinds of goods, such as Silk, salt, fur, perfume, and ivory.

   Then, be transferred to the Abakh Khoja Tomb, an ancient Islamic building complex and a cemetery. Five generations of a famous Islamic master were buried here. It is considered the largest dome architecture in the east of the cemetery.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: Kashgar

   

6. Day 6: Kashgar Back to Urumqi Tour by Flight
   See China's Largest Mosque and Stroll around the Old Town

   In the morning, your Kashgar tour continues at the Id Kah Mosque, the largest mosque in China. The mosque is not only an important spot for religious activities but also an important institute to spread Islam and train religious personnel. Then head to the Old Town of Kashgar, which brings you back to the ancient Kashgar, with narrow alleys and traditional houses built with earth or brick.

   After the visit, take a flight back to Urumqi for the night.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: Urumqi

   

7. Day 7: Urumqi Departure

   According to the flight time, your private driver will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to the airport for your homeward flight. Hope the 7-day China Silk Road tour of Dunhuang Turpan Urumqi Kashgar leaves you with an impressive and pleasant memory.

   Meal: Breakfast

   Accommodation: N/A