10 Days Silk Road Tour from Beijing to Kashgar

Welcome to Beijing! Upon arrival, you will be met by your local guide and driver, and then transferred to the hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you may explore the nearby areas if you want. Or just have a relaxing time after a long flight.

Meal: No

Altitude: 54m

Traffic: Car

Hotel: In Beijing

After breakfast in the hotel, you will head out on a city tour beginning with a visit to Tiananmen Square which is located in the city center of Beijing, and also the biggest city plaza in the world. It is the place where the Chairman Mao Zedong proclaimed the founding of the People’s republic of China. Tiananmen in Chinese means “Gate of Heavenly Peace”, and the gate separates the square from the Forbidden City. The square contains the Monument to the People’s Heroes, the Great Hall of the People, the National Museum of China and the Chairman Mao Zedong Memorial Hall.Passing through Tiananmen Gate, you will be in the enormous Forbidden City. This amazing complex was the former imperial palace of the emperors of China in Ming and Qing dynasties. You may be surprised by the immense size of the palace as it contains over 9000 rooms and covers about 1,000,000m2 (10,800,000 sq ft), the size of 140 football fields. While the most fascinating parts are the splendid colorfully painted ceilings, sophisticately carved walkways and exquisite collections.

Afterwards, visit the Jingshan Park where you will get the best panoramic view of the Forbidden City so that you can take your time to enjoy the aftertaste of your “city tour”.

Then In the afternoon, you will visit the Summer Palace which is one of the finest sights in Beijing as it’s the largest and best-preserved imperial garden in China. After lunch, Stroll around the beautiful garden and meander through the airy pavilions just as the imperial families once did. What a pleasant day!

Recommended optional activities: 1. Kung Fu show between 19:15~20:15 2. A breathtaking acrobatic show between 19:15~20:15.

Meal: B

Altitude: 54m

Traffic: Car

Hotel: In Beijing

Today we will drive out of the city to one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Great Wall. As the sections that closer to the city are more heavily visited and renovated, while the further sections are less crowded and more authentic. We will visit Mutianyu section, which is well-preserved and has many excellent watchtowers and view points. The Mutianyu section is also the most popular one among travelers from other countries. And because of its conventional and original appearance, this section is perhaps the most frequently used one on post cards and videos of the Great Wall. We will take the cable car firstly, then climb up along the rising towers to enjoy the most beautiful and spectacular sceneries of the Great Wall. “He who does not reach the Great Wall is not a true man”, Chinese people were told so from a young age. Hiking in the Great Wall can rank among one of the greatest experiences on earth! Descend by cable car or hiking for another 40 minutes depends on your energy, and both are quite fun to experience.

After the long journey, we will be back to the downtown and have a short stop at the Beijing Olympic Village to have a look of the famed Bird’s Nest and Water Cube from the outside. In the evening, we’ll head to the Beijing West Railway Station and board on the high speed train to Xi’an. After 5 hours, you will arrive in the Xi’an North Railway Station, and the local guide and drivers will escort you to the hotel. Have a good sleep!

Meal: B

Altitude: 466m

Traffic: Car, High Speed Train

Hotel: In Xi’an

Xi’an city, or call its older name Chang’an, marks the eastern end of the silk road. It almost can represent the ancient China for its abundant historical attractions and unearthed relics. The locals always say that there are two cities in Xi’an, one is overground, the other is underground. It is a endless treasure of culture and history, you will have a wonderful and unforgettable cultural tour here.

In the morning, We will directly drive to the outskirts of Xi’an city to visit its best known sight–Terracotta Warriors, one of the greatest human-made wonders in the world. It was built by Qin Shihuang, who is the first emperor of China, to guard him in his afterlife. Over 8,000 life-size soldiers were individually sculptured, and each of them have different height, body shape, hair style, costume and even facial expression! You will also see horses and chariots which are also life-size. Only 3 pits were discovered, and the majority are still buried. All the soldiers are facing east to protect the tomb of emperor Qin Shihuang. The mysterious Qin Shihuang Mausoleum, which has not been opened yet as the existed techniques cannot guarantee excavating without destroying the inner structure and treasures, is believed to be another striking wonder once been exposed to the world. The huge scale of terracotta warriors shows how ambitious the emperor Qin Shihuang was and how sophisticated and advance the ancient Chinese artistic skills were.

Afterwards, let’s return to Xi’an and enjoy the afternoon strolling on the Ancient City Wall. Just like the function of the Great Wall, many cities in China once had massive defensive walls which belonged to the ancient military defensive systems. However, only very few city walls remained after hundred years’ vicissitudes. Among them, the one in Xi’an is the most impressive one as it is well-preserved. You not only can enjoy the panoramic views of the whole Xi’an city and take photos, but also ride a bike on the ancient wall.

End up your day tour in the lively Muslim Quarter where to take a food adventure and explore the local Muslim culture.

Recommended optional activities: 1. Rent a bike and cycling on the ancient wall 2. Enjoy a fascinating Tang Palace Dance Show in the night between 20:00 to 21:00.

Meal: B

Altitude: 466m

Traffic: Car

Hotel: In Xi’an

Today is another day for wonderful cultural tour. We will head to the Da Cien Temple after breakfast. This is a very famous Buddhist sutra translation site in the Tang Dynasty. If you are very interested in Chinese culture, you must have heard story about the Journey to the West. The hero — famed Buddhist master Xuanzang (Tripitaka) — brought back many precious Buddhist materials from his epic journey to India during the early Tang Dynasty. All the Buddhist scriptures he brought back were stored in the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, which is in the center of the Da Cien Temple. Here you will have time to try on the traditional costume of Han Chinese — Hanfu. Typically the gorgeous Hanfu only worn by the emperors families and nobles in the solemn occasions.

Then head to the Shaanxi History Museum, we will continue to know Chinese culture in one of the biggest and most amazing museums in China. Here you can ramble in the modern exhibition halls to admire the historic relics dating from the Zhou dynasty (1046 BC).

Afterwards, say goodbye to Xi’an and you will be transferred to catch your flight to Dunhuang. Upon arrival, you will be met by the local guide and driver to escort you to the downtown hotel in Dunhuang. 

Meal: B

Altitude: 1183m

Traffic: Car, Plane

Hotel: In Dunhuang

Start a brand new day by visiting the UNESKO – recognized Mogao Grottoes in Dunhuang, which is regarded as a “cultural treasure”, and also represents the splendid Chinese history. You’ll visit the 8 grottoes with the introducing of the professional guide. As one of the famous ancient Buddhist sculptural sites of China, Mogao Grottoes symbolize the essence of human civilization. Then, go to visit the Mingsha Mountain, which is also called “Echoing Sand Mountain” ; there is a amazing lake which’s shape is just like a crescent moon, so it is known as “Crescent Lake”. Most surprisingly, the lake has been in existence for hundreds of years without ever being buried by the sand. If you want, you can try some funny activities such as camel riding, sand sliding, etc.

In the evening, we’ll spend a relaxing night in the Shazhou Night Market, which is an important tourist spot on the Dunhuang tourist route, located in Yangguan East Road, Dunhuang City, and is the largest night market in Dunhuang. With its distinctive local characteristics and rich folk customs, it is definitely worthy for your visiting. Besides, you can taste various local food and snacks as well as buy some handicrafts for your family or friends. 

Afterwards, say goodbye to Dunhuang and you will be transferred to catch your high speed train to Turpan. Upon arrival, you will be met by the local guide and driver to escort you to the downtown hotel in Turpan. 

Meal: B

Altitude: 36m

Traffic: Car, High Speed Train

Hotel: In Turpan

Start a brand new day to drive to the particularly charming city – Turpan. First, go to visit the Tuyoq Village, which is a tourist area with both natural scenery and cultural relics; it is also the most mysterious place in western China, Turpan City, Xinjiang Province, about 55 kilometers to the east of Turpan City. This is the cultural land of the four major civilizations in the world. Various religious cultures such as Islam, Buddhism, Manichaeism and Nestorianism collide and gather here. The scenery of the desert canyon and the ancient Uygur villages complement each other. The Thousand Buddha Caves in Tuyoq Village is the earliest and largest excavation in Turpan area; and the Mazaar ancient village, known as the “living fossil of folk customs of traditional Uygurs”. 

Next, visit the Jiaohe Ancient City, which is an ancient city that was strategically located along the ancient Silk Road. Perching on a plateau, it acted as a natural barrier from the attacking enemies in the old times. Besides, Jiaohe Ruins is a city without city walls; it was once one of the most prosperous cities on the ancient Silk Road. It is an ancient city in the Western Regions as famous as the ancient city of Loulan, known as the “Oriental Pompeii”. And Jiaohe Ruins is currently the largest, oldest and best-preserved city with earthen buildings in the world. It is the only and most complete Han Dynasty city site in China.

Then, we will go to discover the amazing project of Karez Well system. Together with the Great Wall and Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal, the Karez System is regarded as one of China’s Three Greatest Ancient Projects. It is a special kind of irrigation system consisting of vertical wells, underground canals, ground canals and waterlogging pond. The vertically dug wells are linked together to channel the water which occurs during summer rain season, or is melted from snow mountains of Tianshan range to desired farmlands in the desert area. 

At last, we will drive back to the downtown area of Turpan to visit some famous must-see tourist attractions such as the collection house, which is also known as “Turpan’s Grandpa Antique Shop” and the largest Islamic minaret in China built in 1778 – Sugong Minaret. It is the product of a historical event, and is an exquisite national architectural art treasure on the Silk Road in the Western Regions.

Afterwards, we’ll drive to Urumqi for overnight stay. 

Meal: B

Altitude: 36m

Traffic: Car

Hotel: In Urumqi

After breakfast, in the early morning your tour guide will take you to visit the gorgeous Heavenly Lake, which is famous for its stunning view and various tourist resources. In addition, Heavenly Lake, known as “Yao Chi” in ancient times and it is also a World Natural Heritage Site. The spring of Heavenly Lake is quite long; at this time, half of the water in the Heavenly Lake is normal lake water, while the other half is ice crystal like a mirror. You can fully enjoy the Heavenly Lake’s picturesque view and get more close with nature.

Our next trip is head to visit the Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar, which is located in Tianshan District of Urumqi and is currently the largest Bazaar in China. The Grand Bazaar’s architectural style and scale are magnificent, and the ethnic minority products in the market are rich and exquisite.The entire International Bazaar is the most ethnic-style place in Urumqi. The garden tower about 100 meters high in the center of the square is called the Silk Road Tower. It is the most famous scenic spot in the Grand Bazaar. There are paintings and exhibitions on each floor of the tower to show the historical stories of the Silk Road and you can overlook the surrounding city scenery from the top of the tower. Inside the Grand Bazaar is a huge market, where numerous vendors sell specialty products from Xinjiang. Dried fruits, clothing, essential oils, and handicrafts are dazzling, and the decorations in the market are colorful and very beautiful, so you can have a good visit.

Meal: B

Altitude: 836m

Traffic: Car

Hotel: In Urumqi

After having a nice breakfast, say goodbye to Urumqi and you will be transferred to the airport to take the flight to Kashgar. Sincerely welcome you to this magical and exotic city of Xinjiang – Kashgar. Our professional and local guide will meet you at the airport, then take you to your hotel by a comfortable private vehicle and help you with check-in. Get some rest and get ready to explore this fascinating city. 

In the afternoon, we’ll head to a must-visit destination – Ancient Tea House, which is located in the Kashgar Old Town and you can have a cup of nice tea as well as feel the local ethnic culture and traditions here to spend a relaxing time. In the rest of the day, you can explore nearby as much as possible by your own, and please feel free to get some useful suggestions from your tour guide. 

Meal: B

Altitude: 1298m

Traffic: Car, Plane

Hotel: In Kashgar

After breakfast, in the early morning your tour guide will take you to visit the majestic Idigar Mosque, it is the biggest mosque in China where you can feel the strong religious atmosphere. Every Eid, a lot of people come here to celebrate the most delightful festival for Muslims and if you are lucky you will enjoy singing and dancing performances. Next, pay a visit to the Kashgar Old Town which has a history of more than 2,000 years and is like a vivid scroll of Xinjiang Uygur folk custom. When you stand in the Old Town, it is like standing in the boundless ancient oil painting, you may think that this is the charm of the Silk Road. Here, you can experience the unique ethnic culture and customs by visiting a local Uygur family.

Then, head to prosperous Sunday Bazaar, when people come here for selling livestock, you can experience the ancient forms of trade of the Silk Road and it’s quite interesting to witness their typical methods of bargain.

Next, your tour guide will take you to the Handicraft Street, hundreds of handicraft workshops and stalls are gathered on both sides of the street, there are textile, gold and silver jewelry, hardware processing, wood processing, hat, clothing, musical instruments, etc. The handicrafts here have a strong national characteristics and good quality, which are loved by many people and enjoyed a high reputation both at home and abroad.

In the afternoon, your guide will escort you to the airport/train station for your next destination or home. Tour ends.

Meal: B

Altitude: 1298m

Traffic: Car, Plane

Hotel: No