12-Day China Ancient Silk Road Adventure
Xi'an - Jiayuguan - Dunhuang - Turpan - Kashgar
12-Day China Ancient Silk Road Adventure
Tour Code: ODY-CN-312
This captivating tour takes you through the ancient Silk Road of China, starting in Xi'an with the awe-inspiring Terracotta Warriors and the City Wall. You'll explore the historic Gaochang Ruins and the vibrant Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves in Turpan, immersing yourself in the rich cultural tapestry of the Silk Road. As you travel, marvel at the tallest minaret in China, the Emin Minaret, and the ingenious Turpan Water System, showcasing the ancient ingenuity of the region. The journey culminates in Kashgar, where you'll enjoy the lively Sunday Bazaar, experiencing local traditions and flavors.
Highlights
- Discover the legendary Terracotta Warriors in Xi'an.
- Explore the ancient Gaochang Ruins in Turpan.
- Marvel at the stunning murals in the Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves.
- Experience the vibrant atmosphere of the Sunday Bazaar in Kashgar.
Detail Itinerary
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Day 1Arrival, Xi'an
Your adventure starts in the historic city of Xi'an, famously known as the beginning of the Silk Road trading route. Once you arrive at Xi'an Airport, a friendly guide will meet you and drive you to your hotel in a private vehicle. After settling in, you'll have the rest of the day to unwind and recharge after your long flight, or you can head out to explore the vibrant sights and sounds of your new surroundings at your own pace.
Xi'an
Day 2Terracotta Warriors in Xi'an
This morning, take a scenic drive outside the city to discover one of the world's great man-made wonders: the Terracotta Warriors. This incredible collection features thousands of life-size clay soldiers, chariots, and horses crafted to protect China's first emperor, Qin Shihuang, in the afterlife. Afterward, enjoy the historic charm of Xi'an as you stroll along the beautifully preserved Ancient City Wall, soaking in the views. Then, dive into the lively atmosphere of Muslim Street, where you can savor delicious local snacks and Islamic dishes while catching a glimpse of the daily life of the Chinese Muslim community.
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Xi'an
Day 3Xi'an - Jiayuguan
Kick off your day of exploration at the magnificent Big Wild Goose Pagoda, where you'll find Buddha figures and scriptures that the renowned monk Xuan Zang brought back from India, the birthplace of Buddhism. His epic 18-year journey along the Silk Road inspired the famous tale, Journey to the West. Next, head to the Hanyang Tomb, where you can marvel at thousands of pottery figures that vividly depict social life from 2,200 years ago. Afterward, you'll be taken to the airport for your flight to Jiayuguan. Once you arrive, a local guide will greet you and drive you to your hotel, where you can unwind for the rest of the day.
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Jiayuguan
Day 4Jiayuguan Pass
In Jiayuguan, a city rich in history where the Great Wall meets the ancient Silk Road, you'll have a full day to explore these remarkable landmarks. Start your adventure at the impressive Jiayuguan Pass, where the Great Wall, built from rammed earth instead of traditional stones or bricks, offers stunning views of the breathtaking Gobi Desert. Next, visit the Great Wall Museum, where you can dive into the wall's fascinating 2,000-year history through a variety of authentic artifacts, models, and photographs. To wrap up your day, continue your exploration to the First Fire Tower of the Great Wall and the Overhanging Great Wall, where you'll uncover even more stories of this incredible structure.
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Jiayuguan
Day 5Jiayuguan - Dunhuang
Today, start your adventure with a morning visit to the Wei-Jin Art Gallery, an ancient tomb site featuring over 1,400 tombs adorned with vibrant murals from the 3rd century. This incredible underground art gallery offers a glimpse into ancient Chinese life, showcasing aspects like society, diet, customs, and music. After exploring this fascinating site, enjoy a scenic five-hour drive to your next Silk Road destination, Dunhuang. Once you arrive, check in to a cozy local hotel and relax for the night.
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Dunhuang
Day 6Mogao Grottoes
This morning, get ready for a deep dive into the cultural treasures of Dunhuang. Begin your journey at the UNESCO-listed Mogao Grottoes, also known as the Caves of the Thousand Buddhas, where you can marvel at stunning examples of Buddhist art that date back over 1,000 years. Next, visit the Dunhuang Museum to learn more about the rich history of the city and the ancient Silk Road. After that, take a leisurely stroll around the Ancient City of Dunhuang Movie Set, where you can immerse yourself in a setting that feels like a step back in time.
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Dunhuang
Day 7Singing Sand Dunes & Crescent Moon Spring
Dedicate the day to an enlightening visit at the Dunhuang Research Academy, where you'll learn about the fascinating stories behind the murals and admire the incredible painting techniques. If you're feeling creative, you can even try your hand at making your own mural to take home as a special souvenir. Afterward, enjoy a delicious organic vegetarian lunch at the academy before continuing your adventure to the stunning Singing Sand Dunes on the edge of the Gobi Desert. Once you arrive, you'll have the chance to ride a camel in search of the Crescent Moon Spring, a beautiful oasis surrounded by rolling dunes. For even more fun, you can choose to go sand sliding or paragliding from the top of the dunes before unwinding by the serene water.
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Dunhuang
Day 8Dunhuang - Turpan
Get ready to explore the breathtaking Yulin Caves, often called the sister caves to the famous Mogao Caves. This impressive network features 42 Buddhist caves filled with colorful statues and stunning wall paintings. After your visit, you'll head to Liuyuan Railway Station to catch a high-speed train to Turpan, a journey of about 3.5 hours. Once you arrive, your local guide will greet you and take you to your hotel.
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Turpan
Day 9Highlights in Turpan
Begin your adventure in Turpan with a visit to the Gaochang Ruins, often called "the replica of Chang'an in the Western Regions" during the Tang Dynasty. Established in the 1st century B.C. and destroyed by war in the 14th century A.D., this ancient city was once a melting pot of various ethnic groups and cultures. Next, you'll be captivated by the vibrant murals at the Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves, one of the rare sites that preserve the fascinating Manichaean culture. Don't miss the chance to see the Flaming Mountain, a famous location from Journey to the West, where you can experience its intense heat firsthand. Finally, explore the ancient oasis of Tuyoq Village in the Taklamakan Desert, where you can get a glimpse of the Uyghur way of life and savor some delicious seedless grapes.
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Turpan
Day 10Turpan - Urumqi - Kashgar
Today, visit the impressive Emin Minaret (Sugong Tower), standing tall at 44 meters (144 ft) as the highest minaret in China. As you admire its stunning design, notice how it beautifully blends traditional Islamic features with local Uyghur architecture. Next, explore the Turpan Water System, also known as the Karez System, which showcases the incredible ingenuity of ancient people who thrived in a harsh environment. Don't miss the Jiaohe Ruins, a vital stop along the ancient Silk Road. Nestled on a willow-shaped island platform and surrounded by deep river valleys, these ruins represent the oldest city with rammed earth buildings in the world and offer a fascinating glimpse into ancient urban life.
After a scenic 3-hour drive, you'll arrive at Urumqi airport for your flight to Kashgar, where your friendly local guide will greet you and take you to your hotel.
After a scenic 3-hour drive, you'll arrive at Urumqi airport for your flight to Kashgar, where your friendly local guide will greet you and take you to your hotel.
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Kashgar
Day 11Id Kah Mosque & Abakh Khoja Tomb
Today, dive into the rich history of Id Kah Mosque, the largest mosque in Xinjiang, where your guide will share fascinating stories about its long and colorful past. This grand mosque serves as a significant gathering place for Muslims during the annual Feast of the Sacrifice, thanks to its impressive capacity. Next, visit the Abakh Khoja Tomb, the resting place of an important Islamic saint, where it's said that 72 members of the same family from five generations are buried. Afterward, enjoy some free time at the lively Sunday Bazaar, the largest international trade market in Northwest China, where you can explore a vibrant array of spices, teas, silk, and beautiful carpets.
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Kashgar
Day 12Kashgar, Departure
Enjoy a leisurely morning to relax before catching your flight to the next exciting destination.
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