Day 1
Xian / Lanzhou
Transfer via: overnight train( about 8 hours)
Pickup by our English speaking representative in Xian and transfer to the Xian railway station, take overnight train to Dunhuang. The train tickets will be given to you when you meet our representative.

Day 2 (B, L )
Lanzhou / Jiayuguan
Transfer via: overnight train( about 8 hours)
Arrive at Lanzhou in the morning, city tour in Lanzhou.  Take overnight train to Jiayuguan.

Lanzhou, capital of the vast Gansu province, was an important transportation hub and garrison on the Silk Road and is a fascinating town to explore. Whilst there we visit the Yellow River, Five Springs Park, and the 2000 metre high chairlift for Santai Pavilion with great views across this bustling town. Board the overnight sleeper train to Jiayuguan.

Day 3 (B, L )
Jiayuguan / Dunhuang
Transfer via: overnight train( about 8 hours)
Arrive at Jiayuguan in the morning, city tour in Jiayuguan.  Drive to Dunhuang.

The Jiayuguan region formed China's western boundary during the Ming Dynasty period. The desert landscape in this area is incredible with snow-capped mountain peaks visible in the distance. We visit remote remnants of the Great Wall as well as the ancient frontier Jiayuguan Pass Fort.

Travelling by road we continue to the oasis town of Dunhuang, set amidst rolling sand dunes where you have the chance to ride a camel or toboggan down the dunes.

Day 4 (B, L, )
Dunhuang / Jiayuguan / Turpan
Transfer via: overnight train( about 11 hours)
Visit Mogao Caves.  Drive to Jiayuguan to take overnight train to Turpan.

The real attraction of this region is the spectacular Mogao Caves- home to some of the most stunning ancient Buddhist cave art in existence and the birthplace of Chinese Buddhism. Created over a period of more than ten centuries and dating back to 366AD, the Mogao Caves have been largely preserved because of the low humidity in the region and because they were abandoned for centuries. Take overnight train from Jiayuguan to Turpan.

Day 5 (B, L )
Turpan / Urumqi
Transfer via: coach
Arrive at Turpan in the morning, visit Gaochang ancient city relics, Bezaklik Thousand Buddha Grottoes, Karez Wells.  Drive for two hours through the famous Gobi Desert to Urumqi.

Turpan, an oasis town set amidst a huge expanse of desert inhabited mainly by Uighur people. We visit the amazing bazaar, the Emin Minaret and the ancient ruins of the towns of Gaochang. We also travel beneath the Flaming Mountains and stop at Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves.

The Gaochang Ancient City Relics : The city's name means "the King City". It is laid in the first century B.C. and abandoned roughly in the 15th century.

The Bezaklik Thousand Buddha Grottoes: It contains 67 caves dating from the Northern and Southern dynasties (317 - 589) to the Yuan dynasty (1279 - 1368).

The Karez Wells: It is an irrigation system of wells connected by underground channels and is considered as one of the three great ancient projects in China.

Day 6 (B, L, D)
Urumqi
Transfer via: coach
A day trip to Southern Pasture (Nanshan) to visit Kazak villages and farms, enjoy magnificent dinner show at Grand International Bazaar.

Urumqi, a name inherited from Magician language meaning beautiful pasture, now serves as the capital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous region. Among China's 55 ethnic communities, there are 47 living in Xinjiang. This makes Xinjinag a best place to study rich folklore and customs.

The Southern Pasture: Located in the valley of Tian Mountain, the pasture is a very beautiful nice place for graze with mountains, valleys, fountains, waterfalls, cypress and pine trees.

The Khazak Yurts: Of the three main types of yurt in use today, Khazak yurts, with a bentwood roof and crown, are mainly used by Uygur people. 

Day 7 (B, L )
Urumqi / Kashgare
Transfer via: air
Transfer to the airport to fly to Kashgar.  When you arrive at Kashgar airport, met your tour guide and transfer to the hotel. Free time to walk around the famous bazaars.

Kashgar: an oasis city still evocative of its long period as a key port of call on the Silk Road. A visit to Kashgar is very much about walking the streets, visiting the bazaars, restaurants and tea houses and meeting the locals. We arrive in time for the amazing the biggest bazaar in Middle Asia and experience the magic of colours and cultures, trading as they have done for centuries.

Day 8 (B, L )
Kashgar / Urumqi
Transfer via: air
A day trip visit the Abakh Hoja Tomb and Id Kah Mosque.   Tranferred to Urumqi by late afternoon flight.

At the Abakh Hoja Tomb and Id Kah Mosque. Learn beautiful legend stories of a Uighur princess. Enjoy the local performance at lunch, singing and dancing with local minority ethnic people.

Day 9 (B )
Urumqi / Depart
Transfer via: air
Free time in the morning till to be transferred to airport for flight to sweet home.

Service end.

Meals mentioned in the itinerary
"B" stands for American breakfast, "L" for Chinese Lunch in local restaurant. "D" for Chinese dinner in local restaurant. In some remote areas, only Chinese meals are best availble.