12D11N CHINA SILK ROAD ADVENTURE

12D11N China Silk Road Adventure Private Tour

Day 01 – ARRIVE LANZHOU
Upon arrival in Lanzhou, the capital city of Gansu Province, and after hotel check-in, enjoy the city at your own leisure.  Located on the banks of the Yellow River (Huang He) and often nicknamed the “Pearl of Yellow River”, Lanzhou has a rich history dating back more than 2 millennia, a history that includes it being a major stop along the ancient Silk Road.  Top attractions in the city include the White Pagoda Mountain, the Yellow River Mother Statue and the Waterwheel Park.  In the evening, you may wish to check out the Zhengning Road Night Market, a paradise for foodies. (Coverage of attractions depend on flight arrival).

Day 02 – LANZHOU – ZHANGYE  [B]
Board a high-speed train and head to Zhangye, a major stop along the ancient Silk Road.  Upon arrival, visit Zhangye Danxia National Geopark, a stunning natural wonderland and a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is particularly renowned for its vibrant multi-coloured hills and unique rock formations.  Back in Zhangye City, you may wish to check out the lively Ganzhou Night Market.   

Day 03 – ZHANGYE – JIAYUGUAN  [B]
Travel to Jiayuguan (Jiayu Pass), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a fortified pass at the western end of the Great Wall of China that marked the western-most frontier outpost of the Ming Dynasty.  The pass consists of an inner city, an outer city and a series of defensive walls, watchtowers, and gates.  It was once also a vital hub along the ancient Silk Road.  Other attractions in the area include the Hanging Great Wall and the First Mound (Beacon Tower) of the Great Wall.  In the evening, enjoy Jiayuguan City’s nightlife and its cuisine at your own leisure. 

Day 04 – JIAYUGUAN – DUNHUANG  [B]
Head to Dunhuang, a historic city on the edge of the Gobi Desert that was once an important stop along the ancient Silk Road.  Upon arrival in Dunhuang, visit the picturesque Crescent Lake/Mingsha Mountain Scenic Area featuring a crescent-shaped lake surrounded by towering sand dunes.  In the evening, you may wish to visit the Shazhou Night Market, a vibrant bazaar overflowing with local delicacies and handicrafts.

Day 05 – DUNHUANG – TURPAN  [B]
Today, visit the Mogao Caves (Thousand Buddha Grottoes), Dunhuang’s most famous attraction.  The Mogao Caves is a complex featuring several hundred caves (492 are presently preserved) carved into cliffs along the Dachuan River and housing one of the most extensive collections of Buddhist art and murals in the world created over a span of over a millennium.  No wonder therefore that it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  Thereafter, board a high-speed train and head to Turpan in Xinjiang Province.  Turpan is well known for its historical significance as an oasis town along the ancient Silk Road and also for its unique water management system, the Karez Well System that has been on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List.

Day 06 – TURPAN – URUMQI  [B] 
Today, visit the Karez Folk Custom Garden, Jiaohe Ancient City, Flaming Mountain, Bezeklik Caves and Grape Valley.  Jiaohe Ancient City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an archaeological site with one of the most well-preserved and significant ruins of an ancient city in the region, offering a glimpse into the history of this once prosperous oasis along the Silk Road.  The Flaming Mountain is known for its red sandstone cliffs which glow in the setting sun and as the place where the Monkey King fought the gods (“Journey to the West” legend).  The Bezeklik Caves are a complex of Buddhist cave temples carved into the cliff sides of the Flaming Mountain renowned for its exquisite murals and sculptures depicting scenes from Buddhist mythology and history.  The Grape Valley is a lush oasis in the Turpan Basin known for its vineyards and agricultural significance in an otherwise arid landscape.  It benefits from an underground irrigation system, the Karez Well System. 
In the evening, board a high-speed train and head to Urumqi, the modern metropolitan capital city of Xinjiang Province that was once a major stop on the ancient Silk Road and today a gateway to explore the stunning landscapes of Xinjiang and the cultural heritage of its peoples including the Uyghurs, Han Chinese, Kazakhs, Mongolians and others.

Day 07 – URUMQI  [B]
Today, visit the Tianchi Lake (Heavenly Lake) located in the Tianshan Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  Nestled about 1,900m above sea level, the lake is known for its spectacular scenery with views of snow-capped peaks, alpine meadows, glaciers, steep valleys and ancient relics reflecting the region’s culture and history.  A boat ride (45mins round trip/if operating) and a cable car ride up Mount Maya for a panoramic view of the lake and the surrounding landscape are great ways to appreciate the beauty of the place.  End the day in Urumqi where you can explore the city at your own pace or visit the popular and bustling International Grand Bazaar.

Day 08 – URUMQI – YINING  [B]
Board a high-speed train to Yining, the capital of Ili Prefecture which is in the northwestern part of Xinjiang bordering Kazakhstan and reputedly the most beautiful region in Xinjiang.  Yining was an important hub along the northern route of the ancient Silk Road facilitating trade and the exchange of ideas and cultures between China and Central Asia and historical sites, museums, and markets showcasing the blend of cultures and crafts in the region bear testimony to that history.  On arrival in Yining, explore the colourful and fascinating Liuxing Street, a hexagonal block lined with colourful buildings and eateries.

Day 09 – YINING  [B]
Today’s highlight is to visit the Lake Sayram-Guozigou (Fruit Valley) region.  Lake Sayram, the largest and highest alpine lake in Xinjiang renowned for its crystal-clear, turquoise waters and stunning backdrop of snow-capped mountains.  There will be various stops around the lake with explanations of the scenery, the folklore and the historical significance of particular locations – for example, the Wusun tombs and the Dianjiangtai Historical Park (where Genghis Khan picked his generals for his westward expeditions). At a vantage viewing platform, enjoy awesome views of Lake Sayram, the Guozigou Bridge, a stunning cable-stayed bridge, and the Guozigou (Fruit Valley), a beautiful 28km long valley bounded by snow-capped mountains.

Day 10 – YINING – NALATI GRASSLANDS  [B]
Today, visit the Nalati Grassland, a vast prairie comparable to the Steppes of Mongolia and the Pampas in South America and renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty.  The vast rolling grasslands are surrounded by mountains and framed by blue skies making it an ideal place for nature lovers and photographers.  Highlights include hiking the Sky Grassland, horse riding (optional) and appreciating the Kazakh way of life and its customs.  End the day at a neighbouring town.

Day 11 – NALATI GRASSLANDS – YINING  [B]
Today, continue with the tour of the Nalati Grasslands, viewing the Hegu Grassland that is famous for its valley landform, snow-capped peaks in the distance, lush forests on the hill slopes and herds of cattle and sheep grazing on the alpine meadows.  Thereafter, take a high-speed train ride (back) to Yining.

Day 12 – DEPART YINING  [B]
Free time until your transfer to Yining airport for your departure flight.

Whether you prefer the above itinerary “as-is” or have it customised, if you will indicate the start/end dates of your intended travel and provide your contact details, we will get in touch with you to discuss the itinerary on a no-obligations basis on your part.