14 Days Beijing, Urumqi, Turpan, Kashgar, Dunhuang, Xian and Shanghai

Itinerary

Day 1 Home City – Beijing

Your journey begins with an overnight transpacific flight across the International Date Line.

Day 2 Arrival Beijing

Meet & transfer to the hotel

HOTEL: CHANG AN GRAND HOTEL or similar

Day 3 Beijing / Urumqi by air  (B, L, D)      

We take morning flight for Urumqi. It is a unique air route, as geographically it covers the two massive deserts, as well as many high red-rock or snow-capped mountains, valleys, and canyons. This afternoon we’ll travel 70 km southwest to Nanshan Grassland, where we visit ethnic minority families, chat with them in their yurts while drinking strong Milk Tea and local home-made snacks.

HOTEL: URUMQI HOI TAK HOTEL or similar

Day 4  (B. L. D)

Today, we drive 120 km northeast to Heavenly Lake (UNECO), which is at an elevation of 2600 meters. The beautiful lake is flanked by rugged pines and cypresses, with melted clear waters reflecting the surrounding snow-capped peaks. Where is always regarded as the ancestor’s home by all ethnics in Mid Asia. Then we drive back and visit the Provincial Museum to see the incredible mummies from 2,000 years ago. If time permits, we’ll visit the Red Hill Park and the local Bazaar.

HOTEL: URUMQI HOI TAK HOTEL or similar

Day 5 Urumqi / Turpan by bus  (B. L. D)

This morning, we drive along the ancient Silk Road across the Heavenly Mount to Turpan – an oasis surrounded by desert and dry mountains. Upon arrival, we visit the mysterious ruins of Jiaohe city, which reveals traces of a prosperous ancient trading center and military base sixteen-hundred years ago. We then visit Karez, its underground water supply & irrigation system, and its museum. Turpan is famous throughout China for its large, sweet grapes and gourds, so we will visit the grape valley and enjoy fruits there.

HOTEL:  OASIS HOTEL or similar

Day 6 Turpan / Urumqi by bus, Urumqi / Kashigar by air (B. L. D)

In the morning, we’ll visit Sugong Pagoda, the Flaming Mountain, Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Grottoes, and lunch with a local family. In the afternoon, we drive back to Urumqi and take the evening flight to Kashigar.

HOTEL:  QINIBAGH HOTEL or similar

Day 7 Kashigar / Urumqi by air (B. L. D)

This morning, we will watch the Moslems Sunday Pray. It is incredible to see thousands of Muslims kneeling down on the streets, especially in the front of the mosques. Then we’ll visit the Sunday Bazaar – the largest outdoor market in mid-Asia. In the afternoon, we’ll drive to see the tombs of the Fragrant Concubine and the Old Town of Kashigar, which will bring you back 1500 year ago. We’ll take evening flight back to Urumqi.

HOTEL: URUMQI HOI TAK HOTEL or similar

Day 8 Urumqi / Dunhuang by air (B. L. D)                             

We take a morning flight to Dunhuang. Afternoon tour to the world heritage site– Mogao Grottoes. It is the world's most important site of ancient Buddhist Culture. The grottoes preserve nearly a thousand years of Buddhist cave-temple architecture, clay sculpture, mural paintings, and manuscripts, dating from the 5th to 14th centuries.

HOTEL:  DUNHUANG HOTEL VIP BUILDING or similar

Day 9 Dunhuang (B. L. D)

Today we drive two hours west across the desert to Yumen Pass (Jade Gate Pass), which was the west terminal of the Great Wall built in Han Dynasty 2,100 years ago. Then we drive back and visit the Crescent Moon Lake and Sand Singing Dune. Ride a camel and enjoy the marvelous sunset.

HOTEL:  DUNHUANG HOTEL VIP BUILDING or similar

Day 10 Dunhuang / Xian by air (B. L. D)

Fly to Xi’an in the morning. Upon arrival, meet your local guide and transfer to your hotel for check-in. In the afternoon, tour to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Bell Tower & Xi Guan Street

HOTEL:  AURUM INTERNATIONAL HOTEL or similar

Day 11 Xian (B. L. D)

Today’s highlight is the 2000 year-old Terracotta Warriors and bronze chariots guarding the tomb of China’s first emperor. Afterwards, we tour the Shaanxi Provincial Museum or Banpo Neolithic Museum. Enjoy a Dumpling Dinner and Tang Dynasty Performance tonight.

HOTEL:  AURUM INTERNATIONAL HOTEL or similar

Day 12 Xian / Shanghai by air  (B)

Transfer & fly to Shanghai in the morning. Upon arrival, meet your local guide and transfer to hotel for check-in. Free at leisure

HOTEL:  GALAXY HOTEL or similar

Day 13 Shanghai (B. L. D)

Today’s sightseeing includes the Bund, Classical Yu Garden, Shanghai Museum and People Square, Nanjing Road or Xintiandi  In the evening, we enjoy the Shanghai Acrobatic Show – an unforgettable experience.

HOTEL:  GALAXY HOTEL or similar

Day 14 Shanghai / Home City (B)

Free time in the morning. Transfer to the airport for return flight home.