12-Day Silk Road tour: Xi'an-Zhangye-Dunhuang-Turpan-Urumuqi Kashg

In the morning:we will head to the Eight Wonder of the World--Terracotta Army, it is a part of the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor. When you see how breathtaking craftsmanship they are-vividly, life-sized terracotta soldiers and horses ,you will understand the magnificent momentum of the Qin Dynasty army.

In the afternoon:we will visit the Shaanxi History Museum, a comprehensive museum integrating history, culture, and art, showcasing the historical changes and cultural heritage of Shaanxi from ancient times to the present.

Evening: Explore Xi'an's famous Muslim Quarter, where you can taste various authentic Xi'an snacks, such as grilled mutton skewers, meat sandwiches with spicy sauce, and cold noodles.

Morning: Take an early flight from Xi'an to Zhangye. Upon arrival, the tour guide and driver will take you to the hotel to check in and take a rest.

Afternoon: Visit Zhangye Colorful Danxia, which is renowned for its colorful Danxia landscape. You can take a sightseeing bus through it to appreciate the amazing creativity of nature and the ever-changing colors of the Colorful Danxia as the light shifts.

Morning: Travel to Dunhuang by car and visit Jiayuguan on the way. Jiayuguan is the western terminus of the Ming Great Wall, famous for its magnificent fort and strategic importance, and is known as the "First Magnificent Pass Under Heaven."

Afternoon: Arrive in Dunhuang and check into the hotel to prepare for the next day's tour.

Morning: Depart for the Mogao Caves, one of the Four Great Grottoes in China and a treasure of world cultural heritage. The Buddhist statues and murals inside the caves are colorful and historic. Here, you can feel the charm of ancient Chinese art and Buddhist culture spanning thousands of years.

Evening: Visit Shazhou Night Market, one of the busiest places in Dunhuang. The night market is full of food stalls, handicraft shops, and souvenir shops. You can taste local specialties and feel the bustling atmosphere and human touch of Dunhuang.

Morning: Take you to experience the desert scenery of Mingsha Mountain in Dunhuang. You can stand on the top of the high dunes, overlooking the vastness and grandeur of the entire desert and feel its magical charm. You can also ride a camel deep into the desert for an unforgettable desert journey. Then, proceed to Crescent Moon Spring to admire the beauty of this oasis in the desert.

Afternoon: Take a flight to Turpan and check in at the hotel.

Morning: We will take you to visit Tuyugou Grand Canyon, a mysterious canyon where you can enjoy unique Danxia landforms and natural landscapes. Next, visit the Karez Wells Site and Museum. As a unique water conservancy project in Turpan, Karez Wells is the crystallization of the wisdom of local residents and showcases the historical charm of ancient water conservancy projects in the Western Regions.

Afternoon: Visit Jiaohe Ancient City, a well-preserved ancient city site where you can visit the buildings and artifacts inside the city and learn about the history and culture of ancient Turpan.

Morning: take a car to Urumqi and visit Tianshan Heavenly Lake on the way. Tianshan Heavenly Lake is one of the famous scenic spots in Xinjiang, renowned for its clear alpine lake and surrounding magnificent snow-capped mountains.

Afternoon: Arrive in Urumqi and transfer to the hotel. In the evening, you can visit Erdaoqiao Market for shopping and taste local specialties.

Take an early flight to Kashgar and check in at the hotel .

After a short rest, we will start our Kashgar tour. First, we will visit Id Kah Mosque, one of the largest mosques in Kashgar, famous for its unique architecture and  interior decoration, it is an important window to understand local Islamic culture. Next, visit Xiangfei Tomb, also known as Apak Hoja Tomb, the mausoleum of Xiangfei, the concubine of Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty, many cultural relics preserved in here.

In the evening, stroll through the alleys and streets of Kashgar Old Town, admire the unique Uyghur architecture and folklore, spend time in a 100-year-old teahouse, taste the local tea and snacks, and feel the local lifestyle and hospitality.

Today's journey is to the Pamir Plateau. We will take a car to Taxkorgan County. You can see two natural wonders of White Sand Lake and Karakul Lake on the way. White Sand Lake: silver sand beach, crystal-clear lake water, snow-capped mountains, just magnificent ! Next, Karakul Lake will greet us with its magnificent lakescape, especially the towering Mount Muztagh Ata, which looks even more magnificent and magnificent in the lake light, making people marvel at the wonders of nature.
Arrive in Tashkurgan County in the evening and check into the hotel.

In the evening, you can taste local foods and snacks.

After breakfast, you will head to the Dragon Coiled Ancient Path, hailed as "one of China's most beautiful highways," where you will experience the joy of winding roads. Along the way, the magnificent snow-capped mountains, boundless wetlands, and unique ethnic cultures will leave you in awe. Next, we will proceed to the tranquil and beautiful Bandier Blue Lake. The lake water is clear and presents a captivating blue, like an artwork meticulously carved by nature. Finally, we will visit the Tahman Wetland, a vibrant wetland ecosystem full of life. Here, you can observe the plant and animal communities within the wetland up close, feeling the magic and harmony of nature. Whether it's the birds flying or the leisurely water buffaloes, they will all become unforgettable memories for you.

In the afternoon, we will return to the urban area of Kashgar to rest and recharge.