China Embarking on the Timeless Silk Road

Upon your arrival in Beijing, your driver will welcome you at your airport’s arrival hall and get you to your hotel in a private vehicle.

One of our pro English-speaking guides shall assist you throughout your trip.

After breakfast, your guide will pick you up at your hotel and take you to Tian'anmen Square, the world's largest public square and a symbol of China. 

Walk across the square and explore the awe-inspiring Forbidden City. With over 8,728 rooms, it's the world’s largest ancient palace complex China's best-preserved ancient building collection.

Later, take a 15-minute walk to Jingshan Park for a panoramic view of modern Beijing and the Forbidden City.

After lunch, enjoy a rickshaw tour through the historic Hutongs, immersing yourself in local life. 

Today, you'll journey to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall. You'll ascend to the wall via cable car, where you can get a stunning aerial view of the wall and its surroundings. Once you're atop the wall, you'll be able to stroll along its storied pathways, watchtowers, and taking in the vast, panoramic views of the area's rolling hills and valleys.

In the afternoon, you’ll head over to the courtyards of the Temple of Heaven Park. Your tour guide will share the temple’s history and stories, showing you what emperor worship was like. You'll visit major sites within the park, including the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest, the Echo Wall, the Nine-Dragon Cypress, and the Circular Mound Altar, among others.

Afterwards, you’ll get to join in a Tai Chi session with locals at the park. This traditional Chinese martial art is a beloved morning ritual practiced daily by Beijing residents. It's a unique opportunity to connect with locals through this ancient practice.

Embark on your journey at the Summer Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore the East Gate's Hall of Benevolence and Longevity, the Long corridor, the marble boat, and more. As you travel back through the middle, visit the serene Yonghe Temple with its unique blend of Tibetan and Han Chinese architecture. Continue to the Hall of Dispelling Clouds, admire the Tower of Buddhist Incense, and conclude your tour at the north gate of the Summer Palace. This adventure seamlessly weaves historical richness with spiritual beauty.

Enjoy your free time until your guide comes and escort you to the high-speed train station.

Take a 4.5-hour bullet train from Beijing to Xi'an.

Then you will arrive in Xi'an by high-speed train station. On arrival, your private guide will be ready to welcome you at the arrival hall, and transfer to your hotel with a private car and driver. Your guide will help you with luggage and hotel check-in, and ensure your arrival is worry-free.

Depart from your hotel and venture to the magnificent UNESCO World Heritage-listed site of the Terracotta Army: rows of 7,000 life-sized terracotta figures and horses buried beside Emperor Qin Shihuang in his majestic mausoleum. Browse the exhibitions of the museum to gain further insight into the intriguing history of the tomb. 

Later this afternoon, take a walk on the Bell & Drum Tower Square and from where you could pay an outer visit of the two towers. The two towers were also built in the Ming Dynasty and the Drum Tower is 4 years older than the Bell Tower.

At the Muslim Quarter food street, you will meet lots of local food and snacks, as well as some little souvenirs. If you are interested in local food, it is a good place to satisfy your stomach. 

At last, you’ll visit the Great Mosque, a major site for the Muslim community in Xi’an. This mosque, different from the mosques we usually see, is more like a traditional Chinese garden. For example, you will see Chinese pavilions with painted beams and engraved ridgepoles. At last, transfer you back to hotel.

Today, your guide will come and escort you to the high-speed train station for a 6-hour bullet train ride from Xi'an to Zhangye. On arrival, your personal guide will be ready to welcome you at the arrival hall, and transfer to your hotel with a private vehicle and driver. Your guide will help you with luggage and hotel check-in.

You’ll spend the day at the awe-inspiring Danxia National Geological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its surreal beauty and vibrant colors. As you wander along the area’s trails, marvel at the towering sandstone pillars, layered rock formations, and kaleidoscopic stripes of hues that paint the landscape.

You’ll begin the day with a visit to the Great Buddha Temple, a revered Buddhist sanctuary. Wander through the serene courtyards and admire the exquisite architecture of the main hall and the temple’s majestic Buddha statue.Top of Form

Bottom of Form

Next, you’ll explore the mystical Mati Si Grotto, a hidden gem nestled among the rugged cliffs and winding valleys of Zhangye. As you climb the stone stairways and follow the sacred paths, you'll experience firsthand the awe and beauty of the intricate caves, rock-cut shrines adorned with ancient Buddhist sculptures, colorful frescoes, and carvings from the Wei and Jin dynasties.

Today, you’ll embark on a trip from Zhangye to Dunhuang, with an exciting en-route visit to two historic sites.

Jiayuguan Pass is one of China’s ancient and legendary gateways. It marks the starting point of the Ming Dynasty’s Great Wall construction and has stood as a crucial defense outpost along the Silk Road for centuries.

Located approximately 14 kilometers from Jiayuguan city center, this Hanging Great Wall section of the Great Wall is perched dramatically on a steep valley slope. Its appearance resembles a magnificent painting suspended from the cliffs, earning it the nickname “Western Badaling.” Prepare to be captivated by both its rugged beauty and historical significance.

Your adventure begins with a visit to the enchanting Crescent Moon Lake, a shimmering oasis set amidst vast desert dunes. Marvel at the tranquil waters reflecting the azure sky and enjoy a leisurely walk along the crescent-shaped shoreline.

Next, explore the ethereal Echoing-sand Mountain, where towering sand dunes mimic ocean waves. Experience the thrill of sandboarding or camel riding over the golden sands and listen to the haunting echoes carried by the desert breeze. Enjoy the ever-changing landscapes and dramatic vistas created by the interplay of light and shadow.

You'll visit the Mogao Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its exquisite Buddhist art and architecture. Discover the intricate frescoes, sculptures, and ancient manuscripts in these caves and grottoes that have been built as a millennium of cultural exchange and religious devotion.

Today you’ll visit the imposing Hecang Fortress, a vital military stronghold that protected the western frontier of the Han Dynasty. Explore its ancient ramparts, watchtowers, and defensive structures that once shielded against nomadic invasions.

Then you’ll get to explore the remnants of the Great Wall near Dunhuang. Walk the paths once taken by merchants, diplomats, and travelers who crossed this icon of history.

You’ll continue your journey to the Yumen Pass. Also known as the Pass of the Jade Gate, where you'll find the impressive gatehouse and watchtowers marking the end of the Great Wall. This historic site symbolizes the meeting point of East and West. Learn about the gate's role as a key point for caravan convoys transporting precious silks, spices, and treasures along the Silk Road.

You’ll then fly to Turpan, where your personal guide will meet you at the airport and drive you to your hotel in your private vehicle.

Today you’ll be driven from Urumqi to Turpan with stops along the way.

Discover the cultural treasures of Xinjiang with visits to the Emin Minaret, a prominent symbol of Islamic heritage; the ingenious Karez Well System, an ancient underground irrigation network; and the captivating Ruins of Jiaohe City, an archaeological marvel along the Silk Road as you enjoy a comfortable overnight stay in Turpan.

Enjoy a seamless private transfer from your Turpan hotel to your Urumqi hotel, with enriching stops along the way.

Begin your journey by exploring the Ancient City of Gaochang, an important Silk Road trading hub with fascinating ruins.

Next, visit the Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves, where ancient Buddhist murals adorn the cave walls, offering a glimpse into the region's spiritual past.

Continue to the Tuyoq Buddhist Grottoes, a serene and less-visited site with remarkable frescoes and a peaceful atmosphere. Conclude your day with an overnight stay in Urumqi, ensuring a comfortable and culturally immersive travel experience.

Enjoy your free time until your guide come and escort you to airport for your onward flight to Kashgar. On arrival, your private guide will be ready to welcome you at the arrival hall, and transfer to your hotel with a private car and driver. Your guide will help you with luggage and hotel check-in, and ensure your arrival is worry-free.

Your adventure begins with a visit to the magnificent Id Kah Mosque, the spiritual heart of Kashgar and one of the largest mosques in China. You’ll get to explore this beautiful feat of Islamic architecture with its turquoise domes, intricate carvings, and towering minarets as you delve into the history and significance of Islamic architecture in the region.

Next, pay homage to the legendary Fragrant Concubine at her tomb, a testament to the enduring romance and cultural heritage of Kashgar. Explore the lush gardens and ornate mausoleum that honor her memory.

Continue your journey through Kashgar's vibrant markets with a visit to the renowned Sunday Bazaar. Lose yourself in the maze of stalls selling everything from exotic spices and textiles to handicrafts and livestock, experiencing firsthand the vibrant energy and cultural diversity of this region.

You’ll conclude your day exploring the historic streets and alleyways of the Kashgar Old City, where you can check out the well-preserved adobe houses, bustling market squares and sample authentic Uyghur cuisine.

Prepare to be mesmerized by the breathtaking beauty of Karakul Lake, a pristine alpine lake located on the Pamir Plateau in Xinjiang. Surrounded by the towering peaks of the Tian Shan Mountains, the lake enchants with its crystal-clear waters that mirror the rugged, snow-capped landscape.

As one of the highest lakes in the world, Karakul Lake offers a tranquil retreat and an ideal viewpoint to appreciate the stunning natural beauty. Whether you’re captivated by the serene lake or the awe-inspiring mountain vistas, Karakul Lake promises an unforgettable experience amidst Xinjiang's spectacular scenery.

Today you’ll get to explore Xinjiang's Pamir region, known for its celebrated for its breathtaking mountain scenery, vibrant cultural diversity, and historical importance along the Silk Road. This area is home to various ethnic communities and pristine lakes like Karakul and offers a unique fusion of natural splendor and rich cultural experiences.

Enjoy your remaining time in Beijing until your guide come and escort you to airport for your departing flight.