China Embarking on the Timeless Silk Road

Today you will fly to Beijing. 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.

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. It's witnessed decades of historic events. Walk across the square and explore the awe-inspiring Forbidden City, the world's largest palace complex and former home to 24 emperors. With over 8,728 rooms, it's China's best-preserved ancient building collection. Enter through the Meridian Gate and explore the central axis to see highlighted palaces and learn about the emperors' stories. 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. 

Meet your private guide in your hotel's lobby at your preferred time in Beijing.  Then heading directly to Mutianyu Great Wall which will take about 1.5 hours, your tour guide will explain the related histories and stories on the way, sit back and enjoy the countryside sceneries along the way.  Once arrive at the The Mutianyu Great Wall, you’ll take the cable car or ski lift up to the Wall, spend some time to hike up and down for about 1.5 hours at the various sections of the Wall, exploring the watch and beacon towers.  Afterwards, stop at a local restaurant for lunch.  In the afternoon, continue to explore the courtyards in the Temple of Heaven park, learn the histories and stories about the temple with your tour guide, get to know what an emperor's worship looks like. You will visit major buildings inside the park, including Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest, Hall or Imperial Zenith, Echo Wall, Nine Dragon Cypress, Circular Mount Alter and more.Then watch the locals play the Tai chi,which is slow motion exercise.It is a becoming more and more popular sport throughout the whole world.

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 XIan 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. Listen as your guide sets the historical scene and describes how 7,000 life-sized terracotta figures and horses were buried beside Emperor Qin Shihuang in his majestic mausoleum. Disembark and explore the site, marvelling at the endless rows of figures. 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.

Continue move to Muslim Quarter. In this 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 will visit the Great Mosquea, a major place for the religious activities of the Muslims 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.

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

Take a 6-hour bullet train from Xi'an to Zhangye.

Then you will arrive in Zhangye 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.

Begin your adventure with a visit to the awe-inspiring Danxia National Geological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its surreal beauty and vibrant colors. Marvel at the towering sandstone pillars, layered rock formations, and kaleidoscopic hues that paint the landscape, creating a breathtaking panorama straight out of a painting. Wander along scenic trails, snap photos of the otherworldly scenery, and breathe in the fresh mountain air as you witness nature's masterpiece unfold before your eyes.

Begin your day with a visit to the iconic Great Buddha Temple, a revered Buddhist sanctuary that has been a beacon of faith and devotion for centuries. Explore the temple's serene courtyards, adorned with fragrant incense and the murmurs of prayer, as you soak in the atmosphere of reverence and tranquility. Marvel at the exquisite architecture of the main hall, where a majestic Buddha statue presides over worshippers and visitors alike, radiating a sense of peace and enlightenment.

Next, venture into the mystical realm of Mati Si Grotto, a hidden gem nestled amidst the rugged cliffs and winding valleys of Zhangye. Explore the labyrinthine caves and rock-cut shrines, adorned with ancient Buddhist sculptures, colorful frescoes, and intricate carvings that date back to the Wei and Jin dynasties. Follow in the footsteps of pilgrims as you ascend the stone stairways and traverse the sacred pathways, experiencing a sense of awe and wonder amidst the natural beauty and spiritual significance of this sacred site.

Embark on a private transfer from Zhangye Hotel to Dunhuang Hotel, with an exciting en-route visit to two remarkable sites: Jiayuguan Pass and the awe-inspiring Hanging Great Wall. After a day of exploration, settle in for an overnight stay in Dunhuang.”

Jiayuguan Pass: One of China’s ancient and legendary gateways, Jiayuguan is steeped in history. 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.

Hanging Great Wall: Located approximately 14 kilometers from Jiayuguan city center, this 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.

Our adventure begins with a visit to the enchanting Crescent Moon Lake, a shimmering oasis nestled amidst the vast desert dunes. Marvel at the serene beauty of this natural wonder, where the tranquil waters mirror the azure sky, creating a mesmerizing spectacle that has captivated travelers for centuries. Take a leisurely stroll along the crescent-shaped shoreline, breathe in the crisp desert air, and immerse yourself in the peaceful ambiance of this hidden gem.

Next, venture into the ethereal realm of Echoing-sand Mountain, where towering sand dunes rise and fall like waves on the sea. Experience the thrill of sandboarding or camel riding as you traverse the golden sands, listening to the haunting echoes that reverberate through the desert breeze. Marvel at the ever-shifting landscapes and dramatic vistas, where the interplay of light and shadow creates a spectacle of natural beauty unlike any other.

Our journey culminates with a visit to the legendary Mogao Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its exquisite Buddhist art and architecture. Explore the labyrinthine network of caves and grottoes, adorned with intricate frescoes, sculptures, and ancient manuscripts that bear witness to over a millennium of cultural exchange and religious devotion. Marvel at the masterful craftsmanship and spiritual significance of these sacred sanctuaries, as you uncover the mysteries of Dunhuang's storied past.

Our adventure begins with a visit to the formidable Hecang Fortress, a strategic military stronghold that guarded the western frontier of the Han Dynasty. Explore the ancient ramparts, watchtowers, and defensive structures that once stood as bastions of strength against nomadic invasions. Learn about the fortress's significance in protecting the vital trade routes and fostering cultural exchange between East and West.

Next, journey back in time to the era of the Han Dynasty as we traverse the remnants of the Great Wall that once stretched across the desolate landscape of Dunhuang. Marvel at the weathered fortifications and earthen mounds that bear witness to the ingenuity and engineering prowess of ancient builders. Trace the footsteps of merchants, diplomats, and travelers who traversed this iconic barrier in their quest for trade and adventure.

Our exploration continues with a visit to the legendary Pass of the Jade Gate, a strategic gateway linking the Chinese heartland with the vast expanse of the Western Regions. Stand in awe of the imposing gatehouse and watchtowers that once marked the western terminus of the Great Wall, symbolizing the cultural and economic nexus where East met West. Hear tales of caravan convoys laden with precious silks, spices, and treasures that passed through this fabled gateway on their journey along the Silk Road.

Enjoy your free time until your guide come and escort you to airport for your onward flight.

Then you will fly to Turpan. 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.

Embark on a seamless journey with our private transfer service, featuring enriching stops along the way. Explore the cultural treasures of Xinjiang with visits to the Emin Minaret, an iconic symbol of Islamic heritage; the ingenious Karez Well System, showcasing ancient underground irrigation; and the evocative Ruins of Jiaohe City, an archaeological marvel along the Silk Road. Immerse yourself in the history and unique features of these sites.

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.

Today you will fly 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.

Our adventure begins with a visit to the magnificent Id Kah Mosque, the spiritual heart of Kashgar and one of the largest mosques in China. Admire the grandeur of its turquoise domes, intricate carvings, and towering minarets as you delve into the history and significance of Islamic architecture in the region. Witness the devout faithful as they gather for prayer, and immerse yourself in the tranquil ambiance of this sacred sanctuary.

Next, pay homage to the legendary Fragrant Concubine at her tomb, a testament to the enduring romance and cultural heritage of Kashgar. Hear the captivating tales of love and intrigue that surround the life of the beloved concubine, whose beauty and grace captivated the hearts of emperors and commoners alike. Explore the lush gardens and ornate mausoleum that honor her memory, offering a serene retreat amidst the bustling city.

Continue your journey through Kashgar's vibrant markets with a visit to the renowned Sunday Bazaar, a kaleidoscope of colors, aromas, and bustling activity. Lose yourself in the maze of stalls selling everything from exotic spices and textiles to handicrafts and livestock, experiencing the vibrant energy and cultural diversity that define Kashgar's mercantile tradition.

Conclude your day with a stroll through the historic streets and alleyways of the Kashgar Old City, where ancient traditions and modern life intertwine. Explore the well-preserved adobe houses, bustling market squares, and labyrinthine alleyways that evoke the spirit of bygone eras. Encounter friendly locals, sample authentic Uyghur cuisine, and witness the timeless charm of daily life in this living museum of history.

Behold the breathtaking beauty of Karakul Lake, a pristine alpine lake situated on the Pamir Plateau in Xinjiang, China. Encircled by the towering peaks of the Tian Shan Mountains, Karakul Lake captivates with its crystal-clear waters reflecting the rugged, snow-capped landscapes. As one of the highest lakes in the world, it offers a serene escape and a perfect vantage point to marvel at the surrounding natural splendor. Whether you're drawn to the tranquility of the lake or the awe-inspiring mountain vistas, Karakul Lake promises an unforgettable experience amidst the stunning scenery of Xinjiang.

Explore Xinjiang's Pamir region, renowned for its stunning mountain landscapes, cultural diversity, and historic significance along the Silk Road. Home to diverse ethnic communities and pristine lakes like Karakul, it offers a unique blend of natural beauty and rich cultural experiences.

Enjoy your free time until your guide come and escort you to airport for your onward flight.