13-Day Silk Road Explorer: Xi'an, Dunhuang, Urumqi & Kashgar

One of the best ways to explore the fascinating history of China is to follow the footsteps of ancient people to travel along the famous Silk Road.

Upon your arrival in Xi'an, the starting point of the ancient Silk Road, your private guide will greet you and escort you to your hotel in the downtown while giving you general information about this ancient city.

This morning, uncover the underground army of Qin Shi Huang - the awesome Terracotta Warriors. Of course, you will be amazed by thousands of vivid clay statues in life-size and the hidden truth behind the eternal army.

In the afternoon, drive back to the city to visit the 600-year-old City Wall as well as the bustling Muslim Street, a historic market road in Xi'an. Be sure to try the local specialties like roujiamou (marinated beef or lamb in a wheat bun) and yangrou paomo (bread pieces soaked in lamb soup).

First, visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, which is regarded as the symbol of Xi'an, and Hanyang Tomb, which shows the scenes of life in the Han Dynasty. After that, fly to Jiayuguan. On arrival, be picked up and transferred to your hotel by your local guide.

As an important stop of the ancient Silk Road, Jiayuguan City has a lot of historical sites. Today, you will visit the most important ones: the Great Wall at Jiayuguan, Great Wall Museum, Jiayuguan Pass, First Pier of Great Wall and Hanging Great Wall.

After breakfast, visit Wei Jin Tomb Art Gallery to appreciate the magnificent frescos inside, and then drive about 5 hours to Dunhuang oasis, home to the legendary Mogao Grottoes.

The Mogao Grottoes is the soul of Dunhuang. Today, first visit these beautiful caves to see the splendorous art gems created by Chinese Buddhists over a thousand years ago, then enjoy some leisure time at the Singing Sand Dune and Crescent Moon Spring. On the way to the Singing Sand Dune, stop to visit a local family where you could do some simple farm work and try your hand at making noodles. In the end, you will enjoy lunch with the host.

Drive about 2 hours to Liuyuan Railway Station. En route, visit Yulin Caves, known as the "sister caves" of Dunhuang Caves. The frescoes here are more well-preserved. Later, take a high-speed train to Turpan. On arrival, your local guide and driver will pick you up and transfer you to your hotel for check-in.

Today's tour in Turpan includes Gaochang Ruins, Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves, the Flaming Mountains, and the Tuyoq village, which will offer you a fascinating glimpse of traditional Uyghur life and architectures.

Continue your exploration of Turpan with Emin Minaret (Sugong Tower) - the tallest minaret in China, Karez Irrigation Site - one of the three great ancient irrigation projects in China and Jiaohe Ruins - the largest and best-preserved earth-built city. Afterward, drive about 2.5 hours to Urumqi airport for the flight to Kashgar. Meet your guide in Kashgar at the airport and be escorted to your hotel.

Start your tour of Kashgar with a visit to Idigar Mosque, which is one of the largest mosques in China, and Abakh Khoja Tomb, which was built by the Khoja family who ruled the area over 300 years ago. Your last stop for today is Sunday Bazaar, a great place to wander around and watch locals buying and selling everything from household items to goats, camels, horses, hats, rolls of silk, spices, etc.

Enjoy some free time on your own until your local guide escorts you to the airport for your onward flight back to Urumqi. At Urumqi, be met and transferred to the hotel. Later, you will visit Xinjiang Autonomous Region Museum and the Erdaoqiao Bazaar, a wonderful place to shop for some exotic items such as hand-made carpets, woodcarvings, and traditional musical instruments.

Heavenly Lake is one of the most beautiful mountain lakes in China, with lush forest and snow-capped mountain surrounded. It is the best place near Urumqi to relax. Today, drive about two hours to the lake. You can take a boat cruise on the lake, or simply walk around.

Today you will be free at leisure until your guide meets and helps you transfer to the airport for your return flight.