Silk Road Adventure

Tour following the legendary Silk Road of Western China and the key ancient oasis towns built on the northern rim of the inhospitable Taklamakan Desert- from Urumqui, Turpan, Dunhuang, Lanzhou, Xiahe, Langzhou to Xian.

DAY BY DAY ITINERARY

Day 1. Arrive Chengdu
On arrival, you are met and transferred to the hotel to check in.
Jinyu Sunshine Hotel (4-star)

Day 2. Chengdu / Urumqi
Tour of this morning shows Jinsha Site, the most significant archaeological discovery in the 21st century in China. Thousands of gold plates, jade articles, stone wares, bronze wares and ivories of Kingdom of Shu (221 - 263) are discovered form the site. Among them the Holy Bird is the most famous one that has become the sign of China Cultural Heritage. After lunch, fly to Urumqi and check into the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ramada Tunhe Hotel Urumqi (4 -star)

Day 3. Urumqi / Turpan
This morning, drive to Turpan. See Jiaohe Ruins, the notable 'underground Great Wall' Karez System and the Sugong Pagoda.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Oasis Hotel (3 -star)

Day 4. Turpan / Dunhuang
Tour of this morning shows the Gaochang Ruins, an ancient oasis city built on the northern rim of the inhospitable Taklamakan Desert in Xinjiang, China. A busy trading center, it was a stopping point for merchant traders traveling on the Silk Route. After lunch, visit the Baizikeli Thousand Buddha Cave and the Flaming Mountain. This evening, take an overnight soft sleeper train to Dunhuang.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5. Dunhuang
Upon arrival at Dunhuang, you are greeted and transfer to the hotel to check in.
Then out to enjoy a short camel-riding along the Echoing-Sand Dune to the Crescent Lake, which is a nature wonder coexist with the desert for thousands of years.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Dunhuang Hotel (4 -star)


Day 6: Dunhuang / Lanzhou
This morning visit the magnificent art treasures at the famed Mogao Grottoes, among the most ancient and consummate creations in China. The grottoes show an uninterrupted history of Chinese art over a period of more than 1,500 years. After lunch, visit the Dunhuang Museum.
Later, fly to Lanzhou and check into the hotel. Visit the Waterwheel Garden if time permits
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Legend Hotel (4 -star)

Day 7. Lanzhou
Tour of today visits Bingling Thousand Buddha Caves. Constructed in Tang dynasty, it is one of the best-preserved collections of Buddhist cave art in all of China.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8. Langzhou / Xiahe
This morning, drive to Xiahe. On the way, visit Dagongbei Mosque in Linxia County. After lunch, tour Sanke Grassland, noted for its superb grassland scenery. Visit a Tibetan family.Overnight in Xiahe
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Labrang Guesthouse (2 -star)

Day 9. Xiahe / Lanzhou
After breakfast, behold Labrang Monastery, one of the major monasteries of the Gelugpa (Yellow Hat) sect. Then drive back to Lanzhou
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Legend Hotel (4 -star)

Day 10. Lanzhou / Xian
Fly to Xian this morning. Tour the City Wall and famed Small Goose pagoda. This evening you're our guest at the Tang Dynasty Theatre's fabulous dinner and show.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
West Capital International Hotel (4 -star)

Day 11. Xi’an / Chengdu
View the famed life-sized terracotta army, no two alike, buried for over 2200 years; Circle Vision Movie; Bronze Chariot. Later fly to Chengdu and check into the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Jinyu Sunshine Hotel (4-star)

Day 12. Depart Chengdu
Transfer for your flight onward.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner