Secrets of the Silk Road

On arrival in Beijing, you'll be greeted by your guide and driver and transferred to your hotel (approximately 1 hour). The rest of the day is free for you to relax or explore at your leisure.

If time permits, you can take the opportunity to visit one of Beijing's remaining ‘hutongs’, traditional lanes that capture the essence of the city’s history. Wander through these charming alleyways, where tightly packed courtyards offer a glimpse into the daily lives of locals. Explore unassuming courtyards once inhabited by the last empress of the Qing dynasty, and let the bustling food stalls tempt you with Beijing's authentic street food.

After breakfast at the hotel, meet your guide in the lobby and head to Tiananmen Square. As you stand in this vast, historic square, you’ll be able to see the iconic portrait of Mao Zedong overlooking the Tiananmen Gate. One of the largest public squares in the world, it has witnessed numerous significant events in Chinese history, and you’ll also have the opportunity to visit Mao’s mausoleum at the far end of the square.

Next, visit the Forbidden City, the former imperial palace that served as the heart of Chinese power for over 500 years. Home to emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties, this expansive complex features more than 800 buildings and 9,000 chambers, all reserved for the royal family and their elite.

After some free time for lunch (not included), you will continue to the Temple of Heaven, where emperors once prayed for good harvests. The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, one of the most renowned symbols of Beijing, is a remarkable example of traditional Chinese architecture. After your visit, you’ll be transferred back to your hotel, where you can get dinner or relax.

Beijing - Great Wall - Beijing. Today, you’ll transfer to the Huanghuacheng section of the Great Wall, one of the most picturesque parts of this historic structure. Beijing’s Great Wall stretches over 600km, mostly dating back to the Ming Dynasty, although older sections can still be seen. The Huanghuacheng Wall, named for the yellow flowers that bloom in the area, is perfect for a moderate hike, offering breathtaking views of two lakes at either end, formed by dams in the 1970s and 1990s. From the Wall, you’ll enjoy panoramic vistas, with the Wall curving down into the water below, providing a truly spectacular scene.

Afterwards, visit a pearl factory, where you’ll observe how pearls are carefully harvested from oysters, then sorted and processed into beautiful jewels. You return to your hotel in Beijing for a final night.

Beijing - Xi'an. After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to Beijing West Railway Station for your high-speed train journey to Xi’an (unescorted). The 5-6 hour train ride offers a comfortable journey to Xi’an, once known as “Chang’an,” the ancient capital of multiple dynasties.

Upon arrival, your guide and driver will greet you and take you to the vibrant Muslim Quarter. As you stroll through the lively streets, the enticing scents from the food stalls will fill the air. You can sample a variety of local dishes, including Halal skewers, roast mutton, and persimmon cakes (at your own cost). Xi’an boasts one of the world’s oldest Muslim communities, established over 1,300 years ago by traders from Persia and Arabia who settled here along the Silk Road.

You’ll begin your day early with a visit to the UNESCO-listed Terracotta Warriors site, where a professional guide will help you unravel the secrets of this extraordinary archaeological discovery. Marvel at the life-sized figures of soldiers and horses, crafted to protect the tomb of Emperor Qin Shihuang. Discovered on the outskirts of Xi’an, the Terracotta Army comprises over 8,000 soldiers, 100 chariots, and 600 horses, each one unique, created to guard the emperor’s grand mausoleum.

Following this, you’ll visit a jade carving factory before enjoying some free time for lunch. In the afternoon, you’ll head to the Xi'an City Wall, where you can take a leisurely walk along this historic structure. The wall, one of the best-preserved city walls in China, was originally built from rammed earth and later rebuilt with bricks during the reign of Emperor Longquing. You can rent a bike or electric bike to cycle along the wall, either completing the entire circuit or exploring a section of this monumental structure. Enjoy a second night in Xi'an before your Silk Road adventure begins tomorrow.

Xi'an - Dunhuang. After enjoying breakfast at your hotel, you'll transfer to the airport for your included flight to Dunhuang (approximately 2.5 - 3 hours). On arrival, you'll be met and transferred to your hotel.

The rest of the day will be at your leisure, giving you time to relax and explore Dunhuang at your own pace.

Today, you’ll transfer to the Mogao Grottoes, located on the edge of the Gobi Desert. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the world’s most important collections of Buddhist art, comprising a network of caves and cells that house stunning statues and murals created over a thousand years, from the 4th to the 14th centuries. A total of 492 caves have withstood the test of time.

You’ll have some free time for lunch, before spending the afternoon visiting Crescent Moon Lake and the Singing Sand Dunes. Located six kilometres south of Dunhuang, the desert meets an oasis, creating a stunning landscape. If time allows, you’ll enjoy the sunset at Crescent Moon Lake, with the towering sand dunes providing a spectacular backdrop to the oasis. You'll then return to the hotel in Dunhuang.

Dunhuang - Turpan. Start the day with a fascinating visit to the Dunhuang Museum, where you’ll journey through time from the prehistoric age to the Qing Dynasty. The museum houses an extensive collection of relics that tell the story of Dunhuang’s rich history and its importance along the Silk Road. You’ll have the chance to see ancient pottery, sculptures, and traditional costumes, offering a deeper understanding of the region’s heritage.

In the afternoon, you’ll transfer to Liuyuan Nan Railway Station for your included high-speed train to Turpan, a journey of approximately 3.5 hours. On arrival, you’ll be transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure.

Please Note: The Dunhuang Museum is closed on Mondays.

After breakfast, you’ll begin your day with a visit to the Flaming Mountain. This striking mountain, composed of red sand and rocks, resembles a red dragon resting on the basin. From a distance, the heatwaves and floating clouds create the illusion of fire as the sun shines upon it. In summer, the temperature here can soar to 80°C, and the Flaming Mountain Museum features a large thermometer to show you just how intense the heat can be.

Next, you’ll explore the ruins of Gaochang, an ancient city founded in the 1st century BC during the conflict between China and the Huns. Originally built as a military fortress, Gaochang was once a grand city with fortress walls, palaces, and churches. Today, only the remains of these structures survive, offering a glimpse into the past glory of this once-thriving city along the ancient Silk Road.

In the afternoon, you’ll visit a traditional Uyghur village, where you’ll step back in time to experience life as it was in Central Asia centuries ago. Then, you’ll explore the Bezeklik Caves, known for their stunning wall decorations. Finally, you’ll visit the UNESCO-listed Jiaohe Ruins, one of the oldest earthen cities in existence, dating back over 2,300 years. After a busy day, you'll return to Turpan for the night.

Turpan - Urumqi. This morning, you’ll visit the Karez Irrigation System and the Emin Minaret, the largest Islamic tower in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. The Karez system, dating back over 2000 years to the Han Dynasty, was once the main source of water for both agriculture and daily life.

After lunch, you’ll drive 184 km to Urumqi. Your first stop will be the Red Hill Pagoda and Park, built in 1785. Located atop Red Hill at an altitude of 910 metres, the pagoda is a landmark of Urumqi. The hill’s distinctive reddish-brown colour gives the park its name, and it offers panoramic views of the city and beyond.

In the late afternoon, after checking into your hotel, you’ll take a relaxing walk through Urumqi’s Grand Bazaar. This vibrant market provides a glimpse into the city’s rich local culture, where you can explore its colourful stalls and soak in the lively atmosphere.

Today, after breakfast, you’ll visit Heavenly Lake, also known as Tianchi Lake, a breathtaking natural wonder located on the northern side of Bogda Peak in the Tianshan Mountains. This stunning scenic spot is renowned for its crystal-clear waters, surrounded by snow-capped mountains, offering spectacular views and a peaceful atmosphere.

Afterwards, you’ll enjoy lunch at a Kazak village before heading back to the city in the late afternoon. The rest of the day is at leisure for you to explore Urumqi.

Urumqi - Kashgar. Today, you’ll have the morning at leisure before transferring to the airport for your included flight to Kashgar (approximately 2 - 2.5 hours). Upon arrival in Kashgar, you’ll visit China’s largest mosque, the Id Kah Mosque, which is not only the largest mosque in Xinjiang but also one of the most influential in Asia.

Next, you’ll take a stroll through the intricate Uyghur alleys of Kashgar, a city known for its folk crafts, art, and vibrant bazaars. If you wish, stop for a pot of brick tea and enjoy the sounds of Uyghur music and singing in the old streets of Ustang Boyi, offering a unique glimpse into the authentic local lifestyle.

After breakfast, if it’s Sunday, you’ll visit the lively Sunday Bazaar, which has preserved its ancient charm for over a thousand years. Vendors arrive on foot, by bike, or even on horseback, donkey, or camel, offering a colourful array of goods. Following this, you’ll explore the old town of Kashgar, with its winding streets and traditional brick and wood buildings, some of which have stood for centuries.

Later, you’ll visit the Mausoleum of Abjak Hoja, built around 1640 AD as the final resting place of Muhammad Yusuf, an Islamic leader. This impressive mausoleum is an important historical site in Kashgar. After the visit, you’ll be transferred back to your hotel.

Kashgar - Beijing. This morning, you’ll have some free time before being transferred to the airport for your included flight back to Beijing (approximately 4.5 to 5 hours). The tour will conclude upon your arrival at the airport in Beijing.