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Day
1
Arrival Urumqi
Transport via: Flight upon your arrangement
Upon you arrival in Urumqi you will meet you local guide and then be transferred to your hotel.
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Day
2
Urumqi (B, L)
Sightseeing: Heavenly Lake
Today you will have a full day visit in the Heavenly Lake. The Heavenly Lake is a moraine by nature. Since remote times, quite a few of myths and legends circulated concerning the beautiful scenery. The water is very clear and the banks are covered with tall trees. Surrounded by mountains, the jade-green lake is an ideal place for excursions and rest for most of the year. It provides an excellent skating ground in winter.
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Day
3
Urumqi (B, L)
Sightseeing: South Pasture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Museum, Erdaoqiao Market
In the morning we will depart to South Pasture. South Pasture is located 60 kilometers away from Urumqi city and is a vast natural area with fascinating scenery. Its landscape stretches into the distance and is painted with flocks of sheep and horses and yaks grazing among the wild flowers. Deep in the lush valley, a waterfall gently drops down and integrates with the peaceful surroundings.
Then we will visit Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Museum, which presents a wonderful collection of items from the local area as well as items from other areas along the ancient Silk Road. The museum has a large collection of silk items from many periods of history. Brocades from Eastern Han and specialized silk-woven products of the great Tang Dynasty are highlighted.
Finally we will spend some time at Erdaoqiao Market, the largest retail and wholesale market for ethnic minority goods in Xinjiang. Night scene at the market is especially interesting. The whole area is lit up with colorful lights creating a very impressive scene. Erdaoqiao turns into a place bustling with trade in foods, handicrafts together with dancing and all sorts of activities.
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Day
4
Urumqi / Turpan (B, L)
Transfer via: Private car on our arrangement
Sightseeing: Astana-Karakhoja Ancient Tombs, Ancient City of Gaochang, Tuyugou Valley
In the morning we will take a private car to Turpan.
The Astana-Karakhoja Ancient Tombs, which we will see first today, are part of the Underground Museum of Turpan and the Living Archives of Gaochang. They are located 42 km (26miles) southeast of Turpan city and were the public cemetery of the ancient Gaochang residents, both aristocrats and commoners. Among the excavated 456 tombs, the Gaochang king's has not been found.
Next we will visit the Ancient City of Gaochang in the boundless desolate Gobi desert. Shining like a resplendent precious stone inlaid in the barren desert and shining on the Silk Road, Gaochang is located at the foot of the Flaming Mountain. Withstanding the test of time and weather, the ancient cities of Gaochang and Jiaohe are the best-preserved ruins of the ancient cities in China.
At last we drive to Tuyugou Valley. The canyon stretches from the Subeixi ancient village in the north to the entrance of the Maza village for around 8 kilometers long. It averages 1 kilometer in width. Inside the canyon stands the highest peak of the Flaming Mountain. The canyon splits the grand Flaming Mountain into two parts. Since 1900s, groups of explorers from the world have thronged to this place and still nobody has found any evidence on when the canyon was formed.
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Day
5
Turpan / Urumqi (B, L)
Transfer via: Private Car on our arrangement
Sightseeing: Karez Well System, Grape Valley, Emin Minaret
Today we will go on a full day tour. First we will drive to Karez Well System, the pride of Turpan. Along with the Great Wall and Grand Beijing-Hangzhou Canal it is regarded as the three most important achievements of ancient time.
Our second stop today is the Grape Valley. Under the twisted vines, set up many stalls selling kebabs, steaming noodles and dried raisins to travelers. In addition, the Wei Minority singing and dancing show is displayed here daily. Grape Valley is where most tourists stop for lunch during midday.
Finally we will visit Emin Minaret, the largest extant old tower in Xinjiang. It is the only Islamic tower among the hundred famous towers in China. Standing 2 km (1.24 miles) east of Turpan, Emin Minaret was built in 1777 in honor of the heroic Turpan general, Emin Khoja.
In the evening we will arrive back in Urumqi.
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Day
6
Departure Urumqi (B)
Transfer via: Flight on your own arrangement
Today you can enjoy some leisure time until you will be transferred to the airport grom where you will take the flight to your next destination.