15 Days Silk Road Legend Tour

Destination:Beijing, Dunhuang, Kashgar, Shanghai, Turpan, Urumqi, Xi'an

Tour Code: SK03

Tour Duration: 15 Days

Tour overview:
Being the most important trading route for centuries,Silk Road had witnessed the product and culture exchanges between China and the west. The murals in Dunhuang Grottos are amazing; the culture behind it and stories along the Silk Road is unique. Without being on the road in person, it's hard to imagine people actually lived here and created all these. Also, in Dunhuang, you will see the Great Wall of the Han Dynasty which Reputed as one of the seven constructions wonders in the world,

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Day by Day Itinerary

Tour Summary

Reviews

B=Breakfast,L=Lunch,D=Dinner

Day 1

Arrive in Beijing

Transfer via: Flight on your own arrangement

Upon your arrival you will be greeted by our local guide and then transferred to your hotel by a private air-conditioned car. For the rest of the day you will enjoy some leisure time.

 

Day 2

Beijing (B,L)

Beijing (B,L)

Sightseeing: Mutianyu Great Wall, sacred way, the Beijing National Stadium (Bird's Nest/Olympic Stadium) National Swimming Centre (The Water Cube),

After experiencing the royal lifestyle, today we will be transferred to the surrounding countryside of Beijing and visit the Mutianyu Great Wall, the pride of China and one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Whereas Genghis Khan contemplated it as a military obstacle, Richard Nixon described it as one of humankind's greatest achievements. You will be able to climb and walk on the sections of the 2,000 years old ancient wall, admiring the splendid mountain views. Bring a jacket and layer- although it is breezy, the climbing is tough. So be in a good shape!

On the way back to hotel, you will be driven to visit the main 2008 Beijing Olympic venues, take an exterior visit of both the, Beijing National Stadium (Bird's Nest/Olympic Stadium), National Swimming Centre('The Water Cube'),feel free to take some photos of the stadiums.

Day 3

Beijing (B,L)

Beijing (B,L)

Sightseeing: Temple of Heaven, Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Hutong Tour in rickshaw

This morning our tour will begin with a visit of the Temple of Heaven, which was completed in 1420, and expanded over the years by two Qing Dynasty Emperors. It was the place where the Emperor came every winter solstice to worship heaven and to solemnly pray for a good harvest. With the three blue-tiled cone-shaped roofs, a unique wooden and blue-tiled structure built without a nail, it has become a worldwide symbol of Beijing.

After lunch, we will go on our city tour to visit Tiananmen Square, the symbolical heart of China and gathering place for the masses. It is the biggest public square in the world, which can hold one million people.

From here we will walk across the Golden River Bridge to visit the Forbidden City and experience the ancient Emperor's daily life. For 5 centuries Chinese emperors carried out their administration here. With almost 10,000 rooms, it was the centre of the Ming and Qing dynasties, a massive complex of palaces, pavilions, courtyards and gardens where 24 emperors used to live. Forbidden City was the largest palace in the world, and in the past it was indeed a forbidden place for commoners. Your tour here will include private access to the Emperor's palace.

We will experience a unique Hutong tour by taking a rickshaw this afternoon. Hutongs are a kind of ancient city alley or lane and are very typical for Beijing. Most of them can be found close to the Forbidden City, and many were built during the three dynasties of Yuan, Ming and Qing. Today, the Hutong is a living museum of Beijing history showing the traditional lifestyle of Beijing people.

Day 4

Beijing / Xian (B,L)

Transfer via: Flight on our arrangement
Sightseeing: Summer Palace. Shaanxi Provincial Museum

In the morning, we will visit the Summer Palace. Equally famous as the Forbidden City, the Summer Palace is called 'Yiheyuan' (Garden of Nurtured Harmony) in Chinese. Until nowadays, it is the best preserved and the largest imperial garden in China. You will regret it if you leave Beijing without having visited this grand imperial garden.

Later that day you will take the flight to Xi’an. After your arrival there, you will be met and transferred to your hotel by our local guide.

Then visit the Shaanxi Provincial Museum. It is a magnificent architectural complex in the Tang Dynasty style. The Museum possesses a treasure of 113,000 historic and cultural artifacts unearthed in Shaanxi, and it covers an area of 1,100 square meters for exhibition.

 

Day 5

Xian (B,L)

Xian (B,L)

Sightseeing: Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Ancient City Wall

Today you will experience the highlights of Xi’an. After breakfast, you will depart you’re your hotel. You will visit the amazing 2000-year-old Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses. Regarded as the 8th Wonder of the World, the Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses are the most significant archeological excavations of the 20th century. Over 2,200 years ago, the first emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang, ordered the construction of a vast army of Terra-cotta warriors in search of immortality. After his early death they were buried with him to protect his empire.

Another highlight today is the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. Situated in the south of Xian city, it is one of the main constructions in the famous Buddhist temple-Da-Ci-En Temple. There, the well-known Buddhist Master Xuanzang (Monk Tripitaka) stored his collection of classic Buddhist artifacts brought from India in Tang Dynasty. Now it is the Landmark of Xian.

Then we will go on to visit the Ancient City Wall. You will experience a half-hour's hike along the Ancient City Wall. You will experience a half-hour's hike along the Ancient City Wall. It is the largest and best preserved present city wall in ancient China and is probably the best military battlement in the world. If you want to, you can rent a bicycle for a ride on top of the spectacular city wall. The wall was built in the Tang dynasty (618 -907) and enlarged in the Ming dynasty (1368-1644).

Day 6

Xian/Dunhuang (B,L)

Transfer via: Flight on our arrangement
Sightseeing: Yumenguang Pass, Great Wall of the Han Dynasty.

This morning, you will be transferred to airprot to take flight to Dunhuang. Arrive in Dunhuang, your local guide will greet you and then accompany you to hotel.

After lunch, you will have the visit to Yumenguang Pass, Once as one of the west gates out of the country of the Han Dynasty (206 B. C. -220 A. D.), it is quite ruined by the shifting sands but still shows the ever splendor.   And Great Wall of the Han Dynasty. Great wall of the Han dynasty was build for defending the nomadic Xiongnu during the Han Dynasty (206 BC--220 AD).

Day 7

Dunhuang/Turpan (B,L)

Dunhuang/Turpan (B,L)

Transfer via: Overnight train –on our arrangement
Sightseeing: Mogao Grottoes, Crescent Lake, Echoing-Sand Dune,

After breakfast, you will head for the Mogao Grottoes for a visit: Constructed over a millennium, from the 4th to the 14th centuries, the caves hold the world's richest treasure house of Buddhist sutras, murals and sculptures

Later we continue to visit the Echoing Sand Dune and Crescent Lake. The Echoing-Sand Dune are famous for the sounds the wind makes when blowing over the dunes. Also, the sand is said to be rather noisy when tread upon. The Spring's name derives from the crescent moon shape the small pool of spring water has taken between two large sand dunes. Although the area is very dry, the pool doesn't dry up as one might expect. And this is a resort of Taoism for local people.

After tour, you will be transferred to the train station to take overnight train to Turpan.

 

Day 8

Turpan (L)

Sightseeing: Jiaohe Ruins,Karez Well ,Grape Valley

Early morning arrive in Turpan, be met and transferred to your hotel in Turpan. After a short rest, start the city tour to s explore the Jiaohe Ruins, the remains of an ancient walled capital of the Uighur with its large monastery and palace. It is probably the same size as Gaochang but better preserved. UNESCO has contributed to its preservation. The dry weather has helped city preserve its cityscape. It is a life-sized model of a Tang Dynasty city.

Move on to visit Ancient Karez system.The entire Turpan region has for 2000 years relied upon the Karez underground irrigation system for sustenance; There is currently one karez well site open for exhibition. It is complete with a museum of displays and pictures. It is a good way to get an understanding of how the tunnels were dug.

Then we will proceed to visit Grape Valley. Lying at the base of the western end of Flaming Mountains, Grape Valley is a unique world of vineyards and fruit trees. you can sit in the shades and sip the local wines to kill a brutally hot afternoon.

Day 9

Turpan/Urumqi/Kashgar (B,L)

Turpan/Urumqi/Kashgar (B,L)

Transfer via: Flight-on our arrangement
Sightseeing: Astana Tomb,Passing by Flaming Mountain to Visit the Bezkelik Thousand Buddha Caves,

Today you will visit to The Astana Tomb, which is located in the Gobi Desert and 6km from the Gaochang Ancient City. Astana means capital in Uygur. Covering an area of 10 square kilometers, the tombs were the public cemetery of the ancient Gaochang residents, both aristocrats and commoners.

Passing by Flaming Mountain to Visit the Bezkelik Thousand Buddha Caves, Once an important Buddhist site with many caves covered with brightly painted murals, Bezeklik means "place of paintings" in Uighur. The caves were hewn into the cliffside, and large murals, Monks used to live inside the caves and the frescoes here clearly represent the life work of generations of devotees. Unfortunately, this place was damaged by the locals who converted to Islam in the 10th century and looted by the western archaeologists in the early 20th century.

After the tours, you will be transferred to Urumqi airport by private car. Take flight to Kashgar. Arrive at Kashgar, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

Day 10

Kashgar (B,L)

Kashgar (B,L)

Sightseeing: Idkah Mosque, The Abakh Khoja Tomb, Sunday bazaar, The old twon of Kashgar.

Today’s ctiy tour include Idkah Mosque. It is the largest mosque in China. Every Friday, it houses nearly 10,000 worshippers and may accommodate up to 20,000.

Then we will visit the Abakh Khoja Tomb, which is also known as the Tomb of Xiang Fei (Fragrant Lady) in China. Situating 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) northeast of Kashgar City, Abakh Khoja Tomb is an ancient Islamic building, where five generations of a famous Islamic master were buried. It is also commonly known as the tomb of Xiangfei, the only Uygur concubine of Emperor Qianlong in Qing Dynasty (1644-1911).,

Later, we will go to Sunday Bazzar. There is a bazaar everyday in Kashgar, but the one on Sunday is the liveliest, as the whole community gets together. The Bazzar in Kashgar is a social and commercial highlight of the week in Western Xinjiang. In the bazaar you can find different kinds of goods: ironware, silverware, fruit, clothes, local food, livestock, etc. Traders are buying and selling one week's stock of cows, sheep, goats and horses. The process of bargaining is fantastic.

Finally, we will have a visit to The old twon of Kashgar, contains a large group of Uygur residential houses. The Old Town city is now home to 630 homes with more than 2450 people, all of whom are Muslims.

Day 11

Kashgar/Urumqi (B,L)

Transfer via: Flight –on our arrangement
Sightseeing: Heavenly Mountain

This morning, you will be transferred to airport to take flight to Urumqi. Arrive in Urumqi, you will be met and transferred to hotel by our local guide.

After lunch, you will head to visit the Heavenly Mountain (Tianchi); it is surrounded by green pastures and pristine conifer forests. Snowy Alp-like peaks soar to great heights and enclose the lake. Take a boat ride on Heavenly Lake and escape into a peaceful, dream-like world.

Transferred back to the city of Urumqi.

Day 12

Urumqi (B,L)

Sightseeing: Nanshan Pasture, Terai Camp, Xinjiang Autonomous Region Museum

Today you will explore the Nanshan Pasture. The Nanshan Pasture is located in Kelawucheng Mountain, a branch of north Heavenly Mountain. Moreover, there are numerous valleys in the pasture. It is cool here in the summer, and is a good place to get away from the heat. You can ride a horse or a camel running through the valleys, walk across the woods picking mushrooms and enjoying the magical wild flowers, you also can climb up the mountain to overlook.

Then continue to visit the Terai Camp to experience the Kazak nomadic life and taste delicious Xinjiang Cruise – milk tea and mutton.

In the afternoon, move to Xinjiang Autonomous Region Museum with exhibits of local arts and crafts. The building occupies a space of 11,000 square meters and is built in a modern style enhanced by local architectural features. The central dome is thirty meters high and from its height one can view the entire city of Urumchi.

Day 13

Urumqi/Shanghai (B,L)

Urumqi/Shanghai (B,L)

Transfer via: Flight – on our arrangement
Sightseeing: Nanjing Road, the Bund, Yuyuan Garden

After breakfast, you will be transferred to airport and take flight to Shanghai. Upon arrival, your guide will greet you at airport and then transfer you to your hotel in Shanghai. Check in the hotel and have a rest, then we will take a relaxing tour to the lovely Yuyuan Garden, a beautiful garden in the south of the Yangtze River. Wandering through it, you will find pavilions, corridors, streams, courtyards as well as many other natural features.

Then we will take a walk to the famous Nanjing Road and the Bund. They are among the most recognizable architectural symbols of Shanghai and therefore a must-see when visiting Shanghai.

Day 14

Shanghai (B,L)

Sightseeing: Shanghai Museum, Oriental Pearl Tower, French concession region.

Today you will visit Shanghai Museum which is the biggest museum of China. It incorporates a collection of over 120,000 pieces of Chinese art & cultural relics and is especially famous for its treasures of bronzes, ceramics, paintings and calligraphy.

After lunch, we will visit the Oriental Pearl Tower, the highest TV Tower in Asia, which creates a picture of 'twin dragons playing with pearls'. The entire scene is a photographic jewel that excites the imagination and attracts thousands of visitors all year-round.

Day 15

Shanghai (B)

Transfer via: Flight on your own arrangement

Today will be free for your own purposes, until our guide will escort you to the airport for your next destination.

B=Breakfast,L=Lunch,D=Dinner

Tour Dates Destinations Services Provided Meals Included
Day 1
Beijing

Arrive in Beijing, be met and transferred to hotel.

Hotel: First Class Deluxe Class Tourist Class
  Crowne Plaza Hotel Beijing Wangfujing Sunworld Hotel Beijing Redwall Hotel
B L D
Day 2
Beijing

Full day visit Mutianyu Great Wall with round-way cable car. The Sacred Way On the way back to hotel, you will be driven to visit Beijing National Stadium (Bird's Nest/Olympic Stadium) National Swimming Centre('The Water Cube') Beijing feel free to take some photos of the stadiums.

Hotel: First Class Deluxe Class Tourist Class
  Crowne Plaza Hotel Beijing Wangfujing Sunworld Hotel Beijing Redwall Hotel
B L D
Day 3
Beijing

Full day visit Tiananmen Square Forbidden City The Temple of Heaven Hutong Tours in Rickshaw

Hotel: First Class Deluxe Class Tourist Class
  Crowne Plaza Hotel Beijing Wangfujing Sunworld Hotel Beijing Redwall Hotel
B L D
Day 4
Beijing/Xi'an

In the morning, visit Summer Palace .Then be transferred to airport for flight to Xian, arrive in Xian, be met and transferred to hotel. Visit Shaanxi Provincial Museum

Hotel: First Class Deluxe Class Tourist Class
  Hotel Sofitel Xian on Renmin Square Mercure on Renmin Square Xian Ibis Xian
B L D
Day 5
Xi'an

Full day visit The Terracotta Army and Horses Big Wild Goose Pagoda Ancient City Wall

Hotel: First Class Deluxe Class Tourist Class
  Hotel Sofitel Xian on Renmin Square Mercure on Renmin Square Xian Ibis Xian
B L D
Day 6
Xi'an/Dunhuang

Take morning flight to Dunhuang. Arrive in Dunhuang, be met and transferred to your hotel. Visit Yumen Pass The Han Dynasty Extends of The Great Wall

Hotel: First Class Deluxe Class Tourist Class
  Grand Sun Hotel Dunhuang International Hotel Dunhuang Hotel
B L D
Day 7
Dunhuang/Turpan

Full day visit Mogao Grottoes in the Mingsha Shan & Yueya Quan (Singing Sand Mountains & Crescent Moon Spring) . After tour, be transferred to take overnight train to Turpan.
B L D
Day 8
Turpan

Early morning arrive in Turpan, be met and transferred to your hotel in Turpan. After a short rest, start the city tour to see Ancient City of Jiaohe (Yarkhoto) Karez Well System, Turpan Grape Valley, Turpan

Hotel: First Class Deluxe Class Tourist Class
  Tuha Petroleum Hotel Grand Hotel Turpan Silk Road Oasis Hotel
B L D
Day 9
Turpan/Urumqi/Kashgar

Full day tour to see Astana-Karakhoja Ancient Tombs Passing by Flaming Mountain, Turpan to Visit the Bizaklik Thousand Buddha Caves , then you will be transferred to Urumqi airport by private car. Take flight to Kashgar. Arrive at Kashgar, be met and transferred to your hotel.

Hotel: First Class Deluxe Class Tourist Class
  Yambu Hotel Kashgar Yambu Hotel Kashgar Yambu Hotel Kashgar
B L D
Day 10
Kashgar

Full day visit to Idgar Mosque, Kashgar Sunday Bazzar Abakh Khoja Tomb Kashgar Old Town

Hotel: First Class Deluxe Class Tourist Class
  Yambu Hotel Kashgar Yambu Hotel Kashgar Yambu Hotel Kashgar
B L D
Day 11
Kashgar/Urumqi

After breakfast, take morning flight to Urumqi. Be met and drive to Heavenly Lake take boat cruising on the lake. Transferred back to the city of Urumqi.

Hotel: First Class Deluxe Class Tourist Class
  Hoi tak Hotel Urumqi Xiangjiang Lihua Hotel Jingu Hotel - Urumqi
B L D
Day 12
Urumqi

Today you will explore the South Pasture ,visit the pastureland, to experience the Kazak nomadic life. Afternoon visit with the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Museum

Hotel: First Class Deluxe Class Tourist Class
  Hoi tak Hotel Urumqi Xiangjiang Lihua Hotel Jingu Hotel - Urumqi
B L D
Day 13
Urumqi/Shanghai

Morning flight to Shanghai. Arrive in Shanghai, be met and transferred to your hotel,visit Yuyuan Garden The Bund Nanjing Road

Hotel: First Class Deluxe Class Tourist Class
  Jin Jiang Hotel Shanghai Holiday Inn Downtown Shanghai Jin jiang New Asia hotel Shanghai
B L D
Day 14
Shanghai

Full day visit Shanghai Museum Oriental Pearl TV Tower Shanghai French Concession

Hotel: First Class Deluxe Class Tourist Class
  Jin Jiang Hotel Shanghai Holiday Inn Downtown Shanghai Jin jiang New Asia hotel Shanghai
B L D
Day 15
Shanghai

Free at leisure till be transferred to airport for your flight departure.
B L D

Price

Season Tour Class Group Size Single Room
Supplement
1pax 2-5pax 6-9pax
Peak Season 3*(Tourist Class) $5449 $4210 $3577 $500
4*(Deluxe Class) $6035 $4435 $3834 $720
5*(First Class) $6895 $4857 $4235 $1120

-NOTE:

1. Normally hotels allow a maximum of 3 adults per room with an extra bed, at extra charge. Some hotels will allow three adults and a small child.

2. Tour price is indicative only, please enquire for a detailed quotation.

3. More people more discounts. Please enquire for more details.

Price Includes

A. Entrance fees：To scenic spots as listed above in the itinerary.
B. Meals: All meals as specified in the itinerary.
C. Private Transfers: Among airports, hotels and scenic spots while sightseeing in the above cities by the private air conditioned vehicle.
D. Guide and Driver: As outlined in the itinerary, a well selected English-speaking guide and driver will accompany you throughout the entire tour in that city. They do not fly with you from one city to another.
E. Hotels: Hotel Based on two persons sharing one room with twin beds. All hotels as listed in the above itinerary serve daily western or Chinese breakfast. All rooms are air-conditioned with private facilities unless specified.
F. Luggage Transfers: Between airports and hotels.
G. Service Charge & Government Taxes.
H. Travel insurance in mainland China during the above travel period.
I. Arrangements: The tour cost includes planning, handling, operational and communication charges.

Quick Questions

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