13 Days China Silk Road with South Xinjiang Tour by Train
Destination:Dunhuang, Jiayuguan, Kashgar, Korla, Kucha, Lanzhou, Turpan, Urumqi, Xi'an
Tour Code: SKGT01
Tour Duration: 13 Days
- Tour overview:
- Tour starts: May 20, 2020; Tour ends: June 01, 2020; Minimum persons per booking: 2pax
Free Inquiry From $3599
Tour Summary
Day by Day Itinerary
Reviews
B=Breakfast,L=Lunch,D=Dinner
Tour Dates | Destinations | Services Provided | Meals Included | ||||||||||||||
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Day 1 |
Urumqi
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Arrive in Urumqi, be welcomed at the airport and transferred to hotel.
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Day 2 |
Urumqi/Korla
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Visit Heavenly Lake , Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar . After dinner, take the deluxe train of China Orient Express to Korla.
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Day 3 |
Korla/Kashgar
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Today we will visit the Tiemen Pass and Bosten Lake. After dinner, take the train of China Orient Express to Kashgar.
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Day 4 |
Kashgar/Karakul Lake/Kashgar
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Drive to visit Karakuri Lake . After the tour return by late afternoon to Kashgar.
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Day 5 |
Kashgar/Kucha
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Explore the rich culture of the Uyghur in Kashgar. Today you will visit the famous livestock market, Sunday Bazzar , Idgar Mosque, Kashgar , Abakh Khoja Tomb , Kashgar Old Town . After dinner take the China Orient Express to Kucha.
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Day 6 |
Kucha/Turpan
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After breakfast drive to visit Tianshan Grand Canyon , Kizil Grottos / Kizil Thousand-Buddha Caves . After the tour take the China Orient Express train to Turpan.
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Day 7 |
Turpan/Dunhuang
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It’s a day for Turpan sightseeing. Visit Karez Well System, Turpan , Flaming Mountain, Turpan , Ancient City of Jiaohe (Yarkhoto) . After dinner, take the train of China Orient Express to Dunhuang.
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Day 8 |
Dunhuang
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After arriving in Dunhuang, we will visit the beautiful Mingsha Shan & Yueya Quan (Singing Sand Mountains & Crescent Moon Spring) , Shazhou Night Market.
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Day 9 |
Dunhuang/Jiayuguan
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This morning visit the world famous Mogao Grottoes . After lunch, embark the train of China Orient Express to Jiayuguan.
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Day 10 |
Jiayuguan/Lanzhou
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After breakfast, have a visit to Jiayuguan Fort , then drive for the Overhanging Great Wall . At night take the train of China Orient Express to Lanzhou.
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Day 11 |
Lanzhou/Xi’an
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In the morning, we will visit the Ancient Water Mill . After lunch transfer to train station for high-speed train to Xi’an.
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Day 12 |
Xi'an
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Today visit the famous The Terracotta Army and Horses , Huaqing Palace .
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Day 13 |
Xi’an
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After breakfast free at leisure till the assemble time for the transferring to airport for the flight back to your hometown or next destination. |
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Price
Season | Tour Class | Group Size | Single Room Supplement |
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2-5pax | 6-9pax | |||
Peak Season | 5*(First Class) | $3599 | $3599 | $1750 |
-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
1. Experienced Tour ManagersOur experienced tour managers and their assistants on train are selected for their travel knowledge and organizational abilities allowing you to relax and enjoy your tour of a lifetime.
2. Arrival and Departure Transfers
Arrival and departure transfers are included.
3. Hotel and Onboard Accommodation
Although you will spend much of your time sightseeing or relaxing in the train’s public areas, you will find your hotel room or cabin a welcome retreat at the end of a rewarding day. Hotel and onboard accommodation as described in your individual tour itinerary are included in the tour price. All hotels are of 5 star standard or, in certain locations, the best available. Room upgrades are available on request and at extra cost.
4. Route Guide, Itinerary and Information Pack
When you board the train there will be a brochure in your cabin detailing more about your journey and the places en-route. Our Tour Manager will give brief introductions on the cities or places we visit and, each evening, will issue a program for the next day’s touring schedule.
5. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Daily
All departures feature one or two uniquely designed restaurant cars where you can enjoy the excellent waiter-served food. Several times during the tour we will also sample authentic local cuisine off the train.
6. Drinks with Meals Onboard
A drink allowance is included with lunch and dinner.
7. On Board Service
Throughout your tour you can expect service which is attentive, friendly and unobtrusive. The high ratio of staff to passengers means there is always someone available should you need assistance.
8. On Board Doctor and Medical Facilities
To give you peace of mind our tours are accompanied by a doctor who travels with us for the entire journey; so you can rest assured that medical assistance is always available. On call 24 hours a day, the doctor is on hand to give primary care as required.
9. 24 Hour Service Attendant Onboard
Your car attendants provide 24-hour housekeeping and bedding turndown services, with one attendant always on duty to assist you and to ensure you are comfortable in your cabin. Complimentary tea, coffee and bottled drinking water are available in your cabin 24 hours a day.
Price Excludes
1. International Airfare or Train Tickets to enter or leave China
2. China Entry Visa Fees
3. Excess Baggage Charges
4. Personal Expenses such as visa costs, insurance, drinks from the bar car, laundry, spa treatments, hairdressing.
5. Single Room Supplement
6. Tip: Full Service Staff Tip USD $150 p.p. (or USD $160 p.p. or USD $170 p.p.) --train staff, special train porter, the tour leader (tour manager), local driver and local guide.
B=Breakfast,L=Lunch,D=Dinner
Day 1
Arrive Urumqi
Transfer via: Flight on your own arrangement
Arrive in Urumqi, the capital city of Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region and the farthest city from ocean, you will be welcomed by our guide at the airport and transferred to hotel.
Day 2
Urumqi/Korla (B,L,D)
Transfer via: Coach/Van, Train of China Orient Express
Sightseeing: Heavenly Lake, Xinjiang International Bazaar
After breakfast, visit Heavenly Lake on Tianshan Mountain (boat tour). The mountain lake stands 1,980 meters above sea level and features picturesque scenery of snowcapped peaks. It is a great experience to boat travel the Heavenly Lake, with a layer of magical color covering the lake, and hearing many beautiful myths and legends. Then visit Xinjiang International Bazaar.
After dinner, you will take the deluxe train of China Orient Express to Korla at 21:00. Have a nice night on the train with wonderful evening and morning views of local countryside.
Day 3
Korla/Kashgar (B,L,D)
Transfer via: Coach/Van, Train of China Orient Express
Sightseeing: Tiemen Pass, Bosten Lake
Korla is a county-level city which was known as Weili in ancient times and served as an important staging post in the middle of the Silk Road. After a pleasant breakfast, we will visit the Tiemen Pass. It is one of the 26 famous passes in China, and acquired the name 'Iron Gate' for it is solid and firm just like an iron gate. It was an important point along the route into the Tarim Basin in the ancient times.
Then we will move to visit Bosten Lake. Bosten is Mongolian, and means 'stand-up'. There are three hills standing in the central part of the lake, hence its name. Bosten Lake is rich in aquatic life with beautiful scenery, being famous as 'a bright pearl of the Oasis'.
After dinner, take the train of China Orient Express to Kashgar at 20:30.
Day 4
Kashgar/Karakul Lake/Kashgar (B,L,D)
Transfer via: Coach/Van
Sightseeing: Karakul Lake
After breakfast at the China Orient Express, we set out along the Sino-Pakistan Karakorum Highway, on the Pamir Plateau (the roof of the world) visit Karakul Lake (3,600m above sea level). The lake sits at the foot of the famous Muztagh Ata (7,546m) and Gongur (7,719m) mountains. ‘Muztagh Ata’ means Father of the Ice Mountains and is one of the most beautiful and mysterious mountains in the world. Return by late afternoon to Kashgar.
Day 5
Kashgar/Kucha (B,L,D)
Transfer via: Coach/Van, Train of China Orient Express
Sightseeing: Sunday Bazaar, livestock market, Grand Id Kah Mosque, Abakh Khoja Tomb, Old Town of Kashgar
Explore the rich culture of the Uyghur in Kashgar. First enjoy the famous livestock market which happens only on every Sunday and people from all directions bring their horses, sheep, goats, camels, cows, bulls and other livestock to the market for sale. It provides a great opportunity to enjoy the traditional local market culture. Like opening a window, today is a real glimpse into a time lost in the annals of the Silk Road’s past and an opportunity not to be missed.
Later move on to Sunday Bazaar which is considered one of the largest markets in Central Asia. From fluffy sheepskin hats to rugged camel-hide boots, not to mention beads, buttons and buckets of locals. Everything is for sale at this fairytale bazaar.
After lunch visit the Grand Id Kah Mosque, the largest mosque in China and marvel at the intricate architecture of Kashgar’s historic Abakh Khoja Tomb which is also known as Fragrant Concubine Tomb.
We’ll enjoy the Old Town of Kashgar by walk. Walking is the best way to see the ancient historical streets, handicraft workshops and many more; enjoy a century-old Kashgar tea house’s atmosphere for a short break. Sitting by the locals and try various medicinal teas such as those containing rose, saffron, honey and many other ingredients.
After dinner, at about 23:00 take the China Orient Express to Kucha.
Day 6
Kucha/Turpan (B,L,D)
Transfer via: Coach/Van, Train of China Orient Express
Sightseeing: Tianshan Grand Canyon, Kizil Thousand-Buddha Caves
After breakfast at the China Orient Express we will drive to the Tianshan Grand Canyon, also known as Keziliya Grand Canyon, which was formed by wind and rain over billions of years.
Then move to the Kizil Thousand-Buddha Caves, a corridor of murals surpassing other existing caves in China for its abundance in content, quantity and long duration. The murals in the Kizil Thousand-Buddha Caves are reputed as "The most beautiful murals in Central Asia". They are found in 81 caves with a total area of more than 10,000 square meters. The diamond grid pattern is the most impressive feature. There is a story about Buddha's reincarnation in every gird. Each story was portrayed by a single picture instead of a series of pictures as that in Mogao Grottoes.
After the tour take the China Orient Express train to Turpan.
Day 7
Turpan/Dunhuang (B,L,D)
Transfer via: Coach/Van, Train of China Orient Express
Sightseeing: Karez Well System, Flaming Mountain, Jiaohe Ancient City
It’s a day for Turpan sightseeing! Visit Karez Well System to witness the wisdom of Uygur people. The irrigation system is especially designed for desert. If connecting all these underground channels, the total length will reach more than 5000 km, so it is regarded as one of the three engineering miracles of ancient China, along with the Great Wall and the Jinghang Grand Canal.
After that we will move to Flaming Mountain, well known by Chinese people because of the legendary story 'Journey to the West'. It is regarded as the hottest place in China. Then we drive to Jiaohe Ancient City, an island-shaped plateau situated at Yar Town. It is the largest and oldest earth-structured city in the world, with a history of 2,000-2,300 years.
After dinner, take the train of China Orient Express to Dunhuang at 20:30. Have a nice night on the train with wonderful evening and morning views of local countryside.
Day 8
Dunhuang (B,L,D)
Transfer via: Coach/Van
Sightseeing: Crescent Lake & Singing Sand Mountains, Shazhou Night Market
After a pleasant breakfast, we specially arrange Dunhuang experts and professors who'll introduce this exotic city in detail to you. After arriving in Dunhuang, we will visit the beautiful Crescent Lake & Singing Sand Mountains. The Crescent Lake scenic spot is an oasis Gobi desert, surrounded by numerous sand dunes, reaching a relative height of 250 meters. The Singing Sand Mountains is so named for the sound of the wind whipping off the dunes. After dinner, we move to Dunhuang night market -bustling Shazhou Night Market. Never miss its tasty snacks, local specialties, and crafts etc.
Day 9
Dunhuang/Jiayuguan (B,L,D)
Transfer via: Coach/Van, Train of China Orient Express
Sightseeing: Mogao Grottoes
This morning let's visit the world famous Mogao Grottoes, which was designated as a world cultural heritage by UNESCO for its 1,600 years accumulated cultural, architectural, and art treasures. There remains 492 cave temple and 45,000 square meters of frescos. According to Tang Dynasty records, a monk had witnessed onsite a vision of thousand Buddha under showers of golden rays. Thus inspired, he started the caves construction work that spanned ten dynasties. Mogao Caves are commonly known as the Caves of a Thousand Buddha.
After lunch, we embark the train of China Orient Express to Jiayuguan at 15:00 and arrive there at about 20:00.
Day 10
Jiayuguan/Lanzhou (B,L,D)
Transfer via: Coach/Van, Train of China Orient Express
Sightseeing: Jiayuguan Pass, Overhanging Great Wall
After breakfast, have a visit to the Jiayuguan (Jiayu Pass), the western end of the Great Wall built in Ming Dynasty. It is known as 'the First and Greatest Pass under Heaven', the best preserved and most magnificent military fort in China.
Then we drive 7 miles away for the Overhanging Great Wall. It got the name for riding on a mountain ridge that is 45 degrees from vertical and resembling a huge dragon.
At 20:30, we take the train of China Orient Express to Lanzhou.
Day 11
Lanzhou/Xi’an (B,L,D)
Transfer via: Coach/Van, high-speed train (second class soft seat)
Sightseeing: Waterwheel Garden
In the morning, we will visit the Waterwheel Garden, originated from the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), the waterwheel is the oldest irrigation tool in Yellow River area of Lanzhou. The Waterwheel Garden is a theme garden displaying the waterwheel culture. Here, we could appreciate the waterwheel driven by the flowing water all year round to collect water from the river or cofferdam.
After lunch, we will transfer to train station for high-speed train to Xi’an. It takes only three hours to complete the 700-kilometer distance on China’s fastest and comfortable bullet train. Upon arrival, meet your Xi’an guide and transfer to hotel.
Day 12
Xi'an (B,L,D)
Transfer via: Coach/Van
Sightseeing: Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses Museum, Huaqing Palace
Have breakfast in the hotel, then we drive to the famous Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses Museum, one of the eight wonders of the world. Be excited to observe China's first emperor -Emperor Qin's great army of 8,000 life-sized terracotta soldiers and horses in three burial pits.
Afterwards, we continue to Huaqing Palace in Mt Lishan. In ancient time, emperors used to come here to bathe and enjoy the beautiful scenery. It has become a favorite spa since the Tang Dynasty.
Day 13
Depart Xi’an (B)
Transfer via: Flight on your own arrangement
Today is the day of farewell to your memorable Silk Road trip. After a pleasant breakfast, free at your own leisure till the assemble time for the transferring to airport for the flight back to your hometown or next destination.

I hope this letter finds you well. We finally arrived home from our trip last Thursday the 17th. As promised I am writing to you about our experience in China and we thank you very much for your organizing. On the whole we had a wonderful time and were very well looked after by both guides and drivers we would especially like to thank Linda and Cynthia which we would highly recommend. They both gave really excellent service in every way including punctuality, information and restaurants that were chosen for lunches, the food was delicious. The cruise on the Huangpu River was cancelled because of bad weather which couldn't be helped so the guide offered us an Acrobatic Show which we enjoyed very much. We had a lovely time on day 3 to Tongli water town. Our stay in China was wonderful. Best regards, Kathleen Pam
- Booking Code:VOC-20190905-S
- Tour Starting Date:Thursday, 5 September 2019
- Client's information:Kathleen & Pam, Australia
Dear Molly, Hope you have been well. We will be returning to Singapore in a couple of hours. Would like to commend on the tour guides, drivers and accommodation that VOC has arranged for us. The guides and drivers are very professional,very helpful, thoughtful, caring and experienced. They practised good ethics as well. We definitely have a wonderful touring experience and I will definitely recommend your company to my friends. Regards, Mrs Wee
- Booking Code:VOC-20190605-M
- Tour Starting Date:Wednesday, 5 June 2019
- Client's information:Chew Huay Huay, Singapore

Hi Sandy, Thank you for a great first tour together. I appreciate that it was a big commitment for you to be away from your office family for such a long time. I know you would have missed your young son a lot. I am also very grateful for your huge personal effort that you put into the detailed planning. The local guides were all great - Sally, Amanda Benny. Regarding the itinerary, I think we have an excellent itinerary for the beginning and the end, but the middle of the tour needs to be changed. Thank you again for all your excellent work. I look forward to visiting you in your home town for our first Tibet tour in August 2020. Jo I might travel up one day ahead of the group to meet you and have dinner with you. Best regards, Brod
- Booking Code:VOC-20190528-S
- Tour Starting Date:Tuesday, 28 May 2019
- Client's information:Brod, Australia
Van and I thought you put together a wonderful itinerary for our two-week vacation in China. Even though we missed a day in Beijing due to bad weather, our guide was very accommodating and helped us see as much as possible in the two remaining days. We enjoyed our guides, the food, and the hotels. Thank you for all of your help in putting together this trip. Best, Jayne
- Booking Code:VOC-20190517-S
- Tour Starting Date:Friday, 17 May 2019
- Client's information:Jayne Ellen Wilgus, USA
Dear friends of visitourchina, We went to visit Nanning between April 28th and May 3rd 2019 with my wife and my daughter. For us, it would be the first visit to China and we needed some support to organise this as I wanted to organise it all by myself (hotel, plane, visa, …). But as I was organising everything I felt the need of some extra support and help from people of China (for instance English talking guide, English talking organiser in China to take us around in a personal tour). “By accident” we get contact with visitourchina. And they “give” us Molly Mo as contact person. It was a winning number from the lottery ! Molly took care of us like “a real mother” ! No question I’ve asked her, she answered them immediately with her advice and experience. Always in a very friendly and positive way, adding a human sense so we were even more longing to visit Nanning and it’s people. Molly organised our guide in Nanning, Wendy, who was TOP for us. Wendy took care of us, from early morning till evening with a very professional view on guiding adding a good human sense to her work. We were so good prepared we had one day on our own and we could fill in without problems. It has been one of the best trips we ever had, we’ve learned very much of this part of China, enjoying the people we’ve met and with who we’ve got contact. It give us a real view of Chinese people and community and for us, a new world opened. A very good society, well organised, Nanning very good organised concerning environment and climate. So, we came back from Nanning after a too short stay with very positive feelings, hoping once more to visit China again. We’re very grateful to Molly in the first place. She is the ideal person to represent Visitourchina. She take care of my many, many questions with a great heart, she had many patience with us and she never disappointed us, her answers give us the extra love for China and it’s people. Visitourchina m...
- Booking Code:VOC-20190428-M
- Tour Starting Date:Sunday, 28 April 2019
- Client's information:Arnold Demeyere, Belgium
Hi Molly, The tour was great. Both guide and driver are very friendly and helpful. For the meals on the trip, so much food and delicious dishes. We loved the trip. Thanks for all your help. Best wishes, Brandon
- Booking Code:VOC-20190426-M(A)
- Tour Starting Date:Friday, 26 April 2019
- Client's information:Brandon Michael Driggs,USA
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