Silk Road Tour

Depart the United States today to begin your tour of the Ancient Routes of the Silk Road. Cross the International Date Line en route to China.

Today you will visit the Yellow River Mother Sculpture, Gansu Provincial Museum, and the Yellow River Iron Bridge, which is located at the foot of White Pagoda Mountain. This bridge has a unique history, in that it used to be comprised of 20 ships which held it together and was rebuilt every spring when the ice melted. It was first built during the early Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). In 1907, it was rebuilt with iron, therefore it was renamed Yellow River Iron Bridge and is the first big iron bridge over the famed Yellow River in Chinese history. After touring, enjoy your included Chinese lunch and explore the town and relax as you enjoy spending time in this “off the beaten path” province.

This morning, visit the Great Wall Museum and learn more about the comprehensive and systematic history of the Great Wall. In this remote area the Wall is comprised of a “beacon tower” style complex. At this location, you will get to view seven different sections of the Wall with displays, artworks and photos. After the included Chinese lunch, travel by private van to the oasis town of Dunhuang with its dramatic views of mountainous sand dunes, lush green fields and the stunning artwork of the Mogao Grottoes.

Founded in 111 BC, Dunhuang was an important stopping point on the Silk Road. The 1,600 km trade route splits into both northern and southern routes from Dunhuang, giving the city a rich cultural and historical background. This morning visit the Dunhuang County Museum displaying exquisite Buddhist art and manuscripts, with historical connection to the passage of numerous monks who traveled the Silk Road.   You will also have a chance to view relics from the Han and Tang Dynasties including silks and brocades. This afternoon, travel out of Dunhuang to Jade Gate Pass (Yumenguan) which used to mark the western border of China. On the return trip to Dunhuang, stop at the nine- tiered White Horse Dagoba (Baima Ta) and see the place where the legend has it that the statue was built in memory of a white horse that had carried Kumarajiva, a master of Buddhist dharma, through the Gobi desert and  saved his life several times.  

Begin your visit at the Mogao Caves (also known as Caves of a Thousand Buddha’s). The caves are the most impressive and best-preserved examples of Buddhist cave art in China, housing more than 2,415 painted statues and 4,500 square meters of painted murals. Continue on to the Singing Sand Dunes (Mingshashan), which contain the most spectacular sand dune scenery in China, with dunes 200 to 300 meters high. During windy weather conditions, the sand reportedly makes humming sounds and hence receiving the name “Singing Sand Dunes”. Fun activities at the dunes include climbing, paragliding, sand sledding and camel riding. You will be transferred to the Dunhuang Airport late this afternoon for the flight to Urumqi.
Meet your local English-speaking tour guide and driver at the Urumqi Airport for transfer t to the hotel.

After breakfast, begin your tour of Urumqi with a visit at the Lake of Heaven (Tianchi). Located among pine trees, grassy meadows and snowcapped peaks, the lake bears a sharp contrast to the sand dunes and dry conditions of Urumqi and its surrounding areas.  After lunch, visit the Xinjiang Autonomous Region Museum and explore the cultural richness of the thirteen Chinese ethnic minority groups residing in the region. Continue on to the local Bazaar to experience the local way of trading and shopping of common goods, antiques and food items.

Travel to the oasis town of Turpan by car today to explore the Flaming Mountains (Huoyanshan). Appropriately named, the hills appear to be on fire under the sun. Explore the ancient Buddhist murals of the Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves near the Flaming Mountains. After lunch, continue your tour at the Atsana Ancient Tombs to visit three of the 500 area tombs dating from the Tang Dynasty. Artifacts on display include silks, brocades and important historical records.

After breakfast, visit the ancient Jiaohe Ruins (confluence of two rivers), which was established by the Chinese as a stronghold to defend the neighboring lands during the Han Dynasty. Your tour continues with a visit to the 18th century Emin Minaret and adjoining mosque built in Afghani style with its decorative 44-meter high circular minaret. This afternoon, visit the Karez Wells, one of China’s greatest public works projects. The ancient well system, constructed by hand and simple tools is made up of a series of wells and underground channels over 3,000 km in length and linked together to utilize the force of gravity to bring water to the surface. Return to Urumqi this afternoon.

After your breakfast in the hotel, you will be transferred to the Urumqi Airport for traveling to the next destination city, or to any Chinese gateway city for connecting your international flight home.