8-Day Xi’an-Jiayuguan-Dunhuang-Turpan-Urumqi Train Tour

Arrive at Xi'an airport and be welcomed by your local tour guide outside the baggage claim area. The drive from the airport to hotel is the opportunity to learn a little about this vibrant city. Take in the red lantern lined streets, pass the city wall and ask about the ideal local restaurant for your dinner. Your guide and driver will drive you directly to your four or five star inner city hotel. Take the remainder of the day to rest, relax, or explore.

Meals included: None

Few sights in China can match the magnitude and awe of the the world-renowned Terracotta Army. This first day of touring is the opportunity to take it all in. Considered by historians worldwide to be the largest underground military base in the world, the Terracotta Army defies belief with the thousands of unique life-sized figures, including soldiers, horses, carts and weapons. On return to Xi'an, enjoy a change of pace as you explore the ancient City Wall, currently the largest and best-preserved wall of its type in China. Enclosing China’s former capital city and almost 14 kilometres long, do a full circuit on a bike (tandems available!) or simply explore on foot. Spend the afternoon in contemplation at Xi'an’s Great Mosque. Beautiful gardens and a stunning complex of buildings built mid seventh century, the Great Mosque is the oldest and largest Islamic mosque in China. Follow your nose to Muslim Quarter, which is bustling with authentic eateries and souvenirs. Ask your guide for their favouriate foodie recommendations before the final destination of the day, the famous Bell Tower and Drum Tower Square. You will be returned to your hotel to relax and reflect on the day’s activities. Step out for your evening meal or dine in at the hotel.

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast and check out from your hotel, it’s time to explore the Xi'an Museum where you’ll discover over 110,000 relics of Chinese history. Finish your time in this lively city with a visit to the Small Wild Goose Pagoda, one of the two iconic Buddhist pagodas in Xi'an. Enjoy a meditative walk through the temple and garden before being driven to the railway station to board the high-speed train to Jiayuguan (on a D Series train which travels at speeds up to 250 km per hour). After a journey of 9 hours, you will be greeted by the local guide and transferred to the hotel in Jiayuguan. Take time to refresh from your travel and relax in advance of tomorrow’s activities.

Meals included: Breakfast

Note: Your tour guide may alter your itinerary as the Xi'an Museum is closed on Tuesdays.

After breakfast, visit the spectacular Jiayuguan Pass, the western end and best-preserved ancient military castle of the Ming Dynasty’s Great Wall. Hike along the Overhanging Great Wall, which received its name for the uncanny resemblance it bears to the wall hanging upside down (due to its construction at a 45 degree angle). Enter the world’s largest underground art gallery – frescoes of the Wei and Jin Dynasties Graves - to delight in the amazing brick murals depicting life, culture, farming, hunting, banquet and costume during the period 220-419AD. A walk through the Jiayuguan Museum reveals more about the region’s culture from the wealth of the national treasurers exhibited there. Finish your exploration in Jiayuguan by take the high-speed train to Dunhuang (on a D Series train which travels at speeds up to 250 km per hour) with a wonderful opportunity to marvel at the Gobi desert on the way. Upon arrival, the local tour guide will collect and escort you to the hotel in Dunhuang. Be sure to ask about local dining options from your guide

Meals included: Breakfast

Begin today’s along the magnificent Silk Road in Dunhuang, considered a symbolic pearl from China’s ancient past. First stop is a visit to the Mogao Grottoes. Spectacular on a whole different level, gain a deeper understanding of origins and meaning of the grottoes with a documentary and tour through the Visitor Center. Marvel at the gorgeous murals and sculptures reflecting the different stages of development, as well as the cultural and intellectual influence over a thousand years. Move on from the grottoes and be amazed by the stunning beauty of the crescent-shaped oasis, Crescent Lake, embraced by the Echoing Sand Dune. Named for the roaring sound made when things slide down from above, gain a unique perspective and insight to ancient modes of travel along the Silk Road when you enjoy a camel ride across the stunning landscape. In the afternoon, you’ll be transferred to the Liuyuannan Railway Station for a high-speed train ride to Turpan (on a D Series train which travels at speeds up to 250 km per hour) where you’ll be greeted by your local Turpan guide and transferred to the hotel in Turpan.

Meals included: Breakfast

Commence sightseeing in Turpan with the Jiaohe Ruins, a UNESCO World Heritage site, which originated in the 2^nd century BC. These ruins are the largest, oldest and best-preserved of their kind in the world and will make for a truly memorable experience on your tour. Proceed to the intriguing Karez Well, a unique irrigation system, only found in Turpan. With an underground flow, the water from the well is stored and used for irrigation with minimal loss. Finish the tour of Turpan with a visit to the Sugong Pagoda, the tallest ancient pagoda extant in Xijiang, reputed for its novel and unique architectural style. Make a stop at Flaming Mountain, impressive for its reddish vista, particularly in summer, when temperatures may reach close to 50 degrees, making it the hottest place in China.

Meals included: Breakfast

Check out from your hotel in Turpan and be transferred to take the high-speed train to Urumqi (on a D Series train which travels at speeds up to 250 km per hour). Upon arrival, enjoy the afternoon with your guide exploring the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Museum where you’ll view the stunning collection of artefacts and relics from the Xinjiang region. Wandering in the Urumqi Grand Bazaar and nearby Er Dao Qiao Market is an enlivening experience in Urumqi that will make you feel you’re part of Silk Road culture. Relax on the final evening of your tour.

Meals included: Breakfast

Note: Be sure to consult with your guide about local dining options. They can assist with restaurant selection and meal ordering. Just ask!

Enjoy your final hours before departure, exploring around the hotel precinct. Once you’ve checked out from your hotel, your guide will escort you to the airport. Your Silk Road adventure ends with your departure from Urumqi to your next destination.

Meals included: Breakfast

Travel Note: We love helping our customers make the most of their available travel time. Need helping planning your next destination? We can help. With a network that spans across China, we can take care of every detail and arrange your departure train or flight from anywhere while you’re in China. (A surcharge will apply).