Discover Silk Road: Beijing to Kashgar 14D

China Silk Road Beijing to Kashgar offers a bird view of the well-known Silk Road between east and west, and explore the colorful history and stories in the 15 days with local guides.

Itinerary
Day 1. Arrival into Beijing
Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel.
Overnight in Beijing
Meal: None

Day 2. Great Wall
Day trip to the stunning Great Wall, enjoy the ancient Chinese military construction.
-Great Wall: Extending 5000 km, it is the most popular spot for tourists. With a long history, the Wall near Beijing is very impressive to climb up the top.
Overnight in Beijing
Meals: BL

Day 3. Beijing to Xi'an by fast train
Visit Tian'anmeng Square and Forbidden City in the morning. The take 5-hour bullet train to Xi'an.
-Forbidden City: It used to be the royal palace from 1420 to 1912. There were 24 emperors lived here, therefore numerous priceless relics are housed here.
-Temple of Heaven: It was used for emperors to warship Heaven in Ming and Qing Dynasty. The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest was the highestt building in Beijing as it was home of Heaven.
Overnight in Xi'an
Meals: BL

Day 4. Xi'an
Today we will see the eighth wonder of the world, Terra Cotta Warriors. Well-preserved warrios and horses are exhibited in the exhibition hall, impressed you with a wonderful arrangement. Return Xian, heading for Muslim Quarter to taste local food, and visit the Grand Mosque that is constructed with traditional Chinese architecture.|
In the evening, you will visit to the renown Old City Wall of Xian.
-Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses: Discovered in 1974, it is a must-see in Xi'an. Various warriors exhibited in a original site will amaze you with their different features.
-Old City Wall: Nearly 14km, built 6 hundred years ago. The old City Wall of Xi'an is a perfect place to know the long history of China.
Overnight in Xian
Meals: BL

Day 5. Xian/Lanzhou/Binlinsi/Linxia
Take 3-hour bullet train to Lanzhou, then transfer to Binlinsi Grottos that is located on the other side of Liujiaxia Reservoir. Afterwards, move to Linxia City.
-Binglingsi Grottos: Build beside Yellow River, the Grottos were carved from the mountain. Various Buddha Statues and the scenery around the Grottos are incredible.
Overnight in Linxia
Meals: BL

Day 6. Linxia/Xiahe (Labrang)
Take a ride to Xiahe county where it is well-known for the Labrang Monastery, exploring the splendid culture of Tibetan Budhism.
-Labrang Monastery: One of the six biggest Tibetan monasteries, presents typical Tibetan Budhism culture.
Overnight in Xiahe
Meals: BL

Day 7. Xiahe/Lanzhou/Dunhuang
Take a ride to Lanzhou airport to catch the flight to Dunhuang. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel. Ride camel on the Singing Sand Dunes, view the Crescent Moon Spring in the dunes in the later afternoon.
-Minsha Dunes: It means Singing Sand Dunes, the sand was moved from Taklamankan desert to form the dunes in the history.
Overnight in Dunhuang
Meals: BL

Day 8. Dunhuang
Visit Mogao Grottos, highlight of the Silk Road in the morning. Then explore the night market in the evening.
-Mogao Caves: Though it was stolen many times in the history, Mogao Caves still has well preserved frescos with colorful paintings that look like finished yesterday.
Overnight in Dunhuang
Meals: BL

Day 9. Dunhuang to Turpan by fast train
Visit Jade Gate Pass in the morning. Then take 2-hour car ride to Liuyuan where you will catch 3-hour bullet train to Turpan.
Overnight in Turpan
Meals: BL

Day 10. Turpan Sightseeing, the head to Urumqi
Visit Karez irrigation system, Bezklik Grottos, the Ancient City of Jiaohe & Gaochang. Then take 3-hour car ride to Urumqi.
Overnight in Urumqi
Meals: BL

Day 11. Urumqi/Heavenly Lake/Kashgar
Take a ride to Heavenly lake to enjoy the beautiful high mountain lake, then fly to Kashgar.
Overnight in Kashgar
Meal: BL

Day 12. Kashgar
Visit Id Ghar Mosque, Apa Hojia Tomb, old town,  animal market(open only on Sunday).
-Idkar Mosque: It is the biggest mosque in Xinjiang. The mosque with its square is for local Uyghurs to pray.
-Apa Hoja Tombs: It is a family cemetery, with stunning blue tiles shining in the sun.
Overnight in Kashgar
Meal: BL

Day 13.Karakul day trip
Take a ride to Karakul lake.
-Karakul Lake: Beautiful mountain lake with altitude nearly 3800 meters, has impressive scenery with the snow-covered mountains.
Overnight in Kashgar
Meal: BL

Day 14. End of the Tour
You may fly to your home city, or continue to Kirgizstan. The tour concludes.
Meal: B