13-Day China Private Tour of Xi’an, Dunhuang, Turpan, Kashgar and Urumqi

Attractions: No
Meal: Not Included
Hotel: Overnight in Xi’an

Welcome to Xi’an! After retrieving your luggage, you will find your local guide waiting for you in the Arrival Hall of the airport, holding a welcome sign with your name on it. After a warm greeting, you will be taken to the hotel in a comfortable and air-conditioned vehicle and your guide will help you with the check-in.

Attractions: Terracotta Warriors and Horses, Little Wild Goose Pagoda, Muslim Quarter, Great Mosque of Xian
Meal: Not Included
Hotel: Overnight in Xi’an

Visit the Terracotta Warriors and Horses in the morning. The Terracotta Warriors are considered one of the most important archaeological finds of the 20th century and one of the eight wonders of the world, which was built from 246 BC to 208 BC, lasting 39 years. It is also the first imperial tomb in China with a large scale, exquisite layout and well-preserved.In the afternoon, you will visit the Little Wild Goose Pagoda, which has a history of 1300 years. Then, you will visit the Xi ‘an Museum, which has nearly 130,000 cultural relics related to ancient China and the history of Xi ‘an. Your last stop will be the Grand Mosque and the Muslim Quarter, a blend of Chinese and Islamic culture in a surprisingly quiet place in bustling Xi ‘an

Attractions: Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Hanyang Tomb
Meal: Not Included
Hotel: Overnight in Jiayuguan

Visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda in the morning, your first stop today is the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, a sacred site built in 652 AD and then on to the lesser-known but also remarkable royal mausoleum, the Hanyang Tomb. You will see many painted pottery statues depicting the daily life of people who lived in the Western Han Dynasty.

After a 2.5-hour flight to Jiayuguan, your guide will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel in a private car.

Attractions: Jiayuguan Great Wall, Great Wall Museum, Jiayuguan Pass, First Pier of Great Wall, Overhanging Great Wall
Meal: Not Included
Hotel: Overnight in Jiayuguan

Historically, Jiayuguan was the westernmost starting point of the Great Wall and an important strategic site. Join your knowledgeable guide on a history-based tour to explore the historic attractions here, including the Jiayuguan Great Wall, the Great Wall Museum, Jiayuguan Pass, the First Pier of the Great Wall and the Overhanging Great Wall.

Attractions: Wei Jin Art Museum
Meal: Not Included
Hotel: Overnight in Dunhuang

Today we are going to visit the Wei Jin Art Museum, known as the world’s largest underground art museum. There are more than 1,400 burial sites from the Wei and Jin dynasties, and a large number of vivid colorful paintings are displayed on the brick walls.

Start at Jiayuguan Pass and head to Dunhuang, once one of the most important sites on the Silk Road. The rest of the day is free. You can make your own arrangements.

Attractions: Mogao Grottoes, Singing Sand Dunes, Crescent Moon Spring
Meal: Not Included
Hotel: Overnight in Dunhuang

Our first stop today is the Mogao Grottoes, a treasure house of art with countless exquisite murals. Then head to the Singing Sand Dunes on the edge of the Gobi Desert. On the way, stop at a local family to do some simple farm work, make noodles, enjoy a homemade lunch with the host, and experience the local customs.
Once there, you can choose activities that interest you, such as sand skiing and camel riding or relaxing in the Crescent Moon Spring. Finally, return to your Dunhuang hotel.

Attractions: Yulin Grottoes
Meal: Not Included
Hotel: Overnight in Xi’an

After breakfast, take a detour to the Yulin Grottoes, known as the sister caves of the Mogao Grottoes. Then, take the high-speed train from Liuyuan Railway Station to Turpan.
You will arrive in Turpan in about 3.5 hours. Your guide will meet you at the train station and take you to your hotel for the night.

Attractions: Gaochang City Ruins, Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves, Tuyoq Valley, Flaming Mountains
Meal: Not Included
Hotel: Overnight in Turpan

Today, your guide will take you on an in-depth exploration of Turpan’s famous attractions. Explore the ruins of Gaochang City Ruins and Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves. In nearby Flaming Mountain, you can see red sandstone that you wouldn’t normally see, like a flame burning. At the end of the day, you can visit the Tuyug Valley to see the fascinating traditional Uyghur architecture and lifestyle.

Attractions: Emin Minaret, Su Gong pagoda, Kana ‘erjing well system, Jiaohe
Meal: Not Included
Hotel: Overnight in Kashgar

After breakfast, we’ll explore the Emin Minaret, the tallest Su Gong pagoda in China, the 2,000-year-old Kana ‘erjing well system, and the largest and best preserved site of the civil city of Jiaohe.
After the tour, drive 2.5 hours to Urumqi Airport and take a flight to Kashgar. Upon arrival, you will be taken to your hotel and the rest of the day is up to you.

Attractions: Idqa Mosque, Abah Hoja family cemetery, Sunday market
Meal: Not Included
Hotel: Overnight in Kashgar

Our first stop today is the Idqa Mosque, a striking Islamic building in the heart of the city. Then go to the 17th century Abah Hoja family cemetery, considered the holiest Muslim site in Xinjiang. Your final stop of the day is the Sunday market, where you can wander around and see how the locals buy and sell all sorts of things.

Attractions: Xinjiang Autonomous Region Museum, Erdaoqiao Bazaar
Meal: Not Included
Hotel: Overnight in Urumqi

Upon arrival in Urumqi, you will be met from the airport by your new guide and transferred to your hotel. After a short rest, visit the Xinjiang Autonomous Region Museum. Today’s tour ends at the Erdaoqiao Bazaar, where you can buy some exotic things.

Attractions: Tianchi
Meal: Not Included
Hotel: Overnight in Urumqi

Today’s focus is exploring Tianchi, about a two-hour drive away. You can choose to take a boat tour or just walk around and enjoy the natural beauty.

Attractions: No
Meal: Not Included
Hotel: No

Savor a leisurely morning before taking a private transfer to the airport for your return flight.