13-Day Tour: Silk Road Adventure

USD:$2099.00

13-Day Tour: Silk Road Adventure

Beijing-Xi’an-Dunhuang-Turpan-Heavenly Mountain-Urumqi-Kashgar-Beijing

The Silk Road was an ancient network of trade routes that were central to cultural interaction through regions of the Asian continent connecting the West and East from China to the Mediterranean Sea. The Silk Road derives its name from the lucrative trade in Chinese silk carried out along its length, beginning during the Han dynasty (207 BCE – 220 CE). The Central Asian sections of the trade routes were expanded around 114 BCE by the Han dynasty.

Map of Beijing-Xian-Chengdu-Guilin-Hong Kong

Full Itinerary

Day1 Beijing
Arrive at any time. Your guide and driver will go to the airport to pick you up, and then help you to check in the hotel. There are no planned activities before an optional evening welcome dinner. After introductions, your guide will review the details of your tour during the welcome dinner. 
Day2 Beijing (B)
Explore one of the world's largest public squares---Tian’an men Square, home to the Monument to the People’s Heroes and the Great Hall of the People. Then visit the Forbidden City and its corridors and buildings, which were built during the rule of the Ming Dynasty. Learn more about the history and significance of this place, often referred to as the symbol of Beijing. 
In the afternoon, visit the Summer Palace, which is a vast ensemble of lakes, gardens and palaces and used to be a imperial park during Ming and Qing dynasties. UNESCO included the Summer Palace on its World Heritage List. It declared the Summer Palace "a masterpiece of Chinese landscape garden design. The natural landscape of hills and open water is combined with artificial features such as pavilions, halls, palaces, temples and bridges to form a harmonious ensemble of outstanding aesthetic value".
Optional activity: Shaolin Kung Fu Show (Watch this moving performance of choreographed martial arts.)
Day 3 Beijing-Xi’an (B) 
Set out early for the Great Wall at Mutianyu, one of the best-preserved sections of the Great Wall. Spend time wandering from tower to tower along this magnificent feat of construction. Enjoy scenic views as the wall winds along mountain ridges. Afterwards, on our way to the railway station, we will have a short visit to Beijing Olympic Park. Here you may have a chance to take brag-worthy photos of the Bird’s Nest and Water Cube. 
In the evening, board the overnight train, stretch out and get some well-earned rest en route to the next stop. 
Overnight train: Beijing-Xi’an (deluxe sleeper ticket, approx 12hrs).
Day 4 Xi'an (B, D)
After checking into the hotel in Xi’an, go to visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. The great Buddhist pagoda in Xi'an date back about 1300 years during the Tang Dynasty. Built to store and translate Sanskrit Buddhist Scriptures that a monk brought from India, it is the only tall pagoda of the historic Tang era still standing. Opt to climb up the pagoda. Then go to visit the biggest history museum in China, Shaanxi History Museum.
Afterwards, take an orientation walk of the city with time to explore the bustling bazaar---Muslim Quarter; heading past the inner city landmarks, Drum and Bell Towers.
In the evening, we will have a family visit to the local resident’s home and experience the real life of local people. We will also have the chance to learn how to make Chinese dumplings, and then have our self-made dumplings for dinner. 
Day 5 Xi’an (B)
Go to visit the ancient City Wall, which encloses the heart of the city. Opt to cycle the ancient city walls and look down over the life of the city. Then opt to go to a local farmer’s home for a family meal.
Visit the site of the Terracotta Warriors, an archaeological treasure where approximately 8,000 soldiers and hundreds of horses stand on guard in three excavated pits in an on-site museum. Learn how the underground warriors were discovered (by accident) in 1974, and why Emperor Qin Shihuang commissioned the statues to serve as his army in the afterlife. 
Optional activity: Tang Dynasty music & dancing show
Day 6 Xi’an-Dunhuang (B)
In the morning, visit the Hanyangling Mausoleum before boarding the flight to Dunhuang. After arriving in and checking in to the hotel in Dunhuang, go visit Echoing-Sand Dune and Crescent Spring, a miracle in the Gobi desert. It is very exciting to reach the top from one side of the dunes and slide down the other in such a short time. It's important to wear sunglasses during this time to keep out the dust. 
Day 7 Dunhuang-Turpan (B)
In the morning, you will visit the amazing Mogao Grottoes where you can appreciate the Buddhist art. The grottoes were carved into the side of a mountain and were stacked with five stories up to 50 meters. Its exquisite Buddhist murals and statues are worth going the distance to see. 
In the evening, take a private vehicle to the Liuyuan railway station then board an overnight train to Turpan. 
Overnight train: Liuyuan-Turpan (deluxe sleeper ticket, approx 10hrs).
Day 8 Turpan (B)
Today we will visit the Jiaohe Ruins, the Karez Well and Turpan Museum. Jiaohe Ruins, a whole mud brick city, was the capital of the Cheshiqian Kingdom nearly 2000 years ago. Although the ancient city has been badly damaged, the existing ruins still show its resplendence. Turpan is one of the hottest areas in China. In such a dry area, you may be curious about how the local villagers get water for living. A visit to the Karaz Well (main irrigation system) will answer this question. This great underground system protects

the mountain snowmelt from evaporation and the guide will show you how it works.
Day 9 Turpan-Heavenly Mountain (B, D)
In the morning, take a private vehicle to start another journey to the Heavenly Mountain (Approx. 4 hours). Stretch out and enjoy the ride. On the way you will also have a chance to stop at the highway view deck to enjoy the Yardang Landform and wind farm. Reach Heavenly Mountain in the afternoon. Have a nice included meal at the local minority’s home.
Our stay in a yurt is one of the highlights of the trip. Facilities are basic but the experience and views are breathtaking.
Day 10 Heavenly Mountain-Urumqi (B)
In the morning, walk along the Heavenly Lake, enjoying the fresh air and breathtaking view. After, we will make our way to Urumqi City by private vehicle, then we will visit the biggest bazaar in Xinjiang province, the Grand Bazaar.  
Day 11 Urumqi-Kashgar (B)
Take the morning flight to Kashgar. After checking into the hotel, have a short break. Then have a guided city tour to visit the Old Town, Great Mosque, and Abakh Hoja Tomb.
Day 12 Kashgar (B, L)
Take a private vehicle to the heavenly gate of Pamir Mountains, and enjoy the breathtaking view. On the way back, have a family visit with the local minority. Opt to have a farewell dinner.
Day 13 Kashgar (B)
Your guide and driver will take you to the airport for your departure flight back to Beijing. Then your pleasant trip comes to the end.


Inclusions
◆ Accommodation as per itinerary

◆ Transportation as per itinerary

◆ Meals as per itinerary (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner)

◆ Breakfast

◆ Entrance fees

◆ Professional licensed guide

◆ Transport by private vehicle and public vehicle some times


Exclusions

◆ Food and drinks, unless specified

◆ Gratuities (recommended)


Additional info

◆ A minimum of 2 people per booking is required

◆ Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking

◆ Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required

◆Passport name, number, expiry and country is required at time of booking for all participants

◆You MUST confirm and obtain any visa requirements prior to border crossing. All visa requirements are the sole responsibility of the traveler


 

Full Itinerary

Day1 Beijing
Arrive at any time. Your guide and driver will go to the airport to pick you up, and then help you to check in the hotel. There are no planned activities before an optional evening welcome dinner. After introductions, your guide will review the details of your tour during the welcome dinner. 
Day2 Beijing (B)
Explore one of the world's largest public squares---Tian’an men Square, home to the Monument to the People’s Heroes and the Great Hall of the People. Then visit the Forbidden City and its corridors and buildings, which were built during the rule of the Ming Dynasty. Learn more about the history and significance of this place, often referred to as the symbol of Beijing. 
In the afternoon, visit the Summer Palace, which is a vast ensemble of lakes, gardens and palaces and used to be a imperial park during Ming and Qing dynasties. UNESCO included the Summer Palace on its World Heritage List. It declared the Summer Palace "a masterpiece of Chinese landscape garden design. The natural landscape of hills and open water is combined with artificial features such as pavilions, halls, palaces, temples and bridges to form a harmonious ensemble of outstanding aesthetic value".
Optional activity: Shaolin Kung Fu Show (Watch this moving performance of choreographed martial arts.)
Day 3 Beijing-Xi’an (B) 
Set out early for the Great Wall at Mutianyu, one of the best-preserved sections of the Great Wall. Spend time wandering from tower to tower along this magnificent feat of construction. Enjoy scenic views as the wall winds along mountain ridges. Afterwards, on our way to the railway station, we will have a short visit to Beijing Olympic Park. Here you may have a chance to take brag-worthy photos of the Bird’s Nest and Water Cube. 
In the evening, board the overnight train, stretch out and get some well-earned rest en route to the next stop. 
Overnight train: Beijing-Xi’an (deluxe sleeper ticket, approx 12hrs).
Day 4 Xi'an (B, D)
After checking into the hotel in Xi’an, go to visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. The great Buddhist pagoda in Xi'an date back about 1300 years during the Tang Dynasty. Built to store and translate Sanskrit Buddhist Scriptures that a monk brought from India, it is the only tall pagoda of the historic Tang era still standing. Opt to climb up the pagoda. Then go to visit the biggest history museum in China, Shaanxi History Museum.
Afterwards, take an orientation walk of the city with time to explore the bustling bazaar---Muslim Quarter; heading past the inner city landmarks, Drum and Bell Towers.
In the evening, we will have a family visit to the local resident’s home and experience the real life of local people. We will also have the chance to learn how to make Chinese dumplings, and then have our self-made dumplings for dinner. 
Day 5 Xi’an (B)
Go to visit the ancient City Wall, which encloses the heart of the city. Opt to cycle the ancient city walls and look down over the life of the city. Then opt to go to a local farmer’s home for a family meal.
Visit the site of the Terracotta Warriors, an archaeological treasure where approximately 8,000 soldiers and hundreds of horses stand on guard in three excavated pits in an on-site museum. Learn how the underground warriors were discovered (by accident) in 1974, and why Emperor Qin Shihuang commissioned the statues to serve as his army in the afterlife. 
Optional activity: Tang Dynasty music & dancing show
Day 6 Xi’an-Dunhuang (B)
In the morning, visit the Hanyangling Mausoleum before boarding the flight to Dunhuang. After arriving in and checking in to the hotel in Dunhuang, go visit Echoing-Sand Dune and Crescent Spring, a miracle in the Gobi desert. It is very exciting to reach the top from one side of the dunes and slide down the other in such a short time. It's important to wear sunglasses during this time to keep out the dust. 
Day 7 Dunhuang-Turpan (B)
In the morning, you will visit the amazing Mogao Grottoes where you can appreciate the Buddhist art. The grottoes were carved into the side of a mountain and were stacked with five stories up to 50 meters. Its exquisite Buddhist murals and statues are worth going the distance to see. 
In the evening, take a private vehicle to the Liuyuan railway station then board an overnight train to Turpan. 
Overnight train: Liuyuan-Turpan (deluxe sleeper ticket, approx 10hrs).
Day 8 Turpan (B)
Today we will visit the Jiaohe Ruins, the Karez Well and Turpan Museum. Jiaohe Ruins, a whole mud brick city, was the capital of the Cheshiqian Kingdom nearly 2000 years ago. Although the ancient city has been badly damaged, the existing ruins still show its resplendence. Turpan is one of the hottest areas in China. In such a dry area, you may be curious about how the local villagers get water for living. A visit to the Karaz Well (main irrigation system) will answer this question. This great underground system protects

the mountain snowmelt from evaporation and the guide will show you how it works.
Day 9 Turpan-Heavenly Mountain (B, D)
In the morning, take a private vehicle to start another journey to the Heavenly Mountain (Approx. 4 hours). Stretch out and enjoy the ride. On the way you will also have a chance to stop at the highway view deck to enjoy the Yardang Landform and wind farm. Reach Heavenly Mountain in the afternoon. Have a nice included meal at the local minority’s home.
Our stay in a yurt is one of the highlights of the trip. Facilities are basic but the experience and views are breathtaking.
Day 10 Heavenly Mountain-Urumqi (B)
In the morning, walk along the Heavenly Lake, enjoying the fresh air and breathtaking view. After, we will make our way to Urumqi City by private vehicle, then we will visit the biggest bazaar in Xinjiang province, the Grand Bazaar.  
Day 11 Urumqi-Kashgar (B)
Take the morning flight to Kashgar. After checking into the hotel, have a short break. Then have a guided city tour to visit the Old Town, Great Mosque, and Abakh Hoja Tomb.
Day 12 Kashgar (B, L)
Take a private vehicle to the heavenly gate of Pamir Mountains, and enjoy the breathtaking view. On the way back, have a family visit with the local minority. Opt to have a farewell dinner.
Day 13 Kashgar (B)
Your guide and driver will take you to the airport for your departure flight back to Beijing. Then your pleasant trip comes to the end.

Inclusions
◆ Accommodation as per itinerary

◆ Transportation as per itinerary

◆ Meals as per itinerary (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner)

◆ Breakfast

◆ Entrance fees

◆ Professional licensed guide

◆ Transport by private vehicle and public vehicle some times


Exclusions

◆ Food and drinks, unless specified

◆ Gratuities (recommended)


Additional info

◆ A minimum of 2 people per booking is required

◆ Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking

◆ Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required

◆Passport name, number, expiry and country is required at time of booking for all participants

◆You MUST confirm and obtain any visa requirements prior to border crossing. All visa requirements are the sole responsibility of the traveler


 

Useful Information for Traveling in China
Payment 
Best China Experience will provide you with quote calculated in Chinese currency-CNY, as well as the equivalent quote in USD based on the current exchange rate between them. (Please note our quote in USD may change slightly due to the fluctuation of the exchange rate, though CNY quote remains the same) After confirming your itinerary with us, you will be requested to pay a deposit to secure the booking and the balance should be paid upon your arrival or at the end of your tour.
Option1: Paypal (You can sign up for a Paypal account here: https://www.paypal.com)
Using Paypal is safe and easy! Just:
1: Sign up for a Paypal account
2: Link your Paypal account to your bank account, credit card, or debit card
3: Use Paypal to pay when you checkout
4: You’re done!
Our Paypal account is guzeyu88@163.com. We require 49 USD as a booking deposit for the confirmation of the tour. More deposit may happen if you need us to book hotels, airfare, train tickets, etc. for you.

Option 2: Cash or credit card (we have Pos Machine) After confirmation, you may also choose to pay us by cash or credit card when we meet up on the first day of your tour.
For any other suggestions or requirements on the terms of payment, please feel free to contact us. We are flexible because we hope to accommodate to your every convenience!
Tipping
It is customary to tip service providers in the travel industry in Asia, depending on the service. Tipping is expected — though not compulsory — and shows an expression of satisfaction with the people who have assisted you on your tour. Recommendations for tipping drivers (4 USD per person per day as a guideline) and local guides (8 USD per person per day as a guideline) would depend on the quality and length of the service.
Train conditions in China
A soft sleeper is recommended for overnight and long-distance travel. Each soft sleeper compartment is enclosed, and contains four bunks, two on each side. The bunks are wider and more comfortable than hard sleepers, with decent bedding. Soft sleeper compartments may vary between trains. You may have both over-head storage and under-bed storage, or just under-bed storage. For short distance train travel, G and D high-speed trains are recommended. G trains are the fastest trains in China, with a speed of 250 km/h to 400 km/h, and their prices are highest.
Currency Exchange
As currency exchange rates in China fluctuate, we suggest you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com. In 2015 the yuan (CNY or RMB) has been around 6.2 RMB to 1 USD (6.1–6.3 RMB to 1 USD), and the HKD (Hong Kong Dollar) has been more stable around 7.75 HKD to 1 USD (7.74–7.77 HKD to 1 USD). There are many ATMs that accept both Visa and Master Card, but these are limited to cities. We also recommend the use of cash and travelers checks in USD currency. Major credit cards are accepted in most shops, but they may charge a 2–4% transaction fee.
Food
Eating is an important part of your China experience. Generally breakfasts are included in the itinerary and offered by hotels. Best China Experience recommends local Chinese restaurants that are popular with local people for meals. You can order dishes with the help of your guide. Western food can be found in most large cities. If you are vegetarian or you are looking for specially-prepared food, please feel free to inform your travel advisor or your guide.
Vehicle
We use comfortable sedans or vans with air-conditioning. The comfort and safety of our customers is of the utmost importance, so we ensure that all of the vehicles that we use are well maintained and always very clean. Our drivers take pride in their vehicles.

 

 

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