Day 1 – Arrival in Urumqi

Arrive in Urumqi. Your private driver will meet you at the airport or railway station and transfer you to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to rest.

Overnight in Urumqi

Day 2 – Red Hill Park, Xinjiang Museum & Grand Bazaar

Visit Red Hill Park for panoramic views of the city. Explore the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region Museum to see mummies, textiles, coins, and Silk Road relics. Later, stroll through the International Grand Bazaar to experience local crafts, spices, and cuisine.

Overnight in Urumqi

Day 3 – Turpan: Jiaohe Ancient City & Karez Irrigation System

Travel to Turpan. Explore Jiaohe Ancient City, built on a natural plateau over 2,000 years ago, with streets, walls, and watchtowers showing ancient urban planning. Visit the Karez irrigation system, an underground water network that sustained agriculture and life in the desert.

Overnight in Turpan

Day 4 – Turpan: Sugong Tower, Grape Valley & Flaming Mountains

Visit Sugong Tower, an important landmark of Turpan’s history. Walk through Grape Valley, where vineyards flourish thanks to ancient irrigation. End the day at the Flaming Mountains, famous for their red cliffs and connection to Journey to the West.

Overnight in Turpan

Day 5 – Gaochang Ancient City, Taizang Tower & Shengjinkou Grottoes

Explore Gaochang Ancient City, a former Silk Road Buddhist kingdom. Visit Taizang Tower, a historic pagoda representing local religious architecture, then Shengjinkou Grottoes, whose Buddhist murals show cultural influences from India and Central Asia.

Overnight in Shanshan

Day 6 – Baiyanggou Temple, Lapuqiek & Dahai Road

Visit Baiyanggou Buddhist Temple, then Lapuqiek and Dahuadao (The Great Pirate) to explore ancient desert settlements and religious sites. Cross desert landscapes along the Ancient Dahai Desert Route, revealing the challenges caravans faced in harsh terrain.

Overnight in Hami

Day 7 – Crescent Lake & Mingsha Mountain

Travel from Hami to Dunhuang. Explore Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Lake, where golden dunes meet a tranquil oasis. Walk along the sand dunes and enjoy sweeping desert views.

Overnight in Dunhuang

Day 8 – Mogao Caves, White Horse Pagoda, Leiyin Temple & Shazhou Night Market

Visit the Mogao Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with centuries of Buddhist murals and sculptures reflecting cultural exchange across India, Persia, and Central Asia. Continue to White Horse Pagoda and Leiyin Temple to explore Dunhuang’s spiritual heritage. End the day at Shazhou Night Market, experiencing local crafts and cuisine.

Overnight in Dunhuang

Day 9 – Western Thousand Buddha Caves, Yangguan Pass & Yumen Pass

Visit the Western Thousand Buddha Caves, known for their intricate murals and carvings. Explore Yangguan and Yumen Passes, historic Silk Road gateways marking the western limits of imperial China.

Overnight in Dunhuang

Day 10 – Departure

After breakfast, your private driver takes you to Dunhuang Airport or the railway station