Highlights of 9 Days on the Ancient Silk Road: Turpan & Kashgar

Your guide and driver will pick you up at Urumqi airport and transfer to the hotel.

After breakfast, your day begins with a departure from your hotel in Urumqi .Your professional English-speaking guide and driver will meet you in the hotel lobby.The drive to the entrance of the Tian Shan Tianchi Geological Park takes approximately 1.5 hours. Along the way, you will enjoy the scenic views of the Tianshan Mountains. Tian Shan Tianchi, also known as Heavenly Lake, is a clear blue alpine lake located on the north side of the Bogda Shan Mountains. At 1,907 m(6,257 feet) above sea level, it is surrounded by jagged peaks, the highest of which is Bogda Peak (5,445 m or 17,864 feet). In summer, the lake is surrounded by flowers,and the surrounding peaks are all visible. The lake was given the highest possible rating by the Chinese National Tourism Association, making it one of the most beautiful places in China. After the visit, you will return to your bus for the journey back to Urumqi. The drive back takes approximately 1.5 hours.

It takes 3 hours to drive to Turpan. Tuyugou Village (Tuyugou MazhaVillage)showcases the local culture and history of the area. It is known for its unique architecture and traditional way of life, offering a glimpse into the rural Uyghur culture. Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves is the largest cave group in Turpan with the most murals and is one of the largest Buddhist cave temple sites in Xinjiang. There are 83 numbered caves, among which 40 have preserved murals. The caves were first excavated during the Qu's Gaochang period, and the existing caves were reconstructed or newly extended by Uighurian people. The name “Gaochang Ancient City” means “King's City” in the Uighur language. It was the capital of the Gaochang Kingdom (460-640) in ancient times. The city dates from the first century BC and spans an area of over 2,000,000 square meters. It was listed as one of the country's key protected cultural sites in China in 1961 and is known as the largest site of an ancient city in the Chinese Western region.

After breakfast, we will visit The Karez System. It is an ancient underground irrigation network that has provided water to the Turpan region for centuries. It is a remarkable engineering feat that has allowed agriculture to thrive in this arid region. The system consists of a series of wells and underground channels that bring water from the mountains to the fields. Visitors can learn about the history and technology of the Karez System at the Karez Museum and see the actual wells and channels. We will have lunch before the afternoon exploration at Jiaohe Ancient City. It is one of the world's largest and oldest city ruins. It was the capital of the Jiaohe Kingdom and a significant stop on the Silk Road. The city is built on a large plateau and is surrounded by deep ravines, providing natural defenses, The performance “The Night of Jiaohe” can be arranged based on the weather and season (The environment should be kept quiet, with no applause following the performance).

Emin Minaret, also known as Su Gong Pagoda, is a remarkable architectural landmark located approximately 2 kilometers east of Turpan City in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of China. It is the largest existing ancient tower in Xinjiang, showcasing a distinctive Islamic architectural style. The construction of this pagoda dates back to 1778 during the Qing Dynasty, making it over 230 years old. Standing at a height of 37 meters, Emin Minaret is a cone shaped, 7-story building with a thicker base and a slender top, characterized by yellow and gray hues. It is now an iconic structure in Xinjiang, symbolizing the region's rich history and culture. After our visit, we'll make our way to the airport,setting off on an exciting journey to Kashgar!

After breakfast, travel to Toxkorgan, situated at the convergence of 3 countries. On the way we will be able to see Karakul and Whitesand Lake. Arrive at Karakul Lake in the afternoon at the foot of the Mustagh Ata Mountain, which means the father of glaciers. Local yak hot pot is recommended for dinner.

Set out to explore The Ancient Stone City centered on the Silk Road which served as an important stop linked West to East from 1300 years ago. Due to its location at the crossroads of major trade routes, the Stone City played a vital role in controlling trade and military movements. It served as a key outpost for various empires, including the Kushan Empire, Tang Dynasty, and Tibetan Empire. Later, drive to Bandir Blue Lake via Palong Ancient Path, with a total length of 75 kilometers, there are many bends of 180 degrees or even 270 degrees. We will arrive in the afternoon.

After breakfast, dive into the lively atmosphere of the weekly bazaar—an experience like no other! As you wander through the vibrant stalls, let the rich aromas of fresh livestock envelop you. we will meet at the main gate of Kashgar Old Town to watch 'The Opening Ceremony' (about 10 min). Afterward, we will have free time to explore the town, purchase souvenirs, try lamb buns, or try ethnic clothing. In the afternoon, we will head to the western part of the town to watch a Uygur wedding cultural show. Then, we will visit the largest mosque in China, the Id Kah Mosque, the Afaq Khoja Mausoleum and the exhibition area of Gaotai Ancient Homes. In the evening, the old city takes on a different charm, and we recommend that you take the time to have a cup of tea at the Century Old Teahouse in Kashgar. This place has witnessed the history of the city and is also one of the filming locations of "The Kite Runner".

Fly back home, and the trip ends.Our guide and driver will take you to the airport.(We also offer customized travel plans according to your preference).