Day-by-day Itinerary

1. Day 1: Lanzhou Arrival

   Welcome to our 13-day Silk Road and North Xinjiang tour! Upon arrival in Lanzhou, you'll check into your hotel and have the rest of the day to rest and recharge for the upcoming activities.

   Meal: Dinner

   Accommodation: Hyatt Regency Lanzhou

2. Day 2: Lanzhou Tour
   Gansu Museum, Zhongshan Bridge, Eight Treasure Tea

   You'll start your day by visiting the Gansu Museum, which showcases the history and culture of the region. Afterwards, you'll visit the Zhongshan Bridge, an iconic landmark of the city. Later, you'll head to the Yellow River and taste eight treasure tea, a famous local specialty. You'll also learn about the tea-drinking culture in Lanzhou from a local expert.

   Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

   Accommodation: Hyatt Regency Lanzhou

   

3. Day 3: Lanzhou - Zhangye
   Zhangye Grand Buddha Temple, Danxia Geological National Park

   You'll take a flight to Zhangye and visit the Zhangye Grand Buddha Temple, which houses one of the largest reclining Buddha statues in China. Afterwards, you'll head to the Danxia Geological National Park, known for its colorful rock formations that have been shaped by natural forces over millions of years.

   Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

   Accommodation: Zhangye Hotel

   

4. Day 4: Zhangye - Jiayuguan
   Jiayuguan Pass

   Today, you'll drive for 3 hours to Jiayuguan and visit the Jiayuguan Pass, a crucial strategic point of the Great Wall of China. You'll learn about the history and significance of the pass, which was built during the Ming Dynasty.

   Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

   Accommodation: Wyndham Kaili Downtown

   

5. Day 5: Jiayuguan - Dunhuang
   Overhanging Great Wall, Shazhou Night Market

   After breakfast, you'll explore the Overhanging Great Wall, a section of the wall that hangs precariously on a cliff. Then take a 2.5-hour train to Dunhuang. After check-in, take a good rest.

   In the evening, you will be guided to the Shazhou Night Market, a bustling evening bazaar where you can sample local snacks, street food, and handicrafts while enjoying the lively atmosphere of this ancient Silk Road city.

   Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

   Accommodation: Dunhuang Silk Road Hotel

   

6. Day 6: Dunhuang Tour
   Mogao Grottoes, See Dunhuang Again Performance

   You'll visit the Mogao Grottoes, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to a collection of Buddhist art and artifacts. Afterwards, you'll watch the See Dunhuang Again performance, a captivating musical performance that brings to life the history and culture of Dunhuang. With stunning visuals and live music, it's a must-see experience for any visitor.

   Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

   Accommodation: Dunhuang Silk Road Hotel

   

7. Day 7: Dunhuang - Turpan
   Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Spring

   Today, you'll drive to Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Spring, a scenic spot surrounded by rolling sand dunes, where you will experience riding a camel.

   

   In the afternoon, you'll take the high-speed rail to Turpan, a city known for its unique landscape and Uyghur culture.

   Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

   Accommodation: Turpan Yuefeng B&B Culture Creator Base Manxin Hotel

8. Day 8: Turpan - Urumqi
   Karez Well, Fruits Tasting, Jiaohe Ancient City

   You'll start your day by visiting the Karez Well, an ancient irrigation system that has been used for thousands of years. You'll learn about the engineering marvel that has helped sustain life in the desert region.

   Next, you'll taste grapes and other sweet fruits, which are specialties of Turpan. Also, you'll enjoy Uyghur folk dances and try roasted whole lamb. Finally, you'll visit the Jiaohe Ancient City, a well-preserved ancient city that dates back to the Han Dynasty.

   Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

   Accommodation: Conrad Urumqi

   

9. Day 9: Urumqi - Heavenly Lake
   Heavenly Lake

   Today, visit the Heavenly Lake, a stunning alpine lake surrounded by mountains. You'll take a boat tour and hike around the lake, enjoying the beautiful scenery.

   

   In the afternoon, drive to Urumqi, the capital of Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, and explore the city.

   Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

   Accommodation: Conrad Urumqi

10. Day 10: Urumqi - Kanas - Hemu
    Hemu Village

    After breakfast, take a flight to Kanas and drive for 3.5 hours to Hemu Village, nestled in the beautiful birch forest. You'll ride a horse and reach the observation deck to get a panoramic view of the entire village and enjoy the peaceful scenery.

    Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Accommodation: Kanas Hemu Villa

    

11. Day 11: Hemu - Kanas
    Kanas Scenic Area, Fishing Watching Platform, Kanas Lake

    Today, you'll drive for 3 hours to Kanas Scenic Area, known for its pristine natural beauty. Climb the Fishing Watching Platform and take a sightseeing bus to the mountainside for a bird's-eye view of Kanas Lake, a core scenic spot surrounded by lush forests and snow-capped mountains. Its crystal-clear waters reflect the stunning scenery, making it a popular destination for nature lovers.

    Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Accommodation: Kanas Youran Villa

    

12. Day 12: Kanas - Urumqi
    A Tuva Family Visit, Shenxian Bay, Moon Bay, Wolong Bay

    After breakfast, visit a Tuva family and enjoy musical instrument performances and learn ethnic minority dances.

    Roaming around Shenxian Bay, Moon Bay, and Wolong Bay will be an unforgettable experience, as you'll be surrounded by breathtaking natural landscapes. You'll have the option to take a walk along the wooden plank road through the birch forest or head to the Kanas Bridge to witness the beautiful scenery of the river flowing through the dense forest.

    After that, fly back to Urumqi and explore the city.

    Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Accommodation: Conrad Urumqi

    

13. Day 13: Urumqi Departure

    On your last day, you will check out from your hotel and then head to Urumqi Diwopu International Airport for your departure flight. You will be assisted by your tour guide to ensure a smooth and hassle-free journey to the airport.

    Meal: Breakfast

    Accommodation: N/A