DAY 1 USA-Beijing

Your China vacation starts as you board the international flight bound for Beijing, China's bustling capital. Spend the night aboard the plane. 

DAY 2 Beijing

Arrive in Beijing. After clearing customs and retrieving your baggage, meet your guide at Beijing airport and relax with a convenient transfer to your hotel. After checking in, the remainder of the day is free at leisure. 
Land only package does not include airport transfers.

DAY 3 Beijing -Urumqi

Travel by air to the ancient Silk Road. Upon arrival at Urumqi, the capital of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region and the world’s most “inland” city. This evening enjoy a traditional roast lamb dinner.

Included: Breakfast, Special Dinner

DAY 4 Urumqi

Drive east of Urumqi to the crescent-shaped Heavenly Lake* (Tianchi), where cool alpine meadows offer a welcome respite from the desert heat. After a peaceful cruise* along the lake, we visit the Xinjiang Minority People’s Museum* and the international Bazaar. For dinner, Xinjiang specialty cuisine is served. (Due to the cold weather, the Heavenly Lake cruise is closed to the public in April.) After dinner, enjoy a Xinjiang dance show - Back to the Silk Road.

Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Special Dinner

DAY 5 Urumqi -Turpan

Depart by motorcoach to the legendary oasis town of Turpan. Situated over 500 feet below sea level, it is the second lowest depression in the world (after the Dead Sea) and the hottest spot in China. Drive by the Dabancheng City and Flaming Mountains, visit the ancient Karez Underground Irrigation System* and the Jiaohe Ruins* . Turpan has long been the center of a fertil oasis and a very important trade center located along the Silk Road and is also well-known for its grapes and honeydew melons. Continue on our drive to Turpan. 

Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 6 Turpan - Liuyuan - Dunhuang

Take a train ride to Liuyuan, then motorcoach to Dunhuang, one of China’s most historic cities that served as a rest stop for traders and as the gateway through which Buddhism, Islam, and Christianity entered China. Upon arrival in Dunhuang, start the city tour with a visit to the Dunhuang City Museum*. Tonight, attend a colorful Minority Show* following dinner. (The show season starts in May and it may be cancelled in the case of insufficient attendants.)

Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and show

DAY 7 Dunhuang

Embark on a city tour beginning at the White Horse Pagoda*. Continue to visit the Singing Hill*, Crescent Moon Springs*, and the first highlight of our trip - Mogao Grottoes*, the largest and the most well preserved cave of arts in the world, listed as one of the World Cultural Heritages. The grottoes showcase the world’s most extensive collection of Buddhist paintings and sculptures and encompass a thousand years of superb Buddhist art.

Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 8 Dunhuang - Jiayuguan - Zhangye

Proceed to Jiayuguan, the western terminus of the Great Wall and a must-pass location on the ancient Silk Road. Stand on top of the ancient fortress of Jiayu Pass*, the largest and most intact pass of the Great Wall. Today, the Jiayuguan Pass has been renovated, standing tall with its towering gates and flying eaves, exuding an indescribable solemnity yet also a poignant sense of mystery. Overnight in Zhangye.

Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 9 Zhangye - Xining

After breakfast, visit the second highlight of this trip - Zhangye Danxia Geopark. It is renowned for the stunning display of colors across hills and rock formations, one of the most amazing landscapes across China. Linze Danxia Scenic Area is the most popular and most developed area of the park. Afterwards, visit the mysterious Giant Buddha Temple*. Built in 1098, the temple is the largest architectural relic in Gansu Province of the Western Xia (1038-1227) period. China’s largest reclining Buddha is well preserved in this temple. After the tour, proceed to Xining by train.

Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 10 Xining

Today's not-to-be-missed excursions to Qinghai Lake*, the largest inland salt-water lake in China. We will have an opportunity to cruise* on the Qinghai Lake. On the way, we pass by Riyue Mountain, a place that evokes the poignant story of Princess Wencheng of the Tang Dynasty. As night falls, we enjoy a delicious local beef hot pot for dinner.

Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Special Dinner

DAY 11 Xining - Lanzhou

After breakfast, check out the hotel and continue the city tour in Xining, visit the magnificent Taer Monastery*, where the father of the Gelug Sect of Lamaism Tsongkhapa was born, and The Dongguan Mosque* before boarding the motorcoach to Lanzhou.

Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 12 Lanzhou

Lanzhou is the capital of Gansu Province with 2000 years of history. Enjoy a boat ride to visit the Liu Jia Xia Dam* and Binglingsi Grottoes*. From the top of the White Pagoda Mountain, get a panorama view of the Yellow River. Taste the famous local specialties for dinner.

Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Special Dinner

DAY 13 Lanzhou - Beijing

The Silk Road adventure is coming to an end. After breakfast, transfer to the airport to catch the flight to Beijing. Upon arrival in Beijing, enjoy the remainder of the day free at leisure.

Included: Breakfast

DAY 14 Beijing -USA

Bid a fond farewell to China as you board your homebound international flight. Re-cross the expansive Pacific Ocean once again to arrive back in the United States.

Included: Breakfast