8-Day Hexi Corridor to Western Regions Gateway Tour: Lanzhou + Zhangye + Jiayuguan + Dunhuang + Turpan + Urumqi

Lanzhou - Liujiaxia Reservoir - Bingling Temple Grottoes - Zhangye (Giant Buddha Temple - Rainbow Danxia) - Jiayuguan - Dunhuang (Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Lake - Mogao Caves) - Turpan (Jiaohe Ancient City - Karez Wells - Sugong Tower) - Urumqi - Tianshan Tianchi

🗓️ 8Jour7Nuit
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Présentation du circuit

8-Day Gansu & Xinjiang Silk Road Tour: Departing from Lanzhou, travel along the Hexi Corridor all the way to Xinjiang, enjoying the breathtaking natural and cultural scenery of the ancient Silk Road and creating unforgettable travel memories.

8-Day Tour from the Hexi Corridor to the Gateway of the Western Regions: Lanzhou + Zhangye + Jiayuguan + Dunhuang + Turpan + Urumqi
8-Day Tour from the Hexi Corridor to the Gateway of the Western Regions: Lanzhou + Zhangye + Jiayuguan + Dunhuang + Turpan + Urumqi

This 8-day Gansu and Xinjiang Silk Road tour takes you from Lanzhou along the Hexi Corridor all the way to Xinjiang, enjoying the stunning natural and cultural scenery of the ancient Silk Road and creating unforgettable travel memories.

Trip Highlights

  • Arrival in Lanzhou: hotel check-in + free time
  • Lanzhou to Zhangye by high-speed rail: Liujiaxia Reservoir + Bingling Temple Grottoes
  • Zhangye to Jiayuguan day tour: Giant Buddha Temple + Zhangye Rainbow Danxia Scenic Area
  • Jiayuguan to Dunhuang day tour: Jiayuguan + Mingsha Mountain & Crescent Lake + Shazhou Night Market (optional)
  • Dunhuang to Turpan by high-speed rail: Mogao Caves + station transfers
  • Turpan to Urumqi day tour: Jiaohe Ancient City + Karez Wells + Sugong Tower (also known as Emin Minaret)
  • Urumqi and surroundings day tour: Tianshan Tianchi + Xinjiang Museum (closed on Mondays)
  • Departure from Urumqi: hotel check-out + airport drop-off

Practical Information

8 days 7 nights

Route Features

Route themes: historic sites, lakes, murals, Danxia landform, desert, grottoes, Great Wall, Buddha statues.

🧭 Programme du voyage

D1
Arrival in Lanzhou: Hotel Check-In + Free Time
Welcome to Lanzhou, the capital of Gansu Province, China! Our driver will meet you at the airport/train station exit and escort you to your hotel in Lanzhou for check-in and rest! You are free to arrange the rest of your time as you wish, or ask your guide for travel suggestions based on your interests! Lanzhou is the only provincial capital in China through which the Yellow River flows, and an important hub city on the ancient Silk Road connecting the Central Plains with the Western Regions, known in ancient times as "Jincheng." Today, as a core node city of China's "Belt and Road" initiative, Lanzhou blends Yellow River culture, Silk Road culture, and diverse ethnic customs, making it an excellent starting point for exploring northwestern China's culture and natural scenery. After arriving in Lanzhou, don't miss the chance to visit Lanzhou's landmark attractions, such as the First Bridge over the Yellow River—Zhongshan Bridge (named in memory of Dr. Sun Yat-sen, with a history of over a hundred years), Baita Mountain Park (with a long history, offering panoramic views of Lanzhou city, Zhongshan Bridge, and the Yellow River), the Yellow River Mother Statue (a symbol of Chinese culture), and the Waterwheel Expo Park (Yellow River waterwheel culture). You can also taste authentic Lanzhou cuisine at Zhengning Road Night Market, such as Lanzhou hand-pulled noodles, hand-grabbed lamb, milk and egg fermented rice, hui dou zi (gray beans), and liang pi zi (cold noodles). Or enjoy a cup of San Pao Tai/Gaiwan tea by the Yellow River, waiting quietly for the night views of Zhongshan Bridge and Baita Mountain to arrive, savoring the leisurely life of the Northwest. Free Time Suggestions 1. Lanzhou Classic Half-Day City Tour: Visit Zhongshan Bridge, Baita Mountain Park, the Yellow River Mother Statue, the Waterwheel Expo Park, and Zhengning Road Night Market. 2. Lanzhou Culture and Museums (closed on Mondays) One-Day Tour: Spend a day exploring Lanzhou, visiting the Gansu Provincial Museum (rich collections such as the Flying Horse of Gansu and Silk Road artifacts), the Dunhuang Art Museum (replicas of classic Mogao Caves and murals), the Readers Museum (China's first corporate museum named after the "Readers" brand), and Lanzhou Old Street (a new calling card of Lanzhou's urban culture). How to Get There 1. By Plane: Lanzhou Zhongchuan International Airport (LHW) is the only airport in Lanzhou and one of the main airports on the edge of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau in northwestern China. It has multiple direct domestic routes, such as Beijing (2 hours), Shanghai (3 hours), Guangzhou (3 hours 10 minutes), Guilin (2 hours 25 minutes), Chengdu (1 hour 35 minutes), Xi'an (1 hour 15 minutes), Urumqi (2 hours 40 minutes), Dunhuang (1 hour 50 minutes), Jiayuguan (1 hour 35 minutes), etc. 2. By High-Speed Rail: Lanzhou Station and Lanzhou West Station are the main railway hubs in Lanzhou. Among them, Lanzhou West Station is an important high-speed rail station in Lanzhou, with direct high-speed trains to Beijing (8.5-9.5 hours), Shanghai (11-12 hours), Xi'an (3-4 hours), Chengdu (7-8 hours), Chongqing (7-7.5 hours), Urumqi (11-11.5 hours), Xining (1-1.5 hours), Tianshui (1.5 hours), Wuwei (1-2 hours), Jiayuguan (4-5 hours), Zhangye (2-3 hours), Dunhuang (8-9 hours), and other places. Lanzhou Station also has trains to the above cities, but mainly conventional-speed trains.
🍽️ Meals not included 🏨 Lanzhou
D2
Lanzhou to Zhangye High-Speed Rail Journey: Liujiaxia Reservoir + Bingling Temple Grottoes
In the early morning, you will drive about 75 km (about 2 hours) to visit the Liujiaxia Reservoir, hailed as the 'Pearl of the Plateau.' This is China's first million-kilowatt hydropower station, located on the upper reaches of the Yellow River (China's second-longest river and the mother river of the Chinese nation), with rich natural wonders and cultural heritage. Upon arrival, you will take a boat (about 2 hours) from the Liujiaxia Dam to tour the stunning natural scenery of Liujiaxia. The red Danxia cliffs on both banks and the blue lake waters complement each other beautifully. When passing the confluence of the Yellow River and Tao River, you can also photograph the 'clear and muddy distinctly separated' wonder (best time: before 10 a.m. or after 6 p.m.; the scenery is most spectacular in summer). Finally, you will arrive at the Bingling Temple Caves, the boat's terminal. It is recommended to allow 1.5 hours for the visit. The Bingling Temple Caves were first built in the first year of Jianhong of the Western Qin Dynasty (420 AD), with a history of more than 1,600 years, over 100 years earlier than the Mogao Caves. They are the earliest Yellow River grottoes on the Silk Road and a famous World Heritage Site, known as the 'Encyclopedia of Chinese Grottoes.' Their grotto art integrates multiple cultural elements from the Central Plains, the Western Regions, and Tubo, and is a treasure of Silk Road Buddhist art. Many exquisite murals and statues remain. The highlight is the 27-meter-tall Maitreya Buddha of the Tang Dynasty in Cave 171, China's fifth-largest Buddha, with the upper body in stone carving and the lower body in clay sculpture, truly spectacular. Notes 1. Liujiaxia Dam speedboat: Usually departs only when full, so there may be some waiting time before departure, or you can choose to rent a speedboat at your own expense to avoid waiting. As the valley has strong winds and low temperatures, it is recommended to wear warm and windproof clothing. 2. Please note that if you take a speedboat round trip, the visit to the Bingling Temple Caves is about 1.5 hours, and visitors must return to the boat on time to go back to the dam. If you do not visit special caves, 1.5 hours is usually enough. For grotto art enthusiasts, it is recommended to go by land (though the mountain roads may be challenging) or rent a boat (faster than land but more expensive) to ensure enough time to explore the site. 3. Photography is allowed in the ordinary caves of Bingling Temple, but flash is prohibited. The other 5 special caves (Caves 169, 172, 126, 128, and 132) prohibit photography. Binoculars are recommended for viewing cave details. Special caves require an additional fee, including guide costs. If you are particularly interested in Western Qin and Tang Dynasty statues, you can pay to visit Caves 169 and 172 (located above the Great Buddha of Cave 171). 4. There are few dining options within the scenic area, and the itinerary may be tiring. It is recommended to bring high-calorie food such as chocolate and beef jerky. If time permits, optional attractions 1. Yellow River-Tao River Confluence Viewing Platform (at your own expense): Overlook the 'clear and muddy distinctly separated' wonder of the Tao River and Yellow River. The two rivers meet in a 'Y' shape in front of Longhui Mountain, one clear and one muddy, blending yet not mixing. Locals call it 'Two Dragons Playing with a Pearl' or 'Mandarin Duck Pot.' The contrast is especially strong on clear days. 2. Yellow River Culture Museum (at your own expense): Adjacent to the Liujiaxia Dam, it is China's only water-control culture-themed scenic area and hydropower exhibition center. The museum has four floors and four exhibition halls, displaying Yellow River culture, governance, hydropower, and landscapes, taking you through a time tunnel of Yellow River culture and providing an in-depth understanding of the source and history of China's mother river. After visiting the Bingling Temple Caves, in the afternoon you will return to Lanzhou and take a high-speed train to Zhangye (about 3 hours). The scenery along the way is beautiful, with magnificent natural landscapes of the Hexi Corridor and unique Danxia landforms. Zhangye, named after 'extending the nation's arm to reach the Western Regions,' has the praise 'If you don't look at the snow on the Qilian Mountains, you'll mistake Zhangye for Jiangnan.' It was an important and prosperous city on the ancient Silk Road, known as 'Golden Zhangye,' and has deep connections with Xuanzang's westward journey and the legends of 'Journey to the West.' In the evening, you can stroll through the night market and taste authentic donkey meat and apricot juice tea. Overnight in Zhangye.
🍽️ Breakfast and lunch included 🏨 Zhangye
D3
Zhangye to Jiayuguan Day Tour: Giant Buddha Temple + Zhangye Rainbow Danxia Scenic Area
Today, you will fully explore Zhangye. After breakfast, visit the Great Buddha Temple (about 1-2 hours). [Great Buddha Temple], also known as "Reclining Buddha Temple," was first built in the first year of Yong'an of the Western Xia Dynasty (1098), with a history of over 900 years. It is one of the four existing royal temples in China. Inside is the largest indoor clay reclining Buddha in China and Asia, with a body length of about 34.5 meters and shoulder width of about 7.5 meters—a person could lie flat on just one finger. Besides the great Buddha, the hall contains numerous Buddhist statues such as the Ten Great Disciples and Eighteen Arhats, as well as murals depicting stories from Journey to the West and Classic of Mountains and Seas. Additionally, the couplet outside the Great Buddha Hall—"The sleeping Buddha sleeps long, sleeping a thousand years without waking; the questioner asks forever, asking a hundred generations without clarity"—is worth careful observation. There is also a couplet in Western Xia script with the same content; remember to ask a guide to explain the differences in stroke structure from Chinese characters. Artifacts unearthed here, such as Persian silver coins, further confirm the prosperity of Silk Road trade. If time permits, optional attractions: 1. Shanxi Guild Hall: First built in the second year of Yongzheng of the Qing Dynasty (1724), funded by Shanxi merchants Zhao Shigui, Zhao Jiyu, Zhang Chaoshu, and others, with a history of over 300 years. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, Shanxi merchants built about 400 guild halls nationwide, covering Tibet, Xinjiang, and other regions, confirming the saying "Wherever trade flourishes, there are Shanxi merchants; wherever Shanxi merchants reside, there are guild halls." It features a Guandi Temple and a theater tower. 2. Zhangye Museum (closed on Mondays): With over 10,000 artifacts, covering various historical periods from prehistoric to Qing Dynasty, including bronzes, pottery, jade, and Silk Road cultural relics. The museum also has a 1:1 replica cave of the Jinta Temple Grottoes for viewing. Note: Currently, the digital restoration of the reclining Buddha statue at Zhangye Great Buddha Temple has made significant progress. The opening time of the digital exhibition hall awaits official notice. Once open, you can gain an immersive understanding of the reclining Buddha's historical and cultural background. After lunch, you will visit the area with the largest, best-developed, and most richly shaped Danxia landforms in China—Zhangye Colorful Danxia (about 3-4 hours). [Zhangye Colorful Danxia Scenic Area] is located at the northern foot of the Qilian Mountains, 230 kilometers southeast of Jiayuguan. It is one of China's seven most beautiful Danxia landforms and has been honored as one of the "Top Ten Magical Geographical Wonders of the World" and "One of the Twenty-Two Most Unforgettable Landscapes in the World." Its grandeur, spectacular scale, peculiar shapes, and brilliant colors are unparalleled. Standing amidst it, you feel as if you have entered a colorful fairy-tale world. The scenic area has four viewing platforms, with shuttle buses running between them. The route from the North Gate is: Colorful Fairy Platform (No. 2) → Colorful Cloud Sea Platform (No. 1) → Colorful Splendor Platform (No. 5) → Colorful Rosy Cloud Platform (No. 4). Among them, Platform No. 1 (the largest, offering a panoramic view of the Danxia and the S-shaped road, and the best spot for sunrise photography) and Platform No. 4 (with the most vivid colors, where at sunset the Danxia resembles a "mountain of knives and sea of fire," nicknamed "pork belly mountain" by visitors) are most recommended. Optional attraction: Zhangye World Geopark Museum (closed on Mondays): A science education base for understanding Danxia landforms and the geological evolution of the Qilian Mountains. You can enter from the North Gate. Travel Tips: 1. At sunrise, the light is soft, colors are vivid, and contrast is high—an excellent time to photograph the rainbow mountains' panorama and delicate textures. At sunset, the warm afterglow falls on the hills, creating golden silhouettes—also a perfect time to capture the beauty of the rainbow mountains. If you wish to capture the sunrise, please confirm with your travel advisor to stay overnight at a hotel near the rainbow mountains. 2. Another best time to appreciate the Danxia landforms is after rain, when moisture makes the colors more vivid and enchanting. 3. The scenic area may require climbing, so comfortable shoes are essential. 4. The scenic area also offers entertainment activities such as camel riding, hot air balloons, gliders, and helicopters (additional fees apply). After the tour, you will travel via Jiuquan to Jiayuguan (about 210 kilometers, approximately 3 hours). If time permits, you can arrive at the Overhanging Great Wall before 17:00 to hike and enjoy the stunning sunset over the Jiayuguan Great Wall. It is worth mentioning that Jiayuguan is an excellent spot to appreciate the poetic imagery of "a solitary plume of smoke rising straight in the desert, the setting sun round over the long river." You will stay overnight in Jiayuguan.
🍽️ Breakfast and lunch included 🏨 Jiayuguan
D4
Jiayuguan to Dunhuang Day Tour: Jiayuguan + Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Lake + Shazhou Night Market (Optional)
Today, you will fully explore Jiayuguan, known as the "First and Greatest Pass under Heaven." [Jiayuguan] was historically called the throat of the Hexi Corridor. Due to its strategic terrain and magnificent architecture, it is known as the "Key to the Frontier" and was a transportation fortress on the ancient Silk Road, as well as the western starting point of the Ming Dynasty Great Wall. Upon arrival, first visit Jiayuguan Pass. Jiayuguan Pass was first built in the 5th year of Hongwu of the Ming Dynasty (1372 AD). It is the first major pass at the western end of the Ming Great Wall and the most spectacular pass along the Great Wall. This is not merely a single pass but is divided into an inner city, outer city, and moat. The Xiongguan Water Village in the outer city offers distant views of the pass's exterior. Entering the inner city and climbing the gate tower, you can see the Qilian Mountains. There are also many stalls in the scenic area, offering ancient costume photography, calligraphy, and paintings. In addition, you can experience the old customs procedures for leaving the pass here (optional at your own expense), obtaining a "passport" issued by the pass master in armor at the city gate exit, which is a permit for entering and leaving the pass. Afterwards, you will visit [Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Lake], praised as "one of China's five most beautiful deserts." Mingsha Mountain is formed by shifting sand, with a height of 100 meters, steep peaks, and water-wave-like sand patterns on the slopes. When people slide down from the top, it makes a bell-like musical sound, hence the name. It is said that on cloudless days, when the wind stops and the sand is still, one can even hear the sound of string and bamboo music, which is quite wonderful. Crescent Lake, located at the foot of Mingsha Mountain, is named for its crescent shape. The spring water is clear to the bottom. Although strong winds and yellow sand have obscured the sun over the years, for thousands of years this clear spring has never overflowed after long rains nor dried up in droughts. Here you can stroll in the desert and enjoy the beautiful scenery of "a solitary smoke in the vast desert, the setting sun round over the long river" and "silver mountains surrounded by sand on all sides, a pool of clear water with green ripples." You can also choose to enjoy various activities (at your own expense), such as camel riding, sand sliding, beach motorcycles, off-road vehicles, and gliders... Notes 1. Optional paid activities at Mingsha Mountain Scenic Area: shoe covers, sightseeing bus, camel riding, motorcycle, off-road vehicle (3-seater), paraglider, desert starry sky camping. 2. When participating in desert entertainment activities, please take good care of your photographic equipment to prevent sand from entering the camera. When riding a camel, please follow the staff's instructions when getting on and off. Then, you can roam the Dunhuang Shazhou Night Market (optional) and taste authentic Dunhuang delicacies such as apricot juice, donkey meat yellow noodles, pao'er yougao, braised lamb with flatbread, and red willow skewer grilled lamb. Optional evening performances: (at your own expense, advance reservation required) 1. "Music in Dunhuang" (year-round performance): The world's first cave-style immersive theater, telling the story of Baixin, a young man from the Western Regions in the early Tang Dynasty, on his journey to find music. The performance uses modern technology combined with live performances to recreate the music, dance, poetry, costumes, and paintings from Dunhuang murals. 2. "Dunhuang Grand Ceremony" (peak season only): The world's first large-scale desert live performance, set against Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Lake, with a 360-degree rotating and moving audience seating, telling the poignant love story of a young painter and a princess, recreating the prosperity of the ancient Silk Road and showcasing Dunhuang's unique cultural charm (including "Molten Iron Fireworks"). 3. "Encore Dunhuang" (peak season only): A large-scale indoor experiential drama directed by Wang Chaoge, one of the chief directors of the 2008 Beijing Olympics. The audience travels through the Library Cave and Mogao Caves, personally experiencing Dunhuang culture and the elegance of the Silk Road. 4. "Thousand-Hand Thousand-Eye" (peak season only): A large-scale theatrical performance by the China Disabled People's Performing Art Troupe, telling the folk story of "Miaoshan Saving Her Father." The dance movements are graceful, the cultural connotations are profound, and the artistic level is extremely high.
🍽️ Breakfast and lunch included 🏨 Dunhuang
D5
Dunhuang to Turpan High-Speed Rail Journey: Mogao Caves + Station Transfers
Today, you will embark on a wonderful Dunhuang cultural journey. After breakfast, head to the Mogao Caves, one of China's four great grottoes. The Mogao Caves, also known as the Caves of the Thousand Buddhas, are hailed as the "Treasure House of Eastern Art," the world's largest and richest surviving site of Buddhist art, and a witness to the blending of diverse civilizations along the ancient Silk Road. They were inscribed as a World Cultural Heritage Site in 1987. The caves were carved over a thousand years and contain vast and rich murals, painted sculptures, and cave shrines, making them a world-famous treasure house of Buddhist art. After arriving at the Mogao Caves scenic area, you can first go to the Mogao Caves Digital Exhibition Center to watch a wonderful digital film—"Mogao Thousand Years"—to gain a preliminary understanding of the Mogao Caves. Then take a shuttle bus to the cave area (PS: photography is prohibited inside the caves). Under the guidance of a docent, you will visit 8 caves in sequence, such as the Library Cave (Caves 16-17, the largest cave), the Nine-Story Tower (the common name for the wooden structure outside Cave 96, one of the iconic buildings of the Mogao Caves), and the Nirvana Cave (Cave 148, where the reclining Buddha is located)... The specific caves visited depend on the actual situation on site, but several classic caves will be included. If interested, you can visit the Dunhuang Grottoes Cultural Relics Protection and Research Exhibition Center to see 1:1 replicas of 8 highly representative caves, including Caves 275, 249, 419, 220, 217, 3, and 25 (photography allowed). Important Notes 1. To protect the caves, the Mogao Caves implement a real-name reservation system with daily visitor limits. Tickets are divided into Type A (6,000 per day) and Type B (12,000 per day, with priority for domestic visitors). Type A includes 8 caves and 2 digital films; Type B includes 4 caves and the Cave Cultural Relics Protection and Research Exhibition Center. 2. On the day of your visit, please follow the visiting arrangements of the Mogao Caves administration. The order of visiting Mingsha Mountain and the Mogao Caves may be adjusted. 3. If you are particularly interested in the caves, you can also purchase tickets for special caves on site (queuing may be required) to explore more exquisite caves. Special caves (at your own expense) are divided into Line 1 (Caves 45, 320, 321, 420, 9, 428) and Line 2 (Caves 275, 45, 156, 158). 4. During the Dunhuang Cultural Expo or in case of severe weather or other factors affecting the visit, if the Mogao Caves cannot be visited as planned, our agency will refund the Mogao Caves ticket at the actual cost, or arrange a visit to the Western Thousand Buddha Caves as an alternative. After the tour, you will be transferred to Liuyuan South Station to take the high-speed train to Turpan (about 3.5 hours), China's lowest, driest, sweetest, and hottest fiery city.
🍽️ Breakfast and lunch included 🏨 Turpan
D6
Turpan to Urumqi Day Tour: Jiaohe Ancient City + Karez Wells + Sugong Pagoda (also known as Emin Minaret)
After breakfast, you will visit the Jiaohe Ancient City, one of the best-preserved ancient city ruins on the Silk Road. It is the world's largest, oldest, and best-preserved earthen architecture city, and China's most complete urban relic preserved for over two thousand years. As a witness to Western Regions civilization and the development of the Silk Road, Jiaohe Ancient City was founded and built by the Cheshi people from the 2nd century BC to the 5th century AD. It was once the capital of the Cheshi Kingdom, one of the 36 kingdoms of the Western Regions. Its architecture and culture are extremely unique and worth careful appreciation. Strolling through it, you can admire the historical remains of residential areas, government offices, and Buddhist temples, and feel the vicissitudes of a thousand-year civilization and the weight of history. You can also go to the central platform to enjoy a panoramic view of Jiaohe Ancient City. With the guide's vivid explanations, it feels as if you have traveled through time and returned to the bustling prosperity of the Silk Road. Then, continue to visit the Karez Wells, one of the three great ancient projects of China. The Karez Wells are a special irrigation system in desert areas, ranking alongside the Great Wall and the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal. Here you can experience the unique coolness of Turpan's hot summer, appreciate the life wisdom of the ancient ancestors, and learn how ancient craftsmen channeled Tianshan snowmelt from dozens of kilometers away through the Karez Wells to become clear spring water here, irrigating tens of thousands of mu of vineyards—a great feat that turned barren land into lush oases. Afterwards, continue to visit the Emin Minaret, one of Turpan's iconic buildings. Also known as the Emin Tower, with the full name Emin Khoja Repayment Tower, it was first built during the Qianlong period of the Qing Dynasty. It is a commemorative structure built by Emin Khoja, the Jasak Doroi Junwang of the Turpan Hui region, to 'repay heavenly grace.' It consists of a mosque, a minaret, and a mazar. It is the only ancient tower in Islamic style among China's hundred famous towers. Here you can not only admire its unique Islamic architectural style but also gain an in-depth understanding of its long history and splendid culture. In addition, the mosque next to the Emin Minaret is also well worth seeing. After the visit, you will go to a hotel in Urumqi to rest. Urumqi is the capital of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region and the city farthest from the ocean in the world, about 2,500 km from the nearest coastline. It is also a necessary passage on the new northern route of the world-famous ancient Silk Road, which promoted trade and cultural exchange between China and Western countries and formed a unique ethnic cultural atmosphere in western China. Urumqi is located at the northern foot of the Tianshan Mountains in northwestern China, surrounded by mountains and water, with vast fertile fields. The people who have lived here for generations affectionately call it 'Urumqi,' meaning 'beautiful pasture.' Located in the hinterland of the Eurasian continent and adjacent to Central Asian countries, it is known as the 'Capital of Asia's Heart.' PS: Xinjiang uses unified Beijing Time, i.e., UTC+08:00. However, because Xinjiang is geographically in the UTC+6 time zone, local sunrise and sunset times are about 2 hours later than Beijing Time.
🍽️ Breakfast and lunch included 🏨 Urumqi
D7
Urumqi and Surroundings Day Tour: Tianchi + Xinjiang Museum (closed on Mondays)
After breakfast, you will travel about 70 kilometers (approximately 1-1.5 hours) to visit Tianshan Tianchi. [Tianshan Tianchi], anciently called "Yaochi," is a crescent-shaped lake on the northern side of Bogda Peak in the Tianshan Mountains and a famous tourist destination in Xinjiang. The lake surface is at an altitude of 1,910 meters, with a maximum depth of 105 meters. The lake reflects Bogda Peak, surrounded by spruce trees, with scenery like a fairyland. The scenic area encompasses natural landscapes such as alpine lakes, wetland meadows, and forest canyons. As the light changes, the lake water appears emerald green up close and blue in the distance, very beautiful. Upon arrival, you will first take a 40-minute sightseeing bus through the steep and magnificent mountains, then walk for 10 minutes to enjoy the stunning lake and mountain scenery and various interesting flora and fauna. Optional activities at Tianshan Tianchi (at your own expense): 1. Lake cruise: Take a boat tour of Tianchi, immersing yourself in the Yaochi scenery. 2. Mayashan Cableway: Take the cableway to the summit at 3,056 meters, overlooking the panoramic view of Tianchi and the magnificent Bogda Peak in the distance. After lunch, you will return to Urumqi and then visit the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Museum to gain an in-depth understanding of the human history of Xinjiang and the ancient Silk Road. [Xinjiang Museum] is the largest comprehensive museum in Xinjiang. Here you can admire rich collections of artifacts, including precious relics from the ancient Silk Road, traditional costumes of various ethnic groups in Xinjiang, and folk handicrafts. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions displaying artworks and historical relics on various themes. Additionally, famous national treasures such as the ancient corpse of the "Loulan Beauty" and the Han Dynasty brocade armguard with the inscription "Five Stars Rise in the East, Benefiting China" can be seen here. Museum Tip: Xinjiang Museum is closed on Mondays. If visiting on a Monday, you can go to the Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar instead. Suggestions for Free Time: If time is still early, you can visit the grand Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar. "Bazaar" means market. The Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar is the most ethnic-flavored place in Urumqi and the world's largest castle-style bazaar. The architecture is elegant and beautiful, with a strong Islamic style. Here, you can browse shops with strong ethnic minority characteristics, such as Uygur clothing, carpets, spices, accessories, and handicrafts, and taste various Xinjiang fruits, pilaf, lamb, and other local delicacies.
🍽️ Breakfast and lunch included 🏨 Urumqi
D8
Departure from Urumqi: Hotel Check-out + Airport Transfer
After breakfast, you can spend some time exploring more of Urumqi's scenery according to your preferences, experiencing up close the city's diverse ethnic culture and rich Silk Road charm, until our driver escorts you to the airport to catch your flight to the next destination. At this point, this wonderful and unforgettable 8-day Lanzhou to Urumqi Silk Road tour comes to an end. Itinerary Extension Suggestions 2. If you plan to continue exploring more popular destinations in China, such as Qinghai, Xi'an, Tibet, Beijing, Shanghai, Harbin, Yunnan, Zhangjiajie, Chengdu, Guilin, etc., you can also contact our customer service to arrange it for you.
🍽️ Breakfast included 🏨 /

✅ Inclus dans le prix

· Guide: Chinese/English guide throughout the tour · Tickets: First admission tickets to the attractions listed in the itinerary · Vehicle: Vehicle type arranged according to the number of participants, with one guaranteed seat per person · Accommodation: Hotels listed in the itinerary (star rating selectable) · Meals: Meals listed in the itinerary (breakfast included at the hotel) · Service: Our service starts from the consultation and continues until the end of the trip, providing one-on-one attentive service throughout

❌ Non inclus dans le prix

· Documents: Visa · Activities: Optional activities and special experiences recommended in the itinerary · Hotel: Personal expenses at the hotel such as laundry, hairdressing, telephone, fax, pay TV, drinks, tobacco and alcohol · Other: Additional expenses caused by force majeure such as traffic delays, strikes, weather, aircraft mechanical failure, flight cancellation or schedule changes, and any expenses not mentioned in the inclusions

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