Itinerary Details

Itinerary Quick Look

We’re happy to tailor this 10-day private tour to match your interests. Please note that the time frame is for reference only and may vary due to traffic conditions on the day of your tour.

Day 1: Xining Arrival-Airport Transfer

Upon your arrival in Xining, your private tour guide and driver will warmly welcome you and escort you to your hotel. Take some time to relax and recharge after your long flight.

Day 2: Xining to Qinghai Lake-Ta'er Lamasery

Ta'er Lamasery, also called Kumbum Monastery, is a renowned Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Qinghai. At its heart stands a silver pagoda encircling a sacred peepal tree. The monastery is celebrated for its exquisite murals and intricate butter sculptures, which are treasured artistic highlights.

Next, you will head to Qinghai Lake, the largest saltwater lake in China, surrounded by majestic mountains and expansive grasslands. Its stunning scenery is especially captivating in summer, when golden rape flowers blanket the surrounding fields.

You’ll also have the chance to take a boat ride on Qinghai Lake, offering a unique and enchanting perspective of its natural beauty.

Day 3: Qinghai Lake to Xining-Chaka Salt Lake

Begin with a scenic 2-hour drive from Qinghai Lake to Chaka Salt Lake.

Known as the 'Mirror of the Sky,' Chaka Salt Lake features a mirror-like surface that reflects the sky, creating breathtaking visual effects. The lake’s bed is made of crystalline salt, giving visitors the surreal experience of walking on water.

At Chaka Salt Lake, a tourist train offers an easy and picturesque way to explore the area. It stops at multiple locations, perfect for capturing stunning photos of this unique landscape.

Day 4: Xining to Zhangye-Zhangye National Geopark

Board a high-speed train from Xining to Zhangye, a journey of less than 2 hours. Today's highlight is exploring the stunning Zhangye National Geopark.

The unique landforms in the Qicai Danxia Scenic Area, also known as the 'Seven-Color' or 'Rainbow' Danxia, were formed by layers of sandstone and minerals compressed over time and shaped by tectonic movements. The vibrant hues of red, orange, yellow, and green combine to create a surreal and extraordinary landscape found nowhere else in the world.

Day 5: Zhangye to Dunhuang-The Giant Buddha Temple

Visit the Giant Buddha Temple in Zhangye to see the largest reclining Buddha in China. This impressive statue measures 34.5 meters (113 feet) in length and 7.5 meters (25 feet) in width. Its ear alone is large enough for eight people to stand on! The temple, built in 1098 during the Western Xia Dynasty, is the most significant architectural relic from that era in Gansu province.

The high-speed train to Dunhuang departs daily at 12:44. The 4.5-hour journey offers stunning views along the historic Silk Road. You’ll pass the towering Qilian Mountains, stretching for miles, as the landscape unfolds before your eyes.

Day 6: Dunhuang-The Mogao Caves- Echoing-Sand Mountain

The Mogao Caves are a must-see historical site along the Silk Road. Spanning over 40,000 square meters (430,560 square feet), the caves are home to more than 2,000 sculptures and a rich collection of murals that date back over a thousand years. These vibrant artworks showcase Buddhist teachings, divine figures, and scenes of daily life from various Chinese dynasties.

Another iconic site in Dunhuang is Echoing-Sand Mountain (Mingsha Shan). Known for the unique sound it produces when winds blow across the dunes, the vast golden sands rise dramatically next to the crescent-shaped Crescent Lake, creating a breathtaking desert view.

At Echoing-Sand Mountain, you can enjoy activities like camel riding, sandboarding down the dunes, and ATV rides across the desert (at your own expense). If you're interested, just let us or your guide know, and we'll arrange tickets for you.

Day 7: Dunhuang to Turpan-The Great Wall of the Han Dynasty

Before heading to Turpan, you will pass through Yumen Pass, an ancient part of the Great Wall built during the Han Dynasty (206 BC – 220 AD) on your route from Dunhuang to Liuyuan.

Yumen Pass served as a key checkpoint along the Silk Road for over 600 years, beginning in 121 BC, playing an essential role in trade, cultural exchange, and military defense.

Next, you'll visit the Han Dynasty Great Wall, which predates the more famous Ming Dynasty Great Wall in Beijing. While much of it is in ruins, it remains an impressive reminder of ancient fortifications, though there are no sections for climbing or walking along.

From Dunhuang, you'll drive to Liuyuan Railway Station, where you'll transfer to a high-speed train. This is the nearest station offering high-speed service to Turpan on the Silk Road, with the journey taking approximately 3½ hours, arriving in the evening.

Day 8: Turpan-Essence of the Uyghur

Turpan has long been a key crossroads, connecting traders traveling between the East and West. You’ll embark on a fascinating journey through its rich history and vibrant culture.

Your first stop will be the Jiaohe Ruins, home to the world’s largest, oldest, and most well-preserved earthen city. Located on a dramatic cliff between two river channels, Jiaohe exudes an air of intrigue and mystery.

Next, you’ll visit Tuyugou Village, which has a history spanning over 1,700 years. Here, you’ll have the chance to immerse yourself in the traditions and lifestyle of the Uyghur people, experiencing their unique culture and warm hospitality.

The Flaming Mountains are renowned for their striking rock formations, where the red sandstone seems to glow under the intense sun, especially in the summer, earning the mountains their fiery name.

Day 9: Turpan to Urumqi-Heavenly Lake and Bazaar

Today, we will drive to Urumqi, the political hub of Xinjiang. Our first destination is Heavenly Lake, nestled in the Tianshan Mountains, about 68 km east of Urumqi. Known for its stunning alpine landscape and the towering Bogda Peak in the distance, it offers breathtaking views.

As the final stop of the trip, you’ll explore the vibrant atmosphere of the International Bazaar in Urumqi. Here, you can enjoy the unique architecture, diverse goods, delicious foods, and live performances. Immerse yourself in the lively ambiance and make unforgettable memories as you enjoy the evening!

Day 10: Urumqi Departure

Your guide and driver will escort you to Urumqi Airport, where you will begin your journey home or continue on to your next destination.

We are confident that this customized tour will meet with your satisfaction and leave you with unforgettable memories.