9 Days Silk Road Tour to Xi'an Gansu and Qinghai

Today your travel begins with a welcome meeting at airport. After checking in the hotel, rest of your time is free to explore the Charming Xi'an, an ancient city with a long history and colorful culture. There are many historical sites worth visiting.

Tour starts at 08:00 and then drive 1 hour to get close to the incredible Terracotta Warriors in China's first Emperor's Tomb built 2300 years ago, the most significant archaeological excavations of the 20th century. 

After lunch in the local restaurant, head to ancient architecture and a holy place for Buddhists-Big Goose Pagoda. The restored Buddha and building are beautiful with spectacular timber work and gilded features are recently built by donors, they make a fine job of explaining the role of Buddhism in China's history. 

Afterwards, drive to the Ancient City Wall, the most well-preserved city wall and the largest ancient military defensive systems in the world. You will have a bird's-eye view of panorama of Xi'an city when wandering along the city wall. Wandering through the tight and interesting Muslim Quarter Streets to experience the local lifestyle. Street vendors selling all sorts of goods from souvenirs, hand crafted products and local snacks. You need to bargain with the vendors if you are buying goods.

Then back the hotel and you must have a good sleep after this long day.

Take the flight to Dunhuang and head up to Echoing Sand Mountain & Crescent Lake. When there is wild wind, the sands will be blown up and make a loud sound, while the sound sounds like being produced by some ancient musical instrument when blown by the breeze, There is also a Crescent Lake that has been in existence for hundreds of years without ever being buried by the sand. Riding the camel as the Silk Road Caravan in the vast desert is highly recommended (approximately 40mins). Please bring your sunglasses and mask to keep out the dust

In the evening, you can walk around and taste Gansu delicacies at the Shazhou Night Market, the most bustling place of Dunhuang at night. It's easy to lose our sense of time wonder the market while enjoying your leisure time and taste some local cuisine.

Today we are going to appreciate the Holy Center of Buddhism Culture and Art-UNESCO of Mogao Grottoes, enjoying the 40mins 4D movie to learn the development of the grottoes and then we will be escorted by the professional guides from Mogao to enjoy the the 8 caves mainly.

Afterwards, say farewell to Dunhuang as we will drive 3-4hrs to Jiayuguan, a city with profound history and culture relics. Check in the hotel and rest of the day is free at leisure.

After enjoying the nice buffet breakfast at the hotel, today we will head to Jiayuguan with about 3 hours driving. Upon arrival, the tour will start from the Jiayuguan pass, this Ming Dynasty fort guards the strategic Jiayuguan pass, at the western end of the Great Wall - this was the last section built by the Ming Dynasty. Afterwards, transfer to Badan Jaran desert for overnight stay.

Full day in Badain Jaran Desert which has the world's highest sand mountains, with the magnificent Mingsha area, scattered Lake oases, endless Shahai springs and mysterious desert temples to name just a few. These peculiar and charming landscapes have made it an ideal place for desert exploration, tourism and photography in recent years. After visiting, we will back way for Zhangye Linze County. Enjoy the scenery of Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park, you will be marveled by the colorful layers of mountain ridges in the 4hr's adventure to the different platforms.

After 1hr's visiting to the 900-years old Grand Buddha Temple, experiencing the impressive Buddha culture and architectural treasures.

Then take a high-speed train to Xining. After greeted by the guide and tajke the 2hrs visiting to the Buddhist architectural masterpiece—Ta'er Monastery(kumbum Monastery),an ancient Tibetan gompa founded in 1583. You will be taken to catch a whole sight of this delicate complex and get close to the inner design knowing about its decoration, mural etc. Witness Buddhist believers undertaking religious activities is also a good experience.

Situated on the edge of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and heavily populated by minority groups, Xining has earned a reputation as one of the more mysterious and diverse cities in China.

The Qinghai Lake trip generally includes a stop at Xining's other gem, after enjoy your nice buffet breakfast at the hotel, travel to the beautiful Qinghai Lake, This is the largest inland salt water lake in China. It is no exaggeration to say that Qinghai Lake is a miracle that is endowed by a deity. Outside, He encircled the lake with four continuous mountains and extends broad grassland at the foot of them. Inside, like a master baker, He decorated the water with many little islands. All these natural attractions come together perfectly to form a Xanadu on earth to win many tourists' favour. 

Today our journey comes to a halt after a good breakfast. You will be transferred to the airport or train station based on your schedule.