12 Days East China and Silk Road Adventure

Nihao, welcome to Shanghai, one of the most prosperous city in China and the global financial center. Upon arrival, your driver will pick up and transfer you to the hotel to check in. Relax and have a good rest by recovering fron your jet leg.

A full day for you to explore Shanghai City.  Tour begins from visiting a traditional Chinese Garden- Yu Garden eatablished in the period of Ming Dynasty(1368-1644). Though in a small size, it covers all the elements pavilions, halls, rockeries, ponds and corridors that a garden boast. Walk through the garden and enjoy a tranquil time by yourself. Then head to Shanghai Xintiandi, an international shopping and entertainment district. Roaming here, you will amazed by the China's rapid development.

Afterwards, you will visit one of the symbol of Shanghai- Bund. Lying along the side of Huangpujiang River with various architectural styles, Bund is recognized as "the museum of buildings". Stroll along the buildings, appreciate the beautiful scenery as well as feeling the charm of this century-long historical architectural ensembles.

Morning drive Suzhou. The first spot is to visit Panmen. It is one of the "three landmarks of Pan Gate" with a history of more than 2500 years. Then proceed to visit the Humble Administrator's Garden, the largest private garden of Suzhou. Hang around and appreciate the fantastic garden with its delicate buliding techonlogy. 

Continue walk to the Suzhou Museum to see Chinese paintings, calligraphy, and handicrafts. This will be a unforgettable experience for you to have a deep understanding of traditional Chinese art. Some free time in the ancient Pingjiang Road, which is the most complete area in Suzhou Ancient City. Spend your rest of day at leisure.

Farewell to Suzhou and drive about 2.5hrs to Hangzhou. Tour begins today with visiting West Lake, a fabulous place for photography because of its natural beauty. Suggest you rent a bicycle or take a boat to enjoy the beautiful views of lake and surrounding mountains. Then go to view fish at flower pond, hang out for 30 minutes or 1 hour to see the sight of brightly colorful fish swimming around and listen the brisk melody of chirpy birdsong. 

Later visit Liuhe Pagoda which is located at the foot of Yuelun Hill facing the Qiantangjiang River. You will have an impressive expreience in taking in the ancient Chinese architecture. Rest of the day is free at leisure.

Say goodbye to Hangzhou and take a flight to the charming Xian, an ancient city with a long history and colorful culture. There are many historical sites worth visiting. Disembarking at Xian International Airport, your driver will meet and transfer you to check in the hotel. Relax and prepare for your tommorrow’s cultural trip.

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. 

Aerwards, 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.

Today is an another day to explore the history and culture in Xi'an.

First we pay a visit to Shaanxi History Museum, a treasure trove for anyone interested in the art facts of Chinese history.Exhibits numerous unearthed cultural artifacts and represents the imposing image of a 13-dynasties capital.

Afterwards, head up to the Ancient City Wall, the most well-preserved city wall and the largest ancient military defensive systems in the world. It is an amazing to wander along the city wall with the bird's-eye view of Xi'an.

Take a night flight to Dunhuang(2.5hrs). Check in the hotel and have a good rest.

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.

Then you will visit Echoing Sand Mountain, where you can ride the camels for 40mins to experience the beautiful desert scenery in the sunset.

After an extraordinary day, freshen up and enjoy a good dinner, we continue to appreciate the bustling and bustling Shazhou Night Markets dotted with special commodities and souvenirs.

Say goodbye to Duhuang, you will drive for 2hrs to Liuyuan Station and take a high speed train to Turpan at noon(3hrs). Upon arrival, picked up and transferred by your driver to check in the hotel. Relax at the rest of the day.

Our first stop is BezkIlik Thousand Buddha Caves located in the center of Flaming Mountains.Then continue to Tuyoq Valley, an ancient oasis-village. We will have lunch in the local Uighur family before exploring this traditional village surrounded by the impressive grape trellis and the stories of the adventurers all of the world.

About 3pm, head up to the Karez Well irrigation system that produce the best melons and grapes in China. Following is the visiting to Sugong Minaret, a conduit for cultural exchange between different ethnic and religious groups. 

Today's tour end up with the 2hrs's exploration of Jiaohe Ruins, resembles Pompeii, but 300 years older, where you can experience the way of life of the Uighur ancestors.

Drive to the capital city of Xinjiang- Urumqi. Relax with free time for the rest of the day. If the group is less than 4 persons, we may use high-speed train for transfer.

We will drive 1.5 hours to entrance of the Heavenly Lake about 08:30, following is the 40-minutes shuttle bus twisting through the picturesque Tianshan mountains to the edge of the Lake. Either Trek around the lake, enjoy the boating cruise, or even take the cable car to the explore the Maya Mountain for the incredible view of Bogoda Peak. Lunch will be arranged in the Yurt of the local Kazakhs. 

Back to Urumqi and head to Xinjiang Regional Museum, where are many archaeological treasures of the Silk Road and Xinjiang's minority cultures. You will learn about the history of Xinjiang and its peculiar ethnic customs. If time allowed, you will visit Grand International Bazaar and have dinner there.

Today you will say goodbye to Urumqi, be transferred based on your flight or train schedule. Wish you a pleasant journey home!