15 Days Oriental Express Tour to Xinjiang

Welcome to Urumqi, the capital of Xinjiang. Getting off the plane, you will find your tour guide is already waiting for you at the airport. Along the way to your hotel, you can enjoy the charming natural scenery and learn more about the history, culture and customs of the vast region from the guide. And you can get a nice rest once arriving at the hotel.

Today you will enjoy a full day excursion to Turpan where you will get a closer look over the remarkable ancient underground water conservancy project--the Karez Well irrigation system. It could be said that the system brings life to Turpan. If there are some water elements, there must be some fire ones. And of course the guide will take you to have a closer look at the Flaming Mountains depicted in the marvelous Chinese novel “the Journey to the West” (about one hour for the visit). Following is the visiting to the Jiaohe Ruins. Having a walk on the trails, you’ll have a profound understanding of its millennia history. And when night falls, your guide will also provide you with joyous music played by some locals. But still, the surprise has not done yet until you set foot on the Oriental Express through which you will explore the exotic Kuqa City.

Once visiting Kuqa, once the prosperous Qiuci Kingdom and birthplace of the famous“Qiuci Music and Dance”, there are some attractions you can’t miss. The first is the Tianshan Grand Canyon. What makes it charming is not only its magnificence and precipitousness, but also its tranquility, mysteriousness and serene. And you cannot miss the opportunity of taking photos at the following sites: the “Sacred Dog Guarding Canyon”Black Cliff, Sky Hole, and Treasure-burying Hole. Apart from that, you can also harvest a camel-riding experience. Since having enjoyed God made beauty, how about exploring the Kuqa Royal Palace then? This grand man-made architectural marvel, with its intricate Uyghur-inspired designs and sprawling courtyards, will transport you to an era of opulence and grandeur. Just imagine, as you wander through its halls, you can hear the echoes of royal gatherings and the whispers of history.  In the end of the day, the Express will take you to Kashgar.

You might think Kashgar is your final destination, but it's actually not. Today, you will be taken to the Baisha Lake which has a picturesque natural scenery, with the snow-capped mountains and the lakes and rivers at the bottom of the mountains, forming a grand and imposing spectacle. If you can't get enough, let’s hold our breath for the well-known Karakul Lake which means the“Black Sea Lake”. On the way to it, you can still get a closer look at the remarkable Bulunkou Lake, Mount Kongur Tiube and Muztagh Ata. What you are suggested to do is take a walk around, and immerse yourself in the marvellous natural beauty. To deepen your memories of here, why not take some fascinating photos?

Today will be a great day for you. When you are ready, your local guide will drive you through the Panlong Ancient Road to the history-telling Stone City in the north of Tashkurgan. Once functioned as a stronghold, the cultural ruins will tell you some fascinating stories about communications between the East and the West along the ancient Silk Road, which you can’t miss. And what’s amazing outside is the Jincao Beach. Just embrace the sunshine, and have nice photos there, sure you will retain unforgettable memories. It’s almost to the lunch time, you must be hungry. Thus,the guide has ordered a feast-like meal at the local Tajik families through which you can get to know the people, and experience their culture. And then you will have a nice at Kashgar.

Enjoy a chill morning at the hotel, and then you’ll officially usher your day with a visit to the Kashgar Ancient City which has been standing here for over 2,000 years. Walking on the streets, you will be impressed by the exotic vibe around here. What is the most attractive is the world's largest existing complex of earth buildings inside. Please pay attention to the Uyghurs who stand on both sides of the streets, they are welcoming you with their amazing singing and dancing. The next stop after lunch is the Id Kah Mosque built in 1442 which is not only the largest mosque in Xinjiang, but also the largest mosque across the country. And then you’ll visit the Abak Hoja Tomb, also known as the Fragrant Concubine Garden. Please do have a closer look at the exquisite glazed tiles outside the tombs. They are an embodiment of the Uyghur aesthetic value and tell the stories about the master of the tomb. After dinner, the Express will take you back to Korla.

As the train gently arrives at Korla Station, your journey into the heart of Xinjiang’s natural and cultural wonders begins. You’ll be warmly greeted and taken to the fascinating Lop Nur People Village, where you’ll have the chance to immerse yourself in the unique traditions and lifestyle of the local community. From there, the adventure continues as you explore one of China’s most pristine and breathtaking poplar forest reserves. These golden forests, especially stunning in autumn, create a magical atmosphere that feels like stepping into a painting. And just hop on a sightseeing bus, it will take you along the Tarim River, where you’ll witness the delicate balance of life in the desert. For those seeking a bit more excitement, you can embark on a camel ride across China’s first mobile desert, where the shifting sands create an ever-changing landscape. After tonight, you will find the train has taken you to Yining.

If the lakes are unmissable, the guide can’t let you miss out grasslands. Today you are going to visit the Karajun Grassland. This pristine grassland is a living canvas painted with vibrant hues of green, dotted with wildflowers that sway gently in the breeze. The air is crisp and pure, carrying the faint scent of earth and blossoms, while the distant snow-capped Tianshan Mountains provide a majestic backdrop, their peaks glistening under the sun. As you wander through the grassland, you’ll encounter herds of grazing sheep and horses, their movements as graceful as the clouds drifting above. As night falls,it’s time to head to the Nalati Grassland.

Spending the last morning in the Karajun Grassland where you can bathe in sunshine, the driver will take you to the Nalati Grassland. The Grassland is a mesmerizing expanse of rolling green hills nestled in Xinjiang. This enchanting landscape seems to merge seamlessly with the heavens, as its lush meadows stretch endlessly under vast, open skies. There, you can harvest a horse-riding experience, feeling the freedom of galloping across the open plains, just as the local Kazakh nomads have done for centuries; or have a talk with your family or friends under the stars, the silence of the grassland and the brilliance of the Milky Way create a magical atmosphere. Late at night, you will again take on the Express and head to Altay.

Enjoy a nice breakfast or an iced Americano on the train, you’ll then be driven to the Sayram Lake. On the way, you will pass through the Guozigou Bridge, the gateway to the Ili Valley, which you must open wide your eyes and have a good look at. As for the Lake, nestled in the embrace of the Tianshan Mountains, it is a jewel of nature, its waters shimmering like a sapphire under the vast blue sky. Here, time seems to stand still, inviting you the wanderers to lose yourselves in its tranquil embrace. 

Just some moments for a hearty breakfast on the train, you’ll find yourself in the picturesque Hemu Village. This journey will take you through breathtaking grasslands and winding mountain roads flanked by towering pine trees. The scenic drive itself is a treat, offering glimpses of nature’s untouched beauty. Why not take a leisure stroll along the Hemu River, which meanders through the vast, open grasslands, or venture deeper into the serene landscape to fully immerse yourself in its peaceful charm.

Your day will start with a peaceful and relaxing morning in the picturesque Hemu Village, where you can soak in the serene atmosphere of this charming countryside nestled in the Altay Mountains. Afterward, you’ll make your way to the breathtaking Kanas Lake. Known for its stunning natural beauty and the mysterious legend of the Kanas Lake Monster, this scenic area feels like a fairyland coming to life. You’d better go up to the Guanyu Pavilion if you want to gain a panoramic view of natural wonders or simply the tranquility of the area. The Lake promises an unforgettable experience that will leave you in awe of Xinjiang’s beauty. Maybe it seems your tour is finished when it’s dark, but without a campfire, we cannot call it a day.

Before back to Urumqi, you will be driven to the much well-known Five Colored Beach, a natural masterpiece that feels like stepping into a painter’s dream. As you wander through this stunning landscape, you’ll be captivated by the vibrant layers of red, yellow, green, and purple hues that streak across the cliffs, creating a mesmerizing contrast against the deep blue sky and the shimmering river below. It’s a place where nature’s artistry truly comes alive, especially during sunrise or sunset when the colors glow with an almost magical intensity.

Before your departure, there are still some surprises waiting for you in Urumqi. Enjoying breakfast at your hotel, then you will be taken to visit the Heavenly Lake, which is located halfway up the Bogda Peak, the highest mountain in the eastern Tianshan Mountains. The Lake will offer you picturesque scenery that earns it the name of the “Yaochi”(a fairyland in a Chinese myth). Trekking, taking the cruise or even the cable car to the Maya Mountains, you are sure to harvest an incredible view of Bogoda Peak. What you can’t miss either is the Xinjiang Ancient Ecological Park. As you step into the park, you are greeted by lush greenery, serene lakes, and the majestic sight of ancient trees that have stood the test of time. It is also a hub of exciting activities and entertainment. Horse enthusiasts will be thrilled by the park's world-class equestrian center, where you can witness breathtaking displays of horsemanship or even take a riding lesson yourself.

Today our journey comes to an end. After breakfast, your guide will take you to the airport.