Beijing Imperial Majesty & Modern Wonders: Private Journey
An Epic Expedition from Beijing to Shanghai
Introduction
Embark on an unforgettable 22-day journey tracing the legendary Silk Road, exploring China's most iconic landmarks while immersing yourself in the rich cultural heritage of this ancient trading route. This comprehensive itinerary blends must-see historical sites with deep cultural immersion across diverse landscapes from imperial palaces to desert oases.
Section 1: Imperial Beginnings in Beijing (Days 1-4)
Day 1: Arrival in Beijing
- Airport greeting and hotel transfer
- Free time to acclimate after arrival
- No meals included
Day 2: Beijing's Imperial Heart
- Morning exploration of Tiananmen Square
- Comprehensive tour of the Forbidden City
- Special focus on the Palace of Heavenly Purity
- A la carte lunch at a quality local restaurant
- Afternoon visit to the architectural marvel: Temple of Heaven
Day 3: The Great Wall Experience
- Full excursion to Mutianyu Great Wall
- Round-trip cable car ride included
- Photo stop at the Olympic Bird's Nest Stadium
- Visit to a local market in downtown Beijing
Day 4: Royal Gardens & Journey West
- Morning visit to the graceful Summer Palace
- Afternoon flight to Urumqi, capital of Xinjiang
- Transfer to hotel for overnight stay
Section 2: Xinjiang & The Heart of the Silk Road (Days 5-16)
Day 5: Crossing Tianshan to Korla
- Scenic 6-hour drive crossing Tianshan Mountain
- Visit historic Tiemen Pass military throat
- Overnight stay in Korla
Day 6: Ancient Kuqa & Qiuci Culture
- 3-hour transfer to Kuqa, birthplace of Qiuci Culture
- Exploration of Subashi Ruins, witnessing 6th-8th century Buddhism
Day 7: Buddhist Cave Art & Aksu
- Visit to Kizil Thousand-Buddha Caves in Baicheng County
- Examination of exquisite murals and Buddha statues
- 4-hour transfer to Aksu for overnight stay
Day 8: Journey to Kashgar
- Full day 6-hour drive to Kashgar (500 kilometers)
- Check into hotel for three-night stay
Day 9: Pamir Mountain Expedition
- 3.5-hour scenic drive to Karakuri Lake (3,600 meters elevation)
- Experience Tajik culture with yurts, camels and horses
- Return to Kashgar for overnight
Day 10: Kashgar Cultural Immersion
- Visit the famous Sunday Bazaar for authentic local experience
- Exploration of Id Kah Mosque, China's largest mosque
- Tour of Abakh Khoja Tomb, 17th century Islamic palace complex
Day 11: Desert Journey to Hotan
- 7-hour transfer to Hotan through desert landscapes
- Visit Yarkant King Mausoleum and Amanishahan's Mausoleum
- Overnight in Hotan
Day 12: Silk Production & Minfeng
- Visit Silk Village and hundred-year-old walnut tree
- Explore local bazaar in Yutian County
- 3.5-hour transfer to Minfeng County
Day 13: Takla Makan Desert Crossing
- Challenging 9-10 hour journey through Takla Makan Desert
- Experience China's largest desert with shifting dunes
- Arrival in Korla for overnight stay
Day 14: Turpan Bound
- 5-hour transfer to Turpan in eastern Tianshan basin
- Check into hotel for two-night stay
Day 15: Turpan's Ancient Treasures
- Exploration of Jiaohe Ruins, ancient Cheshi State city
- Visit to novel Islamic Sugong Pagoda
- Tour of Bizaklik Thousand Buddha Caves
- Drive-by viewing of Flaming Mountains
Day 16: Ancient Engineering & Dunhuang Transfer
- Morning visit to Karez Well underground irrigation system
- High-speed train to Dunhuang
- Transfer to hotel upon arrival
Section 3: Gobi Desert Wonders & Terracotta Legacy (Days 17-20)
Day 17: Dunhuang's Buddhist Art
- Full exploration of Mogao Grottoes, the "Oriental Louvre"
- Visit to Dunhuang Museum for historical context
Day 18: Desert Adventure & Xi'an Transfer
- Camel-riding experience at Echoing-Sand Dune
- Visit to Crescent Lake oasis
- Flight to Xi'an with airport transfer
Day 19: Xi'an's Imperial Legacy
- Comprehensive visit to Terracotta Army Museum
- Exploration of Provincial History Museum
- Tour of Big Wild Goose Pagoda from Tang Dynasty
Day 20: Ancient Capital & Shanghai Flight
- Walk on ancient City Wall for panoramic views
- Visit to Great Mosque and Muslim market
- Flight to Shanghai with airport transfer
Section 4: Modern China & Departure (Days 21-22)
Day 21: Shanghai Contrasts
- Morning at Shanghai Museum with historical collections
- Visit to tranquil Yuyuan Garden
- A la carte farewell lunch at quality restaurant
- Huangpu River cruise viewing city contrasts
- Exploration of the Bund and old cultural street
Day 22: Journey Conclusion
- Free time for last-minute exploration
- Airport transfer for homebound flight
- Journey conclusion with Western breakfast
This comprehensive 22-day Silk Road odyssey offers unparalleled access to China's most significant historical and cultural sites, blending ancient wonders with authentic cultural experiences across diverse landscapes and civilizations.