A Day of Imperial Splendor & Local Life: Exclusive Beijing Journey
Journey Overview: Urumqi - Turpan - Kumtag Desert - Kashgar
Day 1: Arrival in Urumqi & Regional Museum
Your professional guide and driver will welcome you upon arrival at Urumqi airport or railway station. After comfortable transfer to your hotel and a brief rest, explore the Xinjiang Regional Museum featuring the famous 'Loulan Beauty' ancient corpse and Han Dynasty brocades before returning to your accommodation.
Day 2: Heavenly Lake & Grand Bazaar Exploration
Morning visit to the breathtaking Heavenly Lake, a blue crescent-shaped alpine lake surrounded by majestic mountains. Afternoon immersion at Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar - the world's largest Islamic bazaar - featuring stunning architecture, authentic local cuisine, ethnic customs, and handicraft shopping opportunities.
Meals: Western buffet breakfast, Lunch
Day 3: Urumqi to Turpan - Ancient Engineering Marvels
After breakfast, embark on a 3.5-hour scenic drive to Turpan. Discover the ingenious Karez System, an ancient desert irrigation network and one of China's three greatest ancient engineering projects. Explore the entirely rammed-earth Ancient City of Jiaohe, imagining its glory from 2,300 years ago. Conclude at the Emin Minaret, Turpan's landmark and Xinjiang's largest ancient pagoda with its adjoining thousand-person mosque.
Meals: Western buffet breakfast, Lunch
Day 4: Turpan's Historical Treasures & Flaming Mountains
Begin at the Ancient City of Gaochang, founded in 1st century BC, exploring remaining city walls, temples, and chambers. Continue to Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves on the Flaming Mountains cliffs, admiring diverse Buddhist murals. Experience traditional Uygur culture in Tuyugou Valley villages before witnessing the Flaming Mountains' brilliant red hues during your return journey.
Meals: Western buffet breakfast, Lunch
Day 5: Kumtag Desert Adventure & Return to Urumqi
Full-day desert experience at Kumtag Desert (1.5-hour transfer). Enjoy optional camel riding, sand surfing, or off-road vehicle adventures. Capture stunning photographs of endless desert landscapes and oasis views from sand dune summits. Return to Urumqi via 4-hour evening transfer.
Meals: Western buffet breakfast, Lunch
Day 6: Flight to Kashgar - Old Town & Cultural Immersion
Morning flight to Kashgar met by local guide. After hotel check-in, explore Kashgar Old Town (filming location of "The Kite Runner") and visit the magnificent Id Kah Mosque, one of China's largest Islamic structures. Enjoy authentic home-made Uighur cuisine during a family visit. Afternoon includes Abakh Khoja Tomb (resting place of Emperor Qianlong's concubine) and the vibrant Kashgar Bazaar with its unique Sunday animal trading market.
Meals: Western buffet breakfast, Lunch
Day 7: Kashgar Departure
Your guide transfers you to Kashgar Airport for departure. Direct flights available to major Chinese cities (Xian, Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu) or transit through Urumqi to Central Asian destinations including Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan.
Meals: Western buffet breakfast