2000 years ago, Emperor Wudi of the Han Dynasty dispatched an emissary to the west, not
for trade, but for securing allies against the hordes intrusion from the north. That was the first
time China opened its door to the western world. Since then, camel caravans, carrying spices,
fruits and all kinds of goods from the west, continuously crossed the vast deserts and the
freezing mountains to come to China for the seek of silk.
Today, you can follow the path of those ancient caravans all the way on the silk road. But, with YEAT, you will certainly experience the adventure in a much comfortable way. More about Silk Road
- A. Tour Itinerary:
- Day 1 Arrive Shanghai -
Arrive in Shanghai, meet at airport and transfer to your hotel.
- Day 2 Shanghai/Urumqi -
Sightseeing today includes the Bund, Shanghai's famous waterfront promenade,
Nanjing Road, the bustling shopping district, and the Jade Buddha Temple,
known for its large Buddha carved from a single piece of white jade. Take an
afternoon flight to Urumqi and transfer to your hotel. Attend a welcome
banquet of local specialties in the evening.
- Day 3 Urumuqi (Tianchi Lake Excursion) -
After breakfast, enjoy an excursion to Tianchi Lake, nestled in the Tianshan
Mountain range. Return to Urumqi after lunch and take a city tour, which gives
you a glimpse of the major sights of this northwestern city. Populated by Han
people and thirteen ethnic minorities, Urumqi is quite different from the usual
Chinese street scene. Here you can see nomadic Khazakhs, a Middle Eastern
bazaar, a jade-carving center and more.
- Day 4 Urumuqi/Kashgar -
Today's full day excursion takes you to the pasture by the Southern Mountains
where you will visit local herds. Take an evening flight to Kashgar, a center for
trade between China and the outside world for 2000 years. Upon arrival check
into the hotel.
- Day 5 Kashgar/Urumqi -
After breakfast, head directly to the Great Bazaar, alive with storybook
scenes: thousands of merchants haggling for camels, carpets and other native
goods; imams on donkeys and veiled women in their black robes. After wandering
the Great Bazaar, you will visit Id Kah Emin mosque, one of the largest in
China, and the Tomb of the Fragrant Lady before flying back to Urumqi in the
evening.
- Day 6 Urumqi/Turpan -
This morning travel overland about 3 hours to Turpan, where you will check into
the hotel. Sightseeing features Gaochang, the ancient walled capital of the
Uighurs which flourished between the 7th and 14th centuries, and the ruins of
Jiaohe City, where large fragments of actual streets and buildings remain.
You'll also visit Grape Valley, in lush contrast to the desert surrounding it, and
the amazing 2,000 year old Karez Irrigation Tunnels, which brought water from
melting snow on the mountains to this parched city. Attend a music and dance
performance in the evening.
- Day 7 Turpan/Jiayuguan -
A morning tour includes the Flaming Mountains, named for their vibrant color,
Suliman's Minaret and a local village before boarding an overnight train to
Jiayuguan.
- Day 8 Jiayuguan -
Arrive Jiayuguan and visit the old fortress standing at the westernmost point of
the Great Wall. Climb up this historic "Last Guard House" which guards the
pass between two mountain ranges. This famous pass has been the subject of
poems and ballads for centuries. Overnight in Jiayuguan.
- Day 9 Jiayuguan/Dunhuang -
After breakfast transfer overland 4 hours to Dunhuang, driving through the
Gobi Desert and grasslands en route. You'll see the beautiful landscape along
the Silk Road. Overnight in Dunhuang.
- Day 10 - Excursion to the Mogao Grottoes, the world's richest treasure trove of Buddhist
manuscripts and art. Begun in 386AD and added to over the next 9 centuries, the grottoes total
over 45,000 square meters and boast over 2,000 murals and sculptures. Continue to the Singing
Sand Dunes and enjoy a camel ride into the dunes.
- Day 11 Dunhuang/Xian -
Take a morning flight to Xi'an, where you will transfer to the hotel. Visit the
ancient city walls, the Bell Tower and Big Wild Goose Pagoda.
- Day 12 Xian -
Today's highlight is a visit to the Archaeological Museum, home to more than
6,000 life-size terra-cotta warriors and horses excavated from the tomb of
the first emperor of the Qin Dynasty. After lunch, visit the Neolithic Village of
Banpo which contains relics from the earliest known inhabitants of China. In the
evening, attend a Tang Dynasty dinner show.
- Day 13 Xian/Beijing -
In the morning visit the Grand Mosque and the Muslim quarter. Take an
afternoon flight to Beijing, then transfer to your hotel.
- Day 14 Beijing -
Sightseeing in Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City, after lunch, visit the
Summer Palace. Beijing Duck dinner.
- Day 15 Beijing -
Visit the Temple of Heaven, then transfer to airport to see you off.
- * (B - Breakfast, L - Lunch, D - Dinner)
- B. Tour Cost:
USD 2735 pp
- C. Inclusions:
- 4 star hotels accommodation, based on standard room/ double occupancy.
- American breakfast daily.
- Private coach transfers in each local cities.
- Domestic transportations between cities in China.
- Three standard meals each day.
- Scenery spots entry permission fee.
- Professional English speaking guide.
- D. Exclusions:
- International air fare and all airport tax.
- Personal expenses and travel insurance (insurance information is available upon
request)
- E. 2004 Tour Dates:
Any date guaranteed departure. This tour is designed suitable all year round.
- F. Tour Booking Code: 04ANSILK
- G. International air:
Above tour cost excludes international airfare due to the airfare seasonal fluctuation. People who want to
use mileage plan should contact the Airline directly. However, we will provide international air booking
service upon your request. Transpacific flights are among choices of United Airlines, American Airlines,
Japan Airlines, Northwest, All Nippon Airlines or Air China. Air fare can be paid by credit card. Credit
card form is available upon request.
- H. China visa:
Chinese Consulate no longer accepts mail in application. The single entry China tourist Visa fee is $75 per
person. To apply for it please fill out the China Visa form, submit with your original valid passport and 1
recent picture. Using FedEx to mail your visa application is strongly suggested. We will mail you back the
China visa and your passport via FedEx. Regular process takes 7- 10 working days. Express service is
available upon request and additional fee.
- I.Tour booking Payment Information
- J. Tour Booking Request Form: To book a tour or request information, please complete the form below and submit. We will respond to you within the next business day.
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