16 Days Marco Polo Silk Road Tour from Urumqi to Xian

Visit the majestic Mutianyu Great Wall, one of the best-preserved and less crowded sections of this world wonder. Walk along ancient ramparts and enjoy panoramic mountain views.
In the afternoon, explore the Summer Palace, a masterpiece of imperial garden design featuring Kunming Lake, Longevity Hill, and classical pavilions.

Begin the day at Tiananmen Square, the symbolic heart of China.
Continue to the Forbidden City (UNESCO World Heritage Site), the world’s largest imperial palace complex, once home to 24 emperors.
Visit the Temple of Heaven, where emperors prayed for good harvests.
In the evening, take a flight to Urumqi, capital of Xinjiang.

Travel to Heavenly Lake (Tianchi), a stunning alpine lake nestled beneath Bogda Peak, surrounded by forests and snow-capped mountains.
Return to Urumqi and take a flight to Kashgar, one of the most important trading cities on the ancient Silk Road.

Explore Id Kah Mosque, the largest mosque in China and the spiritual heart of Kashgar.
Stroll through the Handicraft Street, famous for traditional metalwork, pottery, musical instruments, and textiles.
Visit Abakh Hoja Tomb, an elegant Islamic mausoleum known as the Tomb of Fragrant Concubine.
End the day at Kashgar Sunday Bazaar, a lively gathering of traders, farmers, and herders from across Central Asia.

Drive along the legendary Karakoram Highway to Karakul Lake, set on the Pamir Plateau and surrounded by Mount Muztagh Ata and Mount Kongur.
Experience nomadic life near the lake before flying back to Urumqi.

Drive to Turpan, one of the hottest and lowest places on earth.
Visit the ancient Jiaohe Ruins, a remarkably preserved earthen city carved from a natural plateau.
Explore the ingenious Karez Well System, an underground irrigation network sustaining desert life.
Stop at Sugong Minaret, the tallest minaret in China and a symbol of Islamic architecture.

Take a high-speed train to Liuyuan, then transfer to Dunhuang, a key Silk Road oasis city linking China with Central Asia.

Visit Yadan National Geopark, famous for its wind-eroded “yardang” landforms resembling castles and fleets.
Stop at Yumen Pass, once a crucial gateway on the Silk Road and symbol of frontier defense.

Explore the world-renowned Mogao Grottoes (UNESCO World Heritage Site), housing exquisite Buddhist murals and sculptures spanning 1,000 years.
In the afternoon, visit Crescent Moon Spring, a desert oasis beside Minsha Mountain. Ride camels across the sand dunes and enjoy the dramatic sunset.

Drive through the Hexi Corridor to Jiayuguan, the westernmost fortress of the Ming Great Wall.
Visit the Great Wall Museum and explore Jiayuguan Pass, once known as “The First Pass Under Heaven.”

Visit the Weijin Tomb Murals, often called the “Underground Art Gallery,” featuring vivid scenes of ancient life.
Fly to Xi’an, the eastern terminus of the Silk Road.

Explore the legendary Terracotta Warriors, guarding the tomb of China’s first emperor.
Visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, an important Buddhist site, and walk or cycle along the Ancient City Wall.
Optional evening: Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show.

Visit the Shaanxi History Museum, showcasing treasures from China’s earliest dynasties.
Fly to Shanghai and transfer to your hotel.

Explore the classical Yuyuan Garden, followed by the Jade Buddha Temple.
Ascend the Oriental Pearl Tower for panoramic city views.
Stroll along Nanjing Road and the historic Bund, where colonial-era architecture meets the modern skyline.

Free time until transfer to the airport or railway station for departure.
Service ends.