Experience the essence of the Silk Road on this 6 Day Urumqi to Dunhuang Silk Road Tour. Discover Heavenly Lake’s alpine beauty, explore Turpan’s ancient oasis and Uyghur heritage, and marvel at the Mogao Caves in Dunhuang. A perfect short tour to Northwest China’s culture, landscapes and history.
From USD 704 per person
Based on 2 travelers in low season
Arrive in Urumqi, the capital of Xinjiang and the world’s most inland city. Your local guide and driver will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel.
Spend the evening exploring the Xinjiang Grand Bazaar, a lively marketplace filled with local snacks, spices, handicrafts and traditional Uyghur music.
Overnight in Urumqi.
After breakfast, drive about one and a half hours to visit Heavenly Lake (Tianchi), a stunning alpine lake set against the backdrop of the Tianshan Mountains. Take the shuttle bus to the lakeside and enjoy a peaceful walk or an optional boat ride across the turquoise waters surrounded by fir trees and snow peaks.
Later, continue the journey to Turpan, approximately three hours away. Along the way, admire the changing landscapes as you descend from cool mountains into the warm desert basin.
Overnight in Turpan.
Spend a full day discovering Turpan’s highlights, an oasis once flourishing on the Silk Road. Begin with the Gaochang Ruins, an ancient desert city that once hosted Buddhist monks and traders from Central Asia.
Next, visit the Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves, where colorful murals depict centuries of Buddhist art and history.
Enjoy a traditional Uyghur lunch in Tuyuk Valley, a quiet village surrounded by vineyards and earthen homes. On your return to Turpan, stop at the Flaming Mountain viewpoint to admire its dramatic red slopes glowing under the sun.
End the day at Jiaohe Ruins, the best-preserved ancient earthen city in the world, dating back more than two millennia.
Overnight in Turpan.
In the morning, visit the Karez Underground Irrigation System, an ingenious network of wells and tunnels that has sustained Turpan’s oasis for centuries.
Continue to the Emin Minaret, the tallest Islamic tower in China, admired for its elegant brickwork and cultural significance.
After lunch, board the high-speed train to Liuyuan station (around four hours). Upon arrival, meet your guide and transfer to your hotel in Dunhuang (the drive is about 1.5 hours). In the evening, stroll through the Shazhou Night Market to sample local delicacies and shop for Silk Road souvenirs.
Overnight in Dunhuang.
Today is devoted to the treasures of Dunhuang. Visit the UNESCO-listed Mogao Caves, home to 492 grottoes decorated with exquisite Buddhist murals and statues spanning more than 1,000 years. Learn about the history and art at the Dunhuang Research and Exhibition Center before entering selected caves with your expert guide.
In the afternoon, ride a camel (optional) or walk across the Echoing Sand Dunes, famous for the musical sounds created by shifting sand. Visit the Crescent Lake Oasis, a natural freshwater spring nestled between towering dunes, and enjoy the view as the desert glows in the setting sun.
Overnight in Dunhuang.
After breakfast, enjoy some free time to explore Dunhuang at your own pace. You may visit a local museum or café before your transfer to the airport or train station for your next destination. End of the tour.
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Urumqi to Dunhuang Silk Road Highlights Tour
Urumqi → Turpan → Dunhuang
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