Xinjiang Silk Road Cultural Tour: Urumqi, Turpan, Hotan & Kashgar

Xinjiang has long been regarded as the cultural heart of the Silk Road, home to countless relics left by ancient oasis civilizations. Your 10-day journey begins in Urumqi, the regional capital. Upon arrival, your local driver (or w/ guide) will meet you at the airport or railway station and transfer you to your downtown hotel for check-in and rest. Your Silk Road adventure officially begins tomorrow.

Begin the day with a scenic drive to Tianchi Lake (Heavenly Lake), located about 110 km (68 mi) east of Urumqi at the foot of the Tianshan Mountains. The lake is fed by snowmelt and resembles a crystal-blue crescent surrounded by alpine forests and jagged peaks. Spend the morning walking along the shoreline or taking a boat ride to appreciate the shifting reflections on the lake and the ever-changing mountain views.

Return to Urumqi in the afternoon to visit the Xinjiang Regional Museum, which houses significant collections on Silk Road archaeology, ancient mummies, and more than a dozen ethnic minority cultures. With your English-speaking guide, gain a deeper understanding of Xinjiang’s long history and cultural diversity.

In the evening, you can relax or take a walk through the bustling Xinjiang Grand Bazaar, a great place to experience local culture, sample regional snacks, and browse unique handicrafts.

Morning drive to Turpan (about 3 hours), known as the oasis city in Xinjing, an important trade center along the historical Silk Road. Upon arrival, start your exploration to the Gaochang Ruins, once a thriving desert city that welcomed travelers, traders, and monks from across Central Asia. Though long abandoned, its city walls and temple remains still tell stories of its past glory.

Then enjoy a traditional Uyghur lunch in the quiet village of Tuyuk Valley, where mud-brick homes and grapevines create a peaceful backdrop.

Continue to the Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves, tucked into the cliffs of the Flaming Mountains. These ancient grottoes are filled with colorful murals dating back over a thousand years, reflecting the rich Buddhist heritage of the region.

On your way back to downtown of Turpan, you’ll pass the Flaming Mountain, known for its glowing red slopes and extreme summer heat.

Check into your hotel and freely explore Turpan on your own. Overnight at Turpan.

After breakfast, drive to visit Jiaohe Ruins, the world’s largest and best-preserved earthen city. Perched on a natural plateau between two rivers, this ancient site dates back over 2,000 years and offers an unforgettable glimpse into Turpan’s distant past.

Then continue the visit to the Karez Well, a unique irrigation system of wells connected by underground channels. Regarded as one of the three grand projects in ancient China, Karez Well was invented and built by ancient farmers from the various ethnic minorities of Turpan. 

Lastly visit the Sugong Pagoda, which was built by the ruler of the Turpan Prefecture, to honor his father in 1811. The architectural style of this pagoda displays a mixed design of Uyghur and Han features.

If time allows, stop by a local bazaar in Turpan for a close-up look at everyday life and Uyghur culture.

Afterwards drive to Turpan airport for the late afternoon flight to Hotan. Upon arrival, to be picked up and transferred to hotel.

This morning, discover Hotan’s traditional paper-making craft, a rare heritage preserved by one of the last families still practicing this ancient technique. Made from the bark of mulberry tree branches, this handmade paper dates back over a thousand years and reflects the region’s deep cultural roots.

Next, head to the Yorung Kash (White Jade River), where you can watch local people search for Hotan jade, one of the most prized gemstones in Chinese history. This white nephrite jade has been cherished for centuries. You may also visit the local market to explore a variety of authentic Uyghur handicrafts, including jade carvings, silk textiles, and traditional carpets.

In the afternoon, set out for a camel ride across the golden sand dunes of the Taklamakan Desert. (Note: Camel rides are subject to availability. Please confirm with your travel advisor.) Take in the awe-inspiring desert scenery and enjoy a peaceful moment as the sun sets over the shifting sands.

Tonight, experience a special overnight stay in the desert. You will camp under a sky full of stars with quality camping equipment, dinner, fresh water, and fruit provided, ensuring a memorable and comfortable evening in this unique landscape.

Wake up early to witness the breathtaking sunrise over the Taklamakan Desert. As the first light touches the endless dunes, watch golden hues slowly fade into the crisp clarity of the desert landscape. Be sure to capture this unforgettable moment, it’s a sight you won’t want to miss.

After enjoying the beauty of the morning, say farewell to the Taklamakan Desert and begin your journey to Kashgar. Along the way, stop in Yarkand, a city rich in history and Uyghur culture. Visit the Golden Graveyard, where members of Yarkand’s royal family are buried, and continue to the Tomb of Aman Nisahan. A queen, poet, and cultural icon, she was responsible for transcribing the Twelve Mukam, a classical masterpiece of Uyghur music. As you explore, your guide will share stories of her life and legacy. If time permits, wander through Yarkand Old Town, where narrow alleys, lively markets, and traditional Uyghur homes reflect the rhythms of daily life.

Before reaching Kashgar, make a brief stop in Yengisar, famously known as the “knife town” of Xinjiang. Visit a local knife-making workshop, where skilled artisans handcraft ornate Uyghur knives, a tradition passed down for generations.

Overnight in Kashgar.

After breakfast, visit the ancient Tashkorgan Stone Fortress, one of the most important fortifications on the Silk Road. Surrounded by vast grasslands and snowcapped peaks, the site preserves remnants from the Tang and Qing dynasties including old city walls, temples, and administrative ruins that once oversaw Silk Road caravans.

Walk through the nearby Tajik grasslands to experience local pastoral life and take in wide open views of the Tashkorgan valley.

In the afternoon, rejoin the Karakoram Highway for the scenic return drive to Kashgar, arriving at your hotel in the evening.

Spend the day exploring the rich history and lively culture of Kashgar, once one of the most important trading centers on the ancient Silk Road.

After breakfast, begin at the Abakh Khoja Tomb, an elegant mausoleum housing five generations of the Khoja family, including the famed “Fragrant Concubine,” Xiang Fei. The complex is a fine example of Uyghur Islamic architecture, with its green-glazed tiles, domes, and beautifully decorated pillars.

Continue to the Sunday Livestock Bazaar, where herders and farmers from nearby villages come to trade sheep, goats, camels, horses, and donkeys. This bustling market is one of the best places to witness traditional rural life and the trading culture that has thrived in Kashgar for centuries.

In the afternoon, wander through the atmospheric lanes of Kashgar Old Town, lined with mud-brick houses, workshops, and small neighborhood bazaars. Visit the Id Kah Mosque, the largest mosque in China and the spiritual heart of the city. End the day along Handicraft Street, where woodcarvers, metalworkers, instrument makers, and other artisans carry on generations-old crafts, where you can browse for unique handmade souvenirs. Enjoy a home-cooked Uyghur dinner at a local family to end your day visit in Kashgar.

Your driver (or w/ guide) will escort you to the airport or train station for your departure. If you plan to continue exploring China, we are happy to assist with tailor-made itinerary extensions.