14 Days South XinjiangTour

Our driver and guide will wait for you at the airport terminal exit by holding a welcome sign with your name on it. Then you will be driven to the hotel and have a good rest. The rest of the day is free at your disposal. Accommodation: Urumqi

This morning we will visit Heavenly Lake in Tianshan Mountain. Tianshan Mountain is the most important mountain in Xinjiang which divides Xinjiang into Northern Xinjiang and Southern Xinjiang. It is not only the dividing line and tourist attraction oF Xinjiang, but also the important water source of Xinjiang people. In dry summer when it does not rains, the melt snow water of higher Tianshan will flowing down along and join in river to ensure plenty of water for local people. On the bank of Heavenly Lake you would have a pleasant boating). If you take your tour in winter, the lake will provide an ideal alpine skating rink. After ward we will go to visit Mt. Pageda. Then back to hotel in Urumqi.

2000-year old Karez Wells is a unique underground irrigation channel in Turpan, which, making use of the slopes of the land to direct water flow into underground channels to irrigate farmland. After hotel breakfast pick up from hotel and drive to Turpan. Upon arrival in Turpan we will Start Turpan tour with Jiaohe Ruins, one of the most important towns along the ancient Silk Road and the largest, oldest and best-preserved earth construction in the world. Then go to visit the Karez Well— an amazing irrigation system which made Turpan a rich oasis which is honored as the “Underground Great Wall”. So it is regarded as the pride of Turpan. The last stop will be Sugong Pagoda, the largest existed ancient Islamic pagoda in Xinjiang which is also known as the Turpan Pagoda among local residents. Then back to hotel. Accommodation: Turpan

Today we will travel about 5 hours to Korla. On the way to Korla we will drive through Golden Beach. If it is sunny you will see glittering beach and grand authentic dessert. Arriving in Korla we will check in local hotel. Accommodation: Korla

Today we will firstly visit Ancient Town of Kuqa to see what Kuqa looks like in the past. Next visit Kuqa Mosque. Afterward you will head for Subashi Ruins which used to be a wellknown kingdom in Xinjiang Area. End the visit today and transfer to hotel. Accommodation: Kuqa

Today we will visit one of the most famous Buddhist Caves in Xinjiang, the Kizil Thousand-Buddha Caves, the oldest Buddhist art treasure trove in China, started building around the 3rd century, even one century earlier than the renowned Mogao Grottoes. Afterwards we will explore Tianshan Grand Canyon and then drive to Kuqa. Tianshan Grand Canyon lying 48km to downtown Urumqi is the most complete and of the highest ornamental value. The Grand Canyon boasts all natural landscape in Xinjiang except for desert. So the canyon is regarded as the natural museum of the nomadism culture. After that drive to Aksu to check in local hotel. Accommodation: Kuqa

Today we will spend most of time driving and appreciate grand and shocking beauty of diversifolious poplar forest, Hetian River and Taklamakan Desert. Diversifolious poplar forests in Taklamakan Desert stand straightly even after dying like handsome generals. The Hotan River is the only river that flow through deep Taklamakan Desert. And the Taklamakan Desert is the largest desert in China which used to be the must-pass area of ancient Silk Road. Hence many ancient kingdoms flourished in nowadays Taklamakan Desert and with fading of Silk Road those kingdoms disappear one after one. Driving through China’s largest desert we will arrive at Hetian and check in local hotel. Accommodation: Hetian

Today we will spend one whole day to explore Hetian City. In the morning we will firstly pay a visit to Silk Family to see the process of waving silk. Hetian used to be the important distributing center of Silk in ancient time and the ancient waving method com down till today. Nexst we will visit Rewake Ruins. Last we will visit a local bazaar to see and try many local snacks, specialties, local handicrafts and articles for daily use. Accommodation: Hetian

After hotel breakfast we will drive to Kashgar. On the way we will pay a visit to Yarkand, the relics of ancient Shache Kingdom in the Yuan Dynasty. Then we will drive by Yinjisha County where you will see pretty man-made knives. Arriving in Kashgar and check in local hotel. Accommodation: Kashgar

The first stop of today will be the famous Sunday Market, also known as Sunday Bazaar, the largest international trade market on the northwest boundary line of China. Next go to the Id Kah Mosque, a typical Islamic architecture like domes, minarets and arches, as well as pious prayers. It has a 500 years history. Then Pay a Visit to the Old Street to see what the place looks like in ancient time. Afterwards continue to Abakh Khoja Tomb, an ancient Islamic building complex and a cemetery where five generations of famous Islamic masters were buried. Concludes today’s tour here and back to hotel. Accommodation: Kashgar

Today we will drive to Taxkorgan and on the way we will pay a visit to Karakuri Lake which has an altitude of 3600 meters and has the snow cap all year around. And in Karakuri Lake people have chance to ride camels and horses and if have interest tourists could to a short lake cruise to feel the beauty of the lake. Afterward continue driving toward Taxkorgan and check in hotel there. Accommodation: Taxkorgan

Today we will visit the Stone City, palace ruin left from the Tang Dynasty. The city was originally built in ancient time to supply accommodation for business travelers. The city still had citizens in the Qing Dynasty. The Stone City is followed by Gloden Valley. At last drive by Aoyitak glacier park we will back to Kashgar and check in hotel. Accommodation: Kashgar

In the early morning pick up from hotel and transfer to airport for flight to Urumqi. Upon arrival met by local driver and guide and transfer to visit Xinjiang Museum to have a glimpse of Xinjiang history and costume. But the museum is perhaps best known for the 4,000-year old mummies found in the desert. Next drive to visit Red Hill Park. The Red Hill in the park is regarded as sacred Hill in ancient time. At last take a walk at Erdaoqiao International Bazaar. That Bazaar is the largest and busiest comprehensive bazaar in Xinjiang.

According to the flight time, your guide will pick you up from your hotel and transfer to airport for your homeward flight. Hope the 13 Days China Silk Road Tour leaves you an impressive and pleasant memory.