- Highlights
- Itinerary
- Accommodation
- Inclusions/Exclusions
- Important Info
Highlights
Make memories on this tour experiencing the ancient marvels and expansive landscapes of remote China that are the stuff of legends of the Silk Road. Create your own photographic opportunities as you cross the Gobi desert like travelers of old, visit an oasis and listen to the legends of warring factions that spurred construction of battlements. By contrast, enjoy the artistic artifacts, murals, carvings and museums that show life as it was.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrive in Dunhuang
You will be warmly welcomed by your experienced guide at the train station or airport baggage claim area and transferred to the pre-booked hotel in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle. Background to the city and key points of historical interest will be shared along the way. The rest of the day is available for you to enjoy at your leisure.
Meals included: None
Day 2 - Dunhuang
Following breakfast, your guide will take you on a day of exploration of Dunhuang, an oasis on the Silk Road. Relax in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle during the drive to Mogao Caves, listening to your professional guide share legends behind the mysterious thousands of Buddha Caves. A documentary providing a general understanding of the history of the Caves is followed by the visit to these manuscripts storage caves containing the finest examples of Buddhist art spanning 1,000 years. Resume travel to the Mingsha Mountain (Echoing Sand Dune). Hear the beautiful melody of the dunes from which the name is drawn, while riding a camel on your way to the hill. A panoramic view of tiers and tiers of sand hills inspires wonder and mystery of the desert and the Crescent Lake (Crescent Moon Spring), an oasis below, where the guide will unveil its mysteries and share efforts being made at conservation. Enjoy a comfortable ride back to the hotel in Dunhuang.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 3 - Dunhuang – Jiayuguan 
Today be enchanted by the breathtaking Gobi of legend on your way to Jiayuguan, during an approximately 4-hour drive. Upon arrival enjoy the spectacular Jiayu Pass Fortress (the gateway to the westernmost end of Ming Dynasty Great Wall) , brought to life by stories told by your local guide. Hike along the Overhanging Great Wall, taking you back to the warring period to feel the importance of this defensive system. Enter the world’s largest underground art gallery – frescoes of the Tombs of Wei and Jin Dynasties - to delight in the amazing brick murals depicting life, culture, farming, hunting, banquet and costume during the period 220-419AD. A walk through the Jiayuguan Great Wall Museum reveals more about the region’s culture from the wealth of national treasurers exhibited.
You will be transferred to the pre-booked hotel in Jiayuguan after the tour.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 4 - Depart from Jiayuguan
As your tour comes to an end, your guide and driver will pick you up at the hotel and transfer you to the airport or train station for your next destination.
Meals included: Breakfast
Travel Note: We love helping our customers make the most of their available travel time. Need assistance planning your next destination? We can help. With a network that spans across China, we can take care of every detail and arrange your departure train or flight from Jiayuguan– or anywhere else while you’re in China. (A surcharge will apply).
Accommodation
Inclusions / Exclusions
Inclusions
- Admission fees: to sightseeing spots and activities specified.
- Activities specified in the itinerary.
- Excellent professional English-speaking guide.
- Ground transport in an air-conditioned vehicle with licensed driver
- 4-star or 5-star hotel accommodation with breakfast, based on double/twin occupancy as specified.
- Camel ride at Mingsha Mountain (Echoing Sands Dune).
- Battery car Electric shuttle bus ride at Crescent Lake (Crescent Moon Spring).
- Travel agency liability insurance during the tour.
- Government taxes and fees.
Exclusions
- International/domestic flights and trains to Dunhuang and departing from Jiayuguan.
- China visa.
- Gratuities to guides and drivers and any expense of personal nature.
- Meals: Lunches and dinners are excluded allowing you to flexibility around meal choices. Your guide will make recommendations and order for you, if required.
- Our tour package does not include travel insurance. Please purchase travel insurance before your trip to protect for any unforeseen circumstances.
Important Information
- This is a private tour for your group of family or friends. No other travelers will join you. It's always available for your schedule.
- Smart casual dress and comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
- Prices based on twin occupancy.
- The prices shown above are not valid during China's Official Holidays (such as National Day and Chinese Spring Festival etc.).
Whirlwind Visit to Xi’an
