- 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 memories 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 to protect trade. Wonder at the geological wonders of shifting dunes and constantly changing rock forms.
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, you will be driven in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle to the Mogao Caves, as your professional guide shares legends behind the mysterious and extensive Buddha Caves. On arrival, 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. By hiking to the mountain top you will enjoy a panoramic view of tiers and tiers of sand hills that inspire wonder and mystery of the desert. At the Crescent Lake (Crescent Moon Spring), an oasis below, the guide will unveil its mysteries and tell of efforts being made at conservation. Enjoy a comfortable ride back to the hotel.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 3 - Dunhuang – Yumen Pass – National Yardang Geopark – Dunhuang 
Following a refreshing breakfast, today’s exploration takes you out of the bustle of the city to be enchanted by the breathtaking desolation of the Gobi of legend. You will experience up close the Yumen Pass a critical pass witnessed the past prosperity of the ancient Silk Road. Afterwards make a stop at the best preserved part of the Great Wall of the Han Dynasty, standing large in comparison to the famous Badaling Great Wall and Mutianyu Great Wall. With limited available materials, this section was built with a mixture of sand, dirt, rose willow, reed and apocynum (a species of Indian hemp). Take a walk to get closer and learn more stories of the wall and photograph the remains of the 2200 year old structure.
Another hour-long drive will take you to your next destination to explore the Dunhuang Yardang National Geopark. On a cable car ride through the park, be intrigued by the phenomena of rocks formed naturally by erosion to appear in amazing shapes - like a lion, a peacock, a pyramid and the sphinx. Constant weather effects mean the present shapes will also gradually change.
Relax on the drive back to the hotel.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 4 - Depart from Dunhuang
As your Dunhuang 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. Your tour of Dunhuang concludes today.
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 Dunhuang – or anywhere else while you’re in China. (A surcharge will apply).
Accommodation
Inclusions / Exclusions
Inclusions
- Admission fees: to sightseeing spots & activities specified.
- Activities as specified in the itinerary.
- Professional English-speaking guide.
- Ground transport in an air-conditioned vehicle with licensed driver as specified.
- Accommodation: 4-star or 5-star hotels with breakfast based on double/twin occupancy as specified.
- Camel ride at Mingsha Mountain (Echoing Sands Dune).
- Electric shuttle bus ride at Crescent Lake (Crescent Moon Spring).
- Cable car ride at Yadan National Geologic Park.
- Travel Agency Liability Insurance during the tour.
- Government taxes & fees.
Exclusions
- International/domestic flights and train to/from Dunhuang.
- China visa.
- Gratuities to guides & drivers and any expense of personal nature.
- Meals: lunches and dinners are excluded so you are free to choose cuisines, while guides will give recommendations and guide you there.
- Our tour package does not include Travel Insurance. Please purchase the Travel Insurance before your trip to protect for any unforeseen circumstance.
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
