Silk Road Explorer

WENDY WU TOURS WERE THE FIRST COMPANY IN AUSTRALIA TO VENTURE ALONG THE ORIGINAL SILK ROAD, OVERLAND BETWEEN TURPAN AND KASHGAR IN 1996.

Almost two thousand years before being named ‘The Silk Road’, the great East-West trade route was first travelled by emissaries of the Han Dynasty. As the centuries passed many caravans set out from the ancient capital of Chang’an (modern Xian) and ventured westwards along a route that took them to Kashgar and then over the Pamir Mountains to Central Asia and finally to Rome. Although silk played only a small part in the trade that was carried on along the way, the name Silk Road has become synonymous with the many amazing images, cultures and diverse peoples you will encounter on this fantastic journey. Starting in Beijing we travel to Xian, the ancient capital and the eastern end of the traditional Silk Road. An overnight train then takes us to Lanzhou, with a side trip to Xiahe revealing the mystical Labrang Tibetan Monastery. Continuing our journey west we reach Jiayuguan by train and then Dunhuang and Turpan by road. The next four days of true adventure take us along the original trade route to the fabled city of Kashgar, where the Sunday Bazzar and animal market will evoke the atmosphere of centuries past - a bustling crowd of people, produce, donkeys and colour. We return via Urumqi to our finishing point in Beijing. This is a truly remarkable journey – come join us and discover for yourself a completely different part of China

TOUR ITINERARY

Days 1-2: New Zealand to Beijing

Begin our Wendy Wu Tours group holiday to China. Travel on an overnight flight to Beijing with Singapore Airlines. Upon arrival we will transfer to our hotel. Our welcoming dinner this evening is a delicious banquet including the delicacy ‘Peking Duck’.

Days 3-4: Beijing

Today we enjoy an exciting walk on the Great Wall and visit the Temple of Heaven. In the evening we will be entertained by a fascinating Chinese Acrobatic Show. The following day we visit Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City and the Summer Palace. Afterwards we board our overnight sleeper train to Xian.

Days 5-6: Xian

We arrive in Xian in the morning and transfer to our hotel for 2 nights. Visit the Little Wild Goose Pagoda before feasting in the evening on a sumptuous Shui Jiao Banquet, a specialty of the region. Tomorrow we visit the Eighth Wonder of the World, the famous Terracotta Warriors and the Ancient City Wall, which is one of the best preserved in all of China. Complete this magical day with a performance of traditional Tang Dynasty Dancing.

Day 7: Xian to Lanzhou

Today we will visit the renowned Shaanxi Provincial Museum, home to thousands of priceless cultural relics, stroll through the lively Muslim Quarter and see the Great Mosque and Islamic food market alleys. Afterwards board our overnight sleeper train to Lanzhou.

Days 8-9: Lanzhou

Arrive in Lanzhou in the morning and transfer to our hotel for 2 nights. Wander through the park by the Yellow River before visiting the Baita (White) Temple, which sits high above the river. In the evening sample the local ‘Hand Stretched Noodles Banquet’. The next day we transfer by speedboat on beautiful Lioujiaxia Lake to visit the renowned Bingling Caves where stunning Buddhist artworks were carved into the cliff face by travellers along the Silk Road over many centuries.

Days 10-11: Lanzhou to Xiahe

We travel through the scenic Jishi Mountain Pass to Xiahe, set in a beautiful mountain valley and renowned as ‘Little Tibet’, transferring to our hotel for 2 nights. The following day we visit the mystical Labrang Monastery, one of China’s six great monasteries of the Gelugpa (Yellow Hat) sect, which was founded by a living Buddha and is currently home to over 1200 monks. In the afternoon we tour the Sangke Grasslands, rolling pastures where wildflowers flourish.

Days 12-14: Xiahe to Lanzhou to Jiayuguan

Return to Lanzhou where we will board our overnight sleeper train to Jiayuguan arriving at midday the following day. Visit Jiayu Fortress, set between the snow-capped Red Mountains in the south and the Black Mountains in the north and then take a walk along the western end of the Great Wall. The next day we travel by road into the beautiful oasis city of Dunhuang for 2 nights.

Days 15-16: Dunhuang to Turpan

Visit one of the highlights of our tour, the world acclaimed Buddhist murals and sculptures of the Magao Grottoes. The next day tour Crescent Moon Spring and the spectacular ‘Singing Sand Dunes’ witnessing some of the most dramatic scenes found along the Silk Road. Later we will board our overnight sleeper train to the oasis city of Turpan, where our journey into the Xinjiang Region begins.

Days 17-18: Turpan

Arrive at Turpan in the morning, transferring to our hotel for 2 nights. Visit the ancient ruined city of Jiaohe and see the richly coloured Flaming Mountains. Tomorrow see the Emin Minaret, visit local homes at Grape Valley and learn about the amazing 2000 year old Kerez Irrigation Canals that are still in use today.

Days 19-22: Turpan to Kurla to Kuqa to Aksu to Kashgar

Over the next 4 days of adventure we will travel along the original Silk Road through the Xinjiang Region, viewing many ruins and sites largely unvisited by other tourists. Travel to Kurla and visit the ruins of the Iron Fortress. The next day we tour through the ruins of Subashi, arriving in Kuqa where we will visit the remains of the old city wall. Tomorrow we visit the Kyzil Thousand Buddha Caves and then travel onwards to Aksu. The following day arrive in the fabled city of Kashgar and transfer to our hotel for 2 nights. Kashgar’s old town is said to bear a close resemblance to Casablanca and it is certainly one of the highlights of our tour.

Days 23-24: Kashgar

Our tour of Kashgar includes the National Minorities Museum, the Abakh Hoja Tomb and the Id Kah Mosque. The following day visit the world’s largest Sunday Bazaar. We will also visit the livestock market where huge crowds of donkey carts, horse carriages, animals and people of many races gather at this bargain extravaganza. Fly to Urumqi at the end of this exciting day, for the next 2 nights.

Day 25: Urumqi

Today we take an excursion to the marvellous Tian Chi (Heavenly Lake) enjoying breathtaking views of a crystal clear lake at the top of a stunning mountain range. Sample a traditional meal of Uyghur Lamb Skewers.

Day 26: Urumqi to Beijing

Visit the Xinjiang Autonomous Region Museum, where some 1000 year old mummies are housed, before boarding our flight to Beijing for our final night in China.

Day 27: Depart Beijing

Enjoy the morning at leisure before transferring to the airport to board our overnight flight to New Zealand.

Day 28: Arrive New Zealand

Arrive home this morning.

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Images from Silk Road Explorer