Southern Silk Road: Dunhuang to Ruoqiang, Kuqa, Turpan

Welcome to Dunhuang, a gem town on the ancient Silk Road. Upon arrival, met and transferred to the hotel in Dunhuang. 

In the morning, you will visit Mogao Caves, the gem of the ancient Silk Road. The early history of Mogao can be track back to the 4th century, and built many times in the histoty. The colorful fresco, statues in Mogao Caves display various stories about Buddhism.

Afterwards, you will visit the Minsha Shan or Singing Sand Dunes and Crescent Moon Spring this afternoon, where you have opportunity to ride the camel.

In the evening, you can explore the night market or watch the Dunhuang performance at the theater.

Today you will drive from Dunhuang to Ruoqiang along the Middle Silk Road which was called the southern Silk Road originally. Due to the regulation for foreign visitors, it is a very long drive for 900km today to through the deserted area. 

Arrival Ruoqiang in the evening, and take a good rest. 

Today you will visit the new Ruoqiang Museum that is well-known for the relics exavated from Lop Nur and The Ancient City Loulan, the museum is closed on Mondays. Then you will wander around the local bazaar, and taste the local food. Note: You can not visit ruin of Milan for foreigners. 

Today you will drive from Ruoqiang to Korla for 430km, about 7 hours. Visit the nice city Korla in the evening.

Take 4-hour ride to Kuqa from Korla. In Kuqa, you will visit the well-known Subash Monastery Ruin that was the royal family supported temple for Qiuci Kingdom 1500 years ago, and still there are clay walls, rooms and gates exhibiting its splendid history. 

Afterwards you will head to Kuqa old town to visit the Kuqa Mosque that is a well-known mosque for the Islamic Court in the past.

This morning you will take one-hour ride along the ancient Silk Road to Kizil Caves, the earliest one in China, which was built 1700 years ago and still can see the colorful frescos and paintings in the caves. The Kizil is famous for its various Jataka stories that were painted on the diamond paintings. 

Later, you will head another one hour to explore the red Tianshan Mysterious Canyon, that is a 5-km long canyon in the southern Tianshan Mountains.

Afterwards you will be transferred back to Kuqa hotel.

Drive from Kuqa to Turpan for 670km. On the way you will visit the biggest inland fresh water lake in China, the Bosteng Lake. Arrival Turpan on the late evening.

Turpan is a hub on the ancient Silk Road, and there are lots of historical sites that are renowned for its well-preserved conditions. 

Today you will visit Bezklik Thousand Buddha Caves, Astana Ancient Tombs, the Ancient City of Jiaohe and Gaochang, Karez Irrigation System, and Emin Minaret with a local guide. 

You may taste some dried fruits and eat Uyghur food at the lunchtime.

You will take a 3-hour ride to Urumqi where you will visit Xinjiang Museum (close on Mondays ), mummies are a must-see in it, particularly Loulan Beauty and Xiaohe Beauty. 

Lunch is included at local restaurant. Afterwards you will visit the renown Erdaoqiao Grand Bazaar where you can purchase all sorts of souvenirs. 

Later, you will be transferred to the hotel in Urumqi for a rest. 

Today you will depart from Urumqi. You will be transferred to Urumqi airport to catch your flight, where the wonderful tour concludes.