D01 Urumqi arrival
Arrive at Urumqi, the farthest from the sea of all the cities in the world. Visit the Red Hill, the landmark of Urumqi. The body of the mountain, made up of aubergine rock, has a reddish brown color. Stroll in the lively market at Erdaoqiao, where anything from Uygur handicrafts, silk carpets to fruits and kebabs are sold., and the Old Town area, where we will see how Uygurs live in today's modern capital city. (L)

D02 Urumqi
Today you will enjoy an outing to Tianchi Lake (Heavenly Lake), one of the scenic alpine destinations in Xinjiang located on the slopes of Bogda Peak that has an altitude of 5,445 meters. The crystal water reflecting the snow-topped peaks, fluffy white clouds and blue sky create a breath-taking view. In the afternoon, you will visit Nanshan Pasture, where Kazaks continue herding sheep and horses as they have for generations. Feel the life of the local Kazaks at their home. (B+L)

D03 Urumqi-Turpan
Drive to Turpan, an oasis amid the desert, and renown for its grapes and honeydew melons. You'll visit Grape Valley, a luxuriant paradise where tree and flowers greet the eye and grapes grow everywhere, in lush contrast to the desert surrounding it, and Karez Irrigation Tunnels, an underground irrigation system installed in this region about 2,000 years ago and used to carry melted snow from Mt. Tianshan to the fields below. Continue to the circular Su Gong pagoda designed by a Uygur's architect. Tonight taste roasted lamb and enjoy the Xingjiang folklore performance. (B+L)

D04 Turpan-Urumqi
Today, you will see the ruins of the once prosperous ancient Jiaohe City, the largest, oldest and best-preserved earthen city in the world with a history of 2300 years. Drive half an hour to the site of Beziklik Thousand Buddha Caves in the heart of the Flaming Mountains. On the way, you can view Flaming Mountain about 100 km long and 10km wide. Because of the extremely hot arid climate the mountain's surface of red sandstone glitters as if on fire in the glaring sunlight. It is made famous in Chinese literature by the classic novel Journey to the West. Transfer back to Urumqi. (B+L)

D05 Urumqi
Visit the Xinjiang Regional Museum with exhibits on Xinjiang's ethnic culture and archaeological treasures from the Silk Road including 3000-year-old mummies. Transfer to the airport for flight to next destination. (B)

This tour price includes
Hotel accommodations with breakfast as specified
All meals as specified in the itinerary.
Transfers as specified in the itinerary by private van with driver
Entrance fees for sightseeing as outlined in the itinerary
English speaking guide service.
Travel insurance in mainland China during the above travel period.

This tour price does not include:
Any flight or train into and out of the city
Any meals which are not included.
Personal expenses
Gratuities, Tips to Guides and Drivers.
Visa fees