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    • Why Travel with Discover Beijing Tours

      Unique Experiences

      Enjoy a premium trip that goes beyond the typical tourist attractions.

      Well-Selected Local Guides 

      Knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and attentive — your personal local guides will share interesting stories, insider information, and even create unexpected highlights!

      Your Booking is Risk-Free 

      Cancel up to 24 hours before the travel date in advance for a full refund
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    19 Days Northern Xinjiang Gansu and Qinghai Tour

    19 days

    • Marvel at the picturesque Heavenly Lake (Tianchi) nestled amid the majestic Tianshan Mountain range.
    • Immerse yourself in local life with a visit to a Uyghur family in Tuyoq Ancient Village, a timeless settlement in Turpan.
    • Uncover the historic charm of Dunhuang, a legendary city perched on the edge of the Gobi Desert.
    • Wander through Dunhuang’s vibrant markets, soaking up a cultural tapestry distinct from western China’s landscapes.
    • Explore the Mogao Grottoes—home to the world’s largest, best-preserved, and most diverse collection of Buddhist art, with the first cave carved as early as 366 AD.
    • Be dazzled by the breathtaking Rainbow Mountains of Zhangye Danxia, a geological wonder of vivid hues.
    • Stroll along the well-preserved ancient city walls, wander the enchanting Chinese Muslim quarter, and reflect on your journey at the iconic Giant Wild Goose Pagoda (Dayan Pagoda).

    Itinerary Quick Look

    Day 1: Arrival in Urumqi

    Welcome to Urumqi—the capital of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region and the world’s farthest city from any ocean! Renowned as a traveler’s paradise, it boasts stunning natural landscapes, profound cultural heritage, and unique local customs. Upon your arrival, you’ll be transferred to your hotel for check-in. The remainder of the day is yours to relax and acclimate at your leisure.

    Transport: Private Car

    Accommodation: Overnight in Urumqi

    Altitude: 918m

    Day 2: Urumqi City Tour

    After breakfast, embark on a cultural exploration of Urumqi. First, visit the Xinjiang Regional Museum, home to priceless Silk Road archaeological relics and exhibits showcasing Xinjiang’s ethnic minorities. Here, you’ll delve into the region’s rich history and fascinating ethnic traditions. Next, wander through Red Hill Park, savoring a moment of tranquility amid urban greenery.
    Lunch will be served in a traditional Kazakh yurt, offering an authentic taste of local cuisine. In the afternoon, return to downtown Urumqi to explore the Grand International Bazaar—where you can watch vibrant Uygur dance performances and indulge in a variety of local delicacies.

    Transport: Private Car

    Accommodation: Overnight in Urumqi

    Meals: Breakfast included

    Altitude: 918m

    Day 3: Heavenly Lake (Tianchi) → Fuyun

    At approximately 08:30, depart Urumqi for a 1.5-hour drive to the entrance of Heavenly Lake (Tianchi). Board a shuttle bus for a 40-minute scenic ride through the winding Tianshan Mountains, arriving at the lake’s edge. You’ll have flexible options to explore: trek along the lakeshore, take a leisurely boat cruise, or ride a cable car up Maya Mountain for panoramic views of Bogda Peak.
    Afterward, continue your journey to Fuyun County (470km by car). En route, pass by Huoshaoshan (“Burning Mountain”), where hillsides of reddish burnt rocks create a surreal landscape that looks as if still ablaze.

    Transport: Private Car (470km)

    Accommodation: Overnight in Fuyun

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch included

    Altitude: 800m

    Day 4: Fuyun → Burqin

    Begin your day in Fuyun with a welcome briefing at the hotel lobby before heading to Keketuohai National Geological Park. Explore “Haizi Kou” (Lake Mouth) and venture into the No. 3 Mine Tunnel, renowned for its rich mineral deposits. Take a tram ride through the Irtysh Grand Canyon to Shenzhong Mountain, where you’ll visit the “Earthquake Museum” to learn about the region’s geological history.
    In the afternoon, travel 260km to Burqin County for dinner and an overnight stay.

    Transport: Private Car (260km)

    Accommodation: Overnight in Burqin

    Meals: Breakfast included

    Altitude: 1,459m

    Day 5: Burqin → Kanas

    This morning, your guide and driver will pick you up for a 137km drive to Kanas Nature Reserve—China’s only European-style ecological paradise, hailed as the “Pure Land of the World” for its unspoiled natural beauty. En route, catch your first glimpse of the iconic Kanas Lake.
    Upon arrival, board a shuttle bus to explore the reserve’s interior. Head to Yuy 亭 (Fish Pavilion) for sweeping views of the lake and surrounding landscapes. In the late afternoon, return to Jiadengyu District to check into your hotel, followed by dinner and rest.

    Transport: Private Car (137km)

    Accommodation: Overnight in Kanas

    Meals: Breakfast included

    Altitude: 1,375m

    Day 6: Kanas Nature Reserve Tour

    Xinjiang is a land of extraordinary beauty and cultural significance, where majestic natural landscapes meet rich ethnic heritage. Today, immerse yourself in Kanas—one of Xinjiang’s most breathtaking destinations, boasting snow-capped peaks, crystal-clear lakes, and pristine wilderness.
    You’ll have ample time to trek around the famous Three Bays: Moon Bay, Dragon Bay, and Immortal Bay—each offering postcard-perfect views of Kanas Lake. The lake’s waters shift hues with the seasons, ranging from crystal blue to deep green and even gray, creating a ever-changing natural masterpiece.
    In Mongolian, “Kanas” means “beautiful, rich, and mysterious”—a fitting name for this scenic wonderland surrounded by snow-capped mountains, lush grasslands, and birch forests. Known as “Eastern Switzerland” and a “photographer’s paradise,” it promises unforgettable vistas at every turn.
    Note: If arriving via Kanas Airport or Beitun Railway Station, your guide will meet you and transfer you directly to the reserve. Upon entry, shuttle buses are required for internal travel.

    Transport: Private Car + Reserve Shuttle Bus

    Accommodation: Overnight in Kanas

    Meals: Breakfast included

    Altitude: 1,375m

    Day 7: Kanas → Hemu Village

    Today, travel 65km by car to Hemu Village—dubbed “China’s First Village,” nestled in Burqin County, Altay Prefecture, approximately 30km east of Kanas Lake. This charming settlement is famous for its exquisite wooden houses, small bridges, and stunning natural surroundings.
    Immerse yourself in the unique lifestyle of the Tuvan people, an ethnic group with distinct traditions and customs. Hemu Village offers a peaceful escape into nature, making it a must-visit destination for cultural and nature lovers alike.

    Transport: Private Car (65km)

    Accommodation: Overnight in Hemu

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch included

    Altitude: 1,124m

    Day 8: Hemu → Burqin

    After enjoying a delicious buffet breakfast at your hotel, depart Hemu for a 200km drive back to Burqin. En route, visit Five-colored Beach—one of Burqin’s most spectacular natural attractions and a perfect spot to witness the sunset.
    Step into this dreamlike landscape, where mudstone, sandstone, and gravel in shades of purplish red, vermilion, yellow, and light green create a vibrant tapestry. A masterpiece of nature’s artistry, Five-colored Beach is a true miracle of Burqin that will leave you in awe.

    Transport: Private Car (200km)

    Accommodation: Overnight in Burqin

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch included

    Altitude: 1,459m

    Day 9: Burqin → Kuitun

    Rise early to catch the sunrise (weather permitting) before breakfast. Then, embark on a 456km drive along the Gurbantunggut Desert to Urho Ghost City—one of China’s most famous yardang landform sites.
    Shaped by centuries of strong winds and erosion, the bizarre rock formations resemble pagodas, temples, animals, and other imaginative shapes, creating an otherworldly atmosphere. Wander through this natural “ghost city” and marvel at the power of wind and time to sculpt the landscape.

    Transport: Private Car (456km)

    Accommodation: Overnight in Kuitun

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch included

    Altitude: 450m

    Day 10: Kuitun → Sayram Lake → Kuitun

    After breakfast, embark on a 4-hour drive (400km) to Sayram Lake—Xinjiang’s largest alpine lake, renowned for its crystal-clear waters and stunning natural surroundings. Take a leisurely stroll along the lakeshore, soaking in the serene beauty of snow-capped mountains reflecting on the lake’s surface.
    Next, journey through Guozigou (Fruit Valley)—a lush valley dotted with fruit trees and scenic trails. Hike along the wooden boardwalks that wind through the valley, leading you to prime viewpoints where you can admire the iconic Guozigou Bridge and its mirror-like reflection in the lake below.
    In the afternoon, return to Kuitun to rest and recharge for the days ahead.

    Transport: Private Car (400km round trip)

    Accommodation: Overnight in Kuitun

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch included

    Altitude: 2,072m

    Day 11: Kuitun → Turpan

    Kick off your day with a scenic 427km drive to Turpan, a city steeped in Silk Road history. Your first stop is Tuyoq Village—an ancient oasis settlement nestled in a fertile valley carved into the Flaming Mountains, 70km east of Turpan. Surrounded by the Taklamakan Desert, this village is famous for its sweet seedless grapes and nearby ancient Buddhist meditation caves adorned with well-preserved frescoes, offering a glimpse into the region’s religious past.
    Continue to the Bezekilik Thousand Buddha Caves—a complex of Buddhist grottoes dating from the 5th to 14th centuries. Located in Mutou Valley near the ancient Gaochang Ruins, between Turpan and Shanshan (Loulan), these caves are a treasure trove of Buddhist art, with murals depicting stories from the Buddha’s life and ancient Silk Road cultures.

    Transport: Private Car (427km)

    Accommodation: Overnight in Turpan

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch included

    Altitude: 500m

    Day 12: Turpan City Tour

    Spend a full day exploring Turpan—a fertile oasis where ancient engineering and cultural heritage converge.
    Start with a visit to the Karez Irrigation System—an ingenious underground network that has sustained Turpan’s agriculture for centuries. This marvel of ancient technology is responsible for growing some of China’s sweetest melons and grapes, thriving in the desert climate.
    Next, discover the Sugong Minaret (Emin Minaret)—a striking architectural landmark that symbolizes cultural and religious harmony among Turpan’s diverse ethnic groups. Admire its intricate brickwork and unique blend of Islamic and Uyghur architectural styles.
    In the afternoon, explore the Jiaohe Ruins—often called “China’s Pompeii” but predating the Roman city by 300 years. Wander through the well-preserved earthen ruins of this ancient city, once a key Silk Road hub, and imagine the daily life of the Uyghur ancestors who called it home.

    Transport: Private Car

    Accommodation: Overnight in Turpan

    Meals: Breakfast included

    Altitude: 500m

    Day 13: Turpan → Dunhuang (Train + Car)

    Bid farewell to Turpan and board a 4-hour train to Liuyuan Station. Upon arrival, transfer by car for a 2-hour drive to Echoing Sand Mountain (Mingsha Mountain)—a desert landscape of golden dunes that “sing” when the wind blows. Embark on a memorable 40-minute camel ride across the sands, immersing yourself in the breathtaking desert scenery as the sun casts warm hues over the dunes.
    After freshening up at your hotel and enjoying a delicious dinner, head to the Shazhou Night Market—a bustling hub of local culture. Wander through stalls filled with unique handicrafts, souvenirs, and authentic Dunhuang snacks (such as apricot skin water and donkey meat noodles), soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of this historic market.

    Transport: Train + Private Car

    Accommodation: Overnight in Dunhuang

    Meals: Breakfast included

    Altitude: 1,200m

    Day 14: Dunhuang → Jiayuguan

    Today, delve into Dunhuang’s spiritual legacy with a visit to the Mogao Grottoes (UNESCO World Heritage Site)—a sacred center of Buddhist art and culture spanning 1,600 years. Begin with a 40-minute immersive 4D movie that brings the grottoes’ history to life, then explore 8 key caves with professional on-site guides, admiring priceless murals, clay sculptures, and ancient manuscripts.
    After the tour, embark on a 371km drive to Jiayuguan. Arrive in the evening, check into your hotel, and rest after a day of cultural exploration.

    Transport: Private Car (371km)

    Accommodation: Overnight in Jiayuguan

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch included

    Altitude: 1,450m

    Day 15: Jiayuguan → Zhangye

    Start your day with a visit to Jiayuguan Pass—the westernmost gateway of the Ming Great Wall, standing majestically amid vast deserts and rolling mountains like a dignified guardian. Boasting the most integrated defensive system of its era, this historic pass was a crucial hub on the ancient Silk Road, facilitating trade and cultural exchange between East and West.
    After exploring the pass, drive 3 hours (223km) to Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park—a natural masterpiece nestled at the northern foot of the Qilian Mountains, 40km east of Zhangye. Spend 4 hours wandering across different observation platforms, marveling at the rainbow-hued layers of sandstone ridges—an awe-inspiring display of nature’s artistry, with colors ranging from deep red to bright orange, yellow, and green.

    Transport: Private Car (223km)

    Accommodation: Overnight in Zhangye

    Meals: Breakfast included

    Altitude: 3,633m

    Day 16: Zhangye → Xining (Train + Car)

    Begin with a 1-hour visit to the Grand Buddha Temple (Dafo Temple)—a 900-year-old Buddhist sanctuary housing Asia’s largest indoor reclining Buddha (34.5 meters long). Immerse yourself in the profound Buddhist culture, admire the temple’s ancient murals, and explore its architectural treasures, including well-preserved scriptures and carvings.
    Subsequently, board a high-speed train to Xining (340km). Upon arrival, your guide will greet you and transfer by car to Qinghai Lake—China’s largest inland saltwater lake, perched at 3,194 meters above sea level. Be captivated by the stunning highland scenery, with grazing sheep, goats, yaks, and horses dotting the grasslands. Opt to ride a bike along the lakeshore or take a cruise to fully soak in its serene beauty.

    Transport: Private Car + High-Speed Train (340km)

    Accommodation: Overnight in Xining

    Meals: Breakfast included

    Altitude: 2,261m

    Day 17: Xining → Xi’an (Train + Car)

    Rise early (around 07:00) for a 3-hour drive to Ta’er Monastery (Kumbum Monastery)—the spiritual center of Tibetan Buddhism in northwest China, renowned both domestically and across Southeast Asia. Explore its intricate temples, prayer halls, and artistic treasures, including butter sculptures, vibrant murals, and exquisite thangkas (Tibetan Buddhist paintings).
    Return to Xining and board a high-speed train to Xi’an. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and rest for the night, preparing for your final city tour.

    Transport: Private Car + High-Speed Train

    Accommodation: Overnight in Xi’an

    Meals: Breakfast included

    Altitude: 400m

    Day 18: Xi’an City Tour

    Kick off your day at 08:00 with a 1-hour drive to the Terracotta Army—one of the 20th century’s most significant archaeological discoveries. These life-sized warriors, built over 2,300 years ago as part of China’s first emperor Qin Shi Huang’s mausoleum, stand as a testament to ancient China’s military might and unparalleled craftsmanship.
    After lunch at a local restaurant, visit the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda (Dayan Pagoda)—an ancient Buddhist landmark and architectural gem. Admire its restored Buddha statues, exquisite timberwork, and gilded details, while learning about Buddhism’s profound impact on China’s history and culture.
    Next, explore the Xi’an Ancient City Wall—the world’s best-preserved and largest ancient military defensive system. Take a leisurely walk or bike ride along the wall for a bird’s-eye view of Xi’an’s historic skyline, blending ancient architecture with modern cityscapes.
    In the evening, wander through the Muslim Quarter—a vibrant neighborhood filled with narrow streets, street vendors, and local delicacies. Browse stalls selling souvenirs, handcrafted goods, and snacks like lamb kebabs and roujiamo (Chinese hamburger), and don’t forget to bargain with vendors for the best prices.

    Transport: Private Car

    Accommodation: Overnight in Xi’an

    Meals: Breakfast included

    Altitude: 400m

    Day 19: End of Tour

    After a delicious breakfast, your unforgettable journey comes to an end. You will be transferred to Xi’an Xianyang International Airport or Xi’an Railway Station based on your travel schedule, marking the conclusion of your epic adventure through China’s northwest.

    Transport: Private Car

    Accommodation: No accommodation

    Meals: Breakfast included

    Private Tour

    Group Size Adult(Age:11-80) Price/p.p Child(Age:4-10) Price/p.p Infant(Age:0-3) Price/p.p
    1 Person $3560 Free of charge but no seat
    2 Adults $3560 /0.00
    3 Adults $3560 /0.00
    4 Adults $3560 /0.00
    5 Adults $3560 /0.00
    6 Adults $3560 /0.00
    7 Adults $3560 /0.00
    8 Adults $3560 /0.00
    9 Adults $3560 /0.00
    10-15 Adults $3560 /0.00


    Discount available at low season, please send inquiries!

    • Included
      Private transportation through out the itinerary. SRT will arrange for all travelers to be met on arrival and seen off on departure based on your flight info.
      Shared accommodations in well located, tourist to superior class hotels include breakfast, service charge and government tax.
      All entrance fees(shuttle bus) sightseeing; excursions and activities as per the itinerary
      2nd class express train from Turpan to Dunhuang(Liuyuan Station), from Zhangye to Xining and from Xining to Xi'an listed in the itinerary
      Private friendly and professional English-Speaking guides (French, Italy, Russian, German can be arranged per your request)
      Visa support letter for you to apply Chinese visa easily.
      Travel and health insurance when travel with us.
      8, A 24/7 helpline while you are traveling.
    • Not Included
      International and domestic flights not indicated.
      Food, Lunch or dinner not specified
      Tips or gratuities for guides and drivers
      Personal expenses and the other tours or activities not mentioned


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    19 Days Northern Xinjiang Gansu and Qinghai Tour

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