12 Day Oriental Express Tour to Xinjiang

Welcome to Urumqi, the capital of Xinjiang. Getting off the plane, you will find a tour guide from our Express expert in Chinese and English is already waiting for you at the airport. Along the way to your hotel, you can enjoy the charming natural scenery and learn more about the history, culture and customs of the vast region from the guide. And you can get a nice rest once arriving at the hotel.

Today you will enjoy a full day excursion to Turpan where you will get a closer look over the remarkable ancient underground water conservancy project-- the Karez Well irrigation system. It could be said that the system brings life to Turpan. If there are some water elements, there must be some fire ones. And of course the guide will take you to have a closer look at the Flaming Mountains depicted in the marvelous Chinese novel “the Journey to the West” (about one hour for the visit). Following is the visiting to the Jiaohe Ruins. Having a walk on the trails, you'll have a profound understanding of its millennia history. And when night falls, your guide will also provide you with joyous music played by some locals. In the end of the day, we'll have you back to the hotel for rest. That's our whole schedule.

Enjoying breakfast at your hotel, then you will be taken to visit the Heavenly Lake, which is located halfway up the Bogda Peak, the highest mountain in the eastern Tianshan Mountains. The Lake will offer you picturesque scenery that earns it the name of the“Yaochi”(a fairyland in a Chinese myth). Trekking, taking the cruise or even the cable car to the Maya Mountains, you are sure to  harvest an incredible view of Bogoda Peak. With a feast-like dinner offered, what's waiting for you next is an extraordinary adventure by the Oriental Express.

Just some moments for a hearty breakfast on the train, you'll find yourself in the picturesque Hemu Village. This journey will take you through breathtaking grasslands and winding mountain roads flanked by towering pine trees. The scenic drive itself is a treat, offering glimpses of nature's untouched beauty. Why not take a leisure stroll along the Hemu River, which meanders through the vast, open grasslands, or venture deeper into the serene landscape to fully immerse yourself in its peaceful charm.

Your day will start with a peaceful and relaxing morning in the picturesque Hemu Village, where you can soak in the serene atmosphere of this charming countryside nestled in the Altay Mountains. Afterward, you'll make your way to the breathtaking Kanas Lake. Known for its stunning natural beauty and the mysterious legend of the Kanas Lake Monster, this scenic area feels like a fairyland coming to life. You'd better go up to the Guanyu Pavilion if you want to gain a panoramic view of natural wonders or simply the tranquility of the area. The Lake promises an unforgettable experience that will leave you in awe of Xinjiang's beauty. Maybe it seems your tour is finished when it's dark, but without a campfire, we cannot call it a day.

Today marks your last day in Northern Xinjiang. Before your departure, you will be driven to the much well-known Five Colored Beach, a natural masterpiece that feels like stepping into a painter's dream. As you wander through this stunning landscape, you'll be captivated by the vibrant layers of red, yellow, green, and purple hues that streak across the cliffs, creating a mesmerizing contrast against the deep blue sky and the shimmering river below. It's a place where nature's artistry truly comes alive, especially during sunrise or sunset when the colors glow with an almost magical intensity. And then you will be back to the train and head to Korla.

As the train gently arrives at Korla Station, your journey into the heart of Xinjiang's natural and cultural wonders begins. You'll be warmly greeted and taken to the fascinating Lop Nur People Village, where you'll have the chance to immerse yourself in the unique traditions and lifestyle of the local community. From there, the adventure continues as you explore one of China's most pristine and breathtaking poplar forest reserves. These golden forests, especially stunning in autumn, create a magical atmosphere that feels like stepping into a painting. And just hop on a sightseeing bus, it will take you along the Tarim River, where you'll witness the delicate balance of life in the desert. For those seeking a bit more excitement, you can embark on a camel ride across China's first mobile desert, where the shifting sands create an ever-changing landscape. After tonight, you will find the train has taken you to Kashgar.

You might think Kashgar is your final destination, but it's actually not. You will be taken to the Baisha Lake which has a picturesque natural scenery, with the snow-capped mountains and the lakes and rivers at the bottom of the mountains, forming a grand and imposing spectacle. If you can't get enough, let's hold our breath for the well-known Karakul Lake which means the“Black Sea Lake”. On the way to it, you can still get a closer look at the remarkable Bulunkou Lake, Mount Kongur Tiube and Muztagh Ata. What you are suggested to do is take a walk around, immersing yourself in the marvellous natural beauty. And the final stop will be in the history-telling Stone City in the north of Tashkurgan County. It once functioned as a stronghold along the ancient Silk Road which you can't miss. And what's amazing outside the Stone City is the Jincao Beach. Just embrace the sunset, and have nice photos there, sure you will retain unforgettable memories.

Today is going to be the most exciting day of your tour as you will drive along the Panlong Ancient Road, also known as the "Winding Dragon Road”Famous for its dramatic and serpentine curves, the Road stretches over 30 kilometers and features more than 600 sharp bends, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding snow-capped peaks and rugged landscapes. Driving along the Road is an unforgettable experience, combining thrilling twists and turns with awe-inspiring scenery, which makes your adrenaline rise up. Later at night, you will be back to Kashgar.

Enjoy a chill morning at the hotel, and then you'll officially usher your day with a visit to the Kashgar Ancient City which has been standing here for over 2,000 years. Walking on the streets, you will be impressed by the exotic vibe around here. What is the most attractive is the world's largest existing complex of earth buildings inside. Please pay attention to the Uyghurs who stand on both sides of the streets, they are welcoming you with their amazing singing and dancing. The next stop after lunch is the Id Kah Mosque built in 1442 which is not only the largest mosque in Xinjiang, but also the largest mosque across the country. And then you'll visit the Abak Hoja Tomb, also known as the Fragrant Concubine Garden. Please do have a closer look at the exquisite glazed tiles outside the tombs. They are an embodiment of the Uyghur aesthetic value and tell the stories about the master of the tomb. After dinner, the Express will take you back to Kuqa.

Once visiting Kuqa, once the prosperous Qiuci Kingdom and birthplace of the famous “Qiuci Music and Dance”, there are some attractions you can't miss. The first is the Tianshan Grand Canyon. What makes it charming is not only its magnificence and precipitousness, but also its tranquility, mysteriousness and serene. And you cannot miss the opportunity of taking photoes at the following sites: the “Sacred Dog Guarding Canyon” Black Cliff, Sky Hole, and Treasure-burying Hole. Apart from that, you can also harvest a camel-riding experience. Then how about exploring the intelligence of the Chinese nation through the Kizil Caves? It is also known as the Kizil Thousand-Buddha Caves. To date, there have been 236 preserved caves, of which the most wonderful is the existing tens of thousands of square metres of mural paintings. People call it the second Dunhuang Mogao Grottoes.No more words to say, just immerse yourself in it. In the end of the day, the Express will take you back to Urumqi.

Today our journey comes to an end after a good breakfast. After breakfast, your guide will take you to the airport.