7 Days Silk Road Express Dream Tour across Southern Xinjiang

Welcome to Kashgar. It is a national historical and cultural city, a major commercial town on the Silk Road, and a hub for east-west communication. Getting off the plane, you will find your tour guide 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 and dinner once arriving at the hotel.

Today it is going to be a cultural exploration tour. You will be first driven to the Gaotai Ancient Homes. Only here can you really feel the pulse of ancient Kashgar from the unique dwellings. It is also, known as a “Living Folk Museum of the Uygur where you will have the opportunity to learn the intangible cultural heritage handicraft-making techniques which are an essential part of the Chinese culture. Next you will head to the Kashgar Ancient City, a bright pearl on the ancient Silk Road. In the end of the day, you will enjoy a Mukam-style dinner (Mukam is a intangible cultural heritage art form). And you will embark on the wonderful Silk Road Express excursion to Hotan.

On the train, you can choose to sleep till arrival or enjoy the beautiful scenery and delicious food along the way. After arriving at Hotan, you will be taken to the Hotan Museum, where each exhibit is a testimony of time and gives you a deeper understanding of the cultural heritage of Hotan. At the Hotan Traditional Handicraft Workshop (about 30 minutes drive), you can have a closer look at the well-made Etles silk and handmade carpets. As night falls, you will go to the Ancient Yotkan City to experience its past prosperity. And it's time to take on the train again to Ruoqiang.

Your morning will start with a visit to the Milan Ancient City Ruins, the capital of the mysterious Loulan Kingdom along the Silk Road. And to allow you to know more about the Loulan people, the car then will take you to the Loulan Museum. As you enter the museum, you are greeted by the haunting beauty of Loulan's relics—exquisitely preserved textiles, delicate pottery, and ancient documents that speak of a sophisticated and enigmatic culture. Then you will embark on the joyous Silk Road Express excursion to Kuqa.

Arriving in Kuqa, once the prosperous Qiuci Kingdom and birthplace of the famous “Qiuci Music and Dance”, you'll be first taken to the Kizil Caves, also known as Kizil Thousand-Buddha Caves. To date, there has been 236 preserved caves, of which the most wonderful is the existing tens of thousands of square metres of mural paintings. After that, you will head to the Ancient Kuqa City. Walking through the remnants of this ancient city, you can almost hear the echoes of camel caravans and the bustling markets that once defined its streets. And as you stroll along the Rzestan Street, you can also enjoy a tea there, exploring the combination of the Eastern and Western elements. Then you will embark on the Express back to Kashgar.

On the way back to Kashgar, you will be taken by your driver to the Baisha Lake which has a picturesque natural scenery, with the snow-capped mountains at the top and the lakes and rivers at the bottom of the mountains, forming a grand and imposing spectacle. Then you will be driven to the much well-known Karakul Lake which means the “Black Sea Lake”. The Lake is more than just a visual wonder; it is a place of profound tranquility and spiritual significance. After arriving the Lake, you are suggested to take a walk around, immersing yourself in the marvellous natural beauty. But please also hold your breath for Muztagh Ata when you see it.

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