Grand China with Xinjiang

Day 1: Beijing

Beijing
Our intrepid adventure begins in the bustling capital Beijing. We will receive a warm welcome from our guide at the airport before transferring to the hotel. We then have the rest of the day at leisure to settle into our new surroundings. Overnight at Beijing.

Day 2: Beijing

Beijing (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Discover Beijing's rich heritage as we step back in time to an era when mystery and incredible power reigned. We start at Tiananmen Square and get an overview of China's communist history. This is the symbolic heart of China and it can accommodate one million people. We then embark on an in-depth exploration of the Forbidden City, the power base of Chinese emperors for centuries. This contains the Imperial Palace Museum which details the history of each dynasty, represented in four palatial halls with antiques and treasures from the Ming to the Qing dynasties. This was the ceremonial and political centre of government for almost 500 years. In the afternoon, we take a 40 minute transfer and explore the Summer Palace. This UNESCO World Heritage Site comprises walkways, gardens, palaces and lakes, stroll around and admire the beauty of the setting along with the ancient architectural structures and collections of cultural relics.
Breakfast is at the hotel. Lunch is at a local restaurant. Welcome Dinner with famous Beijing Roast Duck. Overnight at Beijing.

Day 3: Beijing

Beijing (Breakfast, Lunch)
We embark on a 90 minute scenic drive to the Juyongguan section of the wall, which is less visited than the famous Badaling stretch. Built as a form of defence by millions of soldiers and peasants, the wall is a remarkable feat of engineering and archaeologists estimate that it once spanned nearly 10,000 kilometres. Construction continued over the centuries, with the most impressive portions built during the Ming Dynasty. The Great Wall holds a prominent place in Chinese military history. After local lunch, continue with Temple of Heaven which was founded in the 15th century. This features a complex of fine buildings set in gardens, surrounded by pine woods. The layout and the individual buildings symbolize the relationship between heaven and earth - the god's world and the human world - and the special role played by emperors within this association. The temple provides a unique opportunity to see the capital's past and present exist in cohesion side-by-side. Dinner free at leisure. Overnight at Beijing.

Day 4: Xian

Beijing - Xi'an (Breakfast)
We head to the train station and embark on a four-hour-plus train journey from Beijing to Xi'an, travelling in second class.
Xi'an is the capital of Shaanxi Province and the first of China's Four Ancient Capitals, having been chosen by no fewer than 13 dynasties. Upon arrival, we transfer to the hotel, with the rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at Xi'an.

Day 5: Xian

Xi'an (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
We explore Xi'an's ancient historic past that dates back over 3,000 years, as we discover the Terra Cotta Warriors. A highlight of the tour is the acclaimed site of the Terracotta Warriors which consists of 8,000 figures built under the order of the emperor to accompany him to the afterlife. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, it remains one of the largest archaeological sites in the world.
In the afternoon, we visit a terracotta replication factory to observe how craftsmen replicate the iconic statues. Lunch at local restaurant. In the afternoon, visit Small Wild Goose Pagoda, built in 709 as a tribute to Emperor Tang Gaozong. Commissioned by the Buddhist monk Dai An to house sacred scriptures, it has become a symbol of the city. Continue with a visit to the Great Mosque, founded in 742 and considered the oldest in China. Then explore the bustling Muslim Quarter, a lively maze of alleys, market stalls, colorful lanterns, and spice-scented shops. Local specialty of Dumpling Dinner, another essential experience before leaving Xi'an. Overnight at Xi'an.

Day 6: Kashgar

Xi'an - Kashgar (Breakfast)
After breakfast, transfer to the airport and flight to Kashgar, one of the historical and cultural cities along the Silk Road in Xinjiang, renowned for its ancient city relics, frescoes, and Buddhist caves.
Upon arrival, transfer to the local hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is free to explore the city at your own pace. Overnight in Kashgar.

Day 7: Tashkurgan

Kashgar - Taxkorgan (Breakfast)
Visit the famous Sunday Bazaar, a covered market offering clothing, dried fruits, household items, and many other goods, with the chance to witness traditional local bargaining methods. Afterwards, travel along the China-Pakistan Highway for about 4 hours, taking in the breathtaking scenery of the Pamir Plateau. Along the way, stop at the magnificent Bulongkol Lake, also known as "White Sand Mountain", located near the Karakoram Highway. A must-stop to enjoy the view of Karakul Lake, where Kyrgyz herders tend their flocks. Overnight in Taxkorgan.

Day 8: Kashgar

Taxkorgan - Kashgar (Breakfast)
Return to Kashgar, with a stop along the way at the Stone Fortress an oval-shaped city whose walls were built with sun-dried bricks on stone foundations. Recently, wooden pathways have been added to facilitate tourist access to the surrounding grasslands, known as the "Golden Grasslands". While walking through the pastures, you'll have the chance to observe the lifestyle and traditions of the Tajik people. Overnight in Kashgar.

Day 9: Urumqi

Kashgar - Urumqi (Breakfast)
A day dedicated to discovering Kashgar, starting with the visit to Id Kah Mosque, the largest mosque in China and considered the most sacred place for local Muslim worshippers. Explore the old city, and visit to a local Uyghur family, offer deeper insight into the local culture and way of life. The tour concludes with a stroll along the lively Handicraft Street, filled with jewellery, ceramics, musical instruments, and traditional items.
In the afternoon, enjoy some free time in a traditional tea house. Transfer to the airport and flight to Urumqi, the capital of Xinjiang. Overnight in Urumqi.

Day 10: Urumqi

Urumqi (Breakfast)
Drive to the picturesque Heaven Lake, surrounded by snow-capped mountains, wildflowers, and evergreen pines. There is an option to go trekking along the lake or take the cable car (not included) to explore Maya Mountain and admire the stunning panoramic views. Return to Urumqi (approximately 1.5 hours by road) and visit the Xinjiang International Bazaar, the city's largest and most vibrant market, filled with fruits, clothing, handicrafts, knives, carpets, and much more. Overnight in Urumqi.

Day 11: Turpan

Urumqi - Turpan (Breakfast)
After breakfast, departure for Turpan to visit its historical sites and oasis. Stop at Toyugo Village, the oldest Uyghur village located in the heart of the Flaming Mountain Canyon. The village consists of four main areas: the canyon landscape, the Maza Tomb, and the village's ancient buildings. Afterwards, visit the ruins of Jiaohe, one of the best-preserved ancient sites in China, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014. Arrival in Turpan and transfer to the hotel. Overnight in Turpan.

Day 12: Shanghai

Turpan - Urumqi - Shanghai (Breakfast)
Breakfast. Visit to the Karez Well, an ancient irrigation system that provides a refreshing escape from the summer heat. Continue to the Sugong Minaret, the largest Islamic minaret in China, built in 1778. Transfer to the airport and flight to Shanghai, the "Pearl of the Orient," China's major economic hub and one of the most modern metropolises in the world. Hotel check-in upon arrival. Overnight in Shanghai.

Day 13: Shanghai

Shanghai (Breakfast)
Full day free at leisure. Overnight in Shanghai.

Day 14: Shanghai

Shanghai (Breakfast, Lunch)
Visit the Mandarin Yu Garden, a 16th-century masterpiece in Ming style that recreates the typical southern Chinese landscape with ponds, rocks, and streams. Visit the nearby Bazaar for a souvenir shopping time. Continue to Jade Buddha Temple, home to revered white jade statue brought from Myanmar. Finally, the famous Bund, Shanghai's iconic waterfront promenade. Return to hotel, with dinner free at leisure. Overnight in Shanghai.

Day 15:

Shanghai (Breakfast)
All good things must come to an end and today sees our 15 days adventure draw to a close. Before transferring to the airport for our onward flight, we may have time to embark on some, independent, solo sight-seeing.