China Visa Service Centre of Vancouver Island, BC, Canada, China Visa for Canadians, China Travel and China hotels

16-Day Tour of Beijing, Urumqi, Turpan, Kashgar, Dunhuang, Jiayuguan, Lanzhou, Xian and Shanghai

Day 01 Arrive Beijing (D)

Arrive Beijing, the capital of the Peoples Republic of China. Meet your guide upon arrival and transfer to your deluxe hotel.

Day 02 Beijing (BLD)

Morning tour to Tiananmen Square, located in the heart of the capital, and the Imperial Palace, known as the Forbidden City - one of the greatest feats of ancient Chinese architecture. Afternoon sightseeing includes Summer Palace - a former summer resort area of the royal family. Welcome Peking Duck Banquet in the evening.

Day 03 Beijing (BLD)

Full day excursion to the Great Wall - the landmark of China. It is one of the most amazing feats of human labour - the only man-made construction on earth visible from outer space. After lunch, a drive to the Ming Tombs along the Sacred Way with giant marble figures and animals guarding the tomb area for deceased emperors of the Ming Dynasty.

Day 04 Beijing - Urumqi (BLD)

Morning tour to the Temple of Heaven where the emperors prayed for good harvest. Fly to the oasis of Urumqi after lunch, capital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Upon arrival, meet your guide and transfer to your deluxe hotel.

Day 05 Urumqi - Kashgar (BLD)

A full day is spent visiting Heavenly Lake which lies at 1,980m above sea level. Ice-covered peaks, cypresses, pines, wild flowers, grazing animals and foggy mountain paths make it a hikers paradise. Boat ride on Heavenly Lake. After dinner, a short flight brings you to Kashgar at the foot of the Pamir Mountains, one of the westernmost points of China. Kashgar was a key trading point on the Silk Route.

Day 06 Kashgar - Urumqi (BLD)

Begin your discovery today with visits to the Abakh Hoja Tomb and the great Id Kah Mosque fronted by the busy square. Then roam through Kashgars colorful bazaar. Some would say it is the largest bazaar in Central Asia. Fly back to Urumqi by air in the evening.

Day 07 Urumqi - Turpan (BLD)

Morning tour to Nanshan Pasture. Stroll through the rolling green hills dotted with Kazak yurts and encounter grazing sheep and camels. Discover waterfalls and enjoy the scenic beauty of the southern foothills while the snow-capped peaks of Tian Shan tower above in the distance. Drive to Turpan in the afternoon. An Uygur dance show will be provided in the evening.

Day 08 Turpan - Dunhuang(BLD)

The day is spent exploring Turpan, renowned in China for its grapes and Hami melons. Of interest in the area are the Imin Mosque, the Astana tombs, the Thousand Buddha Caves, the ancient city sites of Gaochang and Jiaohe, and the Karez Irrigation System. Visit the grape vineyards in the afternoon, where you can enjoy numerous types of grapes as many as you like. Board an overnight train to Dunhuang.

Day 09 Dunhuang (BLD)

Arrive Dunhuang in the morning. Visit the archaeological treasures in Dunhuang, the famous of which is the Mogao Grottoes. There is a total of 492 caves housing one of the countrys most famous collections of Chinese Buddhist scriptures frescoes and paintings. In the afternoon, visit the Crescent Moon Lake surrounded by Mingsha Sand Hill. At the hill foot you may enjoy a slow riding on camelback.

Day 10 Dunhuang - Jiayuguan Pass (BLD)

A 5-hour drive brings you to Jiayuguan Pass, the western end of the Great Wall. Upon arrival, stroll on the Great Wall.

Day 11 Jiayuguan Pass - Lanzhou (BLD)

Drive to Jiuquan in the morning, 30km east to Jiayuguan Pass. Visit the famous Site of Wine Spring(Jiuquan) of Western Han (206 B.C.-A.D.24), ancient Bell and Drum Tower and a factory where world famous luminous wine cups are made. Board an overnight train to Lanzhou.

Day 12 Lanzhou (BLD)

Arrive Lanzhou in the morning, the capital of Gansu Province, set on the banks of the Yellow River. The city has been a main caravan junction for 2,000 years. Visit the Five Springs Park , White Pagoda Hills and the Waterwheel by the Yellow River. Boat ride on Yellow River.

Day 13 Lanzhou - Xian (BLD)

Take morning flight to Xian, the great ancient capital and the eastern end of the Silk Road. City tour begins with the ancient City Wall which was built in 1370 A.D. Afternoon visit to Big Wild Goose Pagoda which was built in 652 A.D. It contains a large volume of Buddhist scriptures which were obtained from India by the eminent monk of Xuanzang. Attend a special Tang Dynasty Dinner and Show in the evening.

Day 14 Xian (BLD)

Full day excursion to the unparalleled highlight Terra-Cotta Warriors and Horses at the Tomb of Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor in China. Added highlights are a visit to the Huaqing Hot Spring - a former resort area especially for the emperors and the royal family and a visit to Banpo Village - the remains of a neolithic village dating back 6,000 years. Primitive tools and household utensils are displayed in the Banpo Museum. Time permits, visit factory where copies of Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses are made. With the introduction of the workman there, you may try to use clay and mould to make the copies of Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses yourself.

Day 15 Xian - Shanghai (BLD)

Fly to Shanghai, the bustling commercial heart of China, known as the "Paris of the East". The tour begins with a stroll along the lively waterfront "The Bund", then a visit to the Jade Buddha Temple where two rare jade statues of Sakyamuni Buddha are treasured. Remainder of the afternoon is free to shop and explore. An acrobatic show for your evening entertainment.

Day 16 Depart Shanghai (B)

Your fascinating journey comes to an end as you board your international flight home

Departure Dates - Guaranteed departures with even one person! We try to arrange your China holiday according to your holiday's schedule.