Xi'an to Dunhuang Silk Road Tour

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Listing Description

Welcome to the 4 Days Xi'an and Dunhuang In-Depth Highlights Tour.
Xi'an will show you the prosperity of the ancient capital city and the clash of cultures. Embark on a journey through Dunhuang's breathtaking landscapes. Experience the allure of Dunhuang's ancient Silk Road history amidst its stunning natural beauty.
These cities are full of history, culture, exotic flavours and beautiful landscapes that will bring you a unique travelling experience.

Booking

  • Terracotta Warriors and Horses--Da Ci'en Temple--Big Wild Goose Pagoda--Grand Tang Dynasty Ever Bright City

  • 4+ star hotels


We will drive about 40 kilometers to the world-famous Terracotta Warriors and Horses. These Terracotta Warriors were built by China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, to protect him in the afterlife. Over 8,000 life-size terracotta figurines, horses and chariots were buried underground for over 2,000 years until they were discovered in 1974. 

Standing in front of these spectacular statues, you will be awed by the ambition of Emperor Qin Shi Huang and the skill of ancient Chinese artisans. 

Before visiting the Terracotta Warriors Museum, you will also have the opportunity to experience traditional culture by making a miniature Terracotta Warrior under the guidance of a local potter.

After lunch, we will return to downtown Xi'an and visit the Da Ci'en Temple. This temple was a famous translation site of Buddhist scriptures during the Tang Dynasty. The temple has a 64.5-meter-high pagoda, the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, which was built by the Buddhist master Xuanzang to preserve the scriptures he brought back from India. 

If you are interested, you can climb the Big Wild Goose Pagoda (extra charge applies) for a great view of the city. 

As night falls, we will take you to Grand Tang Dynasty Ever Bright City. It is a unique Tang Dynasty cultural theme imitation complex in China, where you can enjoy rich singing and dancing performances and charming night scenery.

  • Xian Museum--Small Wild Goose Pagoda--Ancient City Wall--Muslim Quarter

  • 4+ star hotels

  • Breakfast


In the morning we will visit Xian Museum and Small Wild Goose Pagoda . Items on display at the Xi'an Museum include Shaanxi history and culture, ceramics, bronzes, calligraphy and painting, and stone carvings. The most distinctive part is the Shaanxi history and culture area, which shows the historical changes and cultural inheritance of the Shaanxi region from ancient times to modern times.

Then we will go to the Ancient City Wall, which is the largest and best-preserved ancient city wall in China. You will pass through the Hanguang Gate, as if traveling back to the prosperous scenes on the ancient Silk Road. On the city wall, you can rent a bicycle (extra charge applies) for a leisurely ride and enjoy the panoramic view of modern Xi'an.

Then we will also take you to visit the bustling Muslim Quarter to taste the authentic local snacks and experience the different cultural atmosphere.

  • Xi'an--Flight to Dunhuang--Mingsha Mountain--Crescent Lake

  • 4+ stars Hotel

  • Breakfast


After breakfast, your guide will transfer you to the airport in Xi'an for your flight to Dunhuang (about 2.5 hours). Upon arrival at Dunhuang airport, your local guide and driver will pick you up and transfer you to your hotel for check-in.

In the afternoon, you will head to Mingsha Mountain. The unique feature of the Mingsha Mountain is the singing sound produced by the shifting sand dunes, which can be heard when the wind blows. Visitors can enjoy activities such as sandboarding, camel riding, and exploring the stunning desert landscape. Camel riding across the desert is a very popular activity.

The Crescent Lake is named after the shape of a crescent moon. For thousands of years its shape remains exactly the same,a clean and green oasis on the deadly land,right inside the threatening sand dunes but never filled up by the sand, and a dish of the old fish from the lake will keep one always young.


Optional Activities:

If you wish, you can choose to do desert camping for one night at the Mingsha Mountain. During the camping, there are abundant activities and programs for you to have fun, such as sandboarding, desert motorcycle, campfire and so on.

  • Mogao Caves - Dunhuang Departure

  • 4+ stars Hotel

  • Breakfast


After breakfast, you will go to visit the Mogao Caves. Known as the "Louvre of the East",  it's famous for their statues and wall paintings, spanning 1,000 years of Buddhist art.

On the cliff face over 1 600m long from south to north 492 caves survived the time,various in size and clustered higher or lower all over the cliff.

You will visit the grottoes (usually 7 to 8 grottoes during April to November and 12 grottoes during December to March) and the guide will give you a detailed introduction. After that, you are free to choose or follow another guide if you want to visit more other caves. There are also 10 special grottoes (extra charge) for you to visit extensivel

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