If you would like to extend your stay in China to experience some of it's cultural diversity, you might consider a tour along The Silk Road. It was the world's first superhighway, a series of desert and mountain crossings that enabled silk to make its way from the ancient Chinese capital of Xian. The Silk Road allowed links between China and the West to flourish, an exchange of art, ideas and culture as well as trade. The following tour itinerary has been arranged for your benefit. Please see below for costs and booking details.

Proposed Itinerary

Day 1: Shanghai - Xian (WH2502) 07:40 - 09:55

Fly to Xian - capital of 11 dynasties in history and the starting point for the great trade caravans of the ancient Silk Road. The importance and prosperity of this ancient capital left behind a wealth of valuable historical sites and fabulous archaeological discoveries. The afternoon highlights will be a special dumpling lunch, followed by a visit to the amazing Terracotta Warriors - a world-famous archaeological site. Afterwards visit the Banpo Museum which is one of the largest and most complete Neolithic sites in the world. Evening enjoy a sumptuous banquet along with an elaborate and extravagant cultural performance at the Tang Dynasty Theatre Restaurant.

Accommodation at the Xian Hyatt Hotel. (L, D)

Day 2: Xian - Dunhuang  - by air

Morning visit to the Shaanxi Provincial Museum and the city Wall. After lunch, fly to Dunhuang - a desert treasure trove famed for its historical cave-paintings. Dinner at the hotel, followed by a visit to the night market.

Accommodation at the Silk Road Dunhuang Hotel. (B, L, D)

Day 3: Dunhuang - Urumqi (XO9212) 21:20 - 2235

Breakfast will be served at the rooftop garden, followed by a visit to the world-renowned Mogao Caves - the largest and richest ancient art treasure in the world. The Mogao Caves were put into the 'World Heritages' by the UNESCO in 1987. In the afternoon, visits will be made to the Mingsha Hill, Crescent Moon Lake, and the County Museum. After dinner, fly to Urumqi - capital of the Xinjiang Autonomous Region and home to 47 minority nationalities.

Accommodation at the Hoi Tak Hotel. (B, L, D)

Day 4: Urumqi

This morning visit Tianchi (Heavenly Lake), an azure lake 110 kilometres east of Urumqi ascending into the Heavenly Mountains. Visit a Kazakh (nomadic tribe) family's yurt where you can drink milk tea and try the local snacks. In the afternoon, visit the colourful Erdao Qiao Bazaar to browse over a variety of bargains, and a carpet factory where you will find rich patterned and delicate hand-woven silk carpets which Xinjiang is famour for.

Accommodation at the Hoi Tak Hotel. (B, L, D)

Day 5: Urumqi - Turpan - by coach 2.5 hours

Leave for Turpan in the morning. After lunch, drive past the famous Flaming Mountain and through beautiful landscapes and gorges to the Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves. Onwards to the impressive Ancient Ruins of Gaochang which contains traces of Nestorian, Christian, Persian and Manichean influences. Take a donkey cart ride through the remains of the city wall to the partially repaired temple. Dinner will be served at the hotel followed by a Uygur dance performance. Move your eyebrows, head and shoulders and dance to the tambourine music with the Uygur boys and girls.

Accommodation at the Silk Road Turpan Oasis Hotel (B, L, D)

Visit the Karez Well - an ancient irrigation system which made Turpan a rich oasis, Emin Minaret - one of the architectural gems of the Silk Road and the Ancient City of Jiaohe - a UNESCO natural heritage site. After lunch, return to Urumqi.

Accommodation at the Hoi Tak Hotel (B, L, D)

Transfer to the airport. (B)

Above itinerary is based on the 2002 flight schedules and is subject to change during 2003.

The tour costs per person are as follows:

For further information, please contact Miss Janny Yau of Silk Road Travel Management Ltd, Hong Kong

Tel: 852-27368828
Fax: 852-27368000
email: janny@the-silk-road.com
website: www.the-silk-road.com