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Discover the Silk Road's ancient secrets on a private 2-day journey from Urumqi to Turpan, exploring the Jiaohe Ruins, Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves, and the Sugong Pagoda.
Step back in time on this private 2-day Silk Road tour from Urumqi to Turpan. Begin with a scenic 200 km drive through the Xinjiang landscape, then delve into the ancient Jiaohe Ruins, a remarkably preserved city from 2,000 years ago. On the second day, explore the Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves, where exquisite Buddhist murals adorn rock-cut grottos at the foot of the Flaming Mountains, and visit the iconic Sugong Pagoda. This tour offers a deep dive into the region's rich history and culture, with personalized attention from your guide and seamless private transportation. Ideal for history enthusiasts and travelers seeking an authentic Silk Road experience, this itinerary combines major archaeological sites with the convenience of door-to-door service from Urumqi.
The map shows the tour area. The detailed plan below remains the source for stops and timing.
Pick up from your hotel in Urumqi, or Urumqi Train Station, or Urumqi Airport, then take a private vehicle and escorted by our tour guide and drive 200km to Turpan. Stay at your hotel in Turpan. The afternoon tour in Turpan include:
Jiaohe Ruins - The Jiaohe Ruins is the place of ancient Chinese ruins found in the Yarnaz Valley, 10 km west of the city of Turpan. The city of Jiaohe was the capital of the Anterior Jushi Kingdom, concurrent with the Han Dynasty, Jin Dynasty and Southern and Northern Dynasties in China. It was finally abandoned after its destruction during an invasion by the Mongols led by Genghis Khan in the 13th century.
Karez Well - It is a loacal Turfan water system, called karez well in Turfan. It is a qanat system that has been regarded as one of the three greatest water projects of ancient China together with the Du Jiang Yan Irrigation System, and the Grand Canal.
Flaming Mountains - The Flaming Mountains are barren, eroded, red sandstone hills in the east of the city of Turfan. The mountain climate is harsh and the temperature is extremely hot in the summer, the hottest site in China.
Grape Valley - Situated in the Flaming Mountain 13 km east of Turpan, the Grape Valley is 8km long from north to south and 0.5km wide. This green paradise of 400 hektares is covered with layer upon layer of grapes.
After breakfast, have the following city tour in Turpan:
Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves - Situated at the foot of Flaming Mountains lying 13km east of Turpan city, they are a group of Buddhist cave grottos dating from the 5th to the 9th centuries. There are 77 rock-cut caves at the site. Most have rectangular spaces with rounded arch ceilings often divided into four sections, each with a mural of Buddha.
Sugong Pagoda - The Sugong Pagoda lies in the southeast suburb, six kilometers away from Turpan City. The cylindrical Sugong Pagoda is 37 meters high and 10 meters in diameter from the bottom. The pagoda was built in 1181 by the ruler of the Turpan Prefecture, to honor his father.
Astana Grave - The Astana Graves are a group of underground tombs about 40 km to the southeast of Turpan. The tombs were the burial sites by the inhabitants of the ancient city of Gaochang, both officials and commoners.
After lunch, take the private vehicle back to Urumqi.
| Included | Not included |
|---|---|
| All transfers and city transportation for your own use | Tips to your tour guide and driver |
| Entrance fees and meals as mentioned | Travel insurance for your coverage of injury or accident |
| Private car or van with English speaking guide | |
| Hotel with breakfast | |
| Urumqi-Turpan-Urumqi by private vehicle | |
| The above private escorted tour is customized for you, your family or your friends exclusively. No other travelers will join in your group. |
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