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Day 1: Beijing
On arrival in China's fascinating capital, transfer to your hotel and relax.
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Day 2: Beijing
Visit the impressive Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven and beautiful Summer Palace. B, L.
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Day 3: Beijing
Journey to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall and the regal Ming Tombs. B, L.
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Day 4: Beijing – Urumqi – Kashgar
Enjoy the morning at leisure before your afternoon fl ight to Urumqi. Take a brief city tour before fl ying to Kashgar. B, L.
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Day 5: Kashgar
Start your morning with the exciting animal market where locals bring their livestock for sale. From here explore the bustling Sunday Bazaar and conclude the day with the amazing glazed tiles of the historic Abakh Hoja Tomb. B, L.
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Day 6: Kashgar
Today enjoy the sights of the old town with a walking tour and a local home visit before boarding your afternoon soft-sleeper overnight train to Turpan, the world's second lowest city. B, L.
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Day 7: Turpan
Arrive in Turpan and tour the incredible Gaochang Ruins, built in the 1st century BC, and towering Emin Minaret. In the evening enjoy a local dinner show. B, L, D.
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Day 8: Turpan – Dunhuang
Explore the amazing Jiaohe Ruins, Karaz underground irrigation system, Astana Tombs, and Bezeklik Buddhist caves, with stunning mountain backdrop. Travel on the overnight train to Dunhuang. B, L, D.
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Day 9: Dunhuang
Arrive at Uuyuan Station and transfer to Dunhuang, an exciting desert town. Take a short camel ride into the desert to see the sand dunes and Crescent Spring, and maybe even try your hand at sand tobogganing. B, L.
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Day 10: Dunhuang – Lanzhou
The stunning Mogao Caves, a tour highlight, were once a spiritual Buddhist site – the incredible artwork here is remarkably intact. Stop by the Great Wall Museum before departing for your afternoon flight to Lanzhou. B, L.
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Day 11: Lanzhou
Journey to the incredible Bingling Si – the Thousand Buddha Caves – a place of mystery. Return to Lanzhou, stopping by White Pagoda Hill for panoramic views of the city en-route. B, L.
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Day 12: Lanzhou – Xiahe
Start the scenic mountain drive to Xiahe, home to Tibetan, Hui Muslim and Han Chinese locals. En-route stop by Unxia and its Great Mosque. In the afternoon, visit Xiahe's Sangke Grasslands and a local Tibetan family for tea. B, L, D.
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Day 13: Xiahe – Lanzhou
Absorb the mystical atmosphere of the significant and holy Labrang Monastery, one of the six great monasteries of the Geluk (Yellow Hat) school of Tibetan Buddhism. After lunch return to Lanzhou. B, L.
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Day 14: Lanzhou – Xian
Take a morning flight to Xian and on arrival to this ancient capital, enjoy some free time before your evening Tang Dynasty dumpling dinner and show. B, L, D.
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Day 15: Xian
See the famed Terracotta Warriors and the Big Wild Goose Pagoda where Buddhist scriptures were once housed. B, L, D.
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Day 16: Xian – Shanghai
Fly to Shanghai this morning and visit the architectural sights of the Bund and the former French concession area at Xintiandi. Conclude the day with a magical acrobatic show. B.
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Day 17: Shanghai
Witness the flurry of activity at the Yu Garden and Bazaar and the Shanghai Museum before some leisure time. B.
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Day 18: Shanghai
Your exciting Silk Road tour concludes today with a transfer to the airport. B.