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Offered languages
- English
Begin your day with an 8:30am hotel pickup in Urumqi and enjoy a scenic 3-hour drive to Turpan, passing dramatic windmill farms, shimmering salt lakes, and the rugged beauty of the Tianshan Mountains. Step back in time at the atmospheric Bezklik Thousand Buddha Caves, where 15th-century Buddhist frescoes whisper tales of the past, then explore the sprawling ruins of Gaochang Ancient City, a once-thriving Silk Road kingdom. Marvel at the elegant Emin Minaret, a masterpiece of Uyghur architecture, and discover the ingenious Karez Irrigation System, an ancient engineering marvel that turned the desert into fertile land. Savor authentic local flavors during lunch. After a full day immersed in Turpan's rich history and stunning landscapes, relax on your return journey to Urumqi, arriving at your hotel with unforgettable memories of Xinjiang's cultural treasures.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
We also pick you up from your centrally located Urumqi hotel.
Itinerary
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1Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves
At 8:30am, your guide will pick you up in the lobby of your centrally located hotel in Urumqi. Then, you will take a 3-hour ride in a private vehicle from Urumqi to Turpan. On the way, you will see windmill farms, saltwater lakes, and valley of Tianshan. After arriving in Turpan, visit Bezklik Thousand Buddha Caves, which is an abandoned site that has ruins of fresco and statues from 15th century.
4 hours • Admission ticket included -
2Ancient City of Gaochang (Kharakhoja)
Afterwards, you will go to ancient city ruin of Gaochang which was one of the most renowned kingdom along the Silk Road in the history. You can wander around to visit temples, stupas, city walls...etc among the ruin.
2 hours • Admission ticket included -
3Emin Minaret (Su Gong Ta)
Lunch will be provided in the local restaurant. Next, you will go to Emin Minaret that was built in 1777AD with a typical Uyghur architectural style.
1 hour • Admission ticket included -
4Karez System
Later, before you head back to Urumqi, you will learn why Turpan could sustain itself in long history by visiting the Karez Irrigation System. After the irrigation system visit, you will be transferred back to your hotel in Urumqi where this wonderful day trip concludes.
4 hours • Admission ticket included -
Silkroadtrips (Pass by)
tour operator
Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
- Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
- Please wear comfortable shoes
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
Rating
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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