The Silk Road by Private Train: China
Covering the China portion of the 21-day Silk Road by Private Train, this journey provides the perfect vantage point from which to appreciate the dramatic contrasts of this region, stretching from China's westernmost Xinjiang Province to far Eastern Beijing, visiting several UNESCO sites along the way.
Days 1-3: Urumqi, Turpan, Dunhuang
Arrive in Urumqi, the modern "capital" of western China. Visit Turpan, the hottest city in China, with an ancient underground irrigation system that has fed its orchards and vineyards for centuries. Make a stop in the ruined city of Jiaohe, built in the 2nd century near Turpan. In Dunhuang, explore the UNESCO-listed Mogao Thousand Buddha Caves, containing almost 500 frescoed grottoes carved between 700 and 1,700 years ago.
Days 4-5: Jiayuguan, Xi'an
Today, visit the 14th century fortress at the end of the Great Wall and stop at the fort and museum in Jiayuguan. Reboarding the train, roll through the Gobi towards Xi'an. Stop to inspect the armies of Terra Cotta Warriors guarding the grave of an emperor since 200 BC, and enjoy an evening Tang Dynasty cultural performance.
Days 6-9: Beijing
Arriving in Beijing, transfer to a premier hotel for a three-night stay. Take in classic Beijing, including the Temple of Heaven, the Summer Palace, the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square. Visit the Great Wall at Badaling and toast the journey at a farewell dinner.
The Russia & Central Asia portion of the itinerary (Moscow to Almaty) is available on its own without China portion of the journey. Please see the Russia and Central Asia train tour page for more information.
Trip Details
| Eastbound: |
From Urumqi to Beijing |
| Length of Trip: |
9 Days |
| Departures: |
1 |
Dates:
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October 3-11, 2012 |
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| Westbound: |
From Beijing to Urumqi |
| Length of Trip: |
9 Days |
| Departures: |
2 |
Dates:
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March 24-April 1, 2012
September 25-October 3, 2012
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4 nights hotels, 4 nights onboard the Shangri-La Express. |
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| 2012 Land Tour Cost Per Person: |
|
| Heritage Class, twin share |
$6,795 |
| Heritage Class, single |
$10,095 |
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Call for 2012 Early Bird Offer available only through March 31
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MIR Signature Features
- Explore modern Beijing and get a taste for its ancient history at the Great Wall
- Marvel at the Longmen Grottoes, UNESCO-listed caves carved with over 100,000 images of Buddha.
- Journey to the mystical waters of Tianchi (Heavenly) Lake in remote Western
China
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Silk Road: China
| Days 1-2: |
Urumqi, Turpan |
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| Day 3: |
Dunhuang |
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| Day 4: |
Jiayuguan |
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| Day 5: |
Xi'an |
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| Days 6-9: |
Beijing |
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Suggested Extensions
Extend your stay in China. Contact us for details.
Some images on this page coursey Peter Guttman
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