In 1974 peasants uncovered what turned out to be perhaps the major archaeological discovery of the 20th century, an undergorund vault which eventually yielded thousands of life-sized terracotta soldiers and their horses in battle formation. The pit of terracotta warriors and horses of the Qin dynasty is situated on the east side of Emperor Qin Shihuang's mausoleum and 38km to the east of Xi'an City.

The pit covers an area of almost 20000 square meters and over 100 chariots, 660 horses, 7000 warriors of various kinds and a number of weopens were buried in it. These vivid and magnificent terracotta warriors and horses were constructed with fine workmanship and arranged in a battle array that gives one a microcosm of the army of the Qin Dynasty. These figures are treasured works of art for the Chinese nation and indicate the amazing capabilities of the nation in the Qin dynasty.

The Mogao cave temples near the town of Dunhuang are filled with one of the most extensive and exquisite collections of Buddhist paintings and sculptures in the world. Every surface of the walls and ceilings is covered with painted clay stucco: graceful acrobats of the sky, scattered flowers and garlands, while dancers and musicians celebrate the beauties of the Buddhist Pure Lands.

Row upon row of miniature images of the Buddha, subtly varied in colouring or dress, adorn virtually every cave, and give the site its popular name of the Caves of the Thousand Buddhas. The Dunhuang caves remain one of the most perfectly preserved of the world's great religious sanctuaries.

The water from Huaquing Pool warm springs has been funneled to public bathhouses for hundreds of years. It was here where in 1936 general Chiang Kaishek was arrested by his own general and forced to agree to stop the fight with communists and to join forces together to fight the Japanese invasion. As we know, after the war with the Japanese ended, Chiang Kaishek had to retreat to Taiwan but took Zhang Xueliang - the general who arrested him here - with him. He then held him prisoner for decades.

Itinerary

DAY 1 ARRIVAL IN SHANGHAI
Upon your arrival at the airport of Shanghai, you are greeted by our repersentive and escoted to your hotel to fresh up after the long flight. A welcome Banquet is served for you to enjoy Shanghai cuisine.

DAY 2 SHANGHAI
Enjoy a full day tour: visit the famous Bund, Yu Garden, Nanjing Road, the People's Square, Shanghai Museum and Jade Buddha Temple.

DAY 3 SHANGHAI / URUMQI
Fly to Urumqi, capital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Visit the Xinjiang Museum and Red Hill Park.

DAY 4 URUMQI
Excursion on the Lake of Heaven and boat ride on the lake. ON hte way back, visit the local bazaar. Tonight, enjoy a roast lamb dinner.

DAY 5 URUMQI / TURPAN
Sit back and enjoy the views from the coach as you travel to the oasis town of Turpan, where you will visit the ruins og Gaochang City, ancient tombs of Astana and Flaming Mountain. A minority dance show is featured for your evening entertainment.

DAY 6 TURPAN / LIUYUAN
Tour of Grape Valley and Jiaohe old cities. After dinner, take soft-berth overnight train to Liyyuan.

DAY 7 LIUYUAN / DUNHUANG
On arrival at Liuyuan, coach to Dunhuang. Visit the Singing Hill, Crescent Moon Pool and the city Museum. Enjoy a dinner show in the evening.

DAY 8 DUNHUAN / JIAYGUAN
Mornign tour of Mogao Grothoes. After lunc, procceed to Jiayguan.

DAY 9 JIAYUGUAN / LANZHOU
Vist the Jiayuguan, the western end of the Ming period Great Wall. Then fly to Lanzhou, capital city of Gansu Province.

DAY 10 LANZHOU / XIAN
The sightseeing of Lanzhou includes the White Pagoda Mountain, Five Spring Park and Yellow River Bridge. Afternoon flight to Xian, the starting point of Silk Road. A brief city tour of Xian, visiting the Bell Tower and City Wall. After dinner, a colourful cultural show of Tang Dynasty is featured for your entertainment.

DAY 11 XIAN
A full day tour shows the 1300-year-old Big Wild Goose Pagoda, the amazing legion of Terra-Cotta Warriors of Qin Shi Huang, the Hua Qing Hot Spring and Banpo Neolithic Museum. Enjoy the Imperial Dumpling Feast for your dinner.

DAY 12 DEPART XIAN
Morning tour to the Forest of Steles before your flight to next destination.