Treasures of China’s Silk Road

• Return international full-service flights (economy class), surcharges may apply

• 14 nights of 3 and 4-star hotel accommodation

• Daily breakfast, 2 lunches and a welcome dinner

• English-speaking tour guides
• Airline taxes and surcharges

• Transportation by private air-conditioned vehicles
• High speed bullet train from Turpan to Dunhuang, and Lanzhou to Xi'An

• Return airport transfers

Today, you'll depart Australia (or New Zealand) on your flight to Urumqi, China. Upon arrival, a tour representative will meet you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel.

Urumqi, the capital of Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, is the largest city in Western China. It also holds the record for being the most remote and landlocked major city in the world as it's 2,500 kilometres from the nearest sea. With a population of 3.5 million, it's surrounded by mountains and deserts. Approximately 43 ethnic groups live in and around this city with different customs that constitute a colourful Urumqi.

Please note: Some travellers may depart on Day 0.

Overnight: Hantang Hotel or similar, Urumqi

Meals included: In-Flight

Enjoy a sleep-in this morning before a late visit to Tianchi (Heavenly Lake), which was formed in a crater. This is a mythological and legendary holy place where King Mu met with the Queen Mother of the West. There are a few lakes named “Heavenly Lake” in China, but the most beautiful is Xinjiang’s Heavenly Lake (新疆天池). Located a 2-hour drive from Urumqi, Heavenly Lake offers scenic views of the mountains as well as respite from the noise of the city.

Finish the day back in Urumqi where you will enjoy a welcome dinner and then an evening at leisure.

Overnight: Hantang Hotel or similar, Urumqi

Meals included: Breakfast; Dinner

After breakfast, you'll drive to Turpan which is a lush green oasis set in a barren landscape. An easy-going town famed for its grapes, its pleasant streets are lined with lush vine trellises. Turpan lies in the third deepest inland depression in the world. Along the northern rim of the depression is a range with high mountains and snowcapped peaks called the Bogda Mountains.

On arrival, you'll visit Emin Minaret which is the only ancient Islamic minaret left in China. You'll then check into your accommodation after an approximately 200-kilometre travel day.

Overnight: Ibis Styles Hotel or similar, Turpan

Meals included: Breakfast

Today’s adventure takes you to the ancient Karez Well system which has played an important role in the irrigation and potable water supply of this area for 4,000 years. Locals dug wells and tunnels to transfer water from mountains miles away from their farmland and the system helped to make the Turpan area an oasis on the Silk Road route. It also helped to make Turpan an important fruit and vegetable growing area in China.

Afterwards, you'll explore the Ancient City of Jiaohe where you can still find old city ruins that are approximately 2,300 years old. En route, you'll visit Flaming Mountain where the surface temperatures can reach 48 degrees in the summer.

You'll then end the day at the famous Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves which lean against the cliff. Dating from the 5th to 14th century, you'll discover Buddhist grottoes and religious frescos.

Overnight: Ibis Styles Hotel or similar, Turpan

Meals included: Breakfast

Today, you'll take the bullet train to Dunhuang which is nestled in the remote and arid expanses of Gansu Province.

Dunhuang holds a place of immense historical and cultural significance in the heart of China. This ancient oasis city, often referred to as the Pearl on the Silk Road, has a history that stretches back over two millennia, making it a vital crossroads for trade, culture and religion.

Upon arrival in Dunhuang, you will go to the Mingsha Shan (Singing Sand Dunes) to reach the Crescent Moon Spring. As its name indicates, the dunes echo when the wind blows or when you slide down the slope. Amongst the endless sands, there forms a lake between two huge dunes. Enjoy the opportunity to ride on a camel (not included) and imagine what it was like to travel in a caravan on the Silk Road.

Overnight: Fu Hua International Hotel or similar, Dunhuang

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch

Today’s highlight is the UNESCO World Heritage-listed site Mogao Caves which host exquisite murals and Buddhist statuesIt was first constructed in 366AD and the construction lasted for over 1000 years. Now 492 caves are presently preserved, housing about 45,000 square meters of murals and more than 2,000 painted Buddhist sculptures.

Afterwards immerse yourself in Dunhuang Museum where you will learn more about the development of the ancient Silk Road. In the evening, head to the famous night market of Shazhou to sample local cuisine (not included) and shop for souvenirs.

Overnight: Fu Hua International Hotel or similar, Dunhuang

Meals included: Breakfast

Today, embark on a day tour through the Gobi Desert to Jiayuguan. Jiayugyuan is located at the entrance to the Gobi Desert and near the Qilian Mountains. The history of Jiayuguan, one of the first cities in the province, dates back more than 600 years.

Along the way, you'll enjoy stopping for a photo opportunity at the Son of the Earth, Emperor Hanwudi and Silk Road Sculptures. In the afternoon you'll visit the Hanging Great Wall, the last part of the Great Wall which was built in the Ming Dynasty around 1539. You'll then climb the famous Jiayuguan Pass which is a well-preserved ancient military fortress.

Finish the day at your hotel in Jiayuguan after an approximately 400-kilometre travel day.

Overnight: ChenFeng Grand Hotel or similar, Jiayuguan City

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch

Rise early this morning and depart for Zhangye on an approximately 250-kilometre journey.

On arrival, you'll visit the Zhangye Qicai Danxia National Geological Park which is otherwise thought of as the ‘Color Palette Overturned by God’. This is home to the famous Rainbow Mountains, many artists admire this masterpiece as it appears like a perfect painting on canvas. The Danxia Landform is surrounded by kaleidoscopic mountains that seem to rise and fall like waves, with rock strata of different colours mixed in graceful disarray.

Finish the day at your hotel in Zhangye and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

Overnight: Zhangye Xinshengyue International Hotel or similar, Zhangye

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, enjoy a tour of Dafo Temple (Giant Buddha Temple) which was built in 1098. The temple is said to be where Kublai Khan was born and is home to the largest indoor clay reclining Buddha in China. You'll also find the rare hand-written classics of the Ming Dynasty (1368 – 1644) and thousands of cultural relics.

Afterwards, continue driving to Wuwei to visit the 1800-year-old Leitai Han Tomb, famous for the bronze Galloping Horse Treading on a Flying Swallow statue. The last stop is the Confucius Temple which is the largest and best-preserved of its kind along the Silk Road.

On arrival in Wuwei, check into your hotel accommodation and enjoy the remainder of the evening at leisure after an approximately 250-kilometre travel day.

Overnight: Tianma Hotel or similar, Wuwei

Meals included: Breakfast

Today you'll travel approximately 300 kilometres to Lanzhou, the capital city of Gansu Province and the second-largest city in northwestern China. It is a comparatively prosperous and modernised urban area in Gansu Province with a population of 3.2 million.

Upon arrival, discover the wonders of Lanzhou on a guided city tour. You'll have the chance to take in the stunning Gansu Provincial Museum, Yellow River Mother statues, Waterwheel Park, Yellow River Iron Bridge and more.

Overnight: Holiday Inn Express or similar, Lanzhou

Meals included: Breakfast

Today, you will enjoy visiting the Bingling Thousand Buddha Caves which can only be accessed by boat. The construction of the caves could be dated about 1,700 years ago. You will see 183 well-preserved niches, 694 vivid Buddha statues, 82 clay sculptures and about 900 square meters of colourful murals.

Finish the day back in Lanzhou where you will enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

Overnight: Holiday Inn Express or similar, Lanzhou

Meals included: Breakfast

This morning, you will board a high-speed train to Xi'an, known as Chang'an (the eternal city) in ancient times. As the eastern terminal of the Silk Road and the site of the famous Terracotta Warriors of the Qin Dynasty, the city has won a reputation all over the world. More than 3,000 years of history including over 1,100 years as the capital city of ancient dynasties, have endowed the city with an amazing historical heritage.

On arrival, enjoy sightseeing to see the incredible five-story Buddhist Wild Goose Pagoda and the remarkable Great Tang Everbright City Pedestrian Street.

Finish the day at your hotel where you can enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

Overnight: Metropark Huanyu Hotel or similar, Xi’an

Meals included: Breakfast

The highlight today is visiting the Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum. This site is among the top archaeological excavations of the 20th century and you'll be amazed by the scale of the Terracotta Warriors Army.

Unearthed near Xi’an, the thousands of life-size sculptures of soldiers, chariots and horses are considered a world wonder. With different facial expressions and weaponry adorning each soldier, the Terracotta Warriors were believed to have been created to accompany the Qin Emperor into the afterlife.

Afterwards, you'll head to the famous Moslem Street to sample local cuisine (not included) and shop for souvenirs. You'll then finish the day's memorable tour at the Ancient City Wall, one of the oldest and best-preserved city walls in China.

Overnight: Metropark Huanyu Hotel or similar, Xi’an

Meals included: Breakfast

Today is free at leisure to explore Xi'an.

Overnight: Metropark Huanyu Hotel or similar, Xi’an

Meals included: Breakfast

Relax and enjoy your final breakfast before travelling to the airport for your departure flight.

Please note: Standard check-out time is 12:00 and luggage storage is available at the front desk for those with later fights.

Meals included: Breakfast; In-Flight

After purchase, you will receive a receipt and a Purchase Confirmation, directing you to an online Passenger Information Form. You must complete the Passenger Information Form within 72 hours of purchase.

Any special requests, preferences and optional extras MUST be clearly stated in your Passenger Information Form. Any change requested after submitting your Passenger Information Form cannot be guaranteed, is strictly subject to availability and will incur surcharges as outlined in the Schedule of Fees below.

On purchasing this Travel Offer, you are bound by the General Terms and Conditions and the specific terms and conditions outlined in this Important Information. 

Please note: All countries and territories have different entry requirements in relation to vaccinations, quarantine/isolation periods and travel restrictions. Due to the evolving nature, we would ask all of our customers to monitor, meet and adhere to the specific requirements of their intended destination(s) in the lead-up to and immediately before travel, as well as any requirements post-travel upon their return.

CANCELLATION POLICY
Tour packages are non-refundable. If your tour package is affected by Covid-19-related travel restrictions and you are unable to travel, you will receive either a free date change (credit that is specific to your original package and purchase value) or an open credit less any non-recoverable supplier fees to the value of your original purchase for use on any other tour or package available via the TripADeal website.

Please note: Date change credits are subject to availability and not guaranteed until confirmed by TripADeal, not the tour operator you are due to stay with.

We recommend you consider purchasing travel insurance with Covid-19 protection. The standard cancellation policy will apply if you cannot travel because you have tested positive for Covid-19.

Please note: All additional charges are payable in AUD (unless otherwise stated). 

This travel offer is valid for travel on selected dates until the 5th November 2025.

Minimum group size 20, maximum group size 40 per vehicle.

This travel offer is priced per person based on a twin share.

As a condition of purchasing this travel offer, you must not deviate from the advertised itinerary, and the local supplier reserves the right to cancel your onward travel services if you do. This does not apply to days where there is specified time at leisure.

Departure Dates
2025
March: 12
May: 14
June: 4*
September: 3*
October: 15*
November: 5

Please note: See checkout for live dates and availability.

Surcharges
Please note: 
• Dates/months with a * incur a high season surcharge of $100 per person.

Single Traveller Supplement
For solo travellers, a mandatory single supplement of $1,050 applies. 

Please note: Accommodation for single customers who are travelling on a tour or cruise package may be in a single room, depending on availability.

Minimum Age Policy
This travel offer is strictly valid for those 18 and over.

Departure Cities     
Sydney, Melbourne, *Brisbane, *Adelaide, *Perth and *Auckland

Departure City Surcharges
• Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth: $400 per person
• Auckland: $550 per person

International Flight(s)
• Cabin Class: Economy Class
Please note: We cannot accommodate one-way flights. Travellers must take all included flights within the package, and any flights intentionally forfeited will result in later flights being subject to cancellation. 

Arrive Early 
Not available.

Stay Behind
Not available.

Stopover Packages 
Not available.

Flight Class Upgrades
Not available.

Missed Flights 
If you fail to arrive for your outbound flight, you risk all flight and land arrangements in your destination being automatically cancelled by the airlines and land operator, respectively. Additional fees may apply to reinstate these services. If you miss your flight for whatever reason, please contact us as soon as possible to make arrangements.

Accommodation Used
3 & 4-Star Properties (Self-Rated)
• Urumqi: Hantang Hotel or similar
• Turpan: Ibis Styles Hotel or similar
• Dunhuang: Fu Hua International Hotel or similar
• Jiayuguan City: ChenFeng Grand Hotel or similar
• Zhangye: Zhangye Xinshengyue International Hotel or similar
• Wuwei: Tianma Hotel or similar
• Lanzhou: Holiday Inn Express or similar
• Xi’an: Metropark Huanyu Hotel or similar

Please note: Accommodation/rooms offered are based on a lead-in room type and are subject to availability based on seasonality. In the instance a property is not available, a similar standard of accommodation will be provided. Properties will be confirmed and included in your travel pack, which you will receive 4-6 weeks before travel.

Extra Nights
Not available. 
Please note: If you are interested in booking additional nights of accommodation pre or post-tour, please wait until you receive your travel documentation approximately 4-6 weeks before departure for the confirmed list of hotels. If booking your own additional accommodation directly with the hotel, please be aware that you may be required to change rooms at the start/end of your tour. 

Maximum Room Capacity
2 people.

Triple Share
Not available. 

Bedding Configuration
Twin or double (subject to availability).

• Visa fees and requirements 
• Domestic transfers and flights not stated in the deal offer
• Meals/beverages not stated in the deal offer
• Highly recommended gratuities of $12 per person per day for land tour
• Optional activities/tours 
• Personal expenses
• Travel insurance
• Any costs associated with an interruption to your tour as a result of an airline schedule change or cancellation

Tipping is a firm and customary element of the tourism industry and is therefore highly recommended. The expected tipping amount is $12 or 60 RMB per person per day. While tipping is not mandatory, it is a common practice in China and a gesture of appreciation which is shared amongst the local guides, drivers and other staff members who have serviced your tour. The tipping amount can be paid in AUD or RMB to your expert tour guide in each region. As most tour guides in China consider tipping a part of their income, please don’t feel intimidated should the tour guides approach you as they bid you farewell.

Please note: Tipping for services provided is always a matter of personal discretion; however, please be aware that many locals consider tipping part of their normal remuneration, and they may approach you for payment; there's no need to be intimidated by the request.

TOUR GUIDE VS. TOUR LEADER
Tour Guide
Often locals with intimate knowledge of an area, its culture, and history. Their role entails providing commentary, routing the tour, and seeing that people have a good time. They are a licensed, qualified expert who supplies specific information on the history, art, architecture and culture of the city/village/attraction where they are guiding the tour. The guide meets the group at the required place and leaves it at the end of the tour; they do not travel with the group.

Tour Leader
An experienced person tasked with ensuring the smooth operation of tours, as well as providing practical support to passengers throughout the whole trip. Their role primarily includes assisting with accommodation, transportation between locations, and communication with tour guides at each stop. A tour leader may provide general guidance around a city or village and offer information on the place visited on the bus. However, they are not required to have specific art, architecture, or historical knowledge. They are not allowed to provide a guided tour or commentary of a city/village/attraction once there and, if caught doing so, can be fined. 

Please note: Tour leaders/guides are not a standard inclusion in all travel offers. Tour leaders/guides will only be made available when required to enhance the experience of the destination featured. 

CLIMATE & AVERAGE TEMPERATURES
Urumqi (Ürümqi)
Location: Northwest China, Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region
Climate Type: between humid continental and cool semi-arid climate

Seasons
• Winter: Extremely cold, long, dry; temperatures can drop as low as -20°C.
• Summer: Warm to hot but short, with daytime temperatures ranging from 25°C to 35°C.
• Precipitation: Low, averaging about 200mm per year, mostly during late spring and summer.

Best Time to Visit
Spring and early Summer (April to June) or early autumn (September to October), when temperatures are milder and more comfortable for travel.

Lanzhou
Location: North-Central China, Gansu Province
Climate Type: Semi-arid climate

Seasons
• Winter: Cold and dry, with temperatures often below freezing. Average lows are around -7°C in January.
• Summer: Warm, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C.
• Precipitation: Moderate, averaging around 300mm per year, mostly during summer months.

Best Time to Visit
Spring and early Summer (April to June) and autumn (September to October), when the weather is more pleasant and not too dry or hot.

Xi'an
Location: Central China, Shaanxi Province
Climate Type: Warm temperate continental monsoon climate

Seasons
• Winter: Cold but less harsh than Urumqi or Lanzhou, with average lows around 0°C.
• Summer: Hot and humid, with average temperatures between 25°C and 35°C.
• Precipitation: More rainfall than Urumqi or Lanzhou, around 600 mm annually, peaking in July and August.

Best Time to Visit
Spring and early Summer (March to June) and autumn (September to November), as the weather is mild and comfortable for sightseeing.

Each of these cities experiences distinct climates with Urumqi being the coldest, Lanzhou slightly warmer but still dry, and Xi'an having a more moderate climate with higher rainfall.

FLIGHTS
Seat Selection & Frequent Flyer Points
We do not arrange seat selection. It is essential to highlight that some airlines do not allow pre-selected seats. We strongly suggest you contact the airline directly with seating allocation requirements and/or arrive at the airport earlier to arrange your seating. While we do not add frequent flyer member details to bookings, you can do this directly with the airline once you have your flight information.

Passport Validity
Customers must provide valid passport details either at the time of purchase or no later than 45 days before the departure date. Failure to do so may result in the cancellation of the booking. Customers will be responsible for any costs and fees incurred in this instance.

COACH TOUR
Meals
For meals not included, the tour leader (when available) will offer assistance with reservations, suggestions and directions to local restaurants. It is your responsibility to notify us of any dietary requests/requirements. 
Please note: We will do our best to meet your requests/requirements; however, we cannot guarantee that we will always be able to.

Luggage
You will be responsible for all your personal belongings whilst on tour. You must carry your own luggage from the vehicle to the hotel room and back to the vehicle. The driver will assist with the uploading and unloading of bags from the vehicle.

OTHER
Mobility
If you require wheelchair access please contact our friendly sales and service team to inquire on your behalf.

Fitness Level Required
Expect a moderate pace of touring with a focus on guided tours that may include full days with guided walks of up to 2 hours at a time. You will require a general level of fitness for unassisted navigation of stairs and inclines, longer distances with possible periods of standing when visiting sites, walking on sloping, uneven ground or elevations. You will be responsible for your own luggage and have the ability to board all modes of transport without assistance. 

Please note: It is expected that every traveller be self-reliant and able to undertake all aspects of their own travel. Please speak to your booking agent about your personal circumstances and any assistance requirements to ensure this tour is right for you.

Please note: If you have any concerns, please consult your healthcare provider prior to purchase/travel.

Payments & Currency On Tour  
Visa/MasterCard/Amex can only be used at some hotels and is not often accepted in local restaurants and supermarkets.

Whilst WeChat and Alipay are commonly used payment platforms in China at most businesses, some travellers can experience issues due to internet accessibility and other technical difficulties.

Cash is still widely accepted in China and most people still use cash on a daily basis. Therefore we recommend taking cash in either RMB (local currency) or AUD and the tour guides can assist with currency exchange in China if required.

Optional tours and tipping can be paid in RMB or AUD on tour and credit card and Alipay/WeChat are not accepted.

Sightseeing
Please note: If entry to a site is affected by changes in operating hours or public holiday closures, your itinerary, where possible, may be adjusted, or a similar activity will be offered in its place (subject to availability).

Shopping
Shopping overseas can be a daunting and confusing experience, especially when there is a language barrier. Please be very cautious when foreign currencies and prices are involved. If paying by credit card, please pay close attention to the amount you are being charged and keep all your receipts. Do not make any purchases you are not comfortable with or feel pressured into. If you are uncertain or need assistance with the language barrier, please seek assistance from your Tour Guide/Leader. Please refer to our Terms and Conditions regarding shopping for further information.

The Chinese Government has announced that Australian and New Zealand citizens will now qualify for Visa-free travel to China. This will commence from the 1st of July 2024 and apply for stays up to 15 days in China (from the day of arrival into China until the day you leave China). Eligibility criteria will apply. Please consult Smart Traveller and your nearest Chinese consulate for up-to-date eligibility criteria and information. 

Important: 
• Please start arranging your visa three weeks before departure to account for any delays due to consulate operating hours.
• Visa rules are subject to change. Please check with the nearest embassy, consulate or immigration department of the destination/s you are visiting once you receive your travel documentation to ensure you have the most up to date information.
• It is your responsibility to be travel-ready and ensure that you are aware and comply with any destination or travel requirements, including the validity of all required travel documents.
• Passengers who are not Australian citizens must also check with the respective consulate or visa agency to determine what their visa requirements are and what personal identification is required.
• It is also important to note that some areas of employment, such as journalism, government authorities and charity organisations, may have additional restrictions in applying for visas. This may, in turn, affect the type of application required.

Embarking on your next trip is exciting, and while you hope the unexpected does not happen, it is best to be prepared. We strongly recommend you take out travel insurance when making your booking. Whether it’s a potential medical emergency, a flight cancellation, a delayed suitcase, or an unforeseen event, it's important to ensure you're adequately protected. For more information or advice visit https://www.tripadeal.com.au/travel-insurance

Voluntary Changes
This includes booking changes requested by you, including but not limited to those changes requiring an airline ticket or a Purchase Confirmation reissue.
• Changes - $100 per booking and any additional charges applied by the airline/cruise company/accommodation/other travel providers.

Name Changes Due To Passenger Error
If the incorrect name has been provided, charges of $100 per booking and any additional charges applied by the airline/cruise company/accommodation/other travel providers.

Supplier Fees
In the event the tour package you have purchased is unable to proceed, and/or a travel Supplier is unable to fulfil the tour due to external circumstances (Limitation of Liability e.g. a Force Majeure event), there may be a fee or amount of money that is withheld by our Suppliers and is unrecoverable. This may be due to non-refundable airline tickets, cancellation penalties with cruise cabins or unrecoverable payments with our land/accommodation partners. If refunds are not available from Suppliers, we will endeavour to obtain a travel credit on the best terms available and communicate these outcomes to you. In the event we are unable to obtain a refund or travel service credit, or part thereof, this cost is passed on to the customer as a Supplier Fee.