China Dunhuang Xining Gansu Qinghai 8 days 7 nights  GOCN9877

02:00 p.m.Meet at Suvarnabhumi Airport, International Passenger Terminal, Gate 10, Thai Vietjet Air (VZ) counter. Company representatives will welcome you and assist with baggage and travel document check-ins.
05:40 p.m. Depart from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Dunhuang Airport on Thai Vietjet Air Flight VZ3690 (charter flight with no meals on board).
10:40 p.m. Arrive at Dunhuang Mogao Airport. Dunhuang, also known as "Shazhou," is located at the western end of the Silk Road in Gansu Province, China. The city is home to a thriving arts and culture for over 2,000 years. Dunhuang boasts a distinctive geography, characterized by the "Dunhuang Basin," an area surrounded by mountains and deserts, creating a unique and mysterious landscape. Dunhuang was founded during the Western Han Dynasty. (111 BC) and became a center for trade between the East and West. The fusion of cultures along the Silk Road has made this a city steeped in history. Afterward, you will be escorted through immigration and baggage collection. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your accommodation.
Accommodation: DUNHUANG FUHUA HOTEL or equivalent 4-star (Chinese standard)

Breakfast at the hotel restaurant
Experience the beauty of the living sand dunes at the heart of the Silk Road in Dunhuang. Experience a magical place where nature plays a timeless tune through the sand: the Wailing Sand Dunes, Mingshashan. These gigantic golden sand dunes are said to emit a cacophony of sounds. When the wind blows hard, they roar like war drums, but when the wind calms, they create a soft melody reminiscent of an ancient stringed instrument.
*** Note: Camel rides through the desert are subject to age and health restrictions. The park does not permit participants aged 60 and over or those with back or neck problems. Therefore, this program is not available. Camel riding is not included in the tour itinerary.
*** For the convenience of those who wish to ride a camel, the company has included the cost of a one-way park transport. (For those who wish to ride a camel, you will ride into the park and return to the park. For those who do not ride a camel, you will walk into the park and return to the park transport.) Amidst the endless golden sand dunes of "Mingsha Mountain," or "Moaning Sand Dunes," in Dunhuang, lies a hidden natural wonder: the Moon Pool. This crescent-shaped oasis, over 2,000 years old, is a crystal clear emerald, beautifully reflecting the dunes and sky. The amazing thing is that despite being surrounded by desert and raging winds, this pool remains untouched by sand and is constantly hydrated, creating a perfect contrast between the aridity of the desert and the moisture of the water source, leaving a lasting impression on visitors.
Lunch at a restaurant
In the afternoon, we will travel to the White Horse Pagoda in the peaceful suburbs of Dunhuang, far from the hustle and bustle. A striking white pagoda stands as a monument to devotion. The story of the White Horse Pagoda is more than just a stupa, but a legend tied to the journey of Buddhism along the Silk Road. It is said that the pagoda was built to commemorate "Tian Liu," the beloved white horse of the monk Kumarajiva, who journeyed across the harsh desert to spread the Buddhist scriptures to China around 384 AD. Upon reaching Dunhuang, the faithful white horse fell ill and passed away. Out of love, the monk Kumarajiva built this pagoda to commemorate his deeds.Enjoy free time for shopping at Shazhou Night Market, a vibrant nightlife on the Silk Road. As the sun sets in the Dunhuang oasis, the former Silk Road life no longer slumbers. Instead, it awakens at the market, a vibrant nightscape of Dunhuang. This vibrant market is a bustling hub of culture, food, and local life, bustling with tourists and locals. Bright lanterns adorn the streets, wafting the aroma of roast lamb and spices. Bargaining and local music create a unique atmosphere.
In the evening, enjoy dinner at a restaurant 
At the appropriate time, you will be escorted to your accommodation.
Accommodation: DUNHUANG FUHUA HOTEL or equivalent 4-star (Chinese standard)

Morning: Breakfast at the hotel restaurant
Travel to the Mogao Grottoes (including park transportation), a treasure trove of Buddhist art from the Silk Road. Step into the Mogao Grottoes, one of China's largest and most stunning UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This art gallery and historical repository has been hidden in the cliffs of the Mingsha Mountains for over a thousand years. Here, you'll discover priceless Buddhist art, including 45,000 square meters of colorful murals and over 2,415 clay sculptures, vividly depicting Buddhism, history, and the lives of people along the Silk Road. A visit here is like traveling back in time, revisiting the heyday of cultural exchange between East and West.
Lunch: Lunch at a restaurant 
Afternoon: Depart for Jiuquan (369 km, approximately 4 hours), strategically located in the heart of the city. Located at the junction of Gansu, Xinjiang, Qinghai, and Mongolia provinces, it is the center of the Hexi Corridor economic corridor. The city enjoys a temperate arid climate, with significant temperature differences between day and night. It receives little rainfall but enjoys abundant sunshine. Jiuquan has a rich history dating back to prehistoric times. During the Paleolithic era, the area was inhabited by ancient humans and, in ancient times, was home to the Qian and Rong tribes. During the Han Dynasty (121 BC), the city was named "Jiuquan," meaning "Spring of Wine," after the legend that General Huo Qubing used wine to celebrate his victory and pour it into the spring to share with his soldiers. En route, you'll stop to take photos of the "Baby of the Earth" sculpture, a desert art piece reflecting the power of nature. This sculpture, located in the Gobi Desert, is designed to reflect the connection between humans and nature. It represents the power of the earth, shaping human life and spirit. Set amidst the vast and tranquil Gobi Desert, visitors can experience the majesty of nature and the relationship between humans and the world. This sculpture was created by Professor Dong Suping. A sculpture expert from Tsinghua University of Art and Deputy Secretary-General of the China Sculpture Association, the sculpture was created using cutting-edge technology. The sculpture began with 3D scanning to create a model, which was then divided into smaller sections for 3D carving and assembly.
Afterward, take a photo with the Sculpture of the Face of Emperor Wu of Han, a large outdoor sculpture created by talented young sculptor Zhang Wanxin. Inspired by the Silk Road civilization and the significant role Emperor Wu of Han played in Chinese history, the 12.5-meter-high sculpture is made of red sandstone, reflecting the strength and greatness of Emperor Wu of Han, who played a key role in opening the Silk Road and expanding China's influence to the world.
Dinner will be served at a restaurant
At the appropriate time, you will be transferred to your accommodation.
Accommodation: JIAYUGUAN JIUGANG HOTEL or equivalent, 4-star (Chinese standard).

Morning: Enjoy breakfast at the hotel restaurant 
Visit the Jiayuguan Pass (including park vehicle) at the intersection of history and geography. Jiayuguan Fortress, located southwest of Jiayuguan City, is known as the "greatest fortress in the world." Located in the narrowest valley of the Hexi Corridor, it served as the western terminus of the Great Wall during the Ming Dynasty. Due to its natural landscape and magnificent construction, Jiayuguan Pass is one of the Three Wonders of the Great Wall (along with Shanhai Pass in the east and Zhenbeitai Pass in the central part). This fortress boasts a complex and robust design, consisting of an inner, outer, and surrounding wall, as well as various forts and towers connecting the walls. The wall stretches approximately 60 kilometers.
Lunch: Enjoy lunch at a restaurant
In the afternoon, travel to Zhangye Rainbow Valley. (Including a park bus and sand socks) (Distance: 213 km, travel time: approximately 2.5 hours) A palette of natural colors on the horizon. Mountains are not merely green or brown, but are tinged with streaks of red, orange, yellow, and azure, as if a master painter had painstakingly painted a colossal landscape. This is one of China's most breathtaking landscapes. These astonishing colors aren't manmade, but are the work of nature, taking over 24 million years to create. The accumulation of sandstone and minerals was then pushed up by the Earth's crust and eroded by wind and rain, creating unimaginable wave-like patterns. Its beauty is internationally recognized, having been named one of the "10 Geographical Wonders of the World" and designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2010. It's not just a tourist destination, it's also a vast geological classroom, allowing everyone to experience the grandeur of nature firsthand.Afterward, enjoy free shopping at Danxiakou Miniature Park, the vibrant gateway to the Silk Road. Travel back in time to the glory of the ancient Silk Road. This beautiful miniature city is located at the entrance to the famous Zhangye Danxia National Geopark, also known as "Rainbow Mountain." This charming tourist destination is where ancient architecture, bustling shops, and flowing waters meet vibrant folk cultural performances. Experience the atmosphere of ancient trade, sample Hexi cuisine, and fully immerse yourself in the local culture. After exploring the wonders of Rainbow Mountain,
Dinner at a restaurant
At the right time, you will be transferred to your accommodation.
Accommodation: SILKROAD YUEGANG HOTEL or equivalent (4-star standard Chinese hotel).

Breakfast at the hotel restaurant .
We will visit Qilianshan Grassland (135 km, approximately 2 hours) at the border between Qinghai and Gansu provinces, where the Qilian Mountains stretch like a natural barrier, enclosing one of China's most beautiful grasslands. The dreamlike scenery of lush alpine meadows, under a clear blue sky and a backdrop of snow-capped peaks year-round, is not only a traveler's paradise, but also home to free-grazing herds of horses, sheep, and yaks, capturing the simple and beautiful life associated with ancient nomadic tribes. A visit to Qilianshan Grassland is often accompanied by a cultural experience at Yibao Farm, where you can experience Tibetan life up close through activities such as trying on colorful traditional costumes, horseback riding, and archery, all of which reflect the free spirit of this land. (The tour includes Tibetan traditional clothing and archery, excluding horseback riding.)
Lunch at a restaurant
In the afternoon, we'll travel to Xining (207 km, approximately 3 hours). This city is a crossroads of diverse cultures and the largest city on the vast plateau. With a history spanning over 2,100 years, Xining was once a major trading hub on the ancient Silk Road and a gateway city connecting the Han Chinese civilization with the mysterious land of Tibet. Xining's unique charm lies in its harmonious blend of ethnicities and religions. Home to the Han, Hui, Tibetan, Mongolian, and over 34 other ethnic groups, wandering its streets is like a journey through diverse cultures that have coexisted peacefully.Free time for a stop at the living kitchen of Xining on Mojia Street, a vital artery that has sustained the city's life and soul for over 600 years. As the sun sets, This street transforms into a foodie paradise, brimming with color and energy. The air is filled with fragrant smoke from charcoal grills grilling lamb, the rhythmic clang of spatulas against woks, and neon lights illuminate the mouth-watering array of local dishes. This is a must-visit destination for travelers seeking a true taste of Xining.
Dinner at a restaurant
It's time to check in to your accommodation:
XINING SHANGYUE INTERNATIONAL HOTEL or equivalent (4-star standard Chinese standard).

Breakfast at the hotel restaurant.
After breakfast, travel to Qinghai Lake (161 km, approximately 3 hours). Located in the northeastern part of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, Qinghai Lake is the largest saltwater lake in China and one of the highest in the world, reaching an elevation of 3,196 meters above sea level. Qinghai Lake is a vital body of water that maintains the ecological balance of western China, acting as a "natural air conditioner" and "humidifier" for the Qinghai Plateau. The lake's waters are a vibrant azure blue, changing with the sunlight at different times of the day. Surrounded by majestic mountains, these mountains not only enhance the landscape but also create a tranquil and natural atmosphere. Several small islands, such as Bird Island, are home to a variety of aquatic birds, especially during migration season, where thousands of birds congregate. It's a stunning sight for nature lovers. In summer, the lake's surrounding meadows are lined with colorful wildflowers, such as rapeseed, transforming the lake into a vibrant yel
Lunch at a restaurant
After lunch, travel to Chakha (108 km, approximately 3 hours). The gateway to the mirror of the sky. Nestled in the heart of Qinghai Province's vast plateau in the Tibetan-Mongol Autonomous Prefecture of Haixi, lies the small town of Chakha, nestled peacefully amidst mountains and grasslands. Its history is inextricably linked with salt. The Tibetan name "Chakha" literally means "salt lake," and this town serves as the guardian of a 3,000-year-old salt-making legend. Historically, it served as a key strategic point on the ancient Silk Road. The pure white salt produced here became not only a condiment but also a precious commodity that traveled throughout China. Reflecting the wealth and importance of this remote land.
OPTIONAL TOUR: Qinghai Lake Cruise 300 yuan per person // Scenic Mini Train 300 yuan per person
Dinner at a restaurant.
Afterward, transfer to your accommodation.
Accommodation: CHAKA JINHEJI HOTEL or equivalent 4-star (Chinese standard).

Morning: Enjoy breakfast at the hotel restaurant.
Visit Chakha Salt Lake (Including 1-way tram ride and shoe covers). Chakha Salt Lake, also known as the "Mirror of the Sky," is one of the natural wonders of Qinghai Province, China. It is a land where water and sky meet, indistinguishable. The sky, clouds, and mountains reflected on the snow-white, mirror-like surface of the lake create a breathtaking landscape. National Tourism Geographic magazine named it one of the "55 Places to Visit in a Lifetime." In addition to its captivating beauty, the lake also boasts a 3,000-year history as a major salt production site on the ancient Silk Road. (Due to the park's relatively long route and the extensive lake walking tour, the company offers a one-way sightseeing train ride within the park (inbound) to ensure guests can fully enjoy the scenery without tiring.)For those who prefer not to walk back, Additional outbound train tickets can be purchased directly on-site for 60 yuan. **Prices are subject to change and are subject to park announcements on the day of travel.**
Lunch: Enjoy lunch at a restaurant
Afternoon: Travel to Xining (207 km, approximately 3.5 hours).
Explore Xining Night Market, a diverse collection of local cuisine that reflects the unique blend of Qinghai, Tibetan, and Mongolian cultures and the Silk Road. Known as a "foodie paradise," the venue boasts over 35 restaurants and stalls offering local cuisine and cultural influences. You'll find a diverse menu, ranging from traditional flavors to modern fusions. The cuisine here not only offers a diverse range of flavors but also reflects the diverse cultures and lifestyles of Qinghai and surrounding regions.
Evening: Enjoy dinner at a restaurant 
XINING SHANGYUE INTERNATIONAL HOTEL or equivalent, a 4-star hotel (Chinese standard).

Breakfast at the hotel restaurant.
Visit the site where the first drop of blood of the great guru took root in the earth, giving rise to the sacred white sandalwood tree with over 100,000 Buddha images on its leaves. This is the beginning of the legend of Ta'er Monastery, one of the six most important royal monasteries of the Gelug (Yellow Hat) sect. This sacred monastery originated as the birthplace of Master Zhongkapa, the revered Tibetan reformer and founder of the Gelug sect. You will discover the "Three Wonders of Ta'er Monastery," a unique and highly artistic masterpiece. The Butter Pagoda is awe-inspiring, with its exquisite sculptures made from yak butter, vividly depicting Buddhist stories. The murals depict the lifelike beauty of the murals. Admire the vibrant murals, which reflect the faith and stories from the scriptures, intricately drawn. Marvel at the unique three-dimensional embroidery, crafted from colorful silk, that deeply recounts the life of the Buddha. Amidst the architecture, which blends Han Chinese and Tibetan styles, is the Golden-Roofed Great Hall, which encompasses the original Silver Pagoda, the temple's heart, gleaming with a dazzling golden glow.
Lunch: Enjoy lunch at a restaurant .
In the afternoon, visit Limeng Pedestrian Street, the cultural and shopping heart of Xining. Upon entering Limeng Pedestrian Street, you'll discover that it's more than just a shopping district, but the spiritual heart of Xining, where ancient architecture seamlessly blends with modernity. Representing the heart of the city, this street is filled with shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. Recognized as one of China's "Famous Shopping Streets" and a national AAAA tourist destination, it's a destination where visitors can experience local culture, sample delicious food, and enjoy a comprehensive shopping experience.
Evening: Enjoy dinner at your own leisure. At the appropriate time, depart for Limeng Pedestrian Street. Xining Airport
11:40 p.m.Departure for Suvarnabhumi Airport on Thai Vietjet Air flight VZ3691 (charter flight with no in-flight meal).
02:45 a.m. +1 Arrive at Suvarnabhumi Airport safely and with unforgettable memories.