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Upon arriving in Beijing, a VIP Service Ambassador will assist you through immigration and customs, help retrieve your luggage, and guide you to your private vehicle for transfer to your hotel.
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Beijing, the capital of China, blends rich history with modern innovation. You'll see ancient sites like the Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven alongside contemporary skyscrapers and vibrant neighborhoods like Sanlitun.
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Explore traditional tea houses, tech hubs, and indulge in local street food. From historic hutongs to the National Centre for the Performing Arts, Beijing offers a memorable experience for every interest.
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On the following day, immerse yourself in the Forbidden City, an expansive imperial palace that was once home to China's emperors and continues to be the geographical center of this vast metropolis. For six centuries, its gates were shut to all but the royal family, eunuchs, and concubines, until a formidable warlord allowed the last emperor only three hours to leave in 1924.

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Arrival at Beijing

Explore the Summer Palace. Experience an afternoon of royal grandeur just 30 minutes away from Beijing at the Summer Palace. This magnificent site, featuring regal pathways and pavilions, was commissioned by Empress Dowager Cixi, who rose from being a concubine to become the most influential woman in China.
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Take a relaxing boat ride across the centerpiece of the garden, Kunming Lake, and let the stories of her intrigues and betrayals wash over you. However, as you enjoy this serene experience, remember the 10,000 laborers who were compelled to toil at Cixi's command.

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Enchanting Summer Palace

Journey to the Jinshanling Great Wall. The trip from downtown Beijing to the Jinshanling Great Wall takes approximately 2.5 hours. With VIP access, you'll explore the Great Wall at Jinshanling &amp; enjoy a delightful picnic. This monumental structure rises from the eastern sea and stretches over 5,000 miles to the deserts of western China, making it one of the greatest man-made wonders on Earth: The Great Wall. You will bypass the more tourist-heavy sections, heading directly to the breathtaking Ming Dynasty ruins outside Beijing, where solitary guards once kept watch over the distant barbarian lands.
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Located three hours from Beijing, in the rugged mountains of Hebei Province, lies one of the most scenic sections of the Great Wall accessible from the capital. Jinshanling&rsquo;s 10.5 km stretch, featuring both restored and wild segments, is free from the crowds of its more popular neighboring areas and is steeped in centuries of history. With VIP access to the mountains followed by a hike, you will be treated to incredible views of numerous watchtowers set against a backdrop of endless mountain silhouettes, offering a glimpse into the lives of the ancient soldiers who once surveyed this landscape centuries ago. Such a remarkable hike deserves a fitting conclusion, as you will be welcomed with a private table and picnic in what could be the world&rsquo;s most expansive dining room: The Great Wall itself.

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The Great Wall

Mandarin Oriental Wang Fu Jing

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In the heart of Beijing, Mandarin Oriental Wangfujing, Beijing is a refined sanctuary with panoramic Forbidden City views, an urban luxury haven. Enjoy your stay in the heart of Beijing, dining with breathtaking Forbidden City view. Relax in our luxury rooms, designed with classic inspiration and contemporary touches.

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Lanzhou, the capital of Gansu province in China, is a lively city nestled along the Yellow River, historically serving as a link between central and western China. With a population exceeding 3 million, it boasts remarkable 5th-century shrines and the renowned Thousand Buddha Caves, establishing it as a cultural hub on the Silk Road.
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Upon your arrival, you will be greeted by your local guide at the airport, who will escort you to your hotel. If time allows, enjoy a delightful 20-minute journey on a traditional goatskin raft across the Yellow River, where you'll learn about the ancient crossing techniques from your knowledgeable guide.

Arrive at Lanzhou

Hyatt Regency Lanzhou

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Overlooking the Yellow River in the heart of the city, the 217-meter-tall Hyatt Regency Lanzhou is a prestigious address for business and pleasure. Experience an energizing top-of-the-city stay in the Gansu Province capital, gateway to China’s west, with easy access to attractions like Lanzhou Waterwheel Expo Park.

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You'll begin your adventure with a trip to Zhangye, where you'll be escorted to Lanzhou train station to embark on your journey. The main highlight of this charming, dusty town is the magnificent Danxia Landform, a mountain range adorned with nearly every color of the rainbow. The stunning patterns on the hills were formed from the land&rsquo;s red sandstone bedrock, sculpted by the forces of erosion and uplift over time. Danxia is a haven for photography enthusiasts and hiking aficionados alike. Spend your afternoon soaking in the scenery and appreciating this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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Start your day by exploring Zhangye and visiting the Giant Buddha Temple. Tucked away in the arid northwest, Zhangye is a small town rich in history, serving as a significant stop along the Silk Road. The Giant Buddha Temple, built in 1098, stands as the spiritual heart of Zhangye. Within its walls rests the largest reclining Buddha in China, measuring nearly 35 meters from head to toe, accompanied by intricate architecture reflective of the Ming and Qing Dynasty.
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Continue your adventure by immersing yourself in Zhangye's breathtaking landscapes at Pingshanhu Grand Canyon, located approximately an hour and a half from the town. Often dubbed China&rsquo;s Colorado Canyon, Pingshanhu features a stunning labyrinth of twisting red sandstone walls, making it the largest canyon in the country.&nbsp;

Explore Zhangye

Qilian Pearl Hotel

Situated just 37 km from Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park, Qilian Pearl Hotel Zhangye offers a variety of amenities, including a garden, a shared lounge, and an on-site restaurant.

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Continue your trip to Jiayuguan, a three-hour journey from Zhangye. Jiayuguan marks the western end of the Great Wall and was a vital Silk Road stop since its establishment in 1372 during the Ming Dynasty. Known as the "mouth" of China, it protected against invasions and served as an entry point through the Hexi Corridor.
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Explore the Overhanging Great Wall, built around 1540 to enhance defenses. This section, now 820 yards long, features a main path, battlements, and observation posts, and is hidden from western approaches.
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Visit Jiayuguan, the westernmost pass of the Great Wall, dating back to the 14th century. Known for its preservation, it offers stunning views of the Gobi Desert and Qilian Mountains while serving as both a military fort and a Silk Road waypoint.
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Lastly, discover the Wei-Jin Tombs in Gansu, the largest subterranean art gallery, featuring exquisite glazed tiles and murals. Although only two tombs are open to the public, they provide a captivating insight into the ancient Wei and Jin dynasties.

Explore Jiayuguan

Nuojin Hotel

Uncover Nuojin Hotel, Jiayuguan’s elegant sanctuary where the rich heritage of the Silk Road seamlessly blends with contemporary luxury. Delight in captivating design, outstanding dining experiences, and flawless service, creating an unforgettable journey with each visit.

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Embark on a four-hour drive to Dunhuang, a vital outpost along the Silk Road. This picturesque journey leads you through landscapes traversed by traders for centuries. Upon arrival, you have the option to either immerse yourself in the bustling local night markets, where the lively ambiance envelops you in the local culture, or savor a tranquil dinner at your hotel.
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Today, uncover the marvels of Dunhuang. Begin your adventure with a visit to the Mogao Grottoes, located in the Mingsha Mountains. This extraordinary site features 492 grottoes that display Chinese Buddhist art, cultivated since the fourth century for meditation, worship, and the preservation of artwork. Among its prized possessions is the Diamond Sutra, printed in 868, renowned as the oldest known printed book.
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In the vicinity, the Mingsha Sand Dunes produce a unique whistling sound, while the Crescent Moon Lake, a breathtaking natural wonder, remarkably neither gathers sand nor overflows during rain.
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For those interested, an optional visit to a local artist's studio provides insight into their techniques for creating Buddhist murals, allowing participants to try their hand at painting on canvas.

Jiayuguan to Dunhuang

Our team will transfer you to the Dunhuang Airport for your flight to the next destination.

Farewell

Dongyi Dunhuang Hotel

The Dongyi Dunhuang Hotels and Resorts, opened in 2021, is an excellent choice for you to Dunhuang. Located about 10km from Dunhuang Railway Station and 12km from Dunhuang Airport, the hotel is near attractions like Dunhuang Theater and Geological and Mineral Exhibition Hall. Guests can enjoy nearby activities, and airport pickup is available. The hotel also offers on-site parking and has a high cleanliness rating, appealing to germaphobes.

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