Attractions & Highlights:

Traffic Administration Office: Obtain temporary Chinese driving licenses and vehicle plates, an essential step for your self-driving tour across China. This process can take the majority of the day, so be sure to have some patience.

Overnight: Yining

Attractions & Highlights:

Sayram Lake: A stunning high-altitude lake, also known as the “Last Tear of the Atlantic,” this spot offers breathtaking views, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant wildlife. The Tian Shan mountains provide a dramatic backdrop, making it a popular location for photographers and nature lovers.

Mountain Passes & Yurts: On the way to Sayram Lake, enjoy scenic drives through valleys with grazing yaks, traditional yurts, and the rugged landscape of Xinjiang.

Overnight: Jinghe

Attractions & Highlights:

Dzungarian Basin: Drive through this expansive basin, an area marked by vast deserts and plains. The journey takes you through the heart of Xinjiang, where you can see dramatic desert landscapes and picturesque mountains.

Urumqi: The capital city of Xinjiang, Urumqi blends modernity and tradition. It’s a bustling metropolis with an array of markets and restaurants. At night, consider visiting the International Grand Bazaar or one of the city’s museums to immerse yourself in the local culture.

Urumqi Night Markets: Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Xinjiang’s night markets, where you can sample local delicacies, shop for souvenirs, and enjoy live entertainment.

Overnight: Urumqi

Attractions & Highlights:

Turpan: Known as the third-lowest depression on Earth, Turpan is famous for its hot, dry climate and rich historical sites. This desert oasis offers a unique glimpse into the ancient Silk Road.

Karez Underground Water System: A fascinating engineering marvel, the Karez system consists of subterranean channels that supply water to the region. It is an essential part of Turpan’s irrigation and has been used for centuries.

Grape Valley: This verdant area is famous for its vineyards, where you can see traditional grape-growing methods. Turpan’s sweet grapes are a regional delicacy.

Flaming Mountains: A striking natural feature, these red-hued mountains are notorious for their extreme heat and are one of the most iconic landscapes in the region.

Gaochang Ancient City: A historic site that dates back to the Tang Dynasty, Gaochang was once a bustling city on the Silk Road and is now a fascinating archaeological site.

Overnight: Turpan

Attractions & Highlights:

Drive through the Desert Landscapes: The route from Turpan to Hami takes you through the expansive deserts of eastern Xinjiang. The vast, empty landscapes create a unique, tranquil atmosphere.

Hami: Known for its sweet melons and rich cultural heritage, Hami is a strategic oasis city along the Silk Road. Enjoy a relaxed stop to explore the region’s local sights and cuisine.

Overnight: Hami

Attractions & Highlights:

Mogao Caves: A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Mogao Caves are a series of ancient Buddhist cave temples adorned with exquisite murals and statues. These caves are a treasure trove of historical and religious art.

Echoing Sand Dunes & Crescent Lake (Optional): The Echoing Sand Dunes are a surreal desert landscape, where the wind causes the sand to produce a unique sound. Nearby is Crescent Lake, a stunning oasis surrounded by sand dunes, offering picturesque views.

Overnight: Dunhuang

Attractions & Highlights:

Jiayuguan: Visit the Jiayu Pass, the westernmost section of the Ming Dynasty Great Wall, which served as a strategic military fortification on the ancient Silk Road. The pass offers impressive views and insight into China’s ancient defensive architecture.

Zhangye: Known for its colorful Danxia Landforms (Rainbow Mountains), Zhangye offers a stunning contrast of red, yellow, and orange rock formations. The Zhangye Danxia Scenic Area is famous for its photogenic landscape.

Overnight: Zhangye

Attractions & Highlights:

Pastoral Grasslands & Colorful Mountain Landscapes: Enjoy a scenic drive through Qinghai’s grasslands, where you’ll encounter grazing livestock, picturesque valleys, and vibrant mountain backdrops.

Qinghai Lake: The largest saltwater lake in China, Qinghai Lake is surrounded by stunning mountain views and offers opportunities for birdwatching, particularly for migratory birds. Don’t miss the sunset views over the lake, which are simply spectacular.

Overnight: Lakeside guesthouse

Attractions & Highlights:

Ta’er Monastery (Kumbum Monastery): One of the six great monasteries of Tibetan Buddhism, Ta’er Monastery is a major pilgrimage site and an architectural marvel. The monastery is known for its beautiful murals, intricate architecture, and serene atmosphere.

Lanzhou: The capital of Gansu Province, Lanzhou is a key stop along the ancient Silk Road and offers a blend of modern development and traditional culture. The Yellow River, which runs through the city, adds to its charm.

Overnight: Lanzhou

Activity: Start your day with a long drive toward Terra-Cotta Warriors Museum (兵马俑博物馆), one of the most important archaeological discoveries of the 20th century. The museum showcases over 8,000 life-sized terracotta figures that were buried with China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang. The site is located near Xi’an (西安) and offers an incredible historical insight into the ancient world.

Overnight: Near Xi’an (西安)

Morning: After a short drive, visit the world-famous Terra-Cotta Army site (兵马俑遗址). This awe-inspiring collection of statues was created to accompany the emperor in the afterlife and provides a window into the craftsmanship and military organization of ancient China.

Afternoon: Drive into Xi’an (西安), the starting point of the Silk Road and a historical hub. You’ll have free time to explore the city, known for its rich culture, ancient architecture, and bustling markets.

Overnight: Xi’an (西安)

Options: Take a day to fully explore the ancient capital of Xi’an (西安), where you can immerse yourself in the city’s remarkable history and culture.

Xi’an City Wall (西安城墙): An impressive 14-kilometer stretch of city walls that date back to the Ming Dynasty, offering panoramic views of the city.

Muslim Quarter (回民街): A vibrant, bustling market area where you can experience the fusion of Han and Muslim cultures through street food, crafts, and architecture.

Drum and Bell Towers (钟楼和鼓楼): Historic landmarks located in the heart of Xi’an, offering a glimpse into the city’s ancient past.

Shaanxi History Museum (陕西历史博物馆): A museum showcasing more than 370,000 cultural relics, providing in-depth knowledge about the region’s history and the ancient civilization of the Zhou, Qin, Han, and Tang dynasties.

Overnight: Xi’an (西安)

Activity: Drive through Shaanxi Province (陕西省) and head towards Sichuan Province (四川省). This scenic route takes you through the hilly landscapes of Sichuan, with its charming villages, lush forests, and green valleys. The province is known for its natural beauty and vibrant local culture. Be sure to stop and take in the breathtaking views along the way.

Overnight: Guangyuan (广元), a city located in the northern part of Sichuan, known for its historical significance and beautiful natural surroundings.

Activity: Continue your journey through Sichuan Province (四川省) and arrive in Chengdu (成都), the capital city of Sichuan, famous for its laid-back lifestyle, tea culture, and delicious cuisine. Chengdu is also the gateway to exploring the region’s rich biodiversity, particularly the giant panda (大熊猫).

In Chengdu, explore the city’s renowned teahouses and relax in the peaceful environment of traditional gardens and parks. If you’re interested, you can also visit the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding to see the adorable pandas in their natural habitat.

Overnight: Chengdu (成都)

Morning: Visit the Chengdu Panda Research Base (成都大熊猫繁育研究基地), where you can observe the giant pandas in their natural habitat and learn about conservation efforts for this endangered species.

Afternoon: Drive to Leshan (乐山) to visit the Leshan Giant Buddha (乐山大佛), the world’s largest stone Buddha statue, carved into the cliffs of Mount Emei. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a remarkable feat of engineering and an important pilgrimage site.

Overnight: Leshan (乐山)

Drive: Travel along a scenic route through areas inhabited by the Yi ethnic minority (彝族), known for their rich culture, unique customs, and stunning landscapes. The drive offers beautiful views of the mountains, forests, and villages.

Overnight: Xichang (西昌), a city in southwestern Sichuan Province (四川省) with a rich cultural history and picturesque surroundings.

Highlights: Enter Yunnan Province (云南省), known for its mild, spring-like climate year-round. As you drive through this diverse province, enjoy the contrast of lush forests, mountain views, and vibrant towns.

Overnight: Kunming (昆明), the capital city of Yunnan, known for its pleasant weather and vibrant culture.

Attractions:

Jianshui Ancient Town (建水古城): Explore this historical town, famous for its traditional architecture, ancient temples, and peaceful streets.

Yuanyang’s Hani Rice Terraces (元阳哈尼梯田): The terraced fields of Yuanyang are a stunning sight, especially during sunrise and sunset, making them ideal for photography. This UNESCO-listed landscape is an extraordinary agricultural and cultural heritage site.

Overnight: Yuanyang (元阳)

Drive: A long but scenic drive through the tropical landscapes of southern Yunnan, passing through mountain roads, lush forests, and picturesque villages. This route offers stunning views of Yunnan’s unique biodiversity.

Overnight: Jinghong (景洪), the capital of Xishuangbanna (西双版纳), known for its tropical climate and ethnic diversity.

Options:

Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanic Garden (西双版纳热带植物园) in Menglun (勐仑), where you can explore diverse plant species from the tropical rainforest.

Ethnic Minority Villages at Jinuo Mountain (基诺山寨): Discover the unique culture and traditions of the Jinuo ethnic group, one of the indigenous groups in the region.

Overnight: Mengla (勐腊), a town in southern Yunnan, close to the border with Laos.

Activity: Final drive to Mohan Port (磨憨口岸), the border crossing between China and Laos.

Process: Complete exit formalities at Chinese customs before heading into Laos.

Service Ends: Exit to Laos. NAVO tour service concludes here.