Day 1: USA – Shanghai
Board your transpacific flight.

Day 2: Shanghai
Arrive in Shanghai, the commercial and financial capitol of China.

Day 3: Shanghai - Urumqi
Fly westward across the country to Urumqi, the capitol of Xing-Jiang Province. Of all the cities in the world, Urumqi is probably the farthest from the sea! You are about to step on that mystical road where the East meets the West. Established over 2000 years ago, the Silk Road was the route for trading tons of silk and spices each year over three continents, connecting China with Afghanistan, Iran, Syria, the Black Sea, and the Roman Empire. Tonight you will be served local cuisine. Stay overnight in Urumqi. (B/L/D)

Day 4: Urumqi - Turpan - Urumqi
Drive to Turpan, a desert renowned for grapes and honeydews. Visit the famous Karez Wells, an ancient underground irrigation system that carried melted snow from Mt. Tianshan. You will also tour the ruins of the once prosperous ancient cities of Gaochang and Jiaohe. These former kingdoms of 100,000 and 50,000 people are now ghost towns, having been destroyed by Genghis Khan. Of special interest is the Flaming Mountain described in the noted Chinese classic, Journey to the West. Return to Urumqi in the evening to sample roast lamb and watch Xinjiang folklore performance. (B/L/D)

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