【2027 Silk Road Express】Bustling Beginning (Xining-Dunhuang or Reverse)

【Morning】 Drive from your hotel to Kumbum Monastery (approx. 45-minute drive), where a professional guide leads you through ★Kumbum Monastery (VIP access, dedicated shuttle and dedicated guide) — the birthplace of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism, renowned for its magnificent Tibetan architecture, rich religious artistry, and profound spiritual history.

【Afternoon】 Board the Silk Road Express and begin a wondrous journey.

【Morning】 Visit Chaka Salt Lake, where a boundless white expanse of salt stretches into a pristine, secret realm. Its mirror-clear surface reflects drifting clouds and distant mountains, sky and salt merging until real and unreal blur together. Wander across the soft salt flats as if walking on clouds between heaven and earth, and feel the northwest's singular vastness and gentleness.

【Afternoon】 Board the Silk Road Express and savour the passing scenery and onboard cuisine at your leisure.

【Morning】 Drive to Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Moon Spring (approx. 20-minute drive) and wander through ★Mingsha Mountain's golden dunes (dedicated shuttle and camel ride), listening to the whisper of fine sand. Crescent Moon Spring lies like a mirror, reflecting sky and dreams — one of nature's most beautiful gifts.

【Afternoon】 A private vehicle takes you to the Mogao Grottoes (approx. 20-minute drive), where a professional guide leads you through ★Mogao Grottoes (VIP coach, dedicated guide, and 2 special access caves). Step through the echoes of time and feel history's pulse — the murals, dreamlike and vivid, tell ancient legends where every trace of colour and every story is an enduring verse.

【Evening】 Enjoy a bespoke dinner.

Special Note: Tickets for the Mogao Grottoes must be reserved 30 days in advance using guests' ID information. If you book within 30 days of departure, we will do our best to coordinate ticket access; should the booking ultimately be unsuccessful, the itinerary will be adjusted to a full-day "Silk Road Ancient Trail Crossing" or another site.

【Today】 Sleep in and wake naturally at the hotel. Your private driver will then transfer you to the airport according to your flight schedule.

Special Reminder: As train schedules are not yet confirmed, all touring times above are for reference only; actual timing will apply.