Cities:
Xi'an, the eternal city, records the great changes of the Chinese nation just like a living history book. Xi'an enjoys equal fame with Athens, Cairo, and Rome as one of the four major ancient civilization capitals. It was from here that the Silk Road used to start. Never forget that Xi’an is praised as 'the capital of table delicacies'.
Lanzhou used to be a key point connecting the central China with the western regions as well as a vital city on the Silk Road. The Landscape along the Yellow River should not be missed, as Lanzhou is the only provincial city through which the Mother River runs.
Xining was one the most popular stops along the Silk Road. The scenery of the Qinghai Lake provides an escape from fervent cities and allows you to experience beautiful natural sceneries. To the South-west of Xining, there's the birthplace of the founder of the Gelugpa Sect. The gem of the Tibetan culture-Ta'er Monastery was built here.
Jiayuguan, one of the key iron & steel bases along the Asian - European Continental Bridge, is the western starting point of the world famous Great Wall as well as the third biggest gliding base in the world. Among the passes on the Great Wall, Jiayuguan is the most intact surviving ancient military building. The pass is also known by the name the "First and Greatest Pass Under Heaven"
The national, historical city of Dunhang is a renowned tourist city famous for the Mogao Caves. Dunhuang, long ago referred to as 'Sha Zhou' (beautiful desert oasis), was the hub of middle and eastern silk routes in ancient times.
Turpan (Turfan) is a marvellous city blending Western and Eastern religions and cultures together perfectly. Turpan is praised as the 'Hometown of Grapes' and the Grape Valley is a good place to enjoy the grapes of hundreds of varieties. Lying at the junction of the East and the West of China, it has been a key point on the Silk Road since ancient times, with a great number of historical relics as well as unique landscapes.
Urumqi is the most 'inland' city in the world. With a population of two million gaily-dressed ethnic inhabitants, the city is likened to a piece of emerald embedded at the foot of the Tianshan Mountains. Tourist resources of Urumqi have its own advantages and distinctions, which are strategically important in the Silk Road that assembles the cultures of both eastern and western countries.
Beijing, One the most fascinating and mysterious cities in the all world, home of the Forbidden city, the Summer palace, Tiananmen square, the Great Wall and many other amazing sights. Venue of the 2008 Olympic games. A city where ancient and new create a most incredible mix.