Hami - Barkol

After breakfast we visit the Islamic King Tombs. Located two kilometers south of the Hami city proper, the tombs were built around 1840 for the burial of Islamic kings and their wives. Two of the tombs are well preserved. The one to the south consists of two magnificent pavilion-type buildings with upturned eaves, carved beams, painted rafters and round supporting columns. The other one is a twenty-five-meter high, dome-shaped building with a square base and a domed top. The building is covered with glazed bricks and has a spiral earthen flight of stairs leading to the top. Opposite the tomb is a mosque, upon whose four walls are inscribed religious scriptures and colorful designs; its ceilings are painted with colored drawings and its beams carved with floral patterns. The mosque has a capacity of 3,000 persons.

We then drive to the Barkol pastureland and the White Stone scenic spot. You will have lunch on the way. Barkol is famous for its camel and horse breeding. The Barkol horse is famous throughout China. Also, due to the large number of camels, which is unparalleled in China, the county carries the nickname of the "county of ten thousand camels".

The area is called "White Stone Scenic Spot" because there are giant white stones standing out of the ground. It lies in the northern slope of Tianshan Mountains. You will have free time to visit Kazak yurts, gain an insight into their daily life and customs and enjoy the sunset. In the evening we will stay overnight in a Kazak yurt.