After arrival and breakfast in Turpan - which is a basin in the mountains of eastern Xinjiang and is also called "an oasis in the desert" - you will explore the "Karez" System, an irrigation system of wells connected by underground channels, considered as one of the three great ancient projects in China, the other two being the Great Wall and the Grand Canal. The structure of the karez basically consists of wells, underground channels, ground canals and small reservoirs.

The next highlight will be Emin Minaret, which is the largest extant old tower in Xinjiang and the only Islamic tower among the hundred famous towers in China. Standing 2 km east of Turpan, Emin Minaret was built in 1777 in honor of the heroic Turpan general, Emin Khoja. He was an outstanding patriot who defended the unification of China throughout his life.

Afterwards we will go to the ruins of "Jiaohe" and "Gaochang". Jiaohe - about 10 kilometers west of Turpan County - was a strategically important city on the ancient Silk Road that travelers must pass through. Gaochang is situated at the foot of the Flaming Mountains, was founded in the first century B.C. and abandoned by the end of the 13th century. Furthermore we will visit the Astana ancient tombs, which used to serve as the cemetery of the citizens of Gaochang from 273 in the Western Jin Dynasty to 778 in the Tang Dynasty and where mummies were discovered.

After lunch we will drive to the Tuyu valley, which also goes by the name of "Mecca of China", since seven Mohammed seers are laid to rest here. It is said to be the best preserved Uygur ancient village built in a green valley at the foot of the Flaming Mountains (the Gobi Mountain) with ancient Buddhism rock painting and Muslim tombs.

After dinner you will watch a Uygur dancing performance. Get invited by the prettiest girls and most handsome boy dancers to join the merry crowd -- just relax and enjoy the cool summer night!