The Kumtag Desert, which occupies 2,500 square kilometres and is situated at the southern tip of Shanshan, Xinjiang, is the closest desert to the city in China. The ideal combination of desert and oasis can be seen when you hike to the top of the desert together with an experience to journey to the west experience.

Following pickup from Turpan's train station or hotel, we will first explore the Flaming Mountain Grand Canyon, which captures the essence of the landscape of Flaming Mountain, Turpan's hottest spot. Flaming Mountain is immortalised in the Chinese classic Journey to the West as a blazing mountain through which the monk Xuan Zang must pass and you can clearly see the unique landform - red sandstones that look like flaming fire, distinctive rocks that show nature's uncanny craftsmanship, and a deep gorge with criss-cross valleys.

Then, continue to Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves, a group of grottoes with rich murals which were originally drilled in the Southern and Northern Dynastie and have survived for approximately 15 centuries. While admiring the magnificent murals in an artistic style and listening to the old Buddhist legends, you can imagine how Buddhism spread to China's mainland via Xinjiang before go for a traditional lunch at your own expense.

Afterwards the tour visit to Gaochang ruins, which were a political, economic, and cultural centre of Xinjiang in ancient times before being burned down in a war after being in use for 1400 years, formerly known as fortress city for the Han Dynasty and Tang Dynasty army garrisons. Following that we continue drive to Tuyuk Valley, an Uighur village with many historical sites dating back over 2,600 years. Before Islam, it was a Buddhist centre. Many Buddhist caves can be found in the village, but the statues and murals have not survived. The villagers continue to live peacefully in the village, and it is clear how they conduct their daily lives in the old mud adobe houses.

For sunset, we head your trip to Kumtag Desert national park as the last stop and admire fascinating colours, light yellow, yellow, orange, red, grey, etc. The sand of Kumtag Desert is as soft as the smooth, so a desert walk is quite comfortable. the jeep experience and sand sliding includes on the ticket . After a wonderful time here, continue your sunset at the end before returning back to your hotel or train station.

Departure times vary by season especially sunrise or sunset time change, please confirm specific schedules when booking, please feel free to ask questions throughout the journey; our staffs is always glad to share their knowledge and make personalised suggestions which provide you with more authentic, personalised, and unique experience of Turpan.