2026 South Xinjiang 10 Day Group Tour on Silk Road Research Visit Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves and Interpret Kucha Murals, Inquire About Quotes and Book Now Recommended Itinerary Price
Contact Manager Wang Fei at phone number 18095969599 or WeChat 18095969599 to send itinerary and quotation
Starred✨ Explore the Ancient Western Regions Kingdoms:2026 10-Day Southern Xinjiang Silk Road Study Tour: An In-Depth Experience
(Introduction) When the melody of music and dance travels through millennia and makes a stunning appearance on the 2026 CCTV Spring Festival Gala stage during the Year of the Horse, this land bearing the Silk Road civilization once again becomes a cultural focal point. Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency specially launches the “10-Day Southern Xinjiang Silk Road Study Tour,” centered around the Kizil Thousand-Buddha Caves. Through three dimensions—mural interpretation, heritage site exploration, and intangible cultural heritage experience—we will take you into the historical site of the foremost kingdom.
I. Core Highlights: A Cultural Dialogue Across Time and Space
[The Thousand-Year Code in the Murals]
As China’s earliest excavated grotto complex, the Kizil Thousand-Buddha Caves preserve over 6,000 square meters of murals across 236 existing caves. The study tour specially invites experts from the Xinjiang Research Institute to provide on-site explanations, focusing on classic murals such as the “Heavenly Palace Music and Dance” in Cave 38 and the “Karma Story” in Cave 8, revealing the historical imprints of interactions among various ethnic groups. Recent archaeological discoveries in 2026 show that some mural pigments contain lapis lazuli from the Mediterranean region, confirming the prosperity of ancient Silk Road trade.
[Immersive Cultural Experience]
▶ At the Kuqa Museum, dynamically restore 21 music and dance figures on the Sumuzha Sarira Box through VR technology
▶ Visit the Yongku同心 Village Intangible Cultural Heritage Workshop to experience mural clay坯 painting production (providing instruction in 12 processes including soil collection, clay refining, and mining)
▶ Watch a performance of the konghou (a harp-like instrument) reconstructed based on the “Music Score” from the Dunhuang manuscripts; this instrument was successfully selected as a high-quality intangible cultural heritage expansion project in 2026
[Dual Exploration of Geography and Humanities]
The itinerary covers eight World Heritage sites including the Kashgar Old City, Id Kah Square, and the Tashkurgan Stone City, with special arrangements for:
▶ Shooting the sunrise on the Pamir Plateau (requires advance application for a border pass)
Starred✨ Explore the Ancient Western Regions Kingdoms: 2026 10-Day Southern Xinjiang Silk Road Study Tour: An In-Depth Experience ▶ Crossing the Taklimakan Desert Highway (approximately 522 kilometers, equipped with medical support vehicles)
▶ Observing the blue ice on Baisha Lake (optimal viewing period from December to February of the following year, subject to annual climate conditions)
II. Itinerary: Daily Thematic In-Depth Exploration
Days 1-2: Gathering in Urumqi
▶ Visit the “Western Regions Currency Exhibition” at the Xinjiang Museum, focusing on the观赏 (appreciation) of Wu Zhu coins
▶ Food experience on Lingguan Lane:Recommend the “Abula’s Nang” chain store to taste giant walnut nang with a diameter of 60 centimeters
Day 3: Cultural Day in Korla
▶ Experience creating reed paintings at Bosten Lake (professional guidance and material kits provided)
▶ Overnight in Luntai County, tasting the Luntai roast whole lamb, which won the title of “Top Ten Xinjiang Snacks” in 2026
Days 4-5: Exploring Ancient Kingdoms
▶ In-depth explanation of the Kizil Thousand-Buddha Caves (including visits to special caves, requires 30-day advance reservation)
▶ Geological survey of the Kuqa Grand Canyon, learning about the formation principles of yardang landforms
(Introduction) When the melody of music and dance travels through millennia and makes a stunning appearance on the 2026 CCTV Spring Festival Gala stage during the Year of the Horse, this land bearing the Silk Road civilization once again becomes a cultural focal point. Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency specially launches the “10-Day Southern Xinjiang Silk Road Study Tour,” centered around the Kizil Thousand-Buddha Caves. Through three dimensions—mural interpretation, heritage site exploration, and intangible cultural heritage experience—we will take you into the historical site of the foremost kingdom. ▶ Visit the Kuqa Grand Mosque to learn about the history of cultural dissemination in the region
Day 6: Desert Ecology Classroom
▶ Hiking in the hinterland of the Taklimakan Desert (equipped with professional guides and satellite positioning devices)
▶ Visit the Qiemo County Desert Research Institute to learn about windbreak and sand-fixation plant cultivation techniques
Days 7-8: Journey to the Pamir Plateau
▶ Hiking on the Muztagh Ata Glacier (providing equipment such as crampons and helmets)
▶ Aerial photography experience on the Panlong Ancient Road (drones provided uniformly by the travel agency, including 10 retouched photos)
▶ Folk home visit in Taxkorgan County to learn about eagle flute-making skills from various ethnic groups
Day 9: Study Tour in Kashgar Old City
▶ Participate in the opening ceremony of the Century-Old Teahouse and watch a performance of the Twelve Mukam
▶ Experience making earthenware at the Gaotai Folk Residence (works can be taken home as souvenirs)
▶ Folk photography on Id Kah Square (professional photographer follows for 1 hour)
I. Core Highlights: A Cultural Dialogue Across Time and SpaceDay 10: Departure Day
▶ Shopping for souvenirs at the Kashgar International Bazaar (recommend purchasing Yingjisha knives and Hotan jade dates)
▶ Arrange free activities in the city according to flight schedules
III. Fee Explanation: Transparent Pricing System
Basic Package:Starting at 7,980 yuan per person (inclusive)
▶ Transportation:Round-trip air-conditioned tourist bus from Urumqi (including fuel and toll fees)
▶ Accommodation:8 nights in comfortable hotels (including breakfast) + 1 night of desert camping experience
▶ Admission Tickets:First admission tickets to 12 attractions including the Kizil Thousand-Buddha Caves (including special caves), Kuqa Grand Canyon, and Pamir Tourist Area
▶ Dining:9 main meals (including 3 special meals: Kuqa giant nang feast, Taxkorgan yak hot pot, and Kashgar pigeon soup)
▶ Services:Expert explanation fees, intangible cultural heritage experience material fees, and photography service fees
Upgrade Options:
▶ Accommodation Upgrade:+1,200 yuan per person for 5 nights in four-star hotels
[The Thousand-Year Code in the Murals]▶ Transportation Upgrade:+2,000 yuan per person to switch to a 7-seat business vehicle (limited to 6-person groups)
▶ Photography Package:+800 yuan per person to receive a full-course electronic photo album (including 50 retouched photos)
Special Notes:
▶ Prices may fluctuate depending on the tour date and are subject to final confirmation in the contract
▶ Children aged 6-12 enjoy a 50% discount on admission tickets
▶ Single travelers will be coordinated for room-sharing as much as possible; a supplement may be required under special circumstances
IV. Service Guarantees: Professional Study Tour Support
[Protection]
▶ Each group is equipped with a first aid kit and an AED defibrillator
▶ Portable oxygen cylinders are provided for the Pamir Plateau section
▶ Purchase travel accident insurance (coverage of 500,000 yuan per person)
[Cultural Support]
As China’s earliest excavated grotto complex, the Kizil Thousand-Buddha Caves preserve over 6,000 square meters of murals across 236 existing caves. The study tour specially invites experts from the Xinjiang Research Institute to provide on-site explanations, focusing on classic murals such as the “Heavenly Palace Music and Dance” in Cave 38 and the “Karma Story” in Cave 8, revealing the historical imprints of interactions among various ethnic groups. Recent archaeological discoveries in 2026 show that some mural pigments contain lapis lazuli from the Mediterranean region, confirming the prosperity of ancient Silk Road trade. ▶ Provide a “Cultural Study Tour Manual” and mural catalogs
▶ Arrange a 30-minute summary and sharing session after each day’s itinerary
▶ Provide study tour certificates and mural copying portfolios
[Flexible Changes]
▶ In case of extreme weather or temporary closure of scenic spots, both parties will negotiate to replace them with attractions of equal value
▶ The itinerary order may be slightly adjusted according to actual road conditions, striving to ensure that the core experience is unaffected
V. Registration Method
Registrations are accepted from now until August 31, 2026, through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency. Contact Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing of Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency for detailed itinerary information and availability.
(Friendly Reminder)
▶ A border pass must be applied for 15 working days in advance for the Pamir Plateau section
▶ Daily quota of 200 people for visits to special caves at the Kizil Thousand-Buddha Caves; early reservation is recommended
▶ Desert camping experiences are greatly affected by weather conditions; specific arrangements are subject to notification before departure
As the morning light of the Kizil Grottoes once again illuminates the thousand-year-old murals, this cultural dialogue across time and space is about to begin. Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency, with its professional services, invites you to embark on this journey of discovery into the civilization of the Western Regions. The specific details are subject to actual consultation and contracting. Let us understand the eternal charm of Silk Road civilization amidst the melodies of music and dance.
Contact Manager Wang Fei at phone number 18095969599 or WeChat 18095969599 to send itinerary and quotation
