Nowadays, advanced technology has made travel around the world more easily. For those who crave for experiencing something different from conventional package tours, special interest tours such as green travel, educational, arts, architecture, adventures, photography, etc. may become their pick. Silk Road Travel has been dedicating itself to providing comprehensive travel services. For over the 19 years, we have successfully taken our discerning guests who demand insightful tours to the exotic parts of China and Central Asia, to experience unique aspects of history and culture. From little known cultural essence to sports events in Gobi Desert, Silk Road Travel offers a wide range of special interest tours that can be tailored to meet your needs.
Beijing
Beijing has a long history. As early as 500,000 years ago, ancient "Peking Man" lived at Zhoukoudian 30 miles southwest of Beijing. King Wu was the first to declare Beijing the capital city in 1057 B.C. Beijing is an ancient cultural city, serving for 800 years as the capital of the Liao, Jin, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties. As the capital of the People's Republic of China, Beijing is the nation's center of government, economy, culture, and international activities, as well as serving as a transportation hub to the entire country.
Datong
Located in the north of Shanxi Province, Datong is one of the historical cities in China and is home to coal fields. It is also famed for its imposing historical relics which are regarded as a perfect blend of northern ethnic characteristics and Han culture. The world-renowned Yungang Grottoes is a landmark in Datong, which has a history of over 1,500 years.
Dunhuang
Dunhuang, a desert treasure trove famed for its historical cave-paintings, is one of the most important oasis towns on the Silk Road. Dunhuang used to be called Shazhou and was one of the “four counties in Hexi Corridor” in Gansu Province. Dunhuang adjoins Anxi to the east, and borders Aksay all the way to the neighbouring Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in the northwest. There are many tourist attractions in Dunhuang, including the world famous Mogao Caves which were put into the “World Heritages” by UNESCO in 1987.
Mt. Wutai (Wutaishan)
Located in the northeastern part of Shanxi Province in China, Mt. Wutai ranks top among the four Buddhist mountains in China and is one of the five Buddhist sacred sites in the world. It is said that Mt. Wutai hosts over 100 sacred monasteries and is home to many of China's most important monasteries and temples. It was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2009.
Pingyao
Pingyao, south of Taiyuan, is another fascinating town which preserves a complete ancient town dating back to the Ming and Qing dynasties in China. The Ancient Town of Pingyao has a history of over 2,700 years and it is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Taiyuan
Located in the centre of Shanxi, Taiyuan is one of the main industrial centres in northern central China, with one of the largest steelworks in the country, and is important for chemicals and heavy industry. Despite a rather drab appearance, there are a number of interesting sights in the centre of the city; the remains of the old city walls can still be seen in a few places, and there is a rapidly-diminishing area of splendid traditional courtyard housing.
Fly to Beijing. Visit the Tiananmen Square, first built in 1420 in the Ming Dynasty and is currently the third biggest square in the world. Then visit the Imperial Palace of Forbidden City which had served 24 emperors over five centuries. In 1987, it was inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit Dong Hua Men night market.
Accommodation: Lusongyuan Hotel (Culture Hotel) or similar
(L & D)
2.
Beijing
Transfer to Jinshanling Great Wall. About 2.5 hours drive from Beijing, Jinshanling Great Wall is located in Luanping in Hebei Province. Walking route: Jinshanling Great Wall to Gubeigou Great Wall covering over 28 beacon towers along the way. (about 8 km/3 hours walk).
Accommodation: Lusongyuan Hotel (Culture Hotel) or similar
(B, L & D)
3.
Beijing
Visit the Temple of Heaven, once the sacred place for the emperors to perform major ceremonial rites and pray for good harvests and full tummies. Back to Lusongyuan hotel and start touring around Hutongs and Courtyards. Hutongs are alleys formed by lines of Siheyuan, traditional courtyard residences, which represent an important cultural element of Beijing. Walking route: start from Lusongyuan Hotel → Banchang Hutong → Chaodou Hutong/Prince Seng’s Mansion → Former Residence of Dr. Sunyatsen → Temple of Wentianxiang、The School of Shuntian Fu → Guozijian、Confucius Temple → Yonghe Temple (about 3 hours walk).
Lunch at a local residence in a courtyard villa to experience the old Beijing culture. Visit Antique Market around Xuanwu District, such as Liulichang Cultural Street or Baoguo Temple Cultural Market. Visit the Summer Palace, a royal garden and summer residence during the Qing Dynasty (1644–1911).
Accommodation: Lusongyuan Hotel (Culture Hotel) or similar
(B, L & D)
4.
Beijing - Urumqi Approx. 4 hours flight
Fly to Urumqi – capital of Xinjiang Autonomous Region and home to 47 minority nationalities. Visit the Xinjiang Regional Museum which displays archaeological treasures from the Silk Road and Xinjiang’s minority cultures, including 3,000-year-old corpses from Cherchen, Loulan and Hami. Shop for your favourite local arts and crafts at the International Grand Bazaar.
Accommodation: Hoi Tak Hotel or similar (5-star)
(B, L & D)
5.
Urumqi - Turpan
Travel on the expressway to Turpan – a famous oasis town on the ancient Silk Road and the second lowest point on earth after the Dead Sea. Drive past the Flaming Mountains, made famous by the story of the Monkey King. Onwards to Tuyu Valley, a typical Uygur village. Enjoy a walk in the Tuyugou Village, a small village inhabited by Uygur people since ancient times. The cabins, with a history of 200 to 400 years, stand along the slope of the mountains, layer upon layer, showing their unique charm. Now the villagers lead a simple life, displaying the pure folkway and ancient cultural tradition. Walking route:Tuyugou Village – Tomb of Saint’s (about 3 hours walk).
Visit the impressive Ancient Ruins of Gaochang, which contains traces of Nestorian, Christian, Persian and Manichean influences. Walk through the remains of the city wall to the partially repaired temple
Accommodation: Tuha Petroleum Hotel or similar (4-star)
(B, L & D)
6.
Turpan - Urumqi Approx. 2.5 hours coach
Visit the Ancient City of Jiaohe, which has a history of 2,300 years and was the capital of the former Cheshi State. Visit the Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves, first chiseled in the Qu Gaochang State and have passed through to Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368). Proceed to the tallest minaret in China – Emin Minaret. Then visit the Grape Valley. Return to Urumqi.
Accommodation: Tuha Petroleum Hotel or similar (4-star)
(B, L & D)
7.
Urumqi
Drive to the Heavenly Lake, an azure lake 110 kilometers east of Urumqi ascending into the Heavenly Mountains. The picturesque drive winds through to 2,000 meters above sea level before it reaches the lake, which is surrounded by alpine meadows and rugged snowcapped mountains densely covered in fir, pine and cypress. Walking route:Trek along the lake up to the Guodikeng Mountain (about 3 hours),
Accommodation: Hoi Tak Hotel or similar (5-star)
(B, L & D)
8.
Urumqi - Beijing Approx. 3.5 hours flight
Beijing - Hong Kong Approx. 3 hours flight
Take a flight to Hong Kong via Beijing. (B)
- Travel to three cities, Beijing, Urumqi & Turpan
- A tour that blends with trekking and sightseeing
- Specially designed to trek from Jinshanling Great Wall to Gubeigou Great Wall
- Explore the ancient villages that oozed with traditional Uygur ambience
- Stroll along the Heavenly Mountain to enjoy the natural scenery of the Heavenly Lake in Urumqi
- Stay at Lusongyuan Hotel in Beijing, a traditional courtyard hotel which was the former residence of the General Sengge Rinchen of the Qing Dynasty
- Also applicable for small groups of 2 to 9 persons
8 Days Beijing, Urumqi & Turpan Trekking Tour
Starts:
Hong Kong
Ends:
Hong Kong
Departure:
Everyday
Price:
2 persons:
from HK$19,280
Single room supplement: from HK$ 3,380
3 - 5 persons:
from HK$17,280
Single room supplement: from HK$ 3,380
6 - 9 persons:
from HK$14,380
Single room supplement: from HK$ 3,380
10 persons or above:
from HK$ 13,380
Single room supplement: from HK$ 3,380
Price Includes:
1.Sightseeing tour as indicated in the itinerary.
2.Domestic flights (economy class) as indicated in the itinerary.
3.Transfer to the sightseeing spots.
4.All accommodations, based on double-occupancy.
5.All admission fees and activity expenses as indicated in the itinerary.
6.Meals as indicated in the itinerary.
7. Mandarin/ English speaking guide in each destination.
8. Group insurance is covered with max. HKD300,000 for the accidental death or permanental total disablement (Blue Cross Group Holiday Insurance Plan 2005 - Plan B).
9. Hong Kong Tour Escort for 15 people or more persons traveling together.
Price excludes:
1.International air ticket to the starting destination and from the ending destination.
2.All airport tax, security & fuel surcharges,custom, Aviation insurance tax and excess baggage fee.
3. Travelling document and entry visa to China/ all countries.
4.Meals not stated in the itinerary and alcoholic or imported beverages during meals.
5.Transfers to the starting and from the ending points of the tour.
6.Personal expenses such as laundry, phone call, mini bar consumption, beverage, medical care, porterage service at hotel and airport, optional tours and other services which are not specified in the itinerary.
7. Excursions and admissions to sites not included in your itinerary.
8. Personal travel insurance - as advised by the Travel Industry Council of Hong Kong (TIC), tour participants are recommended to purchase a travel insurance policy which covers at least emergency evacuation, death and disability before tour departure. Please consult the travel agency at which you booked the tour.
9. All expenses incurred by the tour member who extends his/her stay such as hotel accommodation, all local transfer, porterage service at hotel / airport and air ticket surcharge for extended stay or upgrade.
10. Porterage fee for staff from airport, hotel or other transports.
11. In the case of unexpected incidents such as typhoons, rainstorms, flight delay/cancel, natural disasters, political unrest or epidemic, the Company shall not be responsible for any additional costs such as hotel accommodation, transportation fees, long distance telephone charges, meal etc. as a result from the incidents mentioned above.
12. Discretionary gratuities for local guides and drivers and tour escort.
Remarks:
1.Tour price includes Hong Kong Tour Escort for 15 people or more persons traveling together. 2. Tour price excludes gratuities to escort, tour guide and driver. we suggest the following gratuities (in HK Dollars) :
a. for 2-5 person - HK$800 per person
b. for 6-9 person - HK$720 per person
c. for 10 persons or above - HK$640 per person
3.Tour price excludes airport tax and fuel surcharge (approx. HK$1130 per person ).
4.Itinerary and prices are subject to change in response to departure date, flight schedule, airfare and weather.
5. Tour is subject to Terms and Conditions
Tour Terms and Conditions
Reservation and Payment
1. Please contact Silk Road Travel Management Limited by email travel@the-silk-road.com or call (+852) 2736 8000 to make a reservation. A non-refundable deposit of 30% of the tour price per person together with a booking form will be required. Our travel consultant will contact you for payment arrangement.
2. Balance payment has to be made at least 30 days prior to tour departure or Silk Road Travel Management Ltd reserves the right to cancel the tour without prior notice.
3. Full payment has to be made within 24 hours for any booking received 30 days before departure.
4. Payment can be made through bank transfer / remittance payable to SILK ROAD TRAVEL MANAGEMENT LTD.
5. Booking will be cancelled if failed to comply with above payment condition.
Travel Document/ Visa
1. Client must ensure his or her passport/ travel document have at least six months validity from the return date.
2. Client must hold a valid entry visa.
3. The Company is not liable for any problem arises from personal travel document issue.
Cancellations and Refund
1. After reservation, for cancellation received 30 days before departure, the deposit will be forfeited but the balance paid will be returned.
2. For cancellations received 29 and 8 days before departure, 30% of the tour cost will be charged.
3. For cancellations received within 7 days of departure, 80% of the tour cost will be charged.
4. Full charge will apply for any cancellation received within 24 hours before departure or unused portion.
5. All deposits and payments are non- transferrable.
6. After tour confirmation, if a tour member wants to change the departure day, transportation, accommodations, tours, or transfer the tour to a third party, the Company shall consider it as a cancellation of the entire tour and a cancellation charge will be levied on the tour member.
7. No refund will be made for any unused portion of the tour.
Responsibility
1. The Silk Road Travel Management Ltd. (the Company), and their Travel Agents have arranged for these services to be performed under the responsibility of various contractors. The Company and / or these agent partners therefore act only as agents for the hotels, airlines, car companies, or other services and all coupons, exchange orders, receipts, contracts and tickets issued by the Company is subject to any and all tariffs terms and conditions under which any accommodation, transportation or any other services whatsoever are provided by such hotels, airlines, car companies, or owners or contractors and by the acceptance of such coupons, exchange orders, receipts, contracts and tickets the package participants agree to the foregoing and so agreed that neither Company nor any parent, subsidiary nor affiliate companies will be or become liable or responsible for any loss, injury or damage to person, property or otherwise, whether due to its or their negligence or otherwise in connection with any accommodation, transportation, or other services or resulting, directly or indirectly from acts of god, dangers incident to the sea, fire, breakdown in machinery or equipment, acts of government or other authorities, hostilities, civil disturbances, strikes, riots, thefts, fire rages, epidemics, quarantines, medical or customs regulation, delays or cancellations of or changes in itinerary or schedules, or from any causes beyond the Company's control, or for loss or damage resulting from improper or insufficient passport validity, visas or other documents and that neither the Company nor any parent, subsidiary or affiliate companies will be or become liable or responsible for any additional expense or liability sustained or incurred by the package participants as a result of any of the foregoing causes. The Company reserves the right to alter, amend or cancel any of the arrangement contained in the itineraries, to the extend not to conflict with or contrary to any written laws, the aforesaid provision will apply and except to as excluded by any laws in force in those countries the limitations relating to liability and other provisions imposed or implied therein will apply.
2. In the case where natural calamity or disaster, weather conditions, civil unrest, suspension of services related to transportation, accommodation and other facilities, governmental orders, or other causes that make safe, smooth tour operation impossible, or when there is a valid reason to believe the tour cannot continue. The Company reserves the right to cancel or tour and will refund part of the tour fare after deduction of all the expenses involved to tour members.
3. In the case of unexpected incidents such as typhoons, rainstorms, flight delay/cancel, natural disasters, political unrest or epidemic, the Company shall not be responsible for any additional costs such as hotel accommodation, transportation fees, long distance telephone charges, as a result from the incidents mentioned above. The Company shall try its best to resolve the situation and client shall continue the alternative tour programme proposed by the Company should there any. Client shall be responsible for all the extra cost incurred.
4. Should there be a change in the exchange rate of local currency, increases or reductions of fuel surcharge and transport fares, etc, and any other costs involved due to reasons beyond the Company's control, the Company shall change the tour fare accordingly. Client shall pay for the price difference before departure or it will be considered as cancellation of the tour.
5. If the client deliberately fails to keep the law on defamation in the action or speech or insulting other members and related workers, the tour escort / the company may disqualify the client of any tour and no refund will be made.
6. Client must conscientiously comply with regulations in all cities and countries. It is forbidden to carry illegal goods.
7. The Company will not be responsible for any tour member if he/she is refused by the immigration officer at each country upon arrival. No refund will be made in this regard.
8. The tour fare is dependent on the number of participants, should the number of tour member be changed, the Company reserves the right to change tour fare within the allowable range specified in the tour contract or quotation.
9. Client should take full responsibility for engaging in such dangerous sports and activities as skydiving, bobsledding, hang-gliding (motor- driven or otherwise), gyro-plane flying, mountain climbing (using such specialized tools as picks), camel / horse riding and others not included in the Company tour. The Company is not liable for any loss or damage of properties or injury due the engagement of these activities, even if the activities are recommended by the Company.
10. Client is responsible for his or her individual purchases at any shops, which may or may not be recommended by the Company or tour guide, with or without accompaniment of a tour guide or a local land operator. In the course of client’s shopping, the Company and its local land operators will not be liable for any expenses arising from client injury or illness, the return of lost baggage or articles left behind owing to personal negligence, as well as changes incurred by independent activity.
11. Other matters are subject to the Company's travel contract or quotation, including related tour documents presented separately.
12. The tour conditions and tour fares specified herein are valid as of 1 April 2014.
13. The package tours operated by a licensed travel agent are under the protection by the TICF (Travel Industry Compensation Fund). Please make sure that the receipts for the outbound travel service are clearly franked to indicate levy payment equal to 0.15% of the outbound fare paid. Bring along the photocopy of the receipt on the tour and deposit the original receipt at home or with a relative.
14. As advised by the Travel Industry Council of Hong Kong (TIC), clients are recommended to purchase a travel insurance policy before tour departure, which cover at least emergency evacuation, death and disability. If client refuses to purchase travel insurance, a declaration of not purchasing travel insurance from the client is required. For information about domestic travel insurance, please contact our travel consultant.
15. According to the Resolution No. 223 “Cancellation of Package Tours for Reasons beyond Control” suggested by the Travel Industry Council of Hong Kong (TIC), should package tours be cancelled because of reasons beyond control, travel agencies may collect cancellation charges and the amount of the handling fee (if any) collected for cancelling package tours (including but not limited to charges by the airlines, cruise companies, and train companies). The actual amount will be subject to the final decision from the transportation companies and a handling charge of HKD500 from the Company. For details of the Resolution No. 223, please visit www.tichk.org.
16. The company reserves the right to revise above tour terms and condition at any time without prior notice.
17. Upon reservation of the tour, client confirms to have read and to accept the “Tour Terms and Conditions” stated herein.
18. Should there be any discrepancy between the Chinese version and English version of the Tour Terms and Conditions, the Chinese version prevails.
It was a memorable trip and I really want to thank for all the flexible, thoughtful and fantastic arrangements. All the people I met there were nice and helpful. The cooking course was eye-opening and I really learnt a lot. The visit to Cuisine Cuisine was also amazing. It was my first time to enter a real, professional kitchen. The cultural part of this trip was brilliant. The tour guide knew every story-behind as if he was a master in Chinese history! Though it's just a 4-day trip, I really gained a lot and broadened my horizon.
Karina 4-day Beijing Tour, Cook & Savour (29 Dec 2012 - 1 Jan 2013)
Amazing architecture to see. Lovely weather, nice food and good guide. Thanks Silk Road Travel for organizing such a wonderful trip for me and my family!
S. Han
7 Days Shanxi Tour (May 2005)
Before Departure
A set of travel kit which includes a detailed itinerary, flight schedule, hotel information and contacts will be provided before departure.
Weather
China has a diverse climate which varies from different regions. It is cold and dry in most of the cities during winter. In summer, it is hot and wet in the southeast and southwest China due to rainy season, while it is hot and dry in the northwestern part of China.
Clothing
Light cotton dresses, sunglasses and a hat to guard against sunburn for the summer. Wool and fleece layers, topped with a down jacket with wind-breaking shell, scarves, gloves, hats and woolen socks for the winter. Wear layers that can be added on or discarded as weather changes. Comfortable rubber-soled shoes are recommended.
Food & Beverages
Hotels in China usually offer buffet breakfast or continental breakfast. You may bring some snacks along with you for the trip. Avoid drinking tap water and eating cold dishes or beverages at the street market. Drink only bottled water and well cooked food during the trip.
Transportation
The most efficient and comfortable way to travel is by air. Air China, China Southern Airlines, and China Eastern Airlines operate regular flights between cities in China. Train and high-speed rail will be arranged occasionally. The itinerary states clearly the transportation that will be used throughout the trip.
China Visa & Travel Document
Most of the overseas passport holders are required to apply for a China Visa to enter China. Please check with your local Chinese embassy for visa application. Remember to check if your passport is valid for at least 6 months before your departure date.
Communication
There are two service systems for China Cell Phone – GSM and CDMA. China Mobile's feature is the GSM system, while China Unicom the CDMA system. Cell phone network covers most provinces in China except that transmission may sometimes be interrupted in certain sub-urban areas. Most hotels have IDD lines where you can make IDD calls in your room. Internet access is available at the business centre of most hotels.
Money
The currency is called Chinese Yuan (CNY), which is also known as Renminbi (RMB) locally. International credits cards like Visa and Master are accepted by hotels in the major cities. US Dollar Travellers Cheques are acceptable for money exchange in most hotels.
