THE SILK ROAD TOUR - continued

Day 6   3rd June 2012

-Jiayuguan pass

Located about six kilometers (four miles) southwest of Jiangyuguan City in Gansu Province, the Jiayuguan Pass (Jiayuguan in Chinese) represents the western starting point of a section of the Great Wall constructed during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). The pass covers an area of 33,500 square meters (eight acres) and lies at the base of a narrow valley, and takes its name from one of the surrounding hills, the Jiayu. Commonly referred to as the finest example of its kind on earth, the pass is the best preserved of the Great Wall's ancient military fortresses.

The Jiayuguan Pass was constructed as far back as 1372. Legend has it that the official charged with overseeing the building of the pass demanded that the foremen not squander a single brick. The builders were for the most part successful, and the project was finished with just one brick surplus to requirements. It was actually left at the site and has become famous among the tourists visiting the area.

The Jiayuguan Pass is constructed in three concentric layers: the central area is made up of an inner city, containing the largest of the pass' buildings; an outer city section, surrounded by a large wall dotted with watchtowers, turrets, and high-terrace pavilions; and finally, for purposes of defense, a moat. All of these features combined to make it a daunting prospect for any would-be attackers.

One brick remainder !



Dan Xia Colourful mountain in Zhangye. A mountain full of 'layered cakes'.

-Giant Buddha temple


Midway in the Hexi Corridor along the Silk Road lies the historic city of Zhangye, the centerpiece of which is the mysterious Giant Buddha Temple. Located in the southwest corner of Zhangye in Gansu Province, the Giant Buddha Temple is the largest architectural relic in Gansu Province of the Western Xia (1038-1227) period. China's largest reclining Buddha is well preserved in this temple. The Zhangye Museum is also located here.

Legend has it that a chancellor named Wei Mie of the Western Xia period ordered workers to dig into the ground to 1 to 1.3 meters deep to carve a reclining Buddha to be covered with glazed color tiles. The Giant Buddha Temple was built in 1098 to house the Buddha. In its 900 years the temple was restored many times during the Ming and Qing dynasties.

to be continued

THE SILK ROAD TOUR - continued

Day 5  - 2nd June 2012

Mogao Grottoes - a shrine of Buddhist art treasures.   The Mogao Caves are a depository of historical and cultural exchanges over more than a thousand years between China and other nations. 

The 1st Pier of the Great Wall is the western most end of the Great Wall of the Ming Dynasty.

A Mini Canyon near the 1st Pier - Underground Valley with archeological find of dinosaur fossils.

Viewing down the cliff, standing on a platform of glass gave a 'chilling' sensation through the spine. 

we are 'floating' in the air !

to be continued

THE SILK ROAD TOUR continued

Day 4 1st June 2012 Hami / Dunhuang

The Mausoleums Hami Urghur Royal Family.

It is the tombs for the burial of Islamic Kings of Hami in the Qing dynasty.

Hami Museum

A museum with collections of primitive society to the Ming and Qing dynasties, stone, bronze, pottery, wood, iron and many pieces of cultural relics.

Look delicious ! actually made of stones.

Echoing Sand dune – about the size of Singapore Island.

It is such a wonderful and spectacular landscape. We were here from 8.00 pm to 9.30 pm able to watch the sunset and moonrise at the same time. The echoing is more of an exception than a norm. One needs to be there at the right time, i.e. when the wind blows to shift the sand to produce the echoing sound.

Connie's body is glowing !

 to be continued

THE SILK ROAD TOUR - continued

Day 3 31st May 2012 Turpan

Sugong Minaret (Emin Minaret)

Emin Minaret, also known as Sugong Tower, is the largest extant ancient Islamic tower in Xinjiang. Standing 2 km (1.24 miles) east of Turpan, Emin Minaret was built in 1777 in honor of a heroic Turpan general named Emin Khoja. This 44-meter (144 feet) high minaret tapers to an Islamic dome without stories inside. In the center of the minaret is a brick-piled pillar with 72 steps around it spiraling to the top. The whole construction was made of grey bricks which were formed 15 different patterns such as waves, flowers or rhombuses, by smart Uygur architects.

Flaming mountain

The mountain lies 10 km (6.2miles) east of Turpan city, covering about 100 km (62miles) from east to west with a width of 9 km (5.6miles). The average height is 500m (1640feet), while the 831-meter (2726-foot) - high peak rises above Shengjinkou, a vital pass of the ancient city of Gaochang. Scientific explanation cites tectonic plate movement on the earth's surface during the formation of the Himalayas 50,000,000 years ago. The mountain is barren and extremely hot in summer. During the trek approaching the mountain, visitors will find the soles of their shoes soften in the intense heat. With the red sun overhead, the red mountain looks like a fiery dragon-truly an unforgettable spectacle.

Our tour guide took us only to the foothill for a photo session with the camels.

A giant thermometer

Ancient City of GaoChang

In the boundless desolate Gobi desert stand the ruins of the ancient city of Gaochang, shining like a resplendent precious stone inlaid in the barren desert and shining on the Silk Road. Gaochang is located at the foot of the Flaming Mountain, about 46 kilometers (about 29 miles) southeast of Turpan. Withstanding the test of time and weather, the ancient city of Gaochang, and the ancient city of Jiaohe, are the best-preserved ruins of the ancient cities in China.

The donkey cart ride from the entrance to the city ruin on the dusty road was fun and memorable.

A musician 'basking'

to be continued



THE SILK ROAD TOUR

THE SILK ROAD TOUR (12D 11N) 29th May to 9th June 2012

ATTRACTIONS FROM URUMUQI TO XI’AN

A tour package filled with lessons on history, cultures, religions, civilisation, archeology, geography, ancient engineering, agriculture and sightseeing of awesome landscapes. The experiences in toilet facilities from most primitive to most advanced were memorable. The bus journey of about 4,000 km passed through the provinces of Xinjiang, Gansu, Qing Hai and Shaanxi.
The tour group of 11 consisted of Ayatollah Cheah and Mrs.( Lim Siew Wan), Ms. Yong, Ms. Seow, Mrs. Ng Ai Tee, Ms. Wong, Ms. Ma, Lucy and Rose Foong, Connie and yours truly. Our tour leader was Ms. Lim Hui Yee from Parlo tours.



Day 1 29th May 2012 was totally occupied by the journey, van journey from Ipoh to KLIA, flew from KLIA to Guangzhou, then flew from Guangzhou to Urumuqi. We landed in Urumuqi International Airport at 10.00 pm but it was still bright because the whole of China observes only 1 time zone.


Day 2 30th May 2012 Urumuqi / Turpan

Tian Chi (Heavenly Lake)

Tian Chi is the most famous landscape near Urumuqi, particularly refreshing to travellers arriving in Urumuqi from the barren Xinjiang deserts or from the concrete jungles of the cities. The pristine scene is stunning. The group had a boat cruise on the lake.

The International Grand Bazaar is a magnificent  Islamic commercial architectural complex.  The Bazaar furnishes different kinds of goods made in Xinjiang as well as other neighbouring countries and offers all the ethnic food and souvenirs.

Grape Valley

Turpan is famous for its fruits. Among them, grape is the most famous. The group did not get to savour any fresh grapes because June is not the harvesting season. However, we spotted many unripe bunches hanging down from the vintage frames. We were happy to purchase raisins.

 

Karez Irrigation systems

The Karez systems are ancient major irrigation projects which are the life source of Turpan. They are very delicate irrigation systems made up of vertical wells, underground canals, above-ground canals and small reservoirs. Melting snow from the Tianshan mountain is the water source of the karez. Water is collected by vertical wells and conducted by the underground canals to the oasis, where the water is held in the ground canals for irrigation, especially to the grape valley.

 

to be continued..