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..