Xinjiang - Turpan

Turpan01 : Kumutage Desert The itinerary is identified as the east section of the cycle tour of Turpan. The two day tour will give you a thorough idea of the Kumutage Desert and the desert theme park-Sand Hill Park. To travelers with limited duration, it will be the best tour to feel the desert and Gobi without going too far.

Turpan02: 4 Days Urumqi - Daheyan - Five-star Ranch - Upper Shiyaozi - Qiong Daban - Liudao Bridge - Spring Street - Jimu Saer - Urumqi

 
Ever since the opening of the Silk Road in Han Dynasty, Turpan has been acted as an important hub leading to the western region and the mainland of China. Hidden deeply in the heavenly mountain, Cheshi ancient road is one of the most time-honored ancient roads in not only Turpan but also the whole Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. It connected the north and the south side of the Heavenly Mountain and can be trade back as early as the Han Dynasty. Over the past 2000 years, the road played a key role in the barter business life of businessmen and the military service of warriors and cut the detour of crossing the Mountain from the east section. Today, a hiking itinerary of this road may bring you some feel of the ancient life. The best time for this hiking is from May to October. It is ok for you to prepare food and water for four days' needs.

On the first day, we will need to get to the starting point of the road. If you are in Turpan, just charter a cross country vehicle(about CNY1300 Yuan per car which can hold 3 passengers and you can find someone share the charge if lucky enough) or motor lorry to drive to the Five-star Ranch. There is no built road and you need to drive along the riverbed and it will takes about 2.5 hours(60KM) if no flood at that time. You will pass through various landforms like mountain, meadow and river. Then you have got more time hiking around. If you start from Urumqi, take soft seat train to Turpan(around 2 hours, CNY36 Yuan). Actually, the railway station is not located near downtown of Turpan, it is called Daheyan. Upon arrival, you may set up the camp.

On the second day, hike today will ends in the upper Shiyaozi. Hike about 3 kilometers to Sanchakou (three-way intersection). The path on the right leads to Xia Ranch in the depth of Tianshan Mountain. The left leads to Shiyaozi. Walk along the path and get to Upper Shiyaozi after crossing Yellow Sheep Valley. Stay overnight in tent. 

On the third day, you will need to hike from Upper Shiyaozi to Liudao Bridge via Qiong Daban. It will be a hard day. You need to start early and continue to walk northward for about 7 hours and pass through 3408M-high Qiong Daban. Daban is the connection part for jokuls. The Qiong Daban is the watershed of the north and sounth side of the Heavenly Mountain as well as the highest point of the surrounding valleys. The heavy snow before June every year will lower the hiking rate and increase the hiking hardship. When you arrive at Liudao Bridge, walk down about 2KM. you will find a meadow and it is a ideal campping site for you today.

On the fourth day, you will start hike down the Liudao Bridge. The altitude will rapidly decrease as you pass down to Wudao Bridge. Near to Wudao Bridge, you will see the Meadow Stoneman standing facing southward. The Stone Stone Human Statues serves as the mark of the Turkic Cemetery in the Sui-Tang period (year 581-907). Continue hiking along the Wudao Bridge, the air is so fresh due to the pine forest on the way. About 1 hour later, you will reach Sidao Bridge, here, you will find a local herdsman household. If you like, you may feel free to pay them a visit and have something to drink or eat there. The families are hospitality and honest. Keep walking to the Sandao Bridge, then, Erdao Bride and the final one is the Yidao Bride. Rest near Yidao Bridge, you will find yourself something to visit here, say, the ancient carved stone. 

Get to the nearby village. Drive to Spring Street and take a couch to Jimu Saer County. Return to Urumqi.