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Silk Road                       
                                                                             11-DAY
Frozen Realms Adventure
                                      Terracotta Army &
             The Winter Realms of Northern Xinjiang    

Where empires once rose in terracotta ranks, where history still breathes through ancient stones, the journey advances north—into Xinjiang’s vast winter wilderness. This is no ordinary route… it is a saga born in reality, worthy of the greatest tales of ice and fire.

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Game of Thrones in China - Terracotta Army & The Winter  Realms of Northern Xinjiang is an epic real world 11‑day journey across China, blending imperial heritage, ethnic traditions, and fantasy‑like winter landscapes. It is not limited to one theme, but showcases multiple dimensions of China’s past and present — from the awe‑inspiring Qin Terracotta Army and Tang‑dynasty spectacles to the snow‑covered realms of Xinjiang that evoke the Northern Kingdoms of Game of Thrones.

 

This 11‑day tour begins in Xi’an, then flies west to Yining. Journey through breathtaking landscapes and indulge in signature experiences at every stop, such as Sailimu Lake, Zhaosu, Kurdening, and Nalati, before concluding your epic adventure in the storied city of Urumqi, which stands as a storied Silk Road capital veiled in timeless mystery, where ancient civilizations meet modern elegance at the threshold of Xinjiang’s majestic frontier.

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Our highlights include:

  • Small group size - 3 - 9 people

  • The awe-inspiring Terracotta Army of the Qin Empire

  • The “Everlasting Regret” live show — a Tang-dynasty epic under the stars

  • Hanfu experience in the immersive “Chang’an Twelve Hours” district

  • The vibrant, illuminated nightscape of the Great Tang Everbright City

  • Kuerdening — the real-life Northern Realm of “Game of Thrones

  • The world’s only place with swans, rime frost, and rising mist together

  • The blue-ice and methane-bubble wonders of Sayram Lake & Yuhu Lake

  • Magnificent winter scenes of galloping snow-horses across the plains

  • Drone-shot cinematic portraits: you + your horse on endless snowfields

  • Snow-mountain skiing by day, steaming open-air hot springs by night

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Please download Itineraries here

What is included? 

  • Accommodation: 3 nights in Xi'an 4 diamond hotel, 3 nights in Yining 5 diamond hotel, 1 night in Zhaosu characteristic homestay, 1 night in Kurdning 4 diamond hotel, 1 night in Xinyuan 5 diamond hotel,1 night in Nalati characteristic homestay and 1 night in Urumqi

  • Meals: Xinjiang section includes 9 breakfasts and 1 local dinner, Xi'an section includes 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 3 dinners.

  • Car: 5-12 seater car (depending on the number of people).

  • Tickets:

Twelve Hours of Chang'an,

Tang Dynasty Never Sleeps City,

Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum,

Sailimu Lake,

Swan Spring,

Zhaosu Jade Lake,

Tianma Snow Walking,

Nalati Sky Grassland,

Kurdening,

Nalati Skiing,

Kurdernin Horseback Riding,

Sailimu Lake UTV Assault Vehicle,

Nalati Hot Springs

  • Guide's service fee and food and accommodation subsidy

  • Pick up and drop off once at the airport

  • Travel agency liability insurance, accident insurance

What is not included? 

  • Major transportation to Xi'an and Urumqi on the return journey

  • The Xinjiang section includes only breakfasts and one special local dinner; all other meals are excluded.

  • Other personal expenses other than those that have included tickets and shuttle trains

  • Single room difference description: Single applicants will arrange same-sex shared rooms, and the shared room type is a standard two-person room; or ask for single room with surcharge.

  • Tax stamp: This price does not include an invoice, if you need to issue an invoice, please pay a separate tax point

​​​Available dates:

January 12 - January 23, 2026        On Sale

January 26 - February  6, 2026

February 9 - February 20. 2026

November 9 - November 20, 2026

November 23 - December 4, 2026

December 7 - December 18, 2026

December 21 - December 31, 2026

*Please contact us for other day's departure.​​

Q&A

1. What is “Game of Thrones in China - Terracotta Army & The Winter Realms of Northern Xinjiang”?

It is an 11‑day cultural and adventure tour across China, blending imperial heritage, ethnic traditions, and fantasy‑like winter landscapes.

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2. Where does the tour start and end?

The journey begins in Xi’an, the ancient capital of China, and concludes in Urumqi, gateway to Xinjiang’s snow‑covered frontier during winter.

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3. What are the main destinations of the tour?

Xi’an, Yining, Sailimu Lake, Zhaosu, Kurdening, Nalati, and Urumqi.

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4. Do we need to bring our own skiing gear?

No. There are wide range of ski gear available for rental in various models and styles, all at reasonable prices.

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5. Do we have to have experience to try ski?

For those with no prior experience, professional instructors are available for on-site lessons — easy to learn and perfect for beginners. The beginner slopes are extremely safe and friendly for first-timers.

 

6. When is the best time to join this tour?

Winter (November–February) is the ideal season, when ice bubbles, blue ice, snow horses, and hot springs create a magical experience. We offer different packages for different seasons. Please click here to see more details.

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7. What is the best way to travel on this tour?

The itinerary combines flights and comfortable coaches, ensuring efficiency and adventure.

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8. How safe is this tour?

Traveling in China is very safe, with strong public security, reliable transport, and convenient mobile payment systems. While travel in China is safe and well-supported, travelers are advised to arrange their own travel insurance prior to departure.

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9. What are the famous attractions on this tour?

• Terracotta Warriors & Huaqing Palace (Xi’an)

• Song of Everlasting Regret live show (Xi’an)

• Sailimu Lake blue ice & methane bubbles (Yining)

• Swan Spring sunrise & Yuhu Lake ice bubbles (Zhaosu)

• Kurdening Scenic Area & horseback riding with drone shots

• Nalati Sky Grassland, skiing, and Snow Hot Springs

• Altui Palace Bazaar & Kazanqi Folk Tourism Area (Yining)

• Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar (Urumqi)

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10. What cultural experiences are included?

• Hanfu immersion in Chang’an Twelve Hours district

• Tang‑dynasty themed performances and heritage sites

• Encounters with Kazakh and local Yili traditions

• Visits to ethnic bazaars and folk tourism streets

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11. What natural landscapes are featured?

• Sailimu Lake ice waves and bubbles

• Zhaosu Snow Field with galloping snow horses

• Kurdening canyon and Linhai Snow Forest

• Nalati alpine grasslands and winter ski slopes

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12. What climate issues should be noted?

• Xi’an: cold, dry winters

• Xinjiang (Yining, Zhaosu, Kurdening, Nalati): harsh winter conditions, strong winds, and heavy snow; warm clothing essential.

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13. What do you need to prepare for this tour?

• Warm layered clothing & insulated boots

• Gloves, hats, and scarves for sub‑zero temperatures

• Sun protection (sunglasses, sunscreen) for high‑altitude snowfields

• Mobile payment apps (WeChat/Alipay) plus some cash

• Camera or drone for capturing

DAY4 Xi’an < Yining 

• Arrive in Yining by plane and take a short rest.

• Visit the Lin Zexu Memorial Hall to learn about the life and achievements of Lin Zexu, a key figure in modern Chinese history. The memorial hall opens at 10:30 a.m. and closes at 4:30 p.m.; no appointment is required, but visitors must register with their ID card on site. Please note it is closed every Monday.

Traffic: Plane/Car

Hotel: In Yining

Meals: Breakfast

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DAY2 Xi'an

• Visit Da Ci’en Temple and Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, Xi’an’s oldest and largest Tang-era monument, then continue to Dayanta Plaza with its 40‑meter “Great Tang Empire” relief wall.

• Explore Tang Paradise Park recreating Tang splendor, and conclude at SEG Shopping Center with Asia’s longest indoor escalator and world’s largest indoor waterfall.

Traffic: Car

Hotel: In Xi'an

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

DAY3 Xi'an

• Visit the Terracotta Warriors Museum, the “8th Wonder of the World,” and join a DIY workshop guided by restoration experts to craft a miniature warrior with authentic Lishan clay.

• In the afternoon, tour Huaqing Palace at Mount Li, then enjoy The Everlasting Regret, a spectacular outdoor performance with 300 performers set against the mountain backdrop.

Traffic: Car

Hotel: In Xi'an

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

DAY5 Yining

• After breakfast, drive north through Guozigou Canyon and across the Taleqida Plateau to reach Sailimu Lake.

• Enter the scenic area from the east gate and travel counterclockwise around the lake. In winter, admire blue ice along the shore and discover unique “ice bubbles” beneath the frozen surface. Strong winds create spectacular “ice waves,” piles of broken ice shimmering like silver dragon scales. Methane bubbles trapped in the ice form striking shapes—circles, ellipses, triangles—sometimes embedded like persimmons or grapes, sometimes rising like ice mushrooms, strange yet beautiful.

• After exploring this fantasy world of ice and snow, enjoy a UTV ride before returning by bus to Yining for hotel check‑in.

Traffic: Car

Hotel: In Yining

Meals: Breakfast

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DAY6 ​Yining < Swan Spring < Yuhu Lake < Zhaosu Wanghu Manor

• Rise early at Swan Spring to watch the sunrise, then drive to[Zhaosu Yuhu Lake, a hidden gem where the frozen winter surface reveals stunning ice bubbles, passing through the vast Zhaosu Snow Field along the way.

• With luck, witness the rare “Tenma Snow Walk,” an irregular winter spectacle.

• Stay at Zhaosu Wanghu Manor, nestled in the Xiaobedie Tourist Resort of Kachagar Town at 1,756 meters above sea level. Surrounded by ecological wilderness and a serene, luxurious setting, it is a beloved retreat for Yili locals, offering tranquility and comfort.

Traffic: Car

Hotel: In Zhaosu

Meals: Breakfast

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DAY7 Wanghu Manor < Turks < Karato Sea < Kurderning Town

• Depart from Wanghu Manor after breakfast and drive to Turks County.

• Take the niche scenic route along X765 County Road, following the Turks River and passing through Karato Sea, another beautiful spot to see winter ice bubbles with few visitors and pristine scenery.

Traffic: Car

Hotel: In Kurdening Town

Meals: Breakfast

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DAY8 Kurdening Town < Kurdening Scenic Area < Xinyuan

• Set off from Kurdening Town to visit the Kurdening Scenic Area.

• Enjoy canyon views and the Linhai Snow Field. Ride a horse here and capture stunning drone shots of “one person, one horse” against the snowy backdrop.

• Stay overnight in Xinyuan.

Traffic: Car

Hotel: In Xinyuan

Meals: Breakfast

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DAY9 Xinyuan < Nalati Scenic Area 

• Depart from Xinyuan by car to visit the Nalati Scenic Area.

• In Hainsai Village, covering 340 hectares, enjoy skiing amid spectacular snow scenery with excellent facilities and diverse winter activities, perfect for both enthusiasts and families.

• Afterwards, explore the famous Sky Grassland, and end the day with relaxation in the Snow Hot Spring, where soothing warmth melts away fatigue and offers a luxurious wellness experience.

Traffic: Car

Hotel: In Nalati

Meals: Breakfast

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DAY10 Nalati < Altui Palace Bazaar < Kazanqi / Liuxing Street < Yining

• From Nalati, continue to the Altui Palace Bazaar in Yuqun Weng Hui Township, Yining County, a famous Xinjiang market where Asia’s largest live animal trade takes place, with cattle and sheep dealers gathering from across the region.

• After experiencing vibrant ethnic customs, visit either Kazanqi, known as a “Residential Museum” showcasing traditional folk life, or Liuxing Street, a cultural attraction featuring scenic streets, handicraft workshops, and retail shops in a harmonious setting.

• In the evening, check into the Yining Hotel to conclude the day.

Traffic: Car

Hotel: In Yining

Meals: Breakfast

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DAY1 Transit City < Xi'an

•Your vacation starts with a pleasant flight via transit city to Xi'an - home of the Terracotta Warriors.

•Today, dressed in traditional Tang Dynasty Hanfu, visiting Chang’an Twelve Hours and the Datang Everbright City, experiencing the charm of the Tang Dynasty.

Traffic: Car

Hotel: In Xi‘an

Meals: Lunch/Dinner

DAY11 Yining < Urumqi

• After breakfast, we will fly to Urumqi. Upon arrival, we will visit the Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar, Urumqi’s most iconic cultural marketplace where the colors, flavors, and sounds of the Silk Road come alive. Explore traditional crafts, local delicacies, and lively ethnic performances for an unforgettable taste of Xinjiang’s heritage. In the evening, gather for our final group dinner at one of Urumqi’s signature restaurants.

Traffic: Car/Plane

Hotel: In Urumqi

Meals: Breakfast/Dinner

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DAY12 Urumqi <TransitCity

• After breakfast, we conclude this amazing trip and return home

Traffic: Car/Plane

Meals: Breakfast

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