TRAVEL ROUTE
22 days– includes Shanghai,Suzhou,Guiyang,Kaili,Xi'an,Urumqi,Khotan,Yarkand,Kashgar.

FIXED DEPARTURE
Commencing in Shanghai on 06th September 2012 and concluding in Urumqi on 27th September 2012.

06-Sept-2012 Arrive Shanghai
Met by our representative at the airport and transfer to the Hotel.

07-Sept-2012  Shanghai
Today we will be out and about sightseeing in Shanghai. Our itinerary will include Yu
Garden, the Old City Gods Temple and the Bund. If time permits a visit to the Shanghai
Arts and crafts Museum.

08-Sept-2012  To Suzhou
After breakfast, we drive to Suzhou. Known as "Venice of the East", Suzhou is situated on the Grand Canel. The city has many excellent classical gardens Our sightseeing includes the Grand Canel, water lanes and a sample of the World Heritage listed traditional gardens such as Yipu.

09-Sept-2012  Suzhou
A full day in Suzhou including visiting the Silk Embroidery Research Institute and Museum and Silk Reeling Mill. Local specialities include two-sided embroidery, Song brocade, kesi fabric and opera costumes.

10-Sept-2012  Kaili
This morning we return to Shanghai to take a flight inland to Guiyang. On arrival continue to Kaili by road.

11-Sept-2012  Kaili
Kaili is home to Miao and Ge nationalities renown for their embroidry, brocade, wax printing and paper cut work. For the next three days we will base ourselves in Kaili for a series of workshops and opportunities to meet with local people involved with textiles and crafts. Techniques include silk felting embroidery, folded silk embroidery, "horse tail" and two needle technique. We will balance the textile exploration with afternoon excursions to neighbouring villages, markets and craft co-operatives.

12-Sept-2012  Kaili
Sightseeing and workshops.

16-Sept-2012  Xian
Sightseeing this morning to the Wild Goose Pagoda. Option this afternoon to visit the Shaanxi Museum, one of best Museums in China or free time in the city centre.

17-Sept-2012  Urumqi
Today we make the journey west the easy way with a 3 hr flight to Urumqi. We expect to arrive in Urumqi late afternoon.

18-Sept-2012  To Khotan
This mornings flight will take us across the Taklimakan desert to the Silk Road town of Khotan. Weaving Atlas Silk is a common household skill in this area with craftship not having change much for 2,000 years, We have two full days
in Khotan and have planned workshops to demonstrate silk spinning, dyeing and weaving.

22-Sept-2012      To Kashgar
Sightseeing in Yarkand this morning. After lunch continue along the southern edge of the desert to Kashgar.

23-Sept-2012      Kashgar
Sightseeing in Kashgar including a visit to the famous Sunday market we'll visit both the livestock section and the main market with its stunning aray of textiles. This afternoon time to walk in the old city streets.

24-Sept-2012      Kashgar
We plan to meet with local women involved in the local handcraft industry. We will arrange demonstrations workshops today.

25-Sept-2012      On the train
Free morning before transferring to the railway station for the overnight train to Urumqi. The train skirts the western edge of the desert as we relax and enjoy the sunset from our 4-berth soft sleeper cabin.