- 4.9/5 503 Latest reviews
- Destination: China
- Duration: 13 Days
- Tour Type: Private & Bespoke
- Tour Style: Historical
About This Trip
From the historic city of Xi'an to the forgotten towns of Western China, this 12-day journey invites you to explore the natural landscapes and cultural treasures along the Silk Road. Begin your adventure with the Terracotta Warriors in Xi'an to witness the grandeur of ancient dynasties, then proceed to Jiayuguan to see the First Pass of the Great Wall.
Summary
DAY
PLACE
HIGHLIGHTS
1 - 3
Xi'an
Terracotta Warriors, Ancient City Wall, Muslim Street, Big Wild Goose Pagoda
4 - 5
Jiayuguan
Jiayuguan Great Wall, Wei-Jin Art Gallery
6 - 8
Dunhuang
Mogao Grottoes, Singing Sand Dunes, Crescent Moon Spring, Yulin Caves
9
Turpan
Jiaohe Ruins, Emin Minaret, Turpan Water System, Uyghur Family Visit
10 - 11
Urumqi
Heavenly Lake of Tianshan, International Grand Bazaar, Xinjiang Museum
12 - 13
Kashgar
Id Kah Mosque, Abakh Khoja Tomb, Local Bazaar, Kashgar Ancient Town
Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrival in Xi'an
Your journey begins in the historic city of Xi’an, the ancient starting point of the Silk Road. Upon arriving at Xi’an airport, your guide will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel by private vehicle. Spend the rest of the day relaxing after your long flight or exploring the city at your leisure to get acquainted with your new surroundings.
- Xi’an
- Day 2: Discover the Terracotta Warriors in Xi'an
This morning, venture outside the city to visit one of the world’s greatest man-made marvels – the Terracotta Warriors, an extensive collection of life-sized clay figures, chariots, and horses built to protect China’s first emperor, Qin Shihuang, in the afterlife. Afterwards, immerse yourself in history as you stroll along Xi’an’s well-preserved Ancient City Wall, sample local treats and Islamic cuisine along the bustling Muslim Street, and enjoy a captivating glimpse into the everyday life of Chinese Muslims.
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- Xi’an
- Day 3: Xi'an to Jiayuguan
Begin your day with a visit to the magnificent Big Wild Goose Pagoda, home to Buddha statues and sacred texts brought from India by the renowned monk Xuan Zang. His 18-year pilgrimage along the Silk Road inspired the legendary tale Journey to the West. Then, explore Hanyang Tomb, which contains tens of thousands of pottery figures illustrating detailed scenes of daily life from over 2,200 years ago.
Later, transfer to the airport for your flight to Jiayuguan. Upon arrival, meet your local guide and drive to your hotel, where you can unwind and rest for the remainder of the day.
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- Jiayuguan
- Day 4: Exploring Jiayuguan Pass
Jiayuguan, a city located near the historically significant Jiayuguan Pass, marks the point where the Great Wall meets the Silk Road in northwest China’s Gansu Province. Spend the day visiting key landmarks associated with these two wonders. Marvel at the imposing Jiayuguan Pass, constructed with rammed earth rather than stone or bricks, offering sweeping views of the stark and stunning Gobi Desert. Explore the nearby Great Wall Museum to learn about the wall’s over 2,000-year history through authentic artifacts, models, and illustrations. Later, continue to the First Fire Tower of the Great Wall and the Overhanging Great Wall to further immerse yourself in this remarkable heritage.
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- Jiayuguan
- Day 5: Jiayuguan to Dunhuang
Begin the day with a visit to the Wei-Jin Art Gallery, an ancient tomb complex featuring over 1,400 tombs adorned with vibrant murals dating back to the 3rd century. As the world’s largest underground art gallery, it offers a fascinating glimpse into ancient Chinese society, including its customs, diet, music, and daily life. After exploring the gallery, embark on a 5-hour drive along the Silk Road to reach your next destination, Dunhuang, and check into a local hotel to rest for the night.
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- Dunhuang
- Day 6: Mogao Grottoes Exploration
This morning, immerse yourself in the cultural treasures of Dunhuang. Begin with a visit to the UNESCO-listed Mogao Grottoes, also called the Caves of the Thousand Buddhas, showcasing exquisite Buddhist murals and statues spanning a millennium. Afterwards, explore the Dunhuang Museum to learn more about the city’s history and its role on the ancient Silk Road, then enjoy a leisurely walk around the Ancient City of Dunhuang Movie Set, where the scenery evokes the feeling of stepping back in time.
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- Chengdu
- Day 7: Singing Sand Dunes & Crescent Moon Spring
Spend the day at the Dunhuang Research Academy, where you can listen to fascinating stories behind the ancient murals and admire the intricate painting techniques. If you wish, try creating your own mural to take home as a keepsake. After enjoying an organic vegetarian lunch at the academy, continue to the striking Singing Sand Dunes on the edge of the Gobi Desert. Upon arrival, take a camel ride to explore Crescent Moon Spring, a serene desert oasis among the rolling dunes, and enjoy optional activities like sand sliding or paragliding, followed by some relaxing time by the water.
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- Dunhuang
- Day 8: Dunhuang to Turpan
Begin the day with a visit to the remarkable Yulin Caves, often regarded as the sister caves of the Mogao Caves, featuring 42 Buddhist grottoes adorned with vibrant statues and intricate murals. Afterwards, transfer to Liuyuan Railway Station and take a high-speed train to Turpan, a journey of approximately 3.5 hours. Upon arrival, meet your local guide and proceed to your hotel for an overnight stay.
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- Turpan
- Day 9: Turpan Highlights
Begin your exploration of Turpan at the Emin Minaret, also known as Sugong Tower, China’s tallest minaret standing 44 meters (144 ft) high. Admire its remarkable architecture, which blends traditional Islamic design with local Uyghur building techniques. Visit the Turpan Water System (Karez Irrigation Site) to witness the ingenious methods ancient people used to thrive in this harsh desert environment.
Continue to the Jiaohe Ruins, a key site along the ancient Silk Road. Situated on a willow-shaped island platform surrounded by deep river valleys, Jiaohe is one of the world’s oldest earthen cities and an important example for studying ancient urban ruins. Pass by the famous Flaming Mountain, made legendary in Journey to the West, and visit an ancient oasis village in the Turpan Basin to observe the Uyghur way of life and taste the region’s famous seedless grapes.
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- Turpan
- Day 10: Turpan to Urumqi – Heavenly Lake & Grand Bazaar
After breakfast at your hotel, enjoy a 2.5-hour drive to Urumqi. Following a short rest at the hotel, head to the stunning Heavenly Lake of Tianshan, known as the “pearl of the Tianshan Mountains.” Take a cruise on the lake and admire the breathtaking alpine scenery, where the tranquil waters reflect the snow-capped peaks.
Later in the evening, visit the International Grand Bazaar during its liveliest hours. Experience the colorful lights, traditional Uyghur performances, tempting street food, and bustling shops that create a lively and immersive atmosphere for both locals and visitors.
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- Urumqi
- Day 11: Urumqi to Kashgar – Xinjiang Museum
This morning, visit the Xinjiang Museum to explore the rich cultural exchanges documented along the Silk Road. A key highlight is the remarkably preserved 3,800-year-old Loulan Mummy, showcasing the advanced civilization of the ancient Western Regions. Afterwards, transfer to the airport for a 2-hour flight to Kashgar.
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- Hong Kong
- Day 12: Id Kah Mosque & Abakh Khoja Tomb
Discover the fascinating history of the Id Kah Mosque with your guide, and admire the grandeur of Xinjiang’s largest mosque. Learn the stories behind the Abakh Khoja Tomb, the resting place of an Islamic saint, where 72 members of five generations of the same family are interred.
Later, explore Kashgar’s lively bazaars, each with its unique atmosphere and charm. End your day wandering through Kashgar Ancient Town, lined with traditional Uyghur-style architecture, and stroll along Ancient Art Street, where local artisans create carpets and embroidery, offering a glimpse into the artistic heritage of the Silk Road.
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- Kashgar
- Day 13: Kashgar – Departure
Enjoy some free time in the morning to relax or explore at your own pace before catching your flight to your next destination.
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