14-Day China Silk Road Tour: A Journey Through Historic Silk Road Travel in China

Summary

Day 1 Xian Arrival
Day 2 Xian: Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Xian Dumpling Banquet, Tang Dynasty Sleepless City
Day 3 Xian-Lanzhou: Shaanxi History Museum, Xian Ancient City Wall, Muslim Quarter, Train to Lanzhou
Day 4 Lanzhou-Xiahe-Lanzhou: Drive to Xiahe, Bingling temple, Liujiaxia Reservoir,  Drive back to Lanzhou
Day 5 Lanzhou-Dunhuang: Labrang Monastery, Fly to Dunhuang
Day 6 Dunhuang: Lake Crescent, Ride Camel, Echoing-Sand Dune, Yumenguan Pass
Day 7 Dunhuang-Turpan: Mogao Grottos, Take overnight train to Turpan
Day 8 Turpan: Gaochang Ancient City, Toyuk village, Bezeklik Cave, Flaming Mountain
Day 9 Turpan-Urumqi: Turpan to Urumqi by train, Emin Minaret, Karez Well
Day 10 Urumqi: Xinjiang Regional Museum, Hongguang Shan Giant Buddha, Erdaoqiao Grand Bazaar
Day 11 Urumqi-Kashgar: Urumqi to Kashgar by flight, Livestock Market, Sunnday Market, Grand Id Kah mosque, Old Town walking tours, Local Uighur family Dinner
Day 12 Kashgar: Karakul lake
Day 13 Kashar-Urumqi: Kashar to Urumqi by train, Heavenly Lake(Tianchi)
Day 14 Urumqi Departure

Day 1 Xian Arrival

Upon arrival at Xian train station or airport, please follow the "Your Way Holiday" sign to locate your guide. Once you meet your guide, they will assist with your luggage and accompany you to your hotel. This marks the beginning of your 14-day China Silk Road exploration tour, where you’ll start your journey through the historic and captivating Silk Road, uncovering ancient cultural treasures and breathtaking landscapes. Your guide and driver will ensure a smooth transfer, and you’ll have time to relax and prepare for the exciting adventure ahead.

The rest of the day is free on your own to recover the jetlage.

Day 2 Xian

Your journey through the Silk Road begins with a visit to one of China’s most iconic and awe-inspiring historical sites, the Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum in Xian. This incredible archaeological discovery dates back to 1974 and is one of the most important ancient relics in China. The Terracotta Army consists of thousands of life-sized clay soldiers, horses, and chariots, all created to accompany China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, into the afterlife. Your guide will lead you through the vast museum, explaining the fascinating history of the Terracotta Warriors and the monumental task of their creation. Each soldier, meticulously crafted with individual facial features, clothing, and weapons, tells the story of the Qin Dynasty and the emperor's vision of immortality. As you explore the different pits, your guide will share insights into the excavation process, the significance of the figures, and the cultural importance of the site.

After your visit to the Terracotta Warriors, your next stop is the magnificent Big Wild Goose Pagoda, one of Xian’s most iconic landmarks and a symbol of China’s ancient Buddhist heritage. Built in 652 during the Tang Dynasty, the pagoda was constructed to house the sacred Buddhist scriptures and relics brought back from India by the famous monk Xuanzang, whose journey along the Silk Road inspired countless stories and legends. Your guide will lead you through the beautiful pagoda grounds, explaining its cultural significance and architectural features. Standing 64 meters tall, the pagoda is an excellent example of ancient Chinese architecture, with its seven stories and elegant, tiered design. Your guide will share the story of how Xuanzang traveled along the Silk Road to India in search of Buddhist teachings, and how the scriptures he brought back greatly influenced the spread of Buddhism in China. As you explore the area, your guide will point out the stunning carvings and inscriptions on the pagoda’s walls, and provide insights into the role of the Big Wild Goose Pagoda as a center of Buddhist learning during the Tang Dynasty. If you choose to climb to the top, your guide will help you navigate the stairs and offer an amazing panoramic view of the surrounding city of Xian.

For a true taste of Xian's rich culinary traditions, your next experience is the famous Xian Dumpling Banquet. Known as the "City of Dumplings," Xian offers a wide variety of dumplings, each with unique fillings and shapes. The Xian Dumpling Banquet is a must-try experience, showcasing the city's diverse and delicious dumpling culture. Your guide will lead you to a local restaurant where you’ll be treated to a beautiful array of dumplings, ranging from savory options like pork, beef, and lamb to more exotic choices such as shrimp, vegetables, and even sweet fillings. The banquet typically features dozens of different types of dumplings, each one meticulously prepared and artistically presented. The flavors are rich and varied, with some dumplings being steamed, others fried or boiled, and all bursting with fresh ingredients and distinct seasonings. As you enjoy the meal, your guide will share the history and significance of dumplings in Chinese culture, especially in the context of Xian, a city that once served as the starting point of the ancient Silk Road. Dumplings are not just food but part of a cultural tradition, often eaten during festivals, family gatherings, and celebrations. Your guide will explain the different types of fillings, preparation techniques, and the role that dumplings play in local customs.

To conclude your evening in Xian, you’ll experience the Tang Dynasty Sleepless City, a spectacular cultural performance that brings the grandeur of the Tang Dynasty to life. This immersive show is set in a specially designed theatre, and it’s one of Xian's most popular evening attractions. Through music, dance, and dramatic reenactments, the performance captures the essence of the Tang Dynasty, a period of immense prosperity, cultural exchange, and artistic achievement. Your guide will escort you to the venue and provide fascinating historical context about the Tang Dynasty, particularly its importance in the development of the Silk Road. The Tang Empire was a period of vibrant trade and cultural exchange, and the city of Xian (then called Chang'an) was the starting point of the Silk Road, where East met West. The performance itself is a feast for the senses, featuring stunning costumes, vibrant music, and captivating dances that depict life in the Tang Dynasty. You will witness royal court scenes, grand banquets, and traditional performances that showcase the dynasty's artistic splendor. Your guide will explain the significance of the dances, music, and costumes, giving you a deeper understanding of the era’s cultural richness.

After the Tang Dynasty Sleepless City performance, your guide and driver will accompany you back to your hotel. They will ensure you have a smooth and comfortable transfer, taking care of all details so you can relax and reflect on the day's exciting experiences. Once at the hotel, you can unwind, enjoy the evening, and rest up for the next adventure on your Silk Road journey.

Day 3 Xian-Lanzhou

Your exploration of Xian begins with a visit to the Shaanxi History Museum, one of the most important cultural institutions in China. Located in the heart of Xian, the museum offers a comprehensive look into the rich history and cultural heritage of Shaanxi Province, the cradle of ancient Chinese civilization. As you enter the museum, your guide will take you on a fascinating journey through thousands of years of history. The museum’s vast collection includes over 370,000 cultural relics, ranging from ancient jade, bronze, and pottery artifacts to exquisite paintings and calligraphy. Your guide will provide in-depth explanations of key exhibits, such as the Bronze Chariot, the Tang Dynasty murals, and the famous pottery figures, each telling a unique story about China’s ancient past. One of the highlights of the museum is the Shaanxi Provincial Archaeological Collection, which includes pieces that trace the region’s role in the development of Chinese civilization. Your guide will explain the historical context of these relics, emphasizing the significance of Shaanxi as the birthplace of the Silk Road, which made Xian (then Chang'an) the central hub for trade and cultural exchange between the East and West.

Next, your guide will take you to the Xian Ancient City Wall, one of the best-preserved city walls in China and a remarkable symbol of the city’s rich history. Built during the Ming Dynasty (1374–1378), the wall originally served as a military defense structure, protecting the city of Xian, which was once the capital of several dynasties, including the Han and Tang. Spanning 13.7 kilometers, the wall is a masterpiece of ancient Chinese engineering and one of the largest and most complete city walls still standing today. Your guide will lead you on a walk along the top of the wall, offering breathtaking views of the city and a sense of what life might have been like for those living in Xian centuries ago. As you walk, your guide will explain the strategic importance of the wall, describing its design, the defense mechanisms, and the role it played during times of war. You’ll hear stories of how the wall was reinforced over the centuries and how it protected the ancient capital during the rise and fall of dynasties.

Biangbiang Noodles and Yangrou Paomo (Lamb Soup with Flatbread) are two of Xian’s most famous and beloved dishes, offering a true taste of the city’s rich culinary traditions. Biangbiang Noodles are a local specialty known for their thick, chewy texture and unique flavor. The name "biangbiang" refers to the sound made when the noodles are slapped against the work surface during preparation. These hand-pulled noodles are often served with a spicy and aromatic sauce made from chili oil, garlic, vinegar, soy sauce, and a variety of spices. The dish is typically topped with vegetables, such as cucumbers or bean sprouts, and sometimes includes beef or pork. What makes biangbiang noodles stand out is not just their flavor but their large, wide shape, making each bite satisfying and full of texture. Yangrou Paomo is another Xian delicacy that’s a must-try for anyone visiting the city. This hearty lamb soup is served with pieces of flatbread that you tear apart and soak in the flavorful broth. The lamb is tender and cooked with various spices, giving the soup a rich and savory depth. The flatbread, known as pita bread, is crumbled into the soup, allowing it to absorb the delicious broth and spices. Yangrou Paomo is especially popular during colder months and is a perfect comfort food that reflects the flavors of traditional Xian cuisine.

After lunch, your guide will take you to one of Xian’s most vibrant and culturally rich areas—the Muslim Quarter. This bustling neighborhood, located in the heart of the ancient city, is home to a large Muslim population and is famous for its unique blend of Islamic and traditional Chinese culture. As you stroll through the Muslim Quarter, your guide will explain its history and significance. The area has long been a center of commerce and cultural exchange, with Muslim traders arriving along the Silk Road centuries ago. Over time, this community has developed its own distinct culture, evident in the architecture, food, and daily life of the area. Your guide will lead you through the narrow, lively streets, where you’ll see mosques nestled among traditional Chinese buildings, creating a fascinating fusion of Islamic and Chinese architectural styles. The area is also known for its vibrant markets, where you can find all kinds of local goods, from handmade crafts to spices and textiles. Your guide will share stories about the historical and cultural exchange between the Muslim community and the local Chinese population.

After a day filled with historical exploration and cultural experiences in Xian, your guide and driver will ensure a smooth and comfortable transfer to the train station for your train journey to Lanzhou. Once at the station, your guide will assist you in navigating the platform, ensuring you’re settled in for the next leg of your adventure. As the train departs, you’ll leave Xian behind, ready to discover new landscapes, experiences, and historical sites on your Silk Road journey in Lanzhou. The next city awaits, and your exploration of China’s ancient trade routes continues!

Upon arrival at Lanzhou Train Station, you will follow the "Your Way Holiday" signage to meet your guide. Your guide, along with the driver, will greet you and assist with your luggage, ensuring a smooth transfer to your hotel. Once at the hotel, you’ll have time to relax and rest, allowing you to recharge for the exciting adventures and discoveries that lie ahead in Lanzhou. After checking in, you can either unwind or begin to explore the city at your leisure. Your Silk Road journey continues in this vibrant city along the ancient trade route.

Day 4 Lanzhou-Xiahe-Lanzhou

After breakfast, drive to Xiahe City. The first stop in Liujiaxia small town for visiting Bingling Grottos which filled with Buddhist sculpture carved into natural caves and caverns in a canyon along the Yellow River.

You will have a simple lunch along the road.

Follow our guide, you will take a boat from Liujiaxia town to Bingling temple which takes about one hour to get there through Liujiaxia Reservoir and we spend about 2 hours to explore the sculptures, carvings and frescoes. which is an outstanding examples of Buddhist artwork. Our driver will be Waiting for us on the other side of the Reservoir and keep driving to Xiahe through many small beautiful villages.

Upon arrival at Xiahe, check into the hotel and have a short rest then dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 5 Lanzhou-Dunhuang

After breakfast, drive you to visit Labrang Monastery. Labrang is the largest and most famous Buddhist monastery in the Amdo region. Read this post for more information about this fascinating place. Established in 1709, Labrang housed over 4000 monks at its peak, but now only has around 1500 monks with another couple of hundred lay students. Located in the Gansu Part of Amdo, Labrang is considered the cultural heart of Amdo Tibetan culture along with nearby town of Rebkong. Labrang is one of the “Great Six” Gelukpa sect monasteries of Tibetan Buddhism.

After the tour, transfer to Lanzhou airport to catch your flight to Dunhuang. Upon arrival at Dunhuang, our guide will wait for you at the exit of airport with the sign "China Priavte Tour". Drive to your hotel for checking-in.

Day 6 Dunhuang

Today, you will have the chance to ride a camel along the Echoing-Sand Dune to Lake Crescent, a miracle in the Gobi desert. Lake Crescent is known for its brilliant blue waters and exceptional clarity, caused by a lack of nitrogen in the water which inhibits the growth of algae. You will be able to reach the top from one side of the dunes and slide down the other to see the fantastic view. (Plz prepare your sunglasses to keep out the dust).

Lunch is arranged at local restaurant.

In the afternoon, drive you to visit Yumenguan Pass, which is strategic pass on the ancient Silk Road. And then take you back to your hotel.

Day 7 Dunhuang-Turpan

After breakfast, the first stop is Mogao Grottos, which are also known as the Thousand Buddha Grottoes, form a system of 492 temples 25 km (16 mi) southeast of the center of Dunhuang, an oasis strategically located at a religious and cultural crossroads on the Silk Road, in Gansu province, China. The caves may also be known as the Dunhuang Caves. The caves contain some of the finest examples of Buddhist art spanning a period of 1,000 years. The Mogao Caves are the best known of the Chinese Buddhist grottoes and, along with Longmen Grottoes and Yungang Grottoes, are one of the three famous ancient Buddhist sculptural sites of China.

After lunch, free on your own for a while to walk around and for photograph and then take you to Dunhuang train station for the overnight train to Turpan. You will be greeted by our local guide at the exit with a welcome signage and escorted to your hotel directly.

Day 8 Turpan

After breakfast, you will start an exciting day in Turpan with a visit to the ancient city of Idikut (Gaochang). The city was built in the first Century BC and later became capital of the Idikut (Gaochang) Uighur Kingdom in the 8th Century. We’ll enjoy seeing the ancient city for about one hour.

Then move on to Toyuk village, an old, beautiful and timeless village with a friendly Uighur community. Here we visit several local families and have lunch with a local family at their home. This could be the highlight of your tour of the day.

After lunch we visit Bizeklik Thousand Buddha caves which used to be an important center for Buddhist worshipers under the Xizhou Huigu government of the Idikut (Gaochang) Kingdom.

On the way back to the hotel we will stop at the Flaming Mountain which people claimed to be hottest and driest along the silk road that “flying birds even a thousand miles away dare not to come”

After dinner, you will be taken back to your hotel.

Day 9 Turpan-Urumqi

In the morning, our guide and drive will pick you up from your hotel, drive around 200 km to Urumqi city. It takes around 2 hours. The first place you will visit is Karez Well. In Xinjiang, the greatest number of karez wells are in the Turpan Depression , where today there remain over 1100 karez wells and channels having a total length of over 5,000 kilometres (3,100 mi). The local geography makes karez wells practical for agricultural irrigation and other uses.You will know the underground water supply and irrigation system.

After that, enjoy family visit of local Uygur and have lunch with them. You will learn how to make Xinjiang food and visit the vineyard. 

In the afternoon, our guide will take you to visit Emin Minaret (Sugong Pagoda) which is the biggest ancient pagoda existing in Xinjiang and the only Islamic ancient pagoda in the country. Appreciate sunset at Jiaohe Ancient City and have leisure walk at the valley about 40 minutes. 

After dinner, you will be taken back to your hotel in Urumqi. Free on your own to explore the nightlife.

Day 10 Urumqi

In the morning, our guide will meet you at your hotel lobby. Drive you to visit Xinjiang Regional Musuem, our guide will show you around the museum, giving historical context and background. One highlight of the collection is the well-preserved tattooed mummies discovered in the desert nearby. Look out for the Beauty of Loulan, buried around 3,800 years ago near the town of Loulan in the Taklamakan Desert and first excavated in 1980. The hot, dry sands preserved her facial features remarkably well in her open coffin: and she is still beautiful today.

After lunch, continue your tour to the Hongguang Shan Giant Buddha, which towers over downtown Urumqi at approximately 38.8 meters (128 feet) tall. Grab a few shots before you head to the Red Hill, a traditional Chinese-style pagoda standing on the top of the hill that is the symbol of the City.

The last stop for the tour is Erdaoqiao Grand Bazaar, recapture the magic of the old Silk Road with a stroll through Erdaoqiao Market, once a trading hub for merchandise from all over Central Asia. This makes a great place to shop for traditional Uighur souvenirs, and your guide can help you navigate the stalls.

After dinner, you will be taken back to your hotel.

Day 11 Urumqi-Kashgar

In the early, our guide will pick you up from your hotel and drive you to Urumiqi for your flight to Kashgar, it takes around 2 hour fly. Kashgar, it is an oasis city in Xinjiang, is one of the westernmost cities of China, located near the borders of Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan and Tajikistan. It has a history of over 2000 years and served as a trading post and strategically important city on the Silk Road between China, the Middle East and Europe.

When your arrive in Kashgar, first enjoy the famous livestock market which happens only on every Sunday and people bring their horses, sheep, goats, camels, cows, bulls and other livestocks to the market from all the directions for sale. It provides a great opportunity to take photos of the faces of local people, enjoy the traditional local market culture, test-drive a donkey or a horse or even make its shoes. Like opening a window, today is a real glimpse into a time lost in the annals of the Silk Road’s past and an opportunity not to be missed.

Later move on to Sunday market main Bazaar which is considered one of the largest market in Central Asia. From fluffy sheepskin hats to rugged camel-hide boots, not to mention beads, buttons and buckets of locals. Everything – including plenty of kitchen sinks – is for sale at this fairytale bazaar. It is the best to chance to practice your bargaining skills.

After lunch, visit the Grand Id Kah mosque, the largest mosque in China and marvel at the intricate architecture of Kashgar's historic Apak Hoja Tomb, which is also known as Fragrant concubine tomb.

You will enjoy the Old Town of Kashgar by walk. walking is the best way to see and understand the ancient historical parts, streets, handicraft workshops and many more;enjoy a century-old Kashgar tea house’s atmoshpere for a short break. sitting by the locals and try various medicinal teas such as those containing rose, saffron, honey and many other ingredients.

Finally wrap up our city day tour with a dinner at a local family which offers a great opportunity to deeply understand real local life, culture and traditions of Uighurs. After the dinner, you will be taken back to your hotel.

Day 12 Kashgar

Today, after breakfast, we set out along the Sino – Pakistan Karakorum Highway, on the Pamir plateau (the roof of the world) visit Karakul Lake (3600m above sea level). The lake sits at the foot of the notorious, Muztagh Ata (7546m) and Gongur (7719m) mountains. ‘Muztagh Ata’ means Father of the Ice Mountains and is one of the most beautiful and mysterious mountains in the world. You also have a chance to pay a visit for local Kyrgyz family, to know the local lifestyle.

Free on your own for a while and return to Kashgar at a suitable time

After dinner, you will be taken back to your hotel.

Day 13 Kashar-Urumqi

After breakfast our guide and driver will take you to Kashgar airport for your flight back to Urumqi and another local guide and driver will meet you at the exit of Urumqi airport with a sign "China Priavte Tour", then drive to Heavenly lake directly which takes about two hours.

Heavenly lake offers some great hiking routes through the valleys on wooden pathways or up to the mountains as you like.

Your stay at the heavenly lake is your time to go boating, take photos or simply trek around the lake if you like. You can lunch together with a local Kazak family or just pay them a visit! This is certainly the easiest way to understand the life of the Kazak people in such a short time.

When you are ready drive to Urumqi for about 2 hours and back to hotel after dinner.

Day 14 Urumqi Departure

Our driver will pick you up from your hotel lobby at appointed time, drive you to airport for your flight to next destinastion or back home. Your 14 Days Best China Silk Road Tour comes to end. Have a pleasent trip!

Price Per Person in US Dollars

Price Includes 1. Cozy Ride: Enjoy the comfort and spaciousness of our air-conditioned car, offering scenic views. 2. Bilingual Expert Guide: Benefit from a personalized experience with a guide fluent in your language, catering to your needs. 3. Entrance Fees: Access all attractions and activities mentioned in the itinerary without worrying about additional entrance fees. 4. Seamless Transfer: Enhance your experience with convenient hotel or train station pickup and drop-off service. 5. Connect Seamlessly: Stay connected with complimentary onboard WiFi, allowing you to share your experiences in real-time. 6. City-to-City Train Tickets: For itineraries involving high-speed rail travel, assistance with booking ensures a smooth and efficient experience. 7. Selected Hotels and Daily Breakfast: Experience a comfortable stay in handpicked hotels, each chosen for its quality and amenities. Enjoy a daily breakfast at the hotel, starting your day on a delicious note. 8. Complimentary Water: Receive a complimentary bottle of water for each person, keeping you refreshed throughout your journey. 9. Travel Agency Liability Insurance: Benefit from coverage under our travel agency liability insurance, providing added protection and peace of mind during your trip.

Price Excludes 1. Personal Expenses: This includes phone bills, laundry, additional tours, postage, and any entertainment fees not covered in the itinerary. 2. Meals: While meals are not included, our guide will recommend the best local food spots, giving you the chance to explore and choose based on your preferences. (Average cost per person for a regular meal at local eateries: 40RMB/6USD-80RMB/12USD) 3. Tips: Tips are not mandatory but are recommended for excellent service. If you feel satisfied with the service, you may consider leaving a tip. The tipping standards are as follows: Driver: 50-100 RMB per day/group; Guide: 100-200 RMB per day/group. 4. Insurance: Insurance coverage for personal loss, illness, or damages incurred during your trip is not included. 5. Optional Activities: Any optional activities listed in the itinerary are not included in the tour fees, allowing you to choose and participate based on your preferences.