12 days Classic China Silk Road tour from Xi'an to Urumqi

You'll arrive in the historic city of Xi'an, one of China's ancient capitals and the eastern starting point of the ancient Silk Road. Upon arrival at Xi'an airport or train station, you'll be picked up and transferred to your hotel to rest.
You might consider to explore the Muslim Quarter on your own, a lively hub of Silk Road culture and cuisine. Stroll through its bustling streets, sampling local delicacies and shopping for traditional souvenirs.

Start your day with a visit to the Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum, one of the most remarkable archaeological discoveries in the world. Stand face-to-face with thousands of life-sized soldiers and warhorses, standing in formation to guard the tomb of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang—a truly unforgettable experience.

Afterward return to downtown and visit the Big Goose Pagoda, a symbol of Xi’an’s deep connection to the Silk Road. Built during the Tang Dynasty, this ancient Buddhist pagoda once stored precious scriptures and artifacts brought back from India by the monk Xuanzang. Stroll through the temple grounds and learn about its historical and cultural significance.

Continue to the Xi’an City Wall, the best-preserved ancient city wall in China. Built in the Ming Dynasty, this impressive structure once served as a key defense system. You can walk or rent a bike to explore the wall while enjoying panoramic views of the city.

In the evening, experience Xi’an’s Sleepless City, a lively entertainment district filled with bright lights, modern attractions, shopping, and local food, offering a dynamic contrast to the city's rich history.

Today, take a high-speed train to Tianshui (about 2 hours), the first major Silk Road city west of Xi’an, located along the Wei River. 

Upon arrival, visit the Maijishan Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of China’s Four Greatest Grottoes, along with the Longmen, Yungang, and Dunhuang Grottoes. Carved into a towering cliffside, this ancient complex features intricately sculpted Buddhist statues and vibrant murals, some dating back over 1,500 years. As you walk along the cliffside pathways, you’ll see how Silk Road influences shaped the religious and artistic heritage of the region.

Next, visit the Fuxi Temple, a sacred site built during the Ming Dynasty (1483-1484) to honor Fuxi, one of the legendary ancestors of Chinese civilization. Known for creating the Eight Diagrams, which form the foundation of Chinese philosophy and culture, Fuxi’s legacy is deeply rooted in this temple’s architecture and traditions.

Stay overnight at Tianshui.

This morning, board a train to Zhangye, a 5-hour journey through scenic landscapes. Bring something to keep you occupied, or simply sit back and enjoy the changing views. You’ll arrive around 2:30 PM, where your guide will meet you at the train station.

From there, head straight to Zhangye Danxia National Geopark (Rainbow Mountain), a stunning landscape shaped by millions of years of erosion into vivid red, yellow, and white layers. Explore the park’s five scenic viewing platforms, with shuttle buses making it easy to move between them.

For a truly unforgettable experience, make your way to Viewing Deck No. 4 in time for sunset, when the golden light deepens the mountain’s vibrant colors, creating a breathtaking scene to end the day.

In the morning, drive to Zhangye and visit the Giant Buddha Temple, home to the largest clay reclining Buddha in China, measuring 34.5 meters (113 feet) long. This China Silk Road landmark also houses ancient murals and scriptures, offering insights into the region’s rich cultural history.

Afterward, take a 2.5-hour drive to Jiayuguan, the city marking the western end of the Ming Dynasty Great Wall. Visit Jiayuguan Pass, one of the best-preserved Great Wall fortresses, built in the 14th century as a key Silk Road defense station. Walk along its ramparts and turrets, soaking in the historical significance of this strategic gateway.

Next, explore the Wei-Jin Tombs, often called the "Underground Art Gallery" for their well-preserved frescoes from the Wei and Jin dynasties (220–420 AD). These 1,800-year-old murals vividly depict daily life, culture, and traditions of ancient China, offering a rare glimpse into the past. Stay overnight at Jiayuguan.

Set off early in the morning for Dunhuang, making a stop at the Yulin Grottoes, a hidden gem in the Gobi Desert. Known as the "Sister Caves" of the Mogao Grottoes, these caves house stunning Buddhist murals dating back over 1,000 years, depicting Silk Road influences, Buddhist legends, and daily life from ancient China. Spend some time exploring the intricate artwork before continuing your journey to Dunhuang.

Once you arrive in Dunhuang, check into your hotel and take some time to relax. In the evening, you might consider to explore the Shazhou Night Market, a lively hub where you can try local snacks, browse handcrafted souvenirs, and experience the charm of this historic Silk Road town.

For those looking to dive deeper into Dunhuang’s cultural heritage, consider watching a performance at the Dunhuang Theater. The show, often featuring the "Dunhuang Grand Ceremony", brings ancient Silk Road stories to life through breathtaking dance, music, and stunning visual effects—an experience not to be missed.

In the morning, visit the Mogao Grottoes, also known as the Caves of a Thousand Buddhas. This remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Site is located on the ancient Silk Road and holds immense historical and cultural significance. The Mogao Grottoes feature a network of 492 temples, adorned with intricate sculptures, murals, and Buddhist artwork spanning over a thousand years. During your visit, you will enjoy a 40-minute 4D movie that showcases the development of the grottoes, followed by exploration of the 8 main caves with your local guide.

In the afternoon head to the Echoing Sand Mountains (The Mingsha Sand Dunes), renowned for the melodic sounds produced when even a gentle breeze passes through the dunes. Here you will be arranged to have a camel riding to add a touch of adventure to your Silk road tour, you can also engage in activities like sand sliding, immersing yourself in the unique desert experience. 

Afterward walk to the enchanting Crescent Lake, named for its distinctive half-moon shape. Marvel at the crystal-clear waters and savor the tranquil ambiance of this oasis in the desert.

Spend the morning exploring Dunhuang at your own pace, or opt for a visit to the Dunhuang Museum, where you can learn more about the region’s Silk Road history and cultural heritage.

In the afternoon, drive to Liuyuan Railway Station to board a bullet train to Turpan, another lush oasis along the ancient Silk Road. Upon arrival, your guide will pick you up and transfer you to your hotel. Stay overnight at Turpan.

Spend the day exploring Turpan’s rich Silk Road heritage. Start with a visit to the Gaochang Ruins, once a thriving Buddhist kingdom, now a site of ancient city walls and temples whispering stories of its past. Next, visit the Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves, where 1,000-year-old murals carved into the Flaming Mountains reveal a blend of Chinese, Indian, Persian, and Uyghur influences.

For lunch, head to Tuyuk Valley, a traditional Uyghur village, and enjoy a local meal in a peaceful desert setting. On your way back, drive past the Flaming Mountains, their fiery red glow immortalized in "Journey to the West." End the day at the Jiaohe Ruins, a 2,000-year-old earthen city, where well-preserved ancient streets and buildings offer a glimpse into a bygone era.

Stay overnight at Turpan.

Begin your morning with a visit to the Karez underground irrigation system, an ingenious ancient water network that has kept Turpan’s desert landscape thriving for centuries. This system of underground canals, wells, and reservoirs channels glacier meltwater from the Tianshan Mountains, turning this arid region into a fertile oasis.

Next, head to the Emin Minaret (Sugong Tower), China’s tallest minaret, standing at 44 meters (144 feet). Built in 1777, this architectural gem combines Uyghur and Islamic influences, with intricate brickwork that tells the story of Turpan’s rich cultural heritage.

After lunch, drive 2.5 to 3 hours to Urumqi, the capital of Xinjiang and the most inland major city in the world. Once you arrive, check into your hotel and take some time to relax and freshen up.

In the evening, if you're in the mood to explore, head to the Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar, a lively market filled with local flavors, handcrafted goods, and rich Silk Road culture. Stroll through the bustling streets, sample Uyghur specialties, browse unique souvenirs, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere.

This morning, drive approximately 1.5 hours east from Urumqi to visit the beautiful Heavenly Lake (Tianchi), nestled high in the Tianshan Mountains. Surrounded by lush forests and snow-capped peaks, this alpine lake offers a peaceful atmosphere to relax, breathe fresh mountain air, and admire spectacular views.

Upon arrival, take a scenic 40-minute shuttle bus ride along winding mountain roads up to a station near the lake. From there, it’s a short walk to the lakeside, where you can choose to enjoy an optional boat ride (additional fee) or hike along the lake to various scenic viewpoints. If you wish, you can also take an optional cable car ride to Maya Mountain for an incredible view of Bogda Peak (additional fee).

In the late afternoon, return to Urumqi and visit the Xinjiang Museum, home to more than 50,000 artifacts showcasing the region’s rich Silk Road history and diverse ethnic cultures. A highlight here is the famous Tarim Basin Mummies, dating back over 3,800 years, offering rare insights into the ancient civilizations of Xinjiang.

This is where we say goodbye. You'll be transported and on your way back home with memories to last a lifetime!