14 days Classic Silk Road Tour from Xi’an to Urumqi

You'll arrive in gorgeous Xi'an, one of the ancient capitals in Chinese history and also the starting point and terminus of the ancient Silk Road. You'll be picked up at the Xi'an airport or train station and dropped off at your to hotel to rest up.

Morning head out to one of China’s most iconic sites—the Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum. Often called the “eighth wonder of the world,” this vast underground army was built over 2,000 years ago to protect Emperor Qin Shi Huang in the afterlife. You’ll explore the impressive excavation pits and even have a chance to create your own mini warrior figure in a hands-on clay workshop (optional, extra fee applied).

In the afternoon, return to the city and explore the Xi’an City Wall. This massive structure is the most complete ancient wall in China, and a walk or bike ride along the top offers great views and a feel for Xi’an’s deep history.

Later in the afternoon, visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, a peaceful Tang Dynasty landmark built to hold Buddhist scriptures brought back from India. It’s a lovely place to slow down and take in the spiritual side of China Silk Road.

In the evening, you might consider to wander through Datang Everbright City, also known as Datang Sleepless City, a lively area full of Tang-style buildings, glowing lanterns, street performances, and local snacks.

Your day begins with a scenic bullet train ride to Tianshui, a historic Silk Road town nestled along the Wei River. The journey takes about two hours and brings you into the foothills of Gansu Province, where history and nature meet.

Once in Tianshui, you’ll head straight to the breathtaking Maijishan Grottoes. Carved into a vertical cliff, these caves are connected by narrow wooden walkways that hug the rock face. Inside, you’ll find hundreds of colorful Buddhist statues and frescoes—some over 1,500 years old—quietly watching over the valley below. The setting is dramatic, peaceful, and deeply moving.

In the late afternoon, take another high-speed train for the 1.5-hour ride to Lanzhou, one of the major cities along the ancient China Silk Road. After arriving, you’ll have some free time to explore the city at your own pace. If you’re up for a taste of local life, head to Zhengning Night Market, where you can sample a variety of regional snacks and street food.

Today begins with a drive from Lanzhou to Liujiaxia Reservoir (about 2 hours). From the dam, you’ll take a fast boat and cruise through dramatic canyon landscapes to reach the Bingling Grottoes, an impressive grotto complex carved into the cliffs above the Yellow River. First created around 420 AD during the Western Qin period, these caves feature over 180 niches and statues, offering a fascinating glimpse into ancient Buddhist art and culture that once flourished along the China Silk Road.

Afterward, return by boat and enjoy lunch nearby. Then continue the drive to Xiahe (approximately 3 hours), a Tibetan-influenced town nestled in the mountains of southern Gansu. Check in to your hotel and rest up for tomorrow’s cultural exploration.

This morning, visit the renowned Labrang Monastery, one of the six great monasteries of the Gelugpa (Yellow Hat) sect of Tibetan Buddhism. As you explore its grand prayer halls, libraries, golden stupas, and the Thangka Sunning Terrace, you'll gain a deeper understanding of Tibetan monastic life. Be sure to walk part of the 3-kilometer-long prayer wheel corridor, one of the longest in the world!

Next, take a short 20-minute drive to Sangke Grassland, where the vast alpine meadows meet traditional Tibetan nomadic culture. If weather allows, you’ll have the chance to visit a local nomad Tibetan family, sip freshly brewed milk tea, try on traditional attire, and taste hand-pulled mutton. In summer, the grassland is especially beautiful, covered in wildflowers.

In the late afternoon, return to Lanzhou (about 3.5 hours). Upon arrival, check in and stay overnight.

Take a morning high-speed train from Lanzhou to Zhangye, a comfortable journey of about three hours. You’ll arrive around 11 a.m., where your local guide will meet you at the station and take you directly to Zhangye Danxia National Geopark, also known as the Rainbow Mountains.

Formed over millions of years by wind and rain, these colorful sandstone formations stretch across the horizon in waves of red, yellow, and white. It's one of China’s most striking natural landscapes.

You’ll spend the afternoon exploring the park’s five scenic viewing platforms, each offering a different perspective of this surreal terrain. Shuttle buses make it easy to travel between viewpoints at your own pace.

As the day comes to an end, head to Viewing Platform No. 4, which is considered the best place to catch the sunset. Arriving a bit early ensures a great spot as the setting sun lights up the hills with warm golden tones.

After sunset, return to Zhangye for the night.

Begin your day with a visit to Zhangye’s Giant Buddha Temple, where you’ll see one of the most remarkable religious artworks along the Silk Road. Inside the temple rests a massive reclining Buddha, measuring 34.5 meters in length and 7.5 meters in width. It is considered the largest indoor clay Buddha in China and offers a peaceful and impressive start to your day.

After the visit, drive about 2.5 hours to Jiayuguan, the westernmost outpost of the Ming-era Great Wall of China. Once there, you’ll explore the Jiayuguan Pass, one of the most iconic and best-preserved sections of the wall. This fortress once marked the edge of imperial China and played a vital role in guarding the Silk Road trade routes.

In the afternoon, continue to the Weijin Tombs, an ancient underground complex from the Wei and Jin dynasties. These tombs are known for their well-preserved brick murals, which vividly portray scenes of everyday life, fashion, and customs from more than 1,500 years ago. It’s a unique and insightful glimpse into China’s rich cultural history.

After the tour, head to your hotel in Jiayuguan for the night.

Set out early this morning for the drive from Jiayuguan to Dunhuang, a journey of about six hours. On the way, you’ll make a detour to visit the Yulin Grottoes, often called the sister site to the Mogao Caves.

Hidden in a quiet canyon near Guazhou, these caves are filled with vibrant murals and statues that span over a thousand years. The artwork offers a vivid glimpse into ancient Buddhist culture and life along the Silk Road. Note that entry often requires advance booking, and photography inside is not allowed.

After your visit, continue on to Dunhuang, arriving by late afternoon. In the evening, you can relax at the Shazhou Night Market, sampling local snacks and browsing handmade crafts. Or, if you prefer, enjoy the Silk Road Show - Ancient Sound of Dunhuang at the Dunhuang Theater, where dancers bring Silk Road stories to life in a stunning cultural show.

Begin the day with a visit to the iconic Mogao Grottoes, also known as the Caves of a Thousand Buddhas. These ancient cave temples house beautiful murals and statues, many over 1,500 years old. Your visit starts at the Mogao Visitor Center, where two short films introduce the site's history before a shuttle takes you to explore several of the most impressive caves with a guide.

In the afternoon, head to the Echoing Sand Mountains, where the dunes produce a soft, humming sound in the wind. Enjoy a camel ride across the sands and try fun desert activities like sand sliding (available for a small extra fee).

End the day at Crescent Lake, a peaceful desert oasis shaped like a half moon. It’s a perfect spot to relax and take in the sunset before heading back to Dunhuang for the night.

After breakfast, you'll head out for a half-day adventure into the wild Gobi Desert, where history and sweeping landscapes come together. Drive about 100 kilometers west of Dunhuang to visit Yumen Pass (Jade Gate Pass), once a vital military outpost and trading gateway on the ancient Silk Road. It was through this pass that jade and other goods from the West entered China, giving the site its name and strategic importance.

Just a short drive away, explore the ruins of the Han Dynasty Great Wall, built over 2,000 years ago to defend against nomadic tribes such as the Xiongnu. Though worn by centuries of wind and sand, the wall still winds through the desert, offering a powerful glimpse into China’s ancient frontier defenses.

After your visit, return to Dunhuang and continue on to Liuyuan, where you will board a high-speed bullet train to Turpan, continuing your journey along the legendary Silk Road.

After breakfast, set off to explore the highlights of Turpan, a key hub along the ancient Silk Road. Your first stop is the Gaochang Ruins, once a thriving desert city that welcomed travelers, traders, and monks from across Central Asia. Though long abandoned, its city walls and temple remains still tell stories of its past glory.

Continue to the Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves, tucked into the cliffs of the Flaming Mountains. These ancient grottoes are filled with colorful murals dating back over a thousand years, reflecting the rich Buddhist heritage of the region.

Midday, enjoy a traditional Uyghur lunch in the quiet village of Tuyuk Valley, where mud-brick homes and grapevines create a peaceful backdrop. On your way back to Turpan, you’ll pass the Flaming Mountain, known for its glowing red slopes and extreme summer heat.

End the day at the Jiaohe Ruins, the world’s largest and best-preserved earthen city. Perched on a natural plateau between two rivers, this ancient site dates back over 2,000 years and offers an unforgettable glimpse into Turpan’s distant past. Return to the city for an overnight stay.

Start the morning with a visit to the ancient Karez underground irrigation system, a remarkable network of canals, wells, and tunnels that has supplied water to Turpan for centuries. Spanning a total length of around 5,000 kilometers, it remains one of China’s great engineering achievements.

Next, explore the Emin Minaret, the tallest minaret in China at 44 meters (144 feet). Built in the 18th century, this beautifully preserved tower is a symbol of Turpan’s Uyghur heritage.

After lunch, drive about 2.5 to 3 hours through the countryside to Urumqi, the world’s most inland city. Once there, you can relax or take a walk through the bustling Xinjiang Grand Bazaar, a great place to experience local culture, sample regional snacks, and browse unique handicrafts.

This morning, drive about 1.5 hours to visit the breathtaking Heavenly Lake (Tianchi), set high in the Tianshan Mountains. Surrounded by evergreen forests and snow-capped peaks, the lake offers a peaceful escape and stunning alpine scenery.

Upon arrival, take a 40-minute scenic shuttle ride along winding mountain roads to reach the lakeside area. From there, it’s a short walk to the lake, where you can choose to enjoy an optional boat ride or hike along the shore to enjoy panoramic viewpoints. For even more dramatic views, you may take the cable car to Maya Mountain (optional, additional fee), offering sweeping vistas of Bogda Peak, the highest mountain in the eastern Tianshan range.

In the late afternoon, return to Urumqi and visit the Xinjiang Regional Museum (closed on Mondays), known for its extensive exhibits on Silk Road history, local ethnic cultures, and the remarkable Tarim Basin mummies dating back more than 3,800 years.

Today marks the end of your Silk Road adventure. After breakfast, you'll be transferred to the airport or train station for your journey home. We hope you leave with unforgettable memories and a deeper appreciation of the history, culture, and beauty of Xinjiang. Safe travels and farewell!