Experience the highlights of China’s Silk Road in 14 days, traveling from Xi’an to Kashgar through Tianshui, Lanzhou, Zhangye, Jiayuguan, Dunhuang and Turpan, before continuing into the spectacular Pamirs.
From USD 3,581 per person
Based on 2 travelers in low season
Arrive in Xi’an, the eastern starting point of the ancient Silk Road and one of China’s great historic capitals.
Your driver will meet you at the airport or train station and transfer you to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax or explore Xi’an at your own pace.
Stay overnight in Xi’an.
Begin with a visit to the Terracotta Warriors, where thousands of life-size soldiers, horses and chariots were created to guard the tomb of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang.
Return to the city and visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, an important Buddhist landmark closely connected with the transmission of Buddhism along the Silk Road.
Later, explore the Xi’an City Wall, one of the best-preserved ancient city walls in China. Walk along the top or enjoy an optional bicycle ride for views across the old and modern city.
In the evening, you may explore the lively Muslim Quarter or visit Datang Everbright City.
Take a morning high-speed train from Xi’an to Tianshui (about 1.5 hours), an important historic city along the eastern section of the Silk Road.
Visit the Maijishan Grottoes, a remarkable collection of Buddhist caves carved into a steep cliff face. Walk along the elevated pathways to see sculptures and murals created over many centuries.
Continue to Fuxi Temple, dedicated to Fuxi, a legendary figure regarded as one of the ancestors of Chinese civilization.
Later, take a high-speed train from Tianshui to Lanzhou (about 1.5 hours). Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel.
Travel from Lanzhou to Liujiaxia Reservoir (about 2–2.5 hours). From the reservoir, continue by boat through the Yellow River canyon to Bingling Temple, a remarkable complex of Buddhist grottoes carved into the cliffs.
Explore the grottoes and see Buddhist sculptures and murals created over many centuries, reflecting the spread of Buddhist art along the ancient Silk Road.
After the visit, return to Lanzhou. Visit the Yellow River waterfront and Zhongshan Iron Bridge, one of Lanzhou’s best-known landmarks.
In the evening, you may visit Zhengning Road Night Market to sample local snacks, or enjoy a bowl of Lanzhou’s famous hand-pulled beef noodles at one of the local noodle restaurants.
Take a morning high-speed train from Lanzhou to Zhangye (about 2–3 hours), an important city along the ancient Silk Road’s Hexi Corridor.
Upon arrival, visit the Zhangye Giant Buddha Temple, home to a 34.5-meter-long reclining clay Buddha and a collection of ancient Buddhist scriptures and cultural relics.
Later, drive to visit Zhangye Danxia National Geopark, also known as the Rainbow Mountains. Explore the viewing platforms to see its striking layers of red, orange and yellow sandstone. Late afternoon offers some of the best light for viewing the colorful landscape.
Stay overnight in Zhangye.
Drive west from Zhangye to Jiayuguan (about 2.5 hours) along the Hexi Corridor.
Visit Jiayuguan Pass, the imposing Ming Dynasty fortress traditionally regarded as the western end of the Great Wall. Surrounded by the Gobi landscape, the fortress once guarded an important passage along the Silk Road.
Continue to the Wei-Jin Tombs, an underground complex of over 1,400 ancient tombs from the 3rd to 5th centuries, known for its well-preserved murals that bring early Chinese life and customs to vivid life.
End your day by visiting the Overhanging Great Wall (Xuanbi Great Wall), dramatically built along a steep ridge and offering one of the most scenic spots on the Great Wall.
Stay overnight in Jiayuguan.
Drive from Jiayuguan to Dunhuang (about 4–5 hours) through the vast Gobi landscape to one of the most famous oasis cities along the ancient Silk Road.
In the afternoon, visit Echoing Sand Mountain and Crescent Lake. Walk among the towering dunes, enjoy camel ride and see Crescent Lake, a small oasis surrounded by the desert.
In the evening, explore Shazhou Night Market for local food and handicrafts, or enjoy the Ancient Sound of Dunhuang evening show (optional).
Stay overnight in Dunhuang.
Begin at the Mogao Digital Exhibition Center for an introduction to the history and art of the Mogao Grottoes. Then take the official shuttle to the Mogao Grottoes, one of the great artistic treasures of the Silk Road.
Explore a selection of caves with a site guide and see Buddhist murals and sculptures created over many centuries.
Later, drive from Dunhuang to Liuyuan Railway Station (about 1.5 hours) and take a late-afternoon high-speed train to Turpan (about 3.5 hours).
Upon arrival, meet your local guide and transfer to your hotel. If time allows, you may explore a local night market.
Spend the day exploring Turpan, one of the most important oasis regions along China’s Silk Road.
Visit Tuyuk Village, a traditional Uyghur village surrounded by vineyards and the landscapes of the Flaming Mountains, and enjoy a traditional Uyghur lunch.
Continue to the Karez underground irrigation system and Emin Minaret before exploring the Jiaohe Ruins, an ancient city built on a natural plateau between two river valleys.
Later, drive from Turpan to Urumqi (about 2.5–3 hours). In the evening, you may explore the Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar.
Stay overnight in Urumqi.
Travel to Heavenly Lake (about 1.5–2 hours from Urumqi), a beautiful alpine lake in the Tianshan Mountains. Enjoy views of the blue lake surrounded by forested slopes and mountain peaks.
Return to Urumqi and visit the Xinjiang Museum, home to archaeological finds and cultural exhibits introducing the history and peoples of the region.
Later, transfer to the airport and fly from Urumqi to Kashgar (about 2 hours). Upon arrival, meet your local guide and transfer to your hotel.
Spend the day exploring Kashgar, one of the most important trading cities along the ancient Silk Road and a center of Uyghur culture.
Begin in Kashgar Old City, wandering through its lively lanes lined with traditional homes, small shops and artisan workshops. Visit Id Kah Mosque, one of the largest mosques in China, then continue along Handicraft Street, where local craftsmen produce copperware, woodwork and other traditional items.
Take a break at the Century-old Tea House to enjoy local tea and nang bread while experiencing the relaxed atmosphere of the Old City.
Later, explore Kashgar Bazaar, filled with spices, dried fruits, clothing, handicrafts and local products. If your visit falls on a Sunday, you may also visit the lively Sunday Livestock Market.
Stay overnight in Kashgar.
Travel from Kashgar to Tashkorgan along the spectacular Karakoram Highway (about 5–6 hours dirve), climbing from the Kashgar oasis into the Pamir Plateau.
Stop at Upal Village before continuing past the dramatic Oytagh Red Mountain to Baisha Lake, where white sand mountains rise beside the turquoise water.
Continue to Karakul Lake (about 3,600 m), surrounded by the snow-covered peaks of the Pamirs. On clear days, enjoy impressive views of Muztagh Ata (7,546 m) and its reflection in the lake.
Continue through the mountain scenery to Tashkorgan. In the evening, you may try the local yak meat hot pot.
Stay overnight in Tashkorgan.
In the morning, visit the Tashkorgan Stone Fortress, an ancient fortified site that once stood at an important crossroads along the Silk Road through the Pamirs. Explore the ruins and enjoy wide views across the Tashkorgan Valley and surrounding mountains.
Continue through the nearby Golden Grassland, walking along the wetland boardwalks with views of the fortress, grasslands and snowcapped Pamir Mountains.
Afterward, drive back to Kashgar along the Karakoram Highway (about 5–6 hours), enjoying the mountain scenery along the way.
Stay overnight in Kashgar.
Your 2 week China Silk Road journey comes to an end today. Your guide and driver will transfer you to Kashgar airport or train station for your onward journey. End the travel with WindhorseTour.
1 question
Hi there, We are a group of 4 friends and I am hoping to organise a tour for April 2026.I am looking at your Silk Road tours, namely the 15 days from Xian. Could you give an example of the hotels you use please ? We like charming, traditional establishments if available. And also is breakfast included (I couldn’t see any meals included)
Thank you kindly Christina
Dear Christina,
Thank you for your inquiry. This is Sylvia from WindhorseTour responding to you.
For accommodations, we arrange a range of 3–5 star hotels. In major cities such as Xi’an, we can usually offer charming, traditional hotels with unique local character. However, in more remote areas like Gansu and Xinjiang, accommodation options tend to be more basic, and distinctive guesthouses are rare. In these areas, we arrange comfortable standard hotels.
Breakfast is included daily at the hotels. Lunch and dinner are generally not included, allowing you the flexibility to explore local cuisine at your own pace. Your guide will be happy to recommend authentic dining options along the way.
I’ve sent you a detailed itinerary and quotation via email. Please review the details and let me know if you have any further questions.
Best regards,
Sylvia
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Xi’an to Kashgar Silk Road Tour
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