12 Days Ancient China Silk Road Tour from Xian to Urumqi

Day-by-day Itinerary

1. Day 1: Xian Arrival & Xian City Tour
   Explore Historic Landmark and Authentic Snacks

   When you arrive at Xian airport (please arrive before 3 pm), the local English-speaking guide and the driver will pick you up from the exit gate.

   Drive 1h to Xian City, and start your Silk Road tour with the Xian Ancient City Wall. Encircling the heart of Xian, the wall is a testament to ancient fortification prowess, dating back to the Ming Dynasty. Spanning 13.7 kilometers, it stands as one of the best-preserved city walls in the world. Visitors can stroll or bike (optional, at your own expense) along its parapets, offering panoramic views of the city and its historic landmarks.

   

   Later, move on to the Bell and Drum Tower Square, which is located in the very center of the city and is considered the symbol of this old capital. Walking forward, you will explore the narrow winding streets of the Muslim Quarter. As you wander through the lively streets, you'll encounter a mix of traditional craftsmanship, vibrant street performances, and the warm hospitality of the locals. Also entertain your taste buds with iconic Shaanxi food like Lamb Paomo (Pieces of Flat-bread Bun Soaked in Mutton Soup), Hulu Ji (Gourd-shaped Chicken), etc.

   Meal: N/A

   Accommodation: in Xian

2. Day 2: Xian to Lanzhou by Train
   Marvel at the Thousand of Life-sized Clay Soldiers

   After one hour's drive from the city center, you will arrive at the Terracotta Warriors, an archaeological marvel housing thousands of life-sized clay soldiers, horses, and chariots. When exploring isitors can explore this UNESCO World Heritage site, you will discover that every soldier shows a distinct expression. You will stay in the museum for 2-3 hours.

   

   After lunch, you will head to the train station for 3hrs high-speed train to Lanzhou. Upon your arrival at Lanzhou train station, the local English-speaking tour guide will welcome you at the exit gate by holding a welcome board.

   After a short rest in your hotel, follow your guide to visit the Yellow River Custom Tourist Line - one of the longest riverside gardens in China stretching along the Yellow River. A leisure stroll here will introduce you to a series of folk culture-themed sites, including Zhongshan Iron Bridge, White Pagoda Hill Park, Waterwheel Park, Yellow River Mother Sculpture, sheepskin raft, etc.

   Meal: Breakfast

   Accommodation: in Lanzhou

3. Day 3: Lanzhou to Xiahe Tour by Van 3.5hrs driving
   Take a Speedboat to Admire the Giant Statues with Vivid Shapes

   At around 9 am, the English-speaking tour guide will meet you at the hotel lobby, and drive 75 km southwest of Lanzhou to Binglingsi Grottoes. You will be taking a boat to cruise along Liujiaxia Gorge to arrive at the grottoes. Cruising along the green river, you could enjoy the mountains and grottoes in the distance. You can admire the giant statues with vivid shapes and wall paintings in bright colors.

   

   Travel Tips:

   • Additional fees will be charged for visiting the special caves of Bingling Temple.
   • Bingling Temple is located in a remote mountainous area and visitors can only reach it by water via the Liu Jia Gorge Dam.

   Meal: Breakfast

   Accommodation: in Xiahe

4. Day 4: Xiahe Tour Back to Lanzhou by Van 3.5hrs driving
   Experience the Tibetan Buddhism of Labrang Monastery

   In the morning, your Silk Road tour takes you to explore the Labrang Monastery, one of the "Six Great Monasteries of Tibetan Buddhism Gelug Sect". It is a famous Tibetan Buddhist college with the best complete teaching system of Tibetan Buddhism and the longest corridor of turning scriptures in the world. You can see the daily rituals, explore the intricate murals...

   

   After lunch, visit the Sangke Grassland halfway. This undulating grassland is surrounded by majestic mountains. You will see herds of yaks and sheep grazing freely on the grassland, adorned with colorful wildflowers.

   Meal: Breakfast

   Accommodation: in Lanzhou

5. Day 5: Lanzhou to Zhangye Tour by Train
   Appreciate Well-preserved Murals from Northern Wei Dynasty

   This morning, the driver will pick you up from the hotel and head to Lanzhou train station for your morning train to Zhangye.

   Arrive in Zhangye, meet with local tour guide, and continue to visit the Matisi Grottoes, which consist of Buddhist caves and temples carved on cliffs. These ancient grottoes can be traced back to the Northern Wei Dynasty (386-534), blending the art styles of India, Persia, and Central Asia. You will be led to appreciate well preserved murals, exquisite sculptures, and learn about unique architectural features.

   Meal: Breakfast

   Accommodation: in Zhangye

   

6. Day 6: Zhangye Tour
   Witness the Colors of Rainbow Mountain in Zhangye Danxia Park

   After hotel breakfast, you will visit Zhangye Giant Buddhist Temple. Built in the Western Xia Dynasty, the Buddhist Temple survived the vicissitudes and stood on the Silk Road for 900 years. There is a gigantic sleeping Buddha statue of Sakyamuni, the largest scale in Asia inside the temple, hence the name. The beautiful woodcarving, paintings, and statues as well as the underlying culture and history impress travelers a lot.

   Afterwards, we arrive at the climax of this Silk Road tour - Zhangye Danxia National Geopark. You will visit the Rainbow Mountain Scenic Area, which is highly sought after by photographers for its colorful mountains. The hillside presents a series of colors, like a painter's palette. Under the sunrise or sunset, the color of the mountains will change, like a rainbow falling into the mortal world.

   Meal: Breakfast

   Accommodation: in Zhangye

   

7. Day 7: Zhangye to Jiayuguan Tour by Van 2-2.5hrs driving
   Explore Ancient Fortress and Significant Section of the Great Wall

   In today's Silk Road tour, you will be transferred to Jiayuguan Pass, aka Jiayuguan Fort. Located at the western end of the Ming Great Wall, the Pass has stood for thousands of years and witnessed countless histories. The wall is lofty and the arrow towers stand tall, as if telling visitors about the past splendor and the baptism of war. Located 8 kilometers north of Jiayuguan Fort, Overhanging Great Wall, an important part of the ancient military defense system, seems to be hanging upside down in the air.

   

   Next is the Weijin Tombs. Under the yellow sand, there are about 1,400 ancient tombs buried in the dark desert, and now only 6 tombs are open to the public. You will see these brightly colored paintings, most of which depict the lives of literati during the Wei and Jin dynasties (220-420).

   Meal: Breakfast

   Accommodation: in Jiayuguan

   

8. Day 8: Jiayuguan to Dunhuang Tour by Van 4-5hrs driving
   Enjoy an Optional Activity at Echoing-Sand Mountain

   After breakfast, drive around 4-5 hours to Dunhuang. You can enjoy the Gobi scapes on the way. In the afternoon when the weather is relatively cool, we go to Crescent Spring and Echo Sand Mountain. Here, a crescent shaped spring and towering sand dunes coexist harmoniously. Tourists can climb up the sand dunes to enjoy the panoramic view, enjoy the fun of sand skating, and ride camels. There are also other entertainment options available in the desert, such as desert off-road vehicles. If you are interested, you can experience it on-site at your own expense.

   

   Afterwards, we head to the Shazhou Night Market. Opened after sunset, it attracts numerous tourists with local specialties and a variety of handicrafts. You can enjoy street snacks to your heart's content, from delicious grilled meat skewers to traditional desserts. You can also choose a few craft ornaments as souvenirs.

   Last, transfer to Dunhuang City overnight.

   Meal: Breakfast

   Accommodation: in Dunhuang

9. Day 9: Dunhuang Tour to Turpan by Train
   Gain an Insight into the Buddhist Grotto Art

   In the morning, your Silk Road tour in Dunhuang takes you to visit the stunning Mogao Caves, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, you will see a large amount of Buddhist cave art - statues dating back over a thousand years and exquisite murals. During the exploration of the cave, your guide will provide you with in-depth explanations of the ancient Silk Road culture and how Buddhism influenced the art of the region.

   

   In the afternoon, you will head Dunhuang Liuyuan Train Station to catch the afternoon high-speed train to Turpan. You can have a nap on the train since it needs a 3.5-hour train ride. Upon arrival in Turpan, the local driver is waiting for you at the exit gate holding a welcome board. Later, drive to the local hotel.

   Meal: Breakfast

   Accommodation: in Turpan

10. Day 10: Turpan Tour to Heavenly Lake by Van 3.5hrs driving
    Visit the Ancient Ruin and Remarkable Irrigation System

    Today the first site will be Karez Well, an underground irrigation system created by ancient Xinjiang people. This project can be called the source of life for the arid northwestern region. Later, move on to Sugong Pagoda. You will witness this typical Islamic architecture with the largest scale among all pagodas in Xinjiang.

    

    Next, come to Tuyu Valley. It is the oldest Uyghur village in Xinjiang and a nice place to soak up Buddhist and Islamic culture. Afterwards, continue your visit to Jiaohe Ruins, the largest, oldest and best-preserved raw-soil building in the world with a history of more than 2,000 years. You will wander around this ancient city stepping back in time to trace past civilizations.

    At the end of the tour, you will head to Urumqi by 3.5 hours driving.

    Meal: Breakfast

    Accommodation: in Urumqi

    

11. Day 11: Heavenly Lake to Urumqi Tour
    Explore Breathtaking Landscapes and Vibrant Local Culture

    After breakfast at the hotel, drive for about 1.5 hours to Heavenly Lake. You will be amazed by such beautiful scenes - majestic mountains surrounding high mountain lakes and crystal clear seawater reflecting off snow capped peaks. Here, tourists are provided with the opportunity to enjoy a cruise for another perspective. (Note: Cruise on the lake is an optional activity, and if you want to experience it, you will be responsible for the cost.)

    

    Afterwards, head to Hongshan Park, also called Red Hill Park. This park is named after its striking red hills. You can climb up to the Red Mountain Pagoda at the top of the mountain and enjoy a panoramic view of the city there. Peaceful paths, vibrant gardens, serene lakes... Hongshan Park is a picturesque vacation destination.

    Driving back to Urumqi city, your guide takes you to explore the interesting evening scenery in Xinjiang International Bazaar. It's one of the bazaars with the largest scale in the world with a strong Islam flavor in its buildings. The dazzling array of goods and the exhilarating cries of sales make people feel as if they have traveled through time and space to the ancient Silk Road and caught a glimpse of the prosperous trades between different nations.

    At the end of the visit, transfer back to your hotel.

    Meal: Breakfast

    Accommodation: in Urumqi

    

12. Day 12: Departure from Urumqi

    The 12 day China Silk Road group tour ends today. We will arrange an airport transfer service for you and wish you a safe and pleasant journey! If you want to explore other destinations in Xinjiang or other cities in China, we are happy to help you plan further adventures!

    Meal: Breakfast

    Accommodation: N/A