15 Days Silk Road Tour: Xian-Gansu-Yinchuan-Qinghai-Xinjiang

Day-by-day Itinerary

1. Day 1: Xian Arrival

   The Silk Road is an epic in the history of human civilization. And Xi'an is the eastern starting point and source of the ancient Silk Road, witnessing the opening, development, prosperity, and heyday of the east-west passage.

   Upon your arrival at Xian airport/train station, the local driver will pick you up and transfer you to a local hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is free for you to explore the ancient capital of 13 dynasties.

   Meal: N/A

   Accommodation: Overnight in Xian

2. Day 2: Xian to Tianshui Tour by High-speed Train
   Visit One of the "Four Great Grottoes in China"

   In the morning, your Xian driver will pick you up from the downtown hotel and drop you off at Xian North Train Station to catch the high-speed train to Tianshui. The train rides for around 1.5-2 hours.

   Upon arrival, meet your local English-speaking guide and begin your Silk Road tour in Tianshui at the Maiji Grottoes, one of the four great grottoes in China, famous for its Danxia landform and exquisite sculptures. There are 221 existing niches and over 7,000 clay and stone sculptures, known as the "Oriental Sculpture Exhibition Hall". Walk along the overhead walkway and feel the charm of thousands of years of art.

   

   Later, you will be transferred to Fuxi Temple, the earliest and best-preserved ancestral temple complex. Stepping into the entrance, be enchanted by the dense atmosphere of ancient Chinese culture from the old temples, trees, and statues which soon drags you to a world filled with mysterious tales of Fuxi and his time when Chinese civilization started. The vivid commentary from your guide about this great man will help you better understand the origin of the Chinese nation.

   After the visit, drive you to a local hotel for check-in.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: Overnight in Tianshui

3. Day 3: Tianshui to Lanzhou Tour
   Stroll to see Lanzhou's Yellow River Sights

   After breakfast, pack your luggage and check out. We will drive for about 4 hours to Lanzhou. Boasting a history of over 2,200 years since its establishment, Lanzhou enjoys the reputation of being a "key town on the Silk Road" and a "pearl of the Yellow River".

   After lunch, meet your Lanzhou tour guide and take a walk along the Huanghe River Custom Tourist Line. This is the core scenic area of Lanzhou City, with a total length of 40 kilometers. With the Iron Bridge as the central axis, you will enjoy nearly 30 scenic spots, such as the Yellow River Mother Sculpture and the Waterwheel Park.

   In addition, you can experience projects such as sheepskin rafts and Yellow River Cable Car at your own expense to experience the unique charm of Yellow River culture.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: Overnight in Lanzhou

   

4. Day 4: Lanzhou to Zhongwei Tour by High-speed Train
   Experience Various Activities of Amusement at Shapotou

   Today, you will take a high-speed train for about 2 hours to travel to Zhongwei. After arrival, the local tour guide will take you to visit Shapotou, which is a complete paradise in Tengger Desert, with so many titles: AAAAA National Tourist Attraction, National Ecological Preservation Area, Global 500 Environmental Protection Unit…

   Not featuring a single landscape, Shapotou incredibly collects the sights of the desert, Yellow River, hills, and oasis, satisfying visitors with both Chinese southern and northern style beauty. The highlights at Shapotou are the activities of amusement, including sheepskin rafts and speed boats on the Yellow River, glass bridge, sand sliding, desert surfer, camel riding…

   A warm notice for you regarding your visit here: a hat, sunglasses, sun cream or things like that are suggested as it's hot.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: Overnight in Zhongwei

   

5. Day 5: Zhongwei to Yinchuan Tour
   Explore the Ancient Relics in Qingtongxia

   Today, your Silk Road tour continues to Qingtongxia City where the Qingtongxia Dam is located, the second hydraulic project on the Yellow River. The site to visit here is the 108 Pagodas, a large-scale pagoda group of Western Xia time.

   It is believed in Buddhism that people are suffering from 108 troubles, chanting scriptures 108 times or wearing 108 Buddha beads helps to get rid of the annoying troubles. So, the local people think that you will get the troubles removed and receive fortune as long as you pray at the 108 Pagodas. Interesting, right?

   Next, move on to visit the Shuidonggou Site which is the earliest unearthed cultural relics of the Old Stone Age, famed as the "Cradle of China's Prehistoric Archaeology". Here you can visit the best-preserved Great Wall with a stereoscopic military defense system to trace back the Ming Dynasty's history. Besides, there are interesting activities provided, like bamboo rafts, sand-surfing, camel carriages and so on which are optional.

   Last, transfer to Yinchuan for an overnight stay.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: Overnight in Yinchuan

   

    

6. Day 6: Best Yinchuan Tour
   Discover the Largest Existing Western Xia Cultural Relics

   After breakfast, follow your Yinchuan tour guide to explore the best of Yinchuan! The first stop will be the Sand Lake. Like a shining pearl embedded in the desert, Sand Lake is mainly dominated by 5 landscapes: sand, water, reed, bird, and hill, capturing the beauty of both Jiangnan water village which features "elegant", "gentle" and northern frontier scene famous for "vast" and "magnificent".

   Next, continue your visit to the Western Xia Imperial Mausoleum. As its name suggests, it is the graveyard for the emperors and royal family members of the Western Xia Dynasty (1038-1227). The mausoleum is the largest existing Western Xia cultural relics and also the largest imperial mausoleum with the most complete ground relics. Influenced by Buddhist architecture, it combined well Han culture, Buddhism, and local Tangut culture, making it gain the title of "Oriental Pyramid".

   

   Then, go to see the Sea Treasure Pagoda, with a history dating back to 1,500 years ago. Today, you will have an outer visit to the pagoda as there is structural damage on the body after the Wenchuan Earthquake in 2008.

   The last stop is the Nanguan Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the Ningxia Area, which is a special place for the local Muslims as the main place for them to have religious activities. The buildings here are beautiful with mixed features of Arabia and China. Learn the culture of the local Hui nationality.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: Overnight in Yinchuan

7. Day 7: Yinchuan to Xining Tour by High-speed Train
   A Tibetan Buddhism Site with Tibetan and Han Chinese Architecture

   After breakfast, your driver will take you to the train station to take the high-speed train to Xining (approximately 5 hours).

   Upon arrival, a local driver and your Xining tour guide will pick you up and visit Kumbum Monastery, aka Ta'er Monastery, one of the six major monasteries of the Gelug School of Tibetan Buddhism. The temple has a long history and its architecture is a blend of Chinese and Tibetan styles. Inside the temple, there is a collection of Buddhist books and the "three masterpieces of art" - Butter sculptures, murals, and barbola.

   After the visit, drive you to your hotel for check-in.

   Meal: Breakfast

   Accommodation: Overnight in Xining

   

8. Day 8: Xining to Qinghai Lake Tour
   Enjoy Scenic Lake Beauty and Optional Activities

   In the morning, drive around 2.5 hours to the amazing Qinghai Lake, the largest inland saltwater lake in China. The lake surface has an elevation of 3,196 meters and the average summer temperature is quite pleasant.

   This scenic area combines natural beauty with cultural experience. Here, tourists can fully enjoy the magnificence of the plateau lakes and the rich ecology around. We will mainly visit the Erlangjian Scenic Area, which offers activities such as boat rides and lakeside cycling (optional, at your own expense).

   In addition, if you happen to visit here between June and August, you can enjoy the golden rapeseed fields, which is an excellent place for taking photos.

   

   ‌Travel Tips:

   • The sunlight is intense at Qinghai Lake, particularly during the summer months (June to August). It is recommended that you bring sunglasses, sunscreen, hats, and similar items to keep your skin.
   • While severe altitude sickness is rare at Qinghai Lake, if you are visiting the plateau for the first time, it is important to avoid engaging in strenuous physical activities.
   • You are advised to wear brightly colored clothes such as yellow and red. The photos taken in this way look very beautiful.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: Overnight in Xining

9. Day 9: Xining to Zhangye Tour by High-speed Train
   Admire the Colors of Rainbow Mountain in Danxia Geological Park

   Today, your Silk Road trip will take you to the Hexi Corridor. After breakfast, the local driver will take you to the train station and take the high-speed train to Zhangye. It will take about 2 hours to arrive, and the local guide will take you to the highlight of this Zhangye tour - Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park.

   You will mainly visit the Rainbow Mountain Scenic Area, which is famous for its colorful Danxia landform and is known as the "Rainbow Mountain of China". The mountains in the scenic area are undulating and the colors are brilliant. It is best to enjoy them in the morning and at dusk, and they are even more spectacular under the sunlight.

   

   If time permits, you will also visit the Giant Buddhist Temple. Built in the Western Xia Dynasty, the 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 will impress you a lot.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: Overnight in Zhangye

10. Day 10: Zhangye to Jiayuguan Tour
    Ascend the Ancient Fortress and Segments of the Great Wall

    After breakfast, drive around 2.5 hours to Jiayuguan. After arrival in Jiayuguan, you will start the visit with Jiayuguan Pass. It is the renowned western starting point of the Great Wall of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). Visitors can appreciate ancient military facilities such as forts, watchtowers, and trenches, which have long played a crucial role in military defense in Chinese history.

    

    Next, go to visit the Jiayuguan Great Wall Museum, a major construction engineer in Chinese history. The museum is the first Great-Wall-themed museum in China, exhibiting typical ancient Chinese weapons, the Jiayuguan cultural relics, and architectural models. Through 7 major exhibition halls here, you can learn more about the Great Wall culture.

    The last stop on the Jiayuguan tour is Weijin Tombs, the famous "underground gallery". You can appreciate frescoes in the catacombs which vividly depict the scholars' and officials' lives in the Wei and Jin Dynasties(222-589) and have a better understanding of the cultural and historical background.

    Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

    Accommodation: Overnight in Jiayuguan

11. Day 11: Jiayuguan to Dunhuang Tour
    Try Optional Camel Ride and Local Snacks

    Your Silk Road trip today will continue to Dunhuang with a 4-hour drive. You are suggested to wear comfortable shoes and take some snacks considering this will be a long journey.

    Having lunch in Dunhuang, and after a short rest when it is not too hot, you will start your Dunhuang tour to Mingsha Mountain, where tourists can experience desert activities such as sand sliding and camel riding here (optional, at your own expense).

    There is a spring in the scenic area that resembles a crescent moon and is surrounded by Mingsha Mountain, known as the "first spring in the desert". At sunset, you can enjoy the magnificent natural wonder of the coexistence of desert and spring.

    

    Later, you can go to Shazhou Night Market for further food exploration. As the epitome of prosperity on the Silk Road, this place brings together a wealth of food and culture. You can sample authentic Northwest-style snacks such as lamb kebabs and roasted lamb legs, as well as enjoy exquisite handicrafts and local specialty artworks.

    Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

    Accommodation: Overnight in Dunhuang

12. Day 12: Dunhuang to Turpan Tour by High-speed Train
    Explore Buddhist Art at Mogao Grottoes

    Today you will head to the amazing Mogao Grottoes, commonly known as Thousand Buddha Caves, a world cultural heritage. Founded in 366 A.D., the Mogao Caves have been expanded through many dynasties, and today there are 735 caves, 45,000 square meters of murals, and 2,415 colored sculptures. It is not only a holy place of Buddhist art, but also an important witness to the cultural exchange between the East and the West.

    After the Silk Road tour package in Dunhuang, we will take a high-speed train to Turpan. Upon arrival, the local driver will pick you up and transfer you to the hotel for check-in.

    Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

    Accommodation: Overnight in Turpan

    

13. Day 13: Turpan Essence Tour
    City Highlights and Ancient Ruins along the Silk Road

    Today, you will start your Turpan tour with 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.

    Afterward, 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. Last, we will lead you to visit Tuyugou Valley, the oldest Uyghur village in Xinjiang and a nice place to soak up Buddhist and Islamic culture.

    Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

    Accommodation: Overnight in Turpan

    

14. Day 14: Turpan to Urumqi Tour
    Enjoy the Alpine Lake's Beauty and Legends

    In the morning, we drive for 3 hours to Urumqi. After lunch, drive around 1.5 hours to Tianchi, aka Heavenly Lake, combining natural beauty with mysterious legends. Located on the north slope of Bogda Peak mountainside, the lake is 1,910 meters above sea level, Tianchi features clear lake water, surrounded by spruce and snowy peaks. Visitors can enjoy the magnificent natural scenery, visit the rich historical and cultural relics, and listen to the mysterious and moving legends.

    

    Afterward, go back to Urumqi city. In the evening, you can stroll around the Erdaoqiao International Grand Bazaar on your own. The bazaar is built in the Islamic style and is the best place for sightseeing and shopping.

    Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

    Accommodation: Overnight in Urumqi

15. Day 15: Urumqi Departure

    According to the flight time, your private driver will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to the airport for your homeward flight. Hope the 15-day China Silk Road tour leave you with a pleasant memory.

    Meal: Breakfast

    Accommodation: N/A