Xi’an

Xi’an - Ni Hao! Welcome to Xi’an, the capital city of Shanxi Province. An evening welcome briefing will introduce the leader and the rest of the group, followed by a group meal. If you arrive early, consider visiting these attractions:
· Little Wild Goose Pagoda (approximately 2 hours; CNY50)
· Great Mosque (approximately 2 hours; CNY25)

Small Goose Pagoda - This pagoda is part of the Tang Dynasty’s Buddhist architectural heritage, showcasing how Buddhism was introduced to China and integrated with Han culture. It offers a more peaceful and tranquil experience compared to the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda.
(entrance fee-CNY 50)

Great Mosque of Xi’an - As one of China’s oldest, largest, and best-preserved Islamic mosques, the Great Mosque in Xi’an is a must-visit for its historical significance and unique blend of traditional Muslim and Chinese architectural styles.
(entrance fee-CNY 25)

Xi’an

Terracotta Warriors Museum - Xi’an marks the eastern end of the Silk Road. The Terracotta Warriors are a vast collection of life-sized sculptures arranged in battle formations, representing the imperial guard troops of Emperor Qin Shi Huang (259 - 210BC), the first emperor of a unified China. Enjoy free time this afternoon, with a recommended visit to:
· Wild Goose Pagoda (approximately 3 hours; CNY40)

Big Wild Goose Pagoda (Dayanta) - Built over a thousand years ago during the Tang Dynasty, this pagoda was constructed to house Buddhist materials brought from India by the hierarch Xuanzang. It offers a glimpse into Buddhist culture and the prosperity of the Tang Dynasty. Evening visitors can enjoy a light and music show around the fountains.
(entrance fee-CNY80)

Xi’an to Lanzhou to Xiahe

Xiahe

Xiahe

Xiahe to Lanzhou

Bingling Temple Grottoes - En route to Lanzhou, visit the Bingling Temple, featuring grottoes filled with Buddhist sculptures carved into natural caves along the Yellow River. Afterwards, enjoy Lanzhou’s night fair and its culinary delights.

Lanzhou to Zhangye

Lanzhou - Spend a free morning exploring urban Lanzhou. Join locals for a walk along the Yellow River, where many engage in Tai Chi, dancing, singing, and playing Chinese Chess. Visit the Provincial Museum, home to the renowned bronze Galloping Horse’s Hoof Stepped on a Flying Swallow, a treasure of the Gansu Provincial Museum. Then, take a train to Zhangye (approximately 5 hours).

Zhangye to Jayuguan

Zhangye Danxia Geopark - Drive one hour to Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park, showcasing China’s colorful Danxia landform. The park’s fiery-red ridges and multicolored mountain folds create a stunning “sea of fire,” earning it the title of China’s Rainbow Mountains and one of the “Top 10 Geographical Wonders of the World” by National Geographic. In the late afternoon, take a bullet train to the next destination.

Jiayuguan to Dunhuang

Jiayuguan Fortress - Spend the day at Jiayuguan (Jiayu Pass), the western end of the Great Wall from the Ming Dynasty. Known as “the First and Greatest Pass Under Heaven,” it is China’s best-preserved and most magnificent military fort. In the afternoon, take a bullet train to Dunhuang, a journey of about 3 hours.

Dunhuang

Mogao Caves - Explore the Mogao Caves, home to some of the world’s most stunning Buddhist murals and a significant repository of Buddhist art. Return to your hotel in Dunhuang for the night and perhaps enjoy a drink at the unique beer gardens near the night market.

Dunhuang to Turpan

Turpan - In the morning, visit the Echoing-Sand Mountain, where the sound of sand echoes as you slide down its slopes. Also, enjoy the clear Crescent Lake in the desert. Travel by private car to Liuyuan train station and board a fast train to Turpan (approximately 3.5 hours). A transfer will be waiting in Turpan to take you to the hotel.

Turpan

Turpan - Once a key stop on the Silk Road, Turpan is a charming oasis town known for its vineyards, stone fruits, melons, and the nearby Flaming Mountains. Visit ancient sites in Turpan, including the Karez Well System, one of China’s three great ancient projects, and the ancient city of Jiaohe. The Karez Systems, known as “the underground Great Wall,” are intricate irrigation systems vital to Turpan’s culture. Jiaohe, built by the ancient Cheshi people on a river island, offers a great vantage point to view the surrounding area.

Turpan to Urumqi

Urumqi - Spend the morning visiting the Turpan Museum, then travel to Urumqi by train (approximately 2 hours). Urumqi, the capital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, is nestled at the foot of the Tianshan Mountains. Home to 49 minority ethnic groups, this beautiful prairie city is a key stop along the ancient Silk Road, leading to Central Asia and Europe.

Urumqi

Tianshan Tianchi Lake - Enjoy a day trip around the Heavenly Lake. Stroll along the lake to admire the breathtaking views of the lakes and snow-capped mountains, free from the crowds.

Urumqi to Kashgar

Kashgar Prefecture - Fly to Kashgar this morning (approximately 2 hours) to begin exploring China’s westernmost corner. For over two millennia, Kashgar has been a hub of regional trade and cultural exchange. Enjoy a city walk in Kashgar Old Town this afternoon.

Kashgar Old City - Located in downtown Kashgar, the Old City reflects Islamic culture in its architecture and Uygur customs, offering a Middle Eastern ambiance. Kashgar Old Town is China’s unique maze city, with over two hundred narrow alleys crisscrossing each other.

Kashgar

Kashgar Prefecture - Kashgar’s main attraction is its markets, which you’ll visit today. Known for having some of Central Asia’s largest markets, Sundays are particularly lively as people from miles around gather. First, take private transport to the Livestock Market (only on Sundays), a renowned market in the region. Witness the bargaining and bustle as local herdsmen and farmers trade sheep, goats, cows, and donkeys. It’s also a social event for rural families to share a meal and chat. Return to the city to visit the Grand Sunday Bazaar, open daily but most vibrant today, with traders selling rugs, hats, spices, boots, dates, and traditional medicine ingredients.

Kashgar

Kashgar - There are no scheduled activities today, allowing you to depart the accommodation at your convenience. If you wish to extend your stay in China, customized tour plans can be arranged for you.

• Accommodations
• Admission fee (mentioned above)
• Dinner
• Breakfast
• Fast train tickets

• Gratuities

Discover the treasures of the Silk Road on this 17-day adventure through China, retracing part of the ancient trade route that linked East and West. An epic journey from bustling Xi’an to the frontier city of Kashgar, travel by train across diverse and beautifully rugged landscapes to see some of the country’s most spectacular relics. From dynastic palaces and Muslim minarets to hidden grottoes and rock-cut Buddhist masterpieces, this is an unforgettable Eastern odyssey.

If you cancel at least 3 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.