Arrival in Xi’an

Xi’an Xianyang International Airport - Upon arrival at Xi’an airport or train station, meet your private guide and driver. Transfer to your hotel and enjoy some leisure time to relax or explore the nearby area at your own pace.

Xi’an – Shuilu’an Temple – Terracotta Army – Xianyang

Shuilu Temple - Visit Shuilu’an Temple, often referred to as “Little Western Paradise,” renowned for its well-preserved Ming Dynasty clay sculptures depicting Buddhist figures, heavenly guardians, and vivid narrative scenes. The temple is also recognized as a filming location for Black Myth: Wukong.

Xian Terracotta Warriors - Discover the Terracotta Army Museum, where thousands of life-sized clay warriors, horses, and chariots were buried to protect the tomb of China’s first emperor. Learn about their construction, military formations, and historical significance.

Xianyang – Qianling Mausoleum – Famen Temple – Baoji

Qianling Museum - Visit the only Tang Dynasty imperial tomb jointly buried by an emperor and an empress, Wu Zetian. Walk along the Spirit Way lined with stone statues and learn about Tang burial customs.

Famen Temple (Famen Si) - Explore Famen Temple, one of China’s most significant Buddhist sites, known for housing the finger bone relic of Shakyamuni Buddha. Visit the underground palace and modern temple complex.

Baoji – Baoji Bronze Museum – Maijishan Grottoes – Tianshui

Baoji Bronze Ware Museum - Discover ancient bronze ritual vessels and artifacts that illustrate the origins of Chinese civilization and the development of early dynasties.

Tianshui – Lanzhou – Gansu Provincial Museum – Xiguan Grand Mosque – Yellow River Iron Bridge

Gansu Provincial Museum - Visit one of northwest China’s most important museums, featuring Silk Road artifacts, Buddhist relics, ancient manuscripts, and the iconic “Flying Horse of Gansu.”

Lanzhou Xiguan Mosque - Visit the Xiguan Grand Mosque in Lanzhou, an active place of worship that reflects the long-standing Muslim presence in northwest China. The mosque features a large prayer hall and Islamic architectural details, offering travelers a glimpse into the region’s religious traditions and daily community life along the historic Silk Road.

Iron Bridge of Yellow River - Walk across the Yellow River Iron Bridge, a historic landmark in Lanzhou that once served as one of the most important crossings over the Yellow River. The bridge highlights Lanzhou’s strategic role as a transportation hub along historic trade routes connecting central China with the northwest.

Wuwei – Xixia Museum – Confucian Temple – Kumarajiva Temple

Wuwei – Mati Temple – Ganzhou Market - Zhangye

Zhangye – Giant Buddha Temple – Zhangye Danxia – Jiuquan Western Han Ruins – Jiayuguan

Dafo Temple of Zhangye - See the Giant Buddha Temple, home to Asia’s largest indoor reclining Buddha, and learn about its religious and artistic significance.

Zhangye Danxia Geopark - Explore the colorful Danxia landforms, known for its naturally layered, multicolored rock formations.

Jiayuguan Great Wall Sites – Jiayuguan

Jiayuguan Fortress - Begin the day at Jiayuguan Fort, the largest and best-preserved military pass of the Ming Dynasty Great Wall. Explore its inner city, gates, and defensive walls while learning how the fortress controlled trade and military movement along the Silk Road.

The First Beacon Tower - Visit the First Beacon Tower, marking the point where the Great Wall meets the ancient Silk Road routes. From here, learn how beacon towers were used for signaling and early warning across the desert frontier.

Jiayuguan – Suoyang Ancient City – Yulin Grottoes – Son of the Earth Sculpture – Dunhuang

Suoyang City Ruins - Explore the ruins of Suoyang Ancient City, a key Silk Road military and administrative center from the Han and Tang periods. Walk along remnants of city walls, watchtowers, and gates, and learn about its role in protecting desert trade routes. The site is also historically connected to Buddhist pilgrimages, including the journey of the famous monk Xuanzang (Tripitaka).

Yulin Grotto - Visit the Yulin Grottoes standard caves, a series of Buddhist cave temples with murals and sculptures dating back to the Tang Dynasty. Admire the well-preserved artwork reflecting religious, cultural, and artistic exchanges along the Silk Road.

Guazhou County - Stop at the “Son of the Earth” sculpture and memorial to Emperor Wu of Han, commemorating the region’s historical significance and cultural legacy during the Han Dynasty. The open-air sculptures provide insight into local art and the Silk Road heritage.

Dunhuang – Mogao Caves – White Horse Pagoda – Mingsha Mountain & Crescent Lake

Mogao Caves - Visit the Mogao Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring extensive Buddhist murals and sculptures carved into desert cliffs. Explore selected caves with your guide and learn how Dunhuang became a major center of religious art and cultural exchange along the Silk Road. Travelers may also choose to explore additional special caves for a deeper experience. This is an optional activity and tickets can be purchased onsite.

Mingsha Shan - Echoing-Sand Mountain - In the afternoon, visit Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Lake, where towering sand dunes surround a natural desert oasis. Walk on the dunes and enjoy panoramic views of the crescent-shaped lake below. Optional activities such as camel riding or ATV experiences may also be available at the scenic area for travelers who wish to participate.

Departure from Dunhuang

Dunhuang Airport - Private transfer to Dunhuang airport or train station for departure.

• Private transportation
• Breakfast
• Entrance fees
• 11 nights accommodation in carefully selected 4-star hotels (double/twin occupancy)

• Meals
• Personal expenses and optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary.

This exclusive multi-day tour is crafted for travelers eager to delve into the rich history of China’s Silk Road, all while enjoying a thoughtfully paced itinerary. With a dedicated guide and private vehicle, travelers benefit from flexibility, personalized attention, and seamless logistics throughout the trip.

The itinerary highlights culturally significant sites in northwest China, allowing ample time at each key location to avoid rushed visits. Carefully chosen 4-star accommodations, along with arrival and departure transfers and included entrance tickets, ensure a comfortable and stress-free experience.

Optional experiences and special cave visits can be pre-arranged, enabling travelers to customize the journey according to their interests. This tour is perfect for those who prefer a sophisticated, private travel experience over typical group sightseeing.

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.