Spice Route Flavors: Culinary Silk Road

Embark on a 10-day culinary journey along the ancient Silk and Spice Routes of western China — from bustling bazaars in Kashgar to vineyard oases in Turpan, and the spicy street food stalls of Xi’an. This immersive tour blends food, history, and culture, showcasing how centuries of trade shaped China’s cuisine and communities. Learn to cook Uyghur and Hui specialties, sample rare spices, and explore the markets that have fed empires for over a thousand years.

Perfect for food lovers, cultural explorers, and adventurous eaters with a taste for history.

From $2,890 per person
Double occupancy. Single supplement: $410
Group departures and private bookings available.

Book now

What’s Included

9 nights in comfortable boutique hotels
All breakfasts, 7 lunches, 6 dinners (including 3 hands-on cooking classes)
Domestic flight (Kashgar–Urumqi), high-speed train (Urumqi–Xi’an)
English-speaking culinary guide and local chefs
Food market tours, tastings, workshops, and traditional meals
Entrance fees to cultural sites
Private ground transportation
Airport/train station transfers
24/7 local support

Hands-on cooking classes with Uyghur, Hui, and Han chefs
Visit markets, vineyards, and desert oases along the Silk Road
Taste traditional dishes like laghman noodles, camel stew, and grape flatbreads
Learn the history behind China’s spice and trade routes
Enjoy cultural performances, music, and tea rituals

What’s Not Included

International flights
China visa
Optional alcohol, tips, personal expenses
Travel insurance (required)

Important Information for Tourists

Best season: Spring (April–June) and Autumn (Sept–Oct)
Dietary options: Halal-friendly, vegetarian alternatives available
Moderate physical activity: walking tours, markets, and light hikes
Cultural etiquette: respectful attire appreciated in mosques and rural homes

ITINERARY

Day 1 – Arrival in Kashgar
Airport pickup and hotel check-in
Welcome dinner: Lamb kebabs, polo rice, hand-pulled noodles
Overnight in Kashgar

Day 2 – Kashgar Food & Culture
Tour Kashgar’s Grand Bazaar and spice stalls
Learn Uyghur cooking in a family kitchen (laghman & samsa)
Visit Id Kah Mosque and Old Town tea house
Overnight in Kashgar

Day 3 – Rural Uyghur Cuisine
Visit a nearby village market and apricot orchards
Hands-on preparation of Uyghur da pan ji (big-plate chicken)
Cultural evening with traditional music and dance
Overnight in Kashgar

Day 4 – Flight to Urumqi
Fly to Urumqi, capital of Xinjiang
Visit Erdaoqiao Market for dried fruits, nuts, and spices
Dinner at a Hui Muslim restaurant (try spicy beef noodles)
Overnight in Urumqi

Day 5 – Turpan Vineyards & Ancient Flavors
Drive to Turpan, the Silk Road oasis
Tour local vineyards and taste mulberry wine and raisins
Visit Emin Minaret and ancient Karez irrigation system
Cooking class: Turpan-style pilaf and sweet bread
Overnight in Turpan

Day 6 – Desert Ruins & Food Traditions
Explore Jiaohe ruins and flame-colored hills
Lunch at a Uyghur farmer’s guesthouse
Return to Urumqi
Overnight in Urumqi

Day 7 – Train to Xi’an
High-speed train across the Silk Road to Xi’an
Evening walk through the Muslim Quarter street food scene
Try roujiamo (Chinese burger), cold noodles, and fried persimmon cakes
Overnight in Xi’an

Day 8 – Dumplings & Dynasties
Visit Terracotta Warriors and ancient Tang Dynasty relics
Afternoon dumpling-making class (jiaozi with colorful fillings)
Optional Tang-style banquet with live music
Overnight in Xi’an

Day 9 – Spices, Tea, and Final Feast
Explore Xi’an spice market and learn about Silk Road flavor fusion
Visit Great Mosque and tea tasting session
Farewell dinner: fusion tasting menu with influences from all regions
Overnight in Xi’an

Day 10 – Departure
Transfer to airport/train station
Optional add-on tours available

"I came for the food and left with a deeper understanding of Silk Road culture. Every day brought something new and delicious!"

Mariam A. – UAE

"The Uyghur family cooking experience was the best part of the trip — warm, generous, and full of flavor."

Timothy H. – USA

"From fresh naan in Turpan to spicy noodles in Xi’an — this tour is heaven for foodies who love history."

Claire & Johan – Netherlands

"From the Terracotta Warriors to the high-speed trains zooming across the desert, this trip was the perfect blend of ancient and modern. The guides were incredibly knowledgeable, and the logistics were seamless."

John Morgan

"Kashgar alone made this trip worth it — so much culture, color, and warmth. But the real joy was the journey in between. I can’t recommend this tour enough for curious travelers who want something beyond the typical."

Michael West

"This tour completely changed how I see China. The landscapes, the history, the people — it was a dream. Riding camels in Dunhuang and walking through the ancient alleys of Kashgar felt like stepping into a different world."