tour

What’s Included

13 nights in carefully selected 3–4 star hotels and boutique guesthouses
All breakfasts, 8 lunches, and 6 dinners
All ground transportation (including high-speed trains and private transfers)
English-speaking local guides in each region
Entrance fees to all listed sites and national parks
Cultural activities and performances as described in the itinerary
Domestic flight from Urumqi to Kashgar
24/7 in-country support

Tour Highlights

Marvel at the Terracotta Army in Xi’an
Walk the ancient city wall and Muslim Quarter of Xi’an
Discover the mystical Mogao Caves in Dunhuang
Ride camels at the Singing Sand Dunes
Explore the Rainbow Mountains of Zhangye
Visit traditional markets and mosques in Kashgar
Journey through the Taklamakan Desert and the oasis town of Turpan
Taste local specialties: hand-pulled noodles, Uyghur kebabs, and more
Ride China’s modern high-speed trains across historical landscapes

What’s Not Included

International flights to/from China
China visa fees
Travel insurance (required)
Meals not listed in itinerary
Personal expenses (souvenirs, laundry, etc.)
Tips for guides and drivers (optional but appreciated)




Visa: A valid Chinese tourist visa is required before arrival. We can provide an invitation letter if needed.
Best Travel Time: April–June and September–October (comfortable temperatures and clear skies)
Activity Level: Moderate – includes walking on uneven terrain and short desert hikes
Luggage: One medium suitcase and one daypack recommended
Climate Variability: Expect temperature swings from hot deserts to cooler mountain evenings
Local Customs: Respect for regional cultures, especially in Xinjiang, is expected (modest dress recommended in Muslim-majority areas)

ITINERARY

Day 1 – Arrival in Xi’an
Welcome to the start of the Silk Road.

Airport pickup and hotel transfer
Welcome dinner featuring local specialties (e.g., dumplings banquet)
Evening free to rest or explore nearby night markets
Overnight in Xi’an

Day 2 – Terracotta Warriors & Ancient Capital
Guided visit to the Terracotta Army, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Return to city: explore Ancient City Wall (optional cycling)
Visit Big Wild Goose Pagoda and walk through the Muslim Quarter
Overnight in Xi’an

Day 3 – High-Speed Train to Lanzhou
Morning high-speed train (~3.5 hrs) to Lanzhou, capital of Gansu
Afternoon stroll along the Yellow River and Waterwheel Park
Try Lanzhou beef noodles at a local noodle-making workshop
Overnight in Lanzhou

Day 4 – Lanzhou to Zhangye: Rainbow Mountains
Scenic drive or train to Zhangye (~4 hrs)
Sunset visit to the Danxia Rainbow Mountains, famous for vivid natural colors
Optional: short hike through scenic ridgelines
Overnight in Zhangye

Day 5 – Zhangye to Jiayuguan: Western Gate of the Great Wall
Travel to Jiayuguan (~3 hrs)
Explore the Jiayuguan Fortress, once the edge of imperial China
Optional visit to Overhanging Great Wall
Overnight in Jiayuguan

Day 6 – To Dunhuang via Desert Highway
Drive across semi-desert landscapes (~6 hrs with stops)
Arrival in Dunhuang, Silk Road oasis city
Visit night market for local snacks and souvenirs
Overnight in Dunhuang

Day 7 – Mogao Caves & Singing Dunes
Morning guided tour of the Mogao Caves, home to over 1,000 years of Buddhist art
Afternoon camel ride and hike at Crescent Moon Lake & Singing Sand Dunes
Overnight in Dunhuang

Day 8 – Travel to Turpan
Transfer to Liuyuan station for high-speed train to Turpan (~3 hrs)
Arrive in Turpan: relax at hotel or explore local bazaar
Overnight in Turpan

Day 9 – Ancient Oasis of Turpan
Visit Jiaohe Ruins, once a major Silk Road city
See the Karez underground irrigation system
Stop at Emin Minaret and local grape farms (seasonal tasting)
Overnight in Turpan

Day 10 – Train to Urumqi + Flight to Kashgar
Morning train to Urumqi, then afternoon domestic flight to Kashgar
Short evening walk through old town streets
Overnight in Kashgar

Day 11 – Explore Historic Kashgar
Visit the Id Kah Mosque and Apak Hoja Mausoleum
Walk the ancient streets of the Kashgar Old City
Learn about Uyghur culture at a local craftsman’s workshop
Overnight in Kashgar

Day 12 – Karakoram Highway Day Trip
Full-day excursion along the stunning Karakoram Highway to Lake Karakul
Views of Muztagh Ata (7,546m) and Kyrgyz nomadic settlements
Return to Kashgar by evening
Overnight in Kashgar

Day 13 – Kashgar Sunday Market (if Sunday) & Free Time
Morning visit to the famous Sunday Market & Livestock Bazaar (if Sunday)
Free afternoon for shopping or optional guided food tour
Farewell dinner with Uyghur music performance
Overnight in Kashgar

Day 14 – Departure
Transfer to Kashgar Airport for flight or travel arrangements onward
End of tour — or continue on a custom Silk Road extension if desired

"The itinerary was perfectly balanced. I loved meeting local families in the oasis villages. Our guide was not only knowledgeable but deeply connected with the region."

Nadia S. – Germany

"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."

Michael H. – USA

ChinaJTSS