10 Days China Silk Road Tour by Speed Train from Lanzhou to Urumqi

After breakfast, travel by boat along the Yellow River to visit the Bingling Temple Grottoes, one of China’s best-preserved Buddhist cave complexes. Carved into sheer cliffs, these caves contain exquisite sculptures and murals dating back over 1,600 years, reflecting the profound influence of Buddhism along the Silk Road.
Overnight in Lanzhou

Visit the Waterwheel Garden, a symbol of Lanzhou’s traditional irrigation culture and Yellow River heritage. Later, transfer to the railway station and take a high-speed train to Zhangye, once a crucial garrison town on the Hexi Corridor. Upon arrival, meet your local guide and check in to your hotel.
Overnight in Zhangye

Explore the spectacular Zhangye Danxia Landform Geological Park, renowned for its vividly layered red, orange, and yellow mountains resembling a natural rainbow painting. Continue to Mati Temple, an ancient Tibetan Buddhist complex carved into cliffs, showcasing the region’s religious diversity and ethnic heritage.
Overnight in Zhangye

Visit the historic Giant Buddha Temple, home to China’s largest indoor reclining Buddha statue from the Western Xia period. Then drive to Jiayuguan Pass, the most well-preserved fortress of the Great Wall and a symbolic gateway between China and the Western Regions. Explore the Great Wall Museum and walk along the imposing ramparts.
Overnight in Jiayuguan

Drive across vast desert landscapes to Dunhuang, a key Silk Road oasis. Visit Crescent Moon Spring, a miraculous desert oasis surrounded by towering sand dunes, and Minsha Mountain, famous for its “singing sands.” Enjoy optional camel riding for an authentic desert experience.
Overnight in Dunhuang

In the morning, explore the world-famous Mogao Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring over 700 caves adorned with exquisite Buddhist murals and sculptures spanning a thousand years. After the visit, take a high-speed train to Turpan, one of the lowest and hottest places on Earth.
Overnight in Turpan

Discover the ancient Jiaohe Ruins, a remarkably preserved earthen city perched on a plateau between deep valleys. Visit the ingenious Karez Well System, an underground irrigation network that sustained life in the desert for centuries. Continue to the dramatic Flaming Mountains and the Buddhist mural-filled Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves.
Overnight in Turpan

Drive to Heavenly Lake (Tianchi), a stunning alpine lake nestled beneath the snow-capped Bogda Peak. Enjoy a scenic cruise on the lake and leisurely walks through alpine meadows and forests. Continue to Urumqi, the cultural and economic center of Xinjiang.
Overnight in Urumqi

After breakfast, transfer to the airport or railway station for your onward journey, concluding your unforgettable Silk Road exploration.