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14 Days China Silk Road Tour (Xian-Gansu-Ningxia-Xinjiang)

14 Days China Silk Road Tour (Xian-Gansu-Ningxia-Xinjiang)

Tour Overview

The 14-Day China Silk Road Tour offers a comprehensive exploration of one of the most historically and culturally significant regions in the world. Traveling from Xi’an to Xinjiang, you’ll...

Code of Tour: CDT0000092549

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The 14-Day China Silk Road Tour offers a comprehensive exploration of one of the most historically and culturally significant regions in the world. Traveling from Xi’an to Xinjiang, you’ll follow in the footsteps of ancient traders and explorers along the Silk Road—a network of trade routes that connected China to Europe and the Middle East.

This journey offers a rich mix of cultural heritage, spectacular natural landscapes, and opportunities to explore vibrant local traditions. Visit ancient ruins, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and local markets, all while experiencing the unique flavors of the regions. This tour is perfect for those interested in Chinese history, culture, and the magic of the ancient Silk Road.

Tour Highlights

Xi’an:

Terra Cotta Warriors (兵马俑): Explore the world-famous Terra Cotta Army, the life-sized figures that protect the tomb of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang (秦始皇).
City Wall (古城墙): Cycle or walk around the ancient Xi’an City Wall, one of the best-preserved city walls in China that dates back to the Ming Dynasty.

Lanzhou:

Yellow River (黄河): Admire the majesty of China’s Mother River and enjoy views of the Zhongshan Bridge (中山桥), a symbol of the city.
Waterwheel Park (水车园): Discover Lanzhou’s historical waterwheels, used for irrigation along the river for centuries.

Yinchuan:

Helanshan Rock Carvings (贺兰山岩画): Explore the ancient rock carvings of Helanshan, a treasure trove of prehistoric art.
Western Xia Tombs (西夏王陵): Visit the tombs of the Western Xia Dynasty kings, an archaeological wonder that offers insights into ancient imperial life.

Dunhuang:

Mogao Caves (莫高窟): See the stunning Buddhist art in the Mogao Caves, renowned for their intricate frescoes and statues dating back to the 4th century.
Singing Sand Dunes (鸣沙山) & Crescent Moon Spring (月牙泉): Experience the surreal beauty of these natural wonders, with the opportunity to ride camels through the desert.
Dunhuang Performance: Experience the Dunhuang Dance Performance that brings the region’s historical stories to life.

Turpan:

Ancient City of Jiaohe (交河古城): Wander through the ruins of this ancient city, a UNESCO World Heritage site that once thrived as a hub on the Silk Road.
Karez Irrigation System (坎儿井): Visit the ancient underground irrigation system that has helped the region thrive in the harsh desert climate for over 2,000 years.
Emin Minaret (艾敏塔): Stand beneath the towering Emin Minaret, the tallest of its kind in China, with views over Turpan’s desert landscape.

Urumqi:

Xinjiang Museum (新疆博物馆): See the Loulan Beauty and Xiaohe Beauty, two of the most famous mummies found along the Silk Road.
Erdaoqiao Grand Bazaar (二道桥大巴扎): Immerse yourself in the bustling market life of Urumqi, where you can shop for traditional Uyghur handicrafts and local goods.

Kashgar:

Apa Hoja Mausoleum (阿帕霍加墓): Visit the impressive Apa Hoja Mausoleum, an architectural masterpiece that houses the tombs of Uyghur nobles.
Kashgar Old Town (喀什老城): Stroll through the labyrinthine streets of the Old Town, where traditional Uyghur life continues to flourish, with ancient homes, shops, and markets.
Id Ghar Mosque (艾提尕尔清真寺): Admire the architecture of the Id Ghar Mosque, the largest mosque in Xinjiang.

Karakul Lake:

Pamir Plateau: Take a scenic drive to Karakul Lake (卡拉库尔湖), nestled at an altitude of 3,600 meters in the Pamir Plateau. The lake reflects the majestic Muztagh Ata Peak, creating a mesmerizing landscape perfect for photography and outdoor enthusiasts.

Brief Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Xian
Day 2: Xian
Day 3: Xian-Lanzhou
Day 4: Lanzhou-Yinchuan
Day 5: Yinchuan
Day 6: Yinchuan to Dunhuang by overnight train
Day 7: Dunhuang
Day 8: Dunhuang to Turpan by bullet train
Day 9: Turpan
Day 10: Urumqi to Tianchi, fly to Kashgar
Day 12: Kashgar
Day 13: Kashgar to Karakul Lake day trip
Day 14: Departure from Kashgar

Full Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival Xi’an

Welcome to Xi’an, the historical city on the Silk Road. Upon arrival Xi’an, you will be met and transferred to hotel in Xi’an.
Transport: Private vehicle
Accommodation: Overnight in Xi’an

Day 2: Xi’an: Terra Cotta Warriors, City Wall

This morning, you will visit the Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses Museum. In the afternoon, we will guide you to explore the old City Wall.
Transport: Private Vehicle
Accommodation: Overnight in Xian
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 3: Xi’an to Lanzhou by bullet train

Visiting the Square of the Big Wild Goose Pagoda in the morning, and then transfer to Lanzhou by bullet train.
Transport: Private Vehicle + Bullet Train
Accommodation: Overnight in Lanzhou
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 4: Lanzhou to Yinchuan by car

We will guide you to visit the Yellow River, Zhongshan Bridge, and water wheel park, then transfer to Yinchuan.
Transport: Private Vehicle
Accommodation: Overnight in Yinchuan
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 5: Yinchuan: Helanshan Rock Carvings, Western Xia Tombs

You will visit the Helanshan Rock Carvings in the morning and follow by exploring Western Xia Tombs.
Transport: Private Vehicle
Accommodation: Overnight in Yinchuan
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 6: Yinchuan to Dunhuang by overnight train

You will spend a day to visit Yinchuan Drum Tower, and then Yuhuang Pavilion, also Chengtian Temple Pagoda. Later,you will catch overnight train to Dunhuang.
Transport: Private Vehicle + Overnight Train
Accommodation: Overnight on the soft sleeper train
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 7: Dunhuang: Mogao Caves and Minsha Shan

In the morning, you will visit Mogao Caves, the gem of the ancient Silk Road. The early history of Mogao can be track back to the 4th century, and built many times in the histoty. The colorful fresco, statues in Mogao Caves display various stories about Buddhism. Afterwards, you will visit the Minsha Shan or Singing Sand Dunes and Crescent Moon Spring this afternoon, where you have opportunity to ride the camel.
In the evening, you can explore the night market or watch the Dunhuang performance at the theater.
Transport: Private Vehicle
Accommodation: Overnight in Dunhuang
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 8: Dunhuang to Turpan by bullet train

Today you will visit Dunhuang Museum (close on Monday), which is a new museum to exhibit he history, relics, antiques, paintings and statues in Dunhuang area on the Silk Road.
Afterwards, you will take 2-hour ride to Liuyuan where you will catch 3-hour bullet train to Turpan.
Transport: Private Vehicle + Bullet Train
Accommodation: Overnight in Turpan
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 9: Explore Turpan

Turpan is a hub on the ancient Silk Road, and there are lots of historical sites that are renowned for its well-preserved conditions.
Today you will visit Bezklik Thousand Buddha Caves, Astana Ancient Tombs, the Ancient City of Jiaohe and Gaochang, Karez Irrigation System, and Emin Minaret with a local guide.
You may taste some dried fruits and eat Uyghur food at the lunchtime.
Transport: Private vehicle
Accommodation: Overnight in Turpan
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 10: Turpan to Urumqi by car, visit Xinjiang Museum

You will take a 3-hour ride to Urumqi where you will visit Xinjiang Museum(close on Mondays), mummies are a must-see in it, particularly the Loulan Beauty and Xiaohe Beauty.
Afterwards you will visit the well-known Erdaoqiao Grand Bazaar where you can purchase all sorts of souvenirs. Later, you will be transferred to the hotel in Urumqi for a rest.
Transport: Private vehicle
Accommodation: Overnight in Urumqi
Meals: Breakfast

Day 11: Urumqi to Tianchi, fly to Kashgar

This morning you will take 1-hour ride to Heavenly Lake, or Tianchi in Chinese, which is a high mountain lake with stunning scenery in the Tianshan Mountains, a world natural heritage.
Then you will catch 2-hour flight to Kashgar. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to hotel.
Transport: Private vehicle + Flight
Accommodation: Overnight in Kashgar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 12: Kashgar city explore

Today it is a busy day to explore Kashgar with a local guide. You will take the city tour by the first stop to visit the Apa Hoja Mausoleum which was built in 1640 by local Imam for his father, and later it became a family graveyard to bury 72 people for 5 generations. The mausoleum is impressive for its delicate Uyghur architectural style including the blue tiles, the dome and the minaret.

Next, you will visit Kashgar old town to explore the interesting area where there are old houses for shops, workshops, restaurants, bakery, and tea houses etc. It displays the long history and vivid lifestyle in Kashgar from ancient Silk Road period to today. You will also visit the old Id Ghar Mosque, the biggest mosque in Xinjiang.

Lunch is arranged at a local Uyghur’s house for you to taste the authentic and traditional Uyghur food including nang bread, hand-stretched noodles, and pilau…etc.

The animal bazaar is relocated near Kashgar Airport and opens only on Sundays. If it is Sunday, you will also visit the Animal Bazaar.

Later, you will be transferred back to your hotel.

Transport: Private vehicle
Accommodation: Overnight in Kashgar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 13: Kashgar to Karakul Lake day trip

Today you will take about 4 hours by a private vehicle departing from Kashgar to Karakul Lake. You will drive along the renowned friendship highway to Pamir Plateau. On the way, you will stop at Upar Uyghur town to buy some snacks and fruits before heading to the mountains. Then you will view the pretty White Sand Lake that looks like a mirror reflecting the snow-capped mountains on the lake water. After lunch, you will wander around the stunning Karakul Lake(3600 meter), which is situated beside Muztagh Summit. The mountain, the lake and the yurt around the lake create a picture of paradise.

Later, you will be transferred back to Kashgar.

Service Included: