10 Days China Silk Road Self-Driving Tour with Tank300 from Urumqi to Xian

This 10-Day Silk Road Self-Driving Tour from Urumqi to Xi’an is an immersive and extensive journey across one of the most historically rich and visually striking parts of China. Traveling from Urumqi in the far west to the ancient capital Xi’an, the journey takes you through the heart of the Silk Road, the legendary trade route that connected East and West for thousands of years. By choosing the self-driving option, you’ll have the freedom to explore at your own pace and dive deeper into the local cultures, ancient ruins, and natural wonders.

Discover Ancient Cities & Vast Deserts:

Starting in Urumqi, you’ll begin your adventure in the heart of Xinjiang province, a culturally diverse area with influences from Central Asia. As you venture eastward, you’ll follow the path that traders, missionaries, and travelers once took, and witness the transformation of once-bustling Silk Road cities into tranquil oases surrounded by vast deserts and majestic mountains. Along the way, you’ll experience the diverse landscapes, cultures, and history that make this route so legendary.

This journey is perfect for those who want a mix of adventure, history, and cultural immersion. Whether it’s seeing the ancient Mogao Caves filled with Buddhist art or witnessing the surreal landscape of the Rainbow Mountains, this tour will leave you with lasting memories.

Explore the Land of Contrasts:

From the bustling city of Urumqi, you’ll journey through tranquil deserts like Kumtag and Hami, where you’ll witness the peacefulness of the desert sunrise. You’ll then experience the colorful beauty of Zhangye Danxia and the otherworldly rock formations of Yadan Devil’s City. You’ll traverse ancient trade routes that crossed high mountain passes, oasis towns, and desert highways. At every stop, you will feel like you’ve stepped into another time, with each landscape telling its own unique story.

Cultural Immersion and Local Life:

One of the key aspects of this self-driving tour is the chance to experience the local life up close. In places like Urumqi, Turpan, and Dunhuang, you will have the opportunity to taste local cuisine, visit vibrant bazaars, and interact with the local communities. The Uyghur culture in Xinjiang is especially fascinating, offering you a glimpse into the fusion of Islamic, Central Asian, and Chinese influences.

You’ll visit historical towns like Jiayuguan, Dunhuang, and Xi’an, all of which played critical roles in the ancient Silk Road trade, and experience the evolution of these places from bustling hubs of commerce to what they are today. This is a tour for those who enjoy learning about local customs, discovering ancient civilizations, and exploring the remnants of a thousand-year-old trade route.

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Tour Highlights 

1. Urumqi: The Silk Road’s Gateway

Cultural Diversity: As the capital of Xinjiang, Urumqi is home to various ethnic groups, including Uyghurs, Kazakhs, and Han Chinese. Explore the city’s bustling markets, visit the Xinjiang Museum, and stroll through the International Bazaar to sample traditional Uyghur cuisine.

Heavenly Lake (Tian Chi): Located in the Tianshan Mountains, this alpine lake is a serene escape from the city, surrounded by green hills and snow-capped peaks. You can take a boat ride or hike along the trails for stunning panoramic views.

2. Flaming Mountains & Turpan: Desert Wonders and Ancient Ruins

Flaming Mountains: The fiery red-hued mountains are an iconic part of Turpan’s landscape. The intense heat and beauty of the mountains are a photographer’s dream. The Flaming Mountains are particularly famous for their appearance in the Chinese novel Journey to the West.

Jiaohe Ruins: The Jiaohe Ancient City, dating back to the 2nd century BC, is one of the most well-preserved earthen cities in the world. The city, carved into cliffs, offers a fascinating glimpse into ancient Silk Road architecture and urban planning.

Karez Wells: This ancient irrigation system that dates back over 2,000 years is a marvel of engineering. The wells provided life-saving water to Turpan’s inhabitants, and you’ll get to see how this ancient technology worked in the harsh desert environment.

3. Shanshan (Kumtag Desert): The Heart of the Desert

Kumtag Desert: Known for its golden sand dunes, the Kumtag Desert offers a classic desert experience with a chance to explore its vast emptiness. The desert sunrise here is particularly stunning, as the sun rises over the dunes and casts long, dramatic shadows.

Desert Adventures: You can take a camel ride through the dunes or simply enjoy the tranquility of the desert landscape as you marvel at the vastness and beauty of this natural wonder.

4. Hami Grand Canyon: Rugged Beauty of the Desert

Hami Grand Canyon: This off-the-beaten-path canyon is known for its rugged rock formations and dramatic scenery. The drive to the canyon takes you through remote desert landscapes, offering a real sense of solitude and awe-inspiring beauty.

Local Culture: Hami is also famous for its sweet melons, and it offers a fascinating mix of ethnic cultures, including Uyghur, Han, and Kazakh influences.

5. Dunhuang: The Spiritual Center of the Silk Road

Mogao Caves: These ancient Buddhist cave temples are home to some of the world’s most famous frescoes and sculptures. Over a thousand years old, the Mogao Caves contain valuable records of ancient Silk Road culture and religious practices.

Singing Sand Mountains & Crescent Lake: Explore the Singing Sand Mountains, where the wind creates haunting sounds as it blows across the dunes. Nearby, the Crescent Lake, an oasis in the desert, offers a peaceful and surreal setting.

6. Jiayuguan Fort: The Westernmost Fortress of the Great Wall

Jiayuguan Fort: This fort marks the end of the Great Wall and was once a strategic military outpost along the Silk Road. The fort offers insights into China’s military history, as it was a vital line of defense against invaders from the west.

Silk Road Significance: Jiayuguan was once a major trading hub, and its fortifications helped to protect trade routes from Central Asia and Europe.

7. Zhangye Danxia (Rainbow Mountains): Nature’s Palette

Rainbow Mountains: Zhangye Danxia is famous for its multicolored mountains, a natural phenomenon caused by the layering of mineral-rich red sandstone over millions of years. The mountains appear almost as if they’ve been painted with vibrant hues, making them a photographer’s paradise.

Sunset Views: The changing light during sunset creates a mesmerizing display of colors, as the mountains glow in shades of red, orange, yellow, and green.

8. Lanzhou: A Historic Crossroad and Culinary Delight

Zhongshan Bridge: Lanzhou’s Zhongshan Bridge, built during the Qing Dynasty, is an iconic structure over the Yellow River. It holds historical significance as the first bridge to connect the eastern and western parts of China.

Lanzhou Beef Noodles: Don’t miss the chance to try Lanzhou’s famous beef noodles, a dish that’s renowned across China for its savory broth and hand-pulled noodles.

9. Xi’an: The Final Destination on the Silk Road

Terracotta Army: Although not included in the main itinerary, Xi’an is home to the Terracotta Army, one of the most impressive archaeological discoveries of the 20th century. The thousands of life-sized statues of warriors and horses date back to the Qin Dynasty.

Xi’an City Wall: The Xi’an City Wall, one of the best-preserved in China, offers a chance to walk or cycle along the top for panoramic views of the ancient city.

Ancient History: Explore the Muslim Quarter, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, and Shaanxi History Museum to learn more about Xi’an’s role as the capital of ancient dynasties and the starting point of the Silk Road.

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Brief Itinerary

• Day 1: Urumqi Arrival
• Day 2: Urumqi-Turpan
• Day 3: Turpan-Shanshan
• Day 4: Shanshan-Dahaidao-Hami
• Day 5: Hami-Dunhuang
• Day 6: Dunhuang
• Day 7: Dunhuang-Jiayuguan – Zhangye
• Day 8: Zhangye-Wuwei-Lanzhou
• Day 9: Lanzhou-Xian
• Day 10: Xian Departure

Day By Day Itinerary

Day 1: April 19 – Arrive in Urumqi

Driving Distance: None (Arrival day)

Driving Time: N/A

Road Conditions: N/A

Activities:

Morning:

Early arrivals have the option to change their Chinese driving permit (if applicable). Ensure that all travel documentation is in order, including the necessary permits and vehicle registration.

Afternoon:

Welcome Dinner: Enjoy a traditional welcome dinner with your fellow travelers. This is an excellent opportunity to meet the tour guide and other participants while sampling Xinjiang’s renowned cuisine, which includes lamb skewers, pilaf, and hand-pulled noodles.

After the meal, take some time to relax and adjust to the time zone and the local environment. Urumqi is a cosmopolitan city with both modern amenities and traditional markets.

Accommodation: Overnight in Urumqi.

Self-Driving Tip:

Urumqi is a busy urban area, and traffic congestion is common, especially during rush hours. It’s a good idea to take a walk around or use public transportation if you want to get a feel for the city before setting off the next day. If you’re unfamiliar with driving in large cities, try to get accustomed to local traffic patterns and road signs.

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Day 2: April 20 – Urumqi → Heavenly Lake → Turpan

Driving Distance: Approx. 340 km

Driving Time: Approx. 5-6 hours

Road Conditions: Good paved roads, with some mountain terrain as you approach Heavenly Lake

Activities:

Morning:

Change Chinese Driving Permit (if you haven’t done so on Day 1). The paperwork is essential for driving in China as a foreigner, and it’s best to complete this early in the day.

Leave Urumqi: Start the journey towards Heavenly Lake (Tian Chi), which is about 1.5 hours away. The lake is nestled in the Tianshan Mountains and offers stunning views of the snow-capped peaks and crystal-clear waters. It’s a tranquil spot to begin your exploration of the region’s natural beauty.

Afternoon:

After enjoying Heavenly Lake, drive toward Turpan, which will take around 3.5 hours.

Stop at Flaming Mountains: On the way to Turpan, you’ll stop to visit the Flaming Mountains, a striking group of red sandstone hills. The mountains are famous for their appearance in the Journey to the West, and the heat radiating from the rocks gives them a fiery look, especially during sunset.

Accommodation: Stay in Turpan, an oasis town at the edge of the desert. Turpan is historically important, as it was a key stop on the Silk Road, and features ancient irrigation systems and architectural wonders.

Self-Driving Tip:

As you drive towards Heavenly Lake, the road will be winding and at times steep. Low gears will help you maintain control on the sharp curves and mountain slopes.

Make sure to check your vehicle’s brake system and engine temperature before embarking on mountain roads. The weather can also shift rapidly in the mountains, so bring a light jacket even if it’s warm in the valley.

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Day 3: April 21 – Turpan → Shanshan (Kumtag Desert)

Driving Distance: Approx. 300 km

Driving Time: Approx. 5 hours

Road Conditions: Paved roads for most of the route, with some unpaved desert roads approaching Shanshan.

Activities:

Morning:

Start with a visit to the Jiaohe Ruins, an ancient earthen city that dates back over 2,000 years. This ancient city was carved into the cliffs, and its well-preserved structures give a glimpse into how people lived in the harsh desert environment.

After the ruins, head to the Karez Wells, a unique and ancient irrigation system that brought water from deep underground to irrigate the fertile areas of Turpan. The system is still used today and is an engineering marvel that allowed the desert city to thrive.

Afternoon:

Drive to Shanshan (Approx. 1.5 hours). This small town is an oasis and gateway to the Kumtag Desert.

Visit the Kumtag Desert, a vast desert area known for its towering sand dunes. The desert provides a classic desert experience, complete with opportunities for camel rides and desert hiking. The golden sand dunes stretch endlessly, and the silence of the desert is unforgettable.

Accommodation: Overnight in Shanshan, a peaceful desert town that serves as a base for exploring the desert.

Self-Driving Tip:

As you approach the desert, the roads may become dusty and bumpy. Use caution and reduce speed when driving on unsealed desert roads.

Be mindful of soft sand in desert areas. Lowering tire pressure slightly will give you more traction on sand. Keep water and snacks handy as services may be limited in remote desert regions.

Day 4: April 22 – Shanshan → Hami (Dahai Dao)

Driving Distance: Approx. 340 km

Driving Time: Approx. 5 hours

Road Conditions: Mostly paved roads, but expect some off-road terrain leading to Hami Grand Canyon (Dahai Dao)

Activities:

Morning:

Witness the Desert Sunrise: Begin the day early with a desert sunrise in Shanshan or the surrounding Kumtag Desert. The desert landscape is particularly beautiful in the morning light, with the sand dunes glowing in shades of gold and orange. It’s a peaceful and meditative experience.

Afternoon:

Drive to Hami Grand Canyon (Dahai Dao): After the sunrise, drive toward the Hami Grand Canyon, a unique and less-known desert canyon (Approx. 3 hours of off-road driving). The Hami Grand Canyon offers stunning views of rugged rock formations, deep ravines, and striking colors in the canyon walls. Be sure to take plenty of photos as the scenery is dramatic and unspoiled by mass tourism.

After exploring the canyon, continue the drive to Hami city for the night.

Accommodation: Stay in Hami, a Silk Road city known for its famous melons. Hami is also historically significant and was once a key point along the ancient trade routes.

Self-Driving Tip:

Off-road desert driving can be challenging. The dusty and bumpy roads require careful navigation. Use 4WD to make sure you can handle any sudden changes in terrain.

Dust storms may limit visibility, so drive cautiously when encountering low visibility conditions. Keep your vehicle windows closed, and maintain a slow speed to avoid kicking up dust.

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Day 5: April 23 – Hami → Dunhuang

Driving Distance: Approx. 500 km

Driving Time: Approx. 6-7 hours

Road Conditions: Highways and well-paved roads, but expect long desert stretches

Activities:

Morning:

Drive to Dunhuang: Leave Hami early in the morning for Dunhuang. The drive will take around 5 hours, mostly on the G30 highway that cuts through the Gobi Desert. The landscape during this portion of the drive is vast, with endless sand dunes and desolate terrain. Keep an eye on fuel levels, as services along the way are sparse.

Afternoon:

Visit the Singing Sand Mountains: After reaching Dunhuang, visit the Singing Sand Mountains. The unique sound of the sand when it is blown by the wind makes this spot especially famous. Take a camel ride across the dunes or simply enjoy the breathtaking views from the top of the sand hills.

Crescent Lake: Just a short distance from the Singing Sand Mountains, you’ll visit Crescent Lake, a natural oasis in the middle of the desert. Surrounded by towering sand dunes, the lake is an incredible contrast to the dry surroundings. The sunset over the dunes and lake is a perfect end to your day’s exploration.

Accommodation: Stay in Dunhuang, a city steeped in history as a Silk Road stopping point.

Self-Driving Tip:

This is a long drive, so ensure you have plenty of snacks and water on hand. Fuel stations are limited in the desert, so fill up whenever possible.

The desert heat can be intense, so be sure to wear a hat and sunscreen and drink plenty of water. Keep your vehicle windows closed to avoid getting dust in the car.

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Day 6: April 24 – Dunhuang One-Day Tour (Mogao Caves + Yadan)

Driving Distance: Approx. 300 km

Driving Time: Approx. 5-6 hours

Road Conditions: Well-maintained paved roads leading to Mogao Caves and Yadan Devil’s City

Activities:

Morning:

Mogao Caves (Dunhuang Caves): Start the day with a visit to the Mogao Caves, an extraordinary complex of ancient Buddhist caves that date back over 1,500 years. The caves house incredible frescoes, sculptures, and manuscripts that depict religious life, cultural practices, and historical events along the Silk Road.

Be sure to book tickets in advance, as the site has limited visitor capacity. It’s also recommended to take a guided tour to better understand the significance of each cave and the Buddhist art they contain.

Afternoon:

Yumen Pass: After visiting the caves, head to Yumen Pass, one of the most important historical sites along the Silk Road. The pass was a key military checkpoint and trade route gateway. Today, it’s a reminder of the struggles and triumphs of ancient travelers.

Yadan Devil’s City: The afternoon will be spent at Yadan Devil’s City, a collection of natural wind-eroded rock formations that create eerie, mystical landscapes. The formations resemble towers and pillars, giving the area a supernatural vibe. It’s a fantastic spot for photography and exploration, especially when the light casts long shadows over the formations.

Accommodation: Return to Dunhuang for the evening.

Self-Driving Tip:

The roads to Yadan Devil’s City and Yumen Pass are rough and sometimes sandy, so be sure to lower tire pressure for better traction.

When driving through the desert roads around Yadan, soft sand may cause vehicles to get stuck. Keep your speed low and avoid sudden stops in sandy patches. If you’re unsure, always drive in low gear for better control.

Day 7: April 25 – Dunhuang → Jiayuguan → Zhangye

Driving Distance: Approx. 500 km

Driving Time: Approx. 6-7 hours

Road Conditions: Paved roads for most of the journey, with some desert terrain

Activities:

Morning:

Drive to Jiayuguan Fort: Start early for the 4-hour drive to Jiayuguan Fort, an important military stronghold and one of the westernmost points of the Great Wall of China. This historic fortress played a key role in protecting the western frontier during the Ming Dynasty. Once at the fort, you can explore the impressive fortifications and towers, offering panoramic views of the surrounding desert landscape.

The drive to Jiayuguan takes you through the Gobi Desert with wide, open expanses and occasionally windy conditions. Stay alert for crosswinds, especially when traveling on open desert roads.

Afternoon:

Drive to Zhangye: After exploring Jiayuguan Fort, continue on to Zhangye, a drive of approximately 2 hours. This will bring you to the Zhangye Danxia, home to the stunning Rainbow Mountains (Danxia landforms). Arrive in time to enjoy the sunset views, where the shifting light dramatically enhances the colors of the mountain range. The vivid reds, yellows, and oranges of the landscape create an incredible visual spectacle, making this one of China’s most beautiful natural wonders.

Accommodation: Stay in Zhangye, a city known for its proximity to the Rainbow Mountains and a historic hub along the Silk Road.

Self-Driving Tip:

The road to Jiayuguan can be windy and flat, but you may experience strong crosswinds, especially in the desert areas. Keep both hands on the wheel and reduce your speed when driving in these conditions.

Zhangye is a smaller city, so the traffic will be less hectic than Xi’an or Lanzhou, but watch for tourists around Zhangye Danxia. It’s best to arrive early to avoid crowds and catch the best sunset views at the Rainbow Mountains.

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Day 8: April 26 – Zhangye → Wuwei → Lanzhou

Driving Distance: Approx. 500 km

Driving Time: Approx. 6-7 hours

Road Conditions: Paved roads, but some dusty sections as you approach Wuwei

Activities:

Morning:

Drive to Wuwei: Leave Zhangye for Wuwei (Approx. 3 hours). The landscape will change as you leave the Danxia region and enter the Loess Plateau. Wuwei is known for its historical significance, particularly its role in ancient Chinese trade and culture. Stop for a brief visit to the Wuwei Confucian Temple, an important religious and cultural landmark. The temple grounds offer a peaceful retreat, surrounded by ancient trees and traditional Chinese architecture.

Afternoon:

Drive to Lanzhou: After your stop in Wuwei, drive to Lanzhou, the capital of Gansu Province. The road will take you along the Yellow River, offering great views of the river and the surrounding mountains. The journey will take around 3.5 hours.

Evening Visit to Zhongshan Bridge: Once in Lanzhou, make your way to the Zhongshan Bridge (also known as the Old Yellow River Bridge). The bridge spans the Yellow River and provides a fantastic view of the city, particularly at sunset when the golden light reflects off the water.

Accommodation: Stay in Lanzhou, a vibrant city with a rich history and modern amenities.

Self-Driving Tip:

Lanzhou is a major city, so traffic congestion is likely, especially in the downtown area. Use GPS for precise navigation and consider using alternate routes to avoid delays in the city center.

In mountainous regions leading to Lanzhou, the roads may be winding, so slow down and avoid sudden maneuvers, especially on steep descents.

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Day 9: April 27 – Lanzhou → Xi’an

Driving Distance: Approx. 700 km

Driving Time: Approx. 7-8 hours

Road Conditions: Well-paved highways, with smooth traffic, though there will be some mountainous terrain as you approach Xi’an

Activities:

Morning:

Drive to Xi’an: Start early for the 7-hour drive to Xi’an. This portion of the journey is a long but scenic drive, taking you through mountainous landscapes as you approach the city. Xi’an is the final destination on this Silk Road tour, and the road will be smooth for most of the journey. Expect some steep inclines as you near the Xianling Mountains, so be ready to use lower gears when driving up or down steep roads.

Afternoon:

Farewell Dinner: Once in Xi’an, enjoy a farewell dinner with your travel group. This will be the time to reflect on your journey along the Silk Road, sharing experiences and memories from the past days of travel.

Accommodation: Stay in Xi’an, home to the Terracotta Army, ancient city walls, and a wealth of historical significance.

Self-Driving Tip:

Lanzhou to Xi’an is a long drive, so take frequent breaks to stretch and stay refreshed. As the route involves some mountainous terrain, lower gears are essential for controlling your vehicle when driving uphill or downhill.

Use a GPS for precise navigation, as mountain roads can be tricky in some sections. Be sure to have a full tank of gas before embarking on this long journey.

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Day 10: April 28 – Xi’an Departure

Driving Distance: None (Departure day)

Driving Time: N/A

Road Conditions: N/A

Activities:

Morning:

Transfer to Xi’an Airport: On your final day, transfer from your hotel to Xi’an Airport. Before leaving, make sure to check out from your accommodation and gather all belongings.

For those returning the vehicle, ensure that the car is in good condition. Verify you have all necessary documents such as fuel receipts, and return it promptly to avoid additional charges.

Self-Driving Tip:

If you’re returning the car, make sure to inspect it for any damages and clean it before drop-off.

Make sure you have all your documents—like rental agreements, insurance papers, and fuel receipts—for a smooth vehicle return process.

Service Included:

• Admission fees for all of the sightseeing spots listed in the itinerary;
• Meals as listed in the itinerary;
• Hotels as listed in the itinerary;
• Private English-speaking tour guide;
• Private vehicle for transfers & sightseeing with skilled driver;
• Service charge & government taxes;
• Luggage transfers between airports and hotels;
• Domestic train tickets of soft sleeper.

Service Excluded:

• Any arrival and departure international airfares or train tickets;
• Chinese visa fees;
• Excess baggage charged by Airlines;
• Single room supplement;
• Tips to guides and drivers;
• Personal expenses and gratuities to service staff;
• Personal travel accident insurance;
• All optional programs.

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