12 Day China Silk Road Tour from Xian to Kashgar

Welcome to Xi'an where your 12-day Silk Road tour begins. Silk Road is a world-renowned ancient trade route between China and the West. Xi'an is considered as the starting point of the ancient Silk Road. Upon arrival in Xi'an, your private tour guide will meet you at the airport or train station. After checking in at the hotel, you can explore the surroundings at your own pace.

Meals: N/A
Accommodation: Xi'an

After breakfast, you will head to Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum to explore one of the greatest man-made wonders in the world, the Terracotta Army. You can learn about the stories of each terracotta warrior and horse and feel the shock from thousands of years ago. Take part in a craft activity and make your own terra-cotta warriors.

After lunch, return to downtown Xi'an to visit the most famous Ancient Xi'an City Wall. Walk around the city wall and fully appreciate the entire Xi'an (known as Chang'an in ancient times). In addition to a walking tour, you can also choose to ride a bicycle, which allows you to appreciate the scenery around the city wall.

In the evening, you can discover delicious Muslim food at the Muslim Quarter, such as crumbled flatbread in mutton soup, cold skin noodles, and roujiamo (meat in a bun).

Meals: B, L
Accommodation: Xi'an

In the morning, you will visit the Shaanxi History Museum and the Little Wild Goose Pagoda, where you can learn about the history behind the ancient buildings and cultural relics. After that, you will be taken to a local family and get a glimpse of the daily life of a Chinese family. Under the guidance of the host, you can learn to make Chinese dumplings. Then enjoy a unique dumpling feast and authentic Xi'an food.

In the afternoon, you will visit Daci'en Temple, one of the most famous Buddhist scripture translation sites. The Giant Wild Goose Pagoda in the temple was built to preserve the Buddhist text that Xuanzang brought back to Xi'an via the Silk Road. You can try on Hanfu (Chinese traditional clothes) and take pictures.

In the evening, you will visit Datang Everbright City. At night, the lights are dazzling. The antique-style buildings in the light will make you feel like you are in the prosperous era of the Tang Dynasty. There are also various dance performances.

Kind Reminder:
Climbing the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda requires an additional payment of 30 RMB (about 4 USD).

Meals: B, L, D
Accommodation: Xi'an

Today, you will leave Xi'an and delve deep into the Silk Road. Your personal guide will take you to the airport for a flight to Dunhuang, Gansu Province (about 2.5 hours). Dunhuang holds an important position in history, especially during the prosperous period of the Silk Road. When you arrive at Dunhuang Airport, your local guide and driver will pick you up and take you to your hotel to check-in.

Meals: B
Accommodation: Dunhuang

After breakfast, take a bus to visit the Mogao Caves (Mogao Grottoes), which have been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will visit the newly opened Mogao Grottoes Digital Exhibition Center first. Watch two short educational documentaries that introduce the history, art, and other facts of the Mogao Grottoes. After watching, take the shuttle bus to the Mogao Caves.

The Mogao Caves are the largest and best-preserved heritage of Buddhist art in the world, known as the "pearl of Asian art". Its exquisite murals and lifelike sculptures show Buddhist stories, historical scenes, and daily life in ancient Chinese society. You can find traces of the fusion of ancient Eastern and Western cultures in the murals and sculptures.

Mingsha Mountains (Singing Sand Dunes) and Crescent Moon Spring were important supply stations for ancient trade caravans. You can enjoy the stunning desert scenery and admire the oasis in the desert. Here, you can experience riding camels across the desert like the merchants and feel the sound of camel bells on the ancient Silk Road. You can also choose from exciting activities such as sandboarding or paragliding.

Kind Reminder:
If you want, you can camp overnight in the desert of Mingsha Mountain. During camping, you can participate in activities such as sandboarding, desert quad bike, campfire party, etc. If needed, please contact your private travel consultant.

Meals: B, L, D
Accommodation: Dunhuang

After breakfast, take the bullet train to Turpan (about 3.5 hours). You can take a nap on the train or enjoy the magnificent views of the desert along the way.

Turpan is an oasis city on the Silk Road with a rich history of fruit cultivation. Upon arrival, your tour guide will meet you at the exit of the station. Then you will be driven to visit the Grape Valley. Taste fresh grapes and other local fruits and experience the lifestyle and culture of the locals.

After the tour, you will be taken to the hotel to rest.

Meals: B
Accommodation: Turpan

Today's Turpan tour begins with the ancient city of Gaochang, which is known as the "replica of Chang'an in the Western Regions". This ancient city used to be a multi-ethnic and multi-cultural area. Then you will travel to the Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves. Explore its excellent murals and sculptures and feel the charm of ancient Buddhist art.

Travel along the Flaming Mountain Grand Canyon to Tuyugou Valley. Flaming Mountain is one of the shooting places of Journey to the West. Tuyugou Mazha Village is the oldest village of the Uygur nationality with a history of over 2600 years. You can learn about Buddhist and Islamic culture here. Observe how local villagers live in ancient clay houses.

In the afternoon, drive back to Turpan City to explore the splendid project of the Karez Well System. The Karez Well is an ancient underground irrigation system. The Jiaohe Ancient City is located at a strategic point on the ancient Silk Road. This ancient city is known as the largest, oldest, and best-preserved earthen buildings in the world.

Meals: B, L, D
Accommodation: Turpan

After breakfast, drive about 3 hours from Turpan to Urumqi and head to Heavenly Lake (Tianchi Lake). The clear lake water reflects the snow-capped peaks, fluffy white clouds, and azure sky. You are free to wander around the lake and immerse yourself in the wonderful scenery.

After the tour, take a car back to Urumqi.

Meals: B, L, D
Accommodation: Urumqi

This morning you will head to the airport and take a flight to Kashgar, the westernmost corner of China. Kashgar was once the center of regional trade and culture on the ancient Silk Road.

Your first stop today is the Id Kah Mosque which is considered a holy land for Muslims. Thousands of Muslims worship here every day. You can feel the strong religious atmosphere from the magnificent and religious buildings inside the temple.

Walk a few minutes to the exotic Kashgar Old City, where you can experience the authentic Uyghur way of life. Explore the traditional earthen buildings where locals live and taste authentic cuisine.

Stroll along Handicrafts Street and discover golden and silver jewelry, wooden handiwork, colorful silk cloth, and more. You can see how local craftsmen make their handicrafts. Enjoy a cup of local tea at an ancient tea house while chatting, singing, and dancing with the locals.

Meals: B, L
Accommodation: Kashgar

Today, you will drive about 190 kilometers (about a 3-hour drive) from Kashgar to the famous Karakul Lake (black lake). The Pamir Mountains stretch along the way. You will pass by cold snow-capped mountains, vast grasslands, and peaceful villages.

Karakul Lake is located at the foot of Mount Muztagata. In spring and summer, herds of cattle and sheep flock on the grassland near the lake. You may see swans finding food. Amazingly, the Karakul Lake changes colors depending on the light and weather. The lake water alternates between colors such as dark green, azure, blue, etc. After a stroll around Karakul Lake, return to the hotel in Kashgar.

Meals: B, L, D
Accommodation: Kashgar

After breakfast, pay a visit to Xiang Fei Garden and learn about the legend and story of Xiangfei (Fragrant Concubine), a concubine of the Qianlong Emperor of the Qing dynasty.

In the afternoon, we will visit the Abakh Hoja Tomb (later called Fragrant Concubine Tomb) where you can learn about the funeral customs of Uyghur nationality and appreciate ancient buildings with Islamic characteristics.

You can return to the hotel for a rest or explore freely for the remaining time today.

Meals: B, L
Accommodation: Kashgar

Today you will bid farewell to Kashgar and conclude your memorable China Silk Road tour. You will be taken to the airport for your next destination or home.

Meals: B
Accommodation: N/A