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Upon arriving at the Xining airport or train station, a local guide will greet you and escort you to your hotel in Xining， take the day to rest or explore at your own pace.
Stay in Xining
After breakfast, take a scenic 2.5-hour drive to Qinghai Lake(青海湖), China’s largest inland saltwater lake, marking the start of your Silk Road journey. The lake is particularly stunning in July and August, when the surrounding fields are filled with blooming rape flowers. As a haven for birds, Qinghai Lake attracts thousands of species each summer. You’ll enjoy a lake cruise to visit Bird Island, a paradise for birdwatchers. Afterward, return to your hotel in Xining.
B, L, D, Stay in Xining
In the morning, board a bullet train to Zhangye, enjoying scenic views of the Qilian Mountain Ranges along the way. Upon arrival in Zhangye, a guide will escort you to the Matisi Grottoes (马蹄寺石窟).
Here, you’ll discover over 70 grottoes, with highlights including the Buddhist grotto culture and the Yugu ethnic minority. Following your visit, you’ll be taken to your hotel in Zhangye.
B, L, D, Stay in Zhangye
After breakfast, you’ll meet your guide and driver for a 3-hour drive to Alax Youqi(阿拉善右旗). Following lunch, your Silk Road adventure begins at the Badain Jaran Desert(巴丹吉林沙漠), renowned as one of China’s most stunning deserts.
You can take in the picturesque views of the lakes and towering sand dunes. As the sun sets, you’ll settle into a traditional Mongolian yurt for the night and savor a local dinner.
B, L, D, Stay in the Mongolian Yurt of Alax Youqi
You’ll want to rise early to witness the spectacular sunrise over the Badain Jaran Desert. After soaking in the morning light, you’ll return to Zhangye.
Upon arrival in Zhangye, a visit to the Giant Buddha Temple (大佛寺) awaits. This temple is a significant landmark in Zhangye and a crucial Silk Road site. It houses the largest reclining Buddha statue made of wood and clay. The Buddha stretches 34.5 meters long with ears measuring 4 meters. After exploring the temple’s art and history, including the beautiful frescoes and ancient scriptures, you’ll return to your hotel in Zhangye.
B, L, D, Stay in Zhangye
After breakfast, head to Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park(张掖丹霞国家地质公园) to see the breathtaking Rainbow Mountains, famous for their vibrant colors. The mountains display a stunning array of red, white, yellow, and other hues, creating a picturesque landscape.
The park features several observation decks offering unique views. The Colorful Sea of Clouds Terrace provides a panoramic view, when the setting sun intensifies the colors. You can explore the park on foot or use shuttle buses to reach the viewing platforms.
B, L, D, Stay in Zhangye
This morning, you’ll check out of your Zhangye hotel and embark on a 2.5-hour drive to Jiayuguan. Your first stop will be Jiayuguan Pass(嘉峪关), the westernmost starting point of the Ming Dynasty Great Wall. Jiayuguan served as a vital traffic fort along the Silk Road, connecting China with Central Asia and Europe.
Next, visit the Wei-Jin Art Gallery, featuring over a thousand ancient tombs from the Wei-Jin period. Known as the “world’s largest underground art gallery,” these tombs contain vivid murals that provide insights into the politics, economy, military, and culture of the time.
B, L, D, Stay in Jiayuguan
In the morning, we’ll pick you up from your hotel and drive to Dunhuang (about 4 hours), a significant city on the ancient Silk Road. Along the way, visit the Yulin Grottoes(榆林窟), often referred to as the “sister caves” of the Mogao Caves. These caves feature Buddhist and Bodhisattva figures, along with paintings that illustrate Buddhist stories. A highlight is Cave No. 25, created during the Tang Dynasty, which showcases exquisite murals from that era.
Afterward, continue our drive to Dunhuang city and check in the hotel.
B, L, D, Stay in Dunhuang
Your Silk Road journey in Dunhuang starts at the Mogao Grottoes(莫高窟), a UNESCO World Heritage Site founded in 366 AD. This significant cultural landmark features 735 caves, 45,000 square meters of murals, and over 2,400 colored sculptures, offering insights into ancient Chinese religions.
In the afternoon, visit the Echoing-Sand Mountain (鸣沙山), named for the unique sounds its shifting sands produce. The mountain stretches over 40 kilometers from east to west and is about 20 kilometers wide. At its foot lies Crescent Spring(月牙泉), a crescent-shaped oasis with crystal-clear water, known as the “First Spring in the Desert.” You can enjoy activities like sand sliding and camel riding here.
Afterward, you will board an overnight train to Turpan in Xinjiang.
B, L, D, On the Soft Sleeper Train
Upon arrival in Turpan, a local guide and driver will meet you at the railway station and take you to your hotel. After a short rest, your Xinjiang adventure begins with a visit to the Jiaohe Ruins(交河故城), one of the most significant towns on the ancient Silk Road and the world’s largest, oldest, and best-preserved earthen structure.
Next, explore the Karez Well(坎儿井), an ingenious irrigation system that has made Turpan a thriving oasis. This system taps into groundwater from the Tian Shan Mountains and channels it through underground canals to reduce evaporation.
After the tour, you’ll return to your hotel in Turpan.
B, L, D, Stay in Turpan
In the morning, your Silk Road adventure continues with a transfer to Urumqi by car(about 2.5 hours). After lunch,we will set out for Heavenly Lake(天池), a stunning alpine lake nestled in the Tian Shan Mountains. The lake is shaped like a half-moon and features crystal-clear turquoise waters. Surrounded by towering mountains, glacier forests, and alpine meadows, the scenery resembles a landscape straight out of a fairytale.
Popular activities include boating, hiking, and enjoying the sunset views. Taking a boat trip on the lake offers an exceptional way to soak in the serene beauty of the surrounding landscape.
B, L, D, Stay in Urumqi
Enjoy a leisurely morning in Urumqi before your driver transfers you to the airport for your departure flight. This is the end of your 12-day Silk Road China adventure!
B, L, Urumqi Departure
The best time to visit Qinghai Lake is during the summer months, especially in July and August, when the surrounding fields are in full bloom with vibrant rape flowers. This time also attracts thousands of migratory birds, making the area a birdwatcher's paradise.
This ancient irrigation system draws groundwater from the Tian Shan Mountains and channels it through underground canals to supply water to the arid Turpan Basin. You can visit this UNESCO-recognized site to learn how it turned the region into a thriving oasis, supporting agriculture and local life for centuries.
The Giant Buddha Temple in Zhangye is home to the largest reclining Buddha in China, stretching 34.5 meters in length. Inside, you’ll find intricate murals and ancient scriptures.
Dunhuang was vital to the Silk Road as a key trade hub and cultural center, connecting China to Central Asia. Its Mogao Caves were a major center for Buddhist art and learning.
Lanzhou - Hezuo - Diebu County - Tangke County - Aba County - Hezuo - Lanzhou
Lanzhou - Zhangye - Dunhuang - Golmud - Chaka - Xining - Lanzhou
Lanzhou - Xining - Dunhuang - Jiayuguan - Jiuquan - Zhangye - Wuwei - Lanzhou
Urumqi - Korla - Kuqa - Aral - Hotan - Shache - Kashgar - Taxkorgan - Kashgar
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A Trip to Remember!
Liam –
I absolutely loved this Silk Road journey! The combination of stunning natural scenery and fascinating history kept me captivated the entire trip. The visit to Jiaohe Ruins and the Karez Well in Turpan were mind-blowing, showing how advanced ancient civilizations were. Plus, the Mongolian yurt stay was such a cool cultural experience. The guides were excellent, and the whole experience felt smooth and well-organized.
I love this tour!
Hiroshi Tanaka –
If you want to explore China’s ancient past and stunning landscapes, this is the perfect tour
A Journey Across China silk road
Anna –
This was a trip of a lifetime! Every stop was a revelation. The local guides were passionate about their heritage, and their stories really brought the places to life. I was especially taken by the Rainbow Mountains in Zhangye—such a surreal sight! The desert night in a Mongolian yurt was also an experience I’ll never forget. Highly recommend this tour for anyone interested in China’s history and landscapes.