Share:
Welcome to Xian, the starting point of the Silk Road. Our guide and driver will meet you at the Xian Xianyang International Airport. They will take you directly to your hotel. You’ll have the rest of the day to relax.
Stay in Xi’an
Start your day by visiting the famous Terracotta Warriors(兵马俑). This is a true marvel of ancient China. The museum has thousands of life-sized warrior statues. Each statue has a unique facial expression and detailed armor. They guard the tomb of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang. The scale and historical importance make it one of the world’s greatest archaeological discoveries.
In the afternoon, visit the Bell and Drum Towers(钟鼓楼) in the heart of Xi’an. These iconic landmarks show the city’s history. The Bell Tower has a large, ancient bell. It was used to announce the time. The Drum Tower has a giant drum. It was once used for military signaling.
B, L , D | Stay in Xi’an
In the early morning, take the high-speed train to Tianshui. The ride takes 1.5 hours. Upon arrival, a local driver and guide will meet you. They will take you to the Maijishan Grottoes(麦积山石窟). This site is an impressive part of the ancient Silk Road. It dates back to the Late Qin Period.
In the early afternoon, board the overnight train to Jiayuguan City. The ride takes 10 hours. Upon arrival, our guide will pick up and transfer you to your hotel for a rest.
B, L , D | Stay in Jiayuguan
Today, we’ll visit Jiayuguan Pass(嘉峪关), the western end of the Ming Great Wall. It stretches over 60 kilometers. You can walk on the wall and enjoy its history. Our guide will explain its cultural and historical importance.
Later, visit the Great Wall Museum(长城博物馆). It is the first museum dedicated to the history and culture of the Great Wall.
B, L , D | Stay in Jiayuguan
In the morning, take the high-speed train to Dunhuang. The ride takes almost 3 hours. Upon arrival, a local tour guide will meet you. Start your Silk Road adventure with a visit to Echo Sand Mountain(鸣沙山). This is a key attraction along the Silk Road. One of its unique features is the sound the sand makes when the wind blows.
You can enjoy activities like sand sliding, camel riding, or off-roading (at an additional cost). At the base of Echo Sand Mountain, visit Crescent Spring(月牙泉). This tranquil oasis is surrounded by sand dunes and offers a stunning desert view.
B, L, D | Stay in Dunhuang
Start your Dunhuang tour with a visit to the Mogao Grottoes(莫高窟). It is one of China’s four most famous cave complexes. The Mogao Grottoes have 735 caves, stretching over 1,700 meters along the cliffs. They are divided into two sections: north and south. The southern section has 492 caves filled with murals and sculptures. The northern section has 243 caves, mainly used by monks for meditation and living.
In the afternoon, drive for 2 hours to the train station. Then take the high-speed train from Liuyuan Station to Turpan. The ride takes 3.5 hours.
B, L , D | Stay in Turpan
Start your Turpan tour with a visit to the Karez Well(坎儿井). It is an ancient irrigation system that turned Turpan into an oasis. Next, visit Flaming Mountain(火焰山), known as the hottest place in China during summer.
The day ends with a visit to the Jiaohe Ruins(交河故城). This well-preserved ancient site was once a major transportation hub on the Silk Road. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. The ruins are divided into five sections: residential, storage, government, temple, and burial areas. These sections show a mix of Central Plains and Western Regions cultures.
After the tour, we will drive to Urumqi, which takes 2 to 2.5 hours. You will then check into your hotel.
B, L , D | Stay in Urumqi
In the morning, your guide will pick you up from your hotel. You will drive to Urumqi for a day of relaxation at Heavenly Lake(天池). Enjoy a leisurely boat ride on the lake. You can also take a peaceful walk through the surrounding mountains or simply relax by the tranquil waters.
After your visit to Heavenly Lake, we will go to the Xinjiang Regional Museum(新疆自治区博物馆). There, you can explore various exhibits, including historical relics, ethnic and folk cultural items, ancient mummies, and revolutionary cultural relics.
B, L , D | Stay in Urumqi
Check off the hotel, our guide and driver will meet you at the hotel. Take the private transfer to airport for your onward journey. Your once in a life time silk road trip comes to an end.
B, L
At Heavenly Lake, you can take a relaxing boat ride, walk along the serene lake, or enjoy a peaceful hike in the surrounding mountains. The area offers breathtaking views, and it's a perfect spot for unwinding and connecting with nature.
The drive from Turpan to Urumqi takes about 2 to 2.5 hours. It’s a scenic drive through the Xinjiang region, offering a glimpse into the local landscape and culture.
The high-speed train ride from Xi’an to Tianshui takes approximately 1.5 hours. It’s a quick and comfortable journey.
The best time to visit the Terracotta Warriors is early in the morning. This helps you avoid large crowds and gives you a chance to explore the site more peacefully.
At Echo Sand Mountain, you can enjoy activities like camel riding, sand sliding, or off-roading. These activities are available at an additional cost and provide a unique experience in the desert.
The Mogao Grottoes are famous for their stunning collection of murals, sculptures, and Buddhist art. With over 700 caves, you’ll see intricate artwork from various periods of China’s history, showcasing the cultural and religious significance of the Silk Road.
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
Let's co-create your adventure along the Silk Road.
Tell us your vision for a Silk Road tour, and we'll make it a reality this year.
Let your Silk Road tour tell a thousand-year-old story.
Top Destination
Information
Copyright © 2009-2025 AsiaSilkRoadTours. All Rights Reserved.
Amazing tour!
Mark Johnson –
The Terracotta Warriors were a real highlight!
Highly recommend this tour
Luca Moretti –
This trip was beyond anything I could have imagined! The guides really made the history come alive!
Silk road travel!
Emily –
From the cultural treasures in Xi’an to the breathtaking beauty of Heavenly Lake, this tour covers everything you’d want to see along the Silk Road. The guides were wonderful!