In-depth China Silk Road Tour

12 days
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Private Guided

Unveil the Artistic and Cultural Legacy of Minorities. Unlike other traditional China Silk Road trips, this 12-day in-depth tour ventures beyond major tourist destinations, exploring lesser-known historical sites, and interacting with local minority communities. The magic of this in-depth tour is the Silk Road's coexisting multi-ethnic cultures and its war...

$5,288
From$4,299
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Overview

Trip type
Private Guided
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Full schedule

Highlights

    • Be invited to a hidden cave at the Maijishan Grottoes that houses the ‘the crown jewels of artistry'.
    • Discover "China's little Mecca" as you're immersed in the heart of Linxia's Muslim culture.
    • Enjoy a more-adventurous experience in the Bingling Temple Grottoes, known for their art and scenery.
    • Watch monks chanting with booming voices, creating an inspiring scene at Labrang Monastery.
    • Feel a deep sense of serenity on the Sangke Grasslands with sheep and yaks surround you.
    • Create your own masterpiece under the guidance of mural experts at the Mogao Caves.
    • Savor a fine and intimate dinner on the vast expanse of sand dunes at Singing Sand Mountain.
    • Gaze into Turpan's glorious past — its rich historical tapestry and cultural exchange.

What's this trip about?

    Unveil the Artistic and Cultural Legacy of Minorities. Unlike other traditional China Silk Road trips, this 12-day in-depth tour ventures beyond major tourist destinations, exploring lesser-known historical sites, and interacting with local minority communities. The magic of this in-depth tour is the Silk Road's coexisting multi-ethnic cultures and its warm people. Its beauty unfolds in a series of captivating moments: an unforgettable encounter with Muslims in Linxia, a home visit to see a Nyingma monk in Labrang, the vibrant energy of a Tibetan feast on Sangke Grassland, and an immersive mural painting session with a Mogao Caves expert. This is an nuanced route even for experienced travelers who are fascinated with the culture of Silk Road. And it can be personalized to fit your interests. Read the suggested itinerary below for inspiration and let us know if you are interested.

Details

Itinerary focusOff the Beaten Path
Group sizePrivate - your group only
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportAll internal transport included (including local flights)
Start CityXi'an
End CityTurpan

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • Nature & Wildlife

Destinations

Activities

  • Culture

Trip includes

    • Private air-conditioned business car with big windows and ample space
    • English speaking local guide
    • Activities, hotels, and meals listed in the itinerary
    • 24/7 helpline for while you are traveling

Itinerary

Day 1 Xi'an | Airport Transfer
As the starting point of the ancient Silk Road, Xi'an is not only a city with a wealth of historical sites, but also a major transportation hub with an international airport, making it a great journey start point today. Your tour guide will be waiting at Arrivals to pick you up and transport you to your hotel for the coming adventure.

Day 2 Xi'an | The Terracotta Warriors
The Terracotta Warriors are so widely known, but seeing them may nevertheless astound you. Despite being so numerous, each soldier of the Terracotta Army has unique facial features, expression, and hairstyle, and clothing, reflectin...
Day 3 Xi'an to Tianshui | The Maijishan Grottoes
Tianshui was an important stop along the Silk Road for centuries giving it a rich history and culture. Though less commonly visited, Tianshui is very easy to access from Xi'an, taking only 1½ hours to reach on a high-speed train.
Day 4 Tianshui to Lanzhou | Fuxi Temple
Visit Fuxi Temple in the morning before you head to Lanzhou.

Fuxi Temple is a sprawling complex with numerous courtyards and four compounds. The main hall enshrines a large statue of Fuxi, the legendary founder of Chinese civiliza...
Day 5 Lanzhou to Linxia | The Bingling Temple Grottoes
From Lanzhou, about 2½ hours will be needed to arrive at the Bingling Temple Grottoes.

Unlike Maijishan, Bingling Temple offers a more off-the-beaten-path grotto experience. Reaching the grottoes involves a
Day 6 Linxia to Xiahe | Explore Muslim Culture and Tibetan Buddhism
Linxia is home to a large Hui population, who are a Chinese Muslim ethnic group with a blend of Islamic traditions with Chinese influences.

We'll take you on an exclusive exploration, skipping the commercial pedes...
Day 7 Xiahe | Labrang Monastery and Dinner at a Ranch Camp
Founded in 1709, Labrang Monastery is home to the largest number of Tibetan Buddhist monks outside of Tibet Autonomous Region, housing more than 1,100 currently. It is not just a museum: it's a functioning monastery. You'll see monks engaged in pray...
Day 8 Xiahe to Dunhuang | Flight and Transfers
On day 8, you'll fly to Dunhuang from Lanzhou. About 3½ hours will be taken to drive from Xiahe to Lanzhou Zhongchuan International Airport. You'll land at Dunhuang Mogao International Airport at around 4 p.m.

Day 9 Dunhuang | Mogao Caves and a Desert Dinner
As well as visiting the Mogao Caves, we arrange a unique 2-hour art experience to learn the secrets behind the Mogao Caves masterpieces. Under the guidance of experts from Dunhuang Research Academy, you'll get a hands-on experience ...
Day 10 Dunhuang to Turpan | The Great Wall of the Han Dynasty
The Great Wall of Han Dynasty (built 206 BCE – 220 CE) is about an hour northwest of Dunhuang. It played a crucial role in protecting the Han Dynasty's borders and facilitated the expansion of agriculture into northern territories. It also helped se...
Day 11 Turpan | Xinjiang's History and Agriculture Hub
Let's first explore the Ruins of Jiaohe, a once-thriving city on the Silk Road. Dating back to the 2nd century BC, this UNESCO World Heritage site offers a glimpse into the architectural styles and way of life of its former inhabitants.

Day 12 Turpan to Urumqi | Urumqi Departure
We recommend you head to your next destination from Urumqi Diwopu International Airport, as it serves more flights than Turpan Jiaohe Airport. Your tour guide and driver will transfer you from Turpan to Urumqi within 3 hours to catch your flight. If...

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Dates & Availability

Price From $4,299
Price per day$358
Last Updated: 2/13/2025

FromUSD 4,299 p/p

Based on a private tour for a family of 4 people with 1 child below 12 years old. Price varies depending on program, travel date, number of people and chosen hotel

Price includes:

  • Private air-conditioned business car with big windows and ample space
  • English speaking local guide
  • Activities, hotels, and meals listed in the itinerary
  • 24/7 helpline for while you are traveling

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with China Highlights.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Apr 2025

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EXCEPCIONAL

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Apr 2025

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History comes alive in Xi’an with our guide Christina!

Little did I expect our tour in Xi’an to be so interesting and insightful - for that, all credit has to go to our very knowledgeable guide Christina Xie. It was cle...

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Apr 2025

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Jessica is the best

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Logistics

What's excluded

    • International travel expenses to enter or leave Asia.
    • Visa Fees
    • Excess Baggage Charges.
    • Personal Expenses
    • Meals: Any meals which are not specified in the tour itinerary.
    • Insurance
    • Single Room Supplement
    • Gratuities, Tips to Guides or Drivers

Accommodation

Hotel Selection —the Icing on the Cake Boutique hotels are recommended to enrich your travel experience.
Requirements
Payment Deposit & Final payment A deposit which is equal to 10% of the total tour cost is required at the time of booking. The full or final payment is required 30 days before departure for your China tour. Should the tour booked within 30 days before departure for your China tour, full payment is required. Receipt of your deposit or final payment will indicate that you and your travel agent (when applicable) have read these Terms and Conditions, and that you (and your agent) have accepted them. The Terms and Conditions below form the basis of the contractual relationship between China Highlights International Travel Service Co., Ltd (Business Certificate Number: L-GX00724) and its clients. It is extremely important that our clients understand and accept these Terms and Conditions as well as their quotations, itineraries and other relevant communication from our travel advisors. Methods of Payment We are now able to offer 3 methods of Payment: Visa or Master Card secure online payment via PayPal. Visa or Master Card by email Wire transfer. Cash payment, travelers' check and company check is applicable upon special request, but personal checks cannot be accepted. or click here to enter the "Payment Center" page to know more. If we receive a fraud alert from our credit card processor, we'll require confirmation before your transaction can be processed. If the booking is too urgent to get all required confirmation in time, we have the right to cancel the booking and refund the card holder's account for our own and the card holder's protection. Disclaimer of Difference Caused by Exchange Rate (For clients who make payment by credit card only). China Highlights will draw Chinese currency (CNY) from your credit card. The Credit Card Company or Bank will convert this amount to the currency of your credit card account. China Highlights converts Chinese currency to US Dollars at a rate of CN721 = US$100 for our quotations, but must charge your credit card in CNY (Note: China Highlights will apply the latest exchange rate, which may differ from the one shown above.). Banks and credit card companies must then buy Chinese currency at their local rate to make the payment. The rate may be more or less than our rate. Banks and credit card companies may also make a service charge for the transaction. For these reasons what appears on your bank statement may be more (or even less) than what you were expecting. Click here for an illustration. Note: Before you pay, please check our exchange rate against your bank's exchange rate and your bank's transaction fee policy. China Highlights currently quotes tour prices in US Dollars on our web site to give you an idea of the tour cost and quote in CNY to you at the time when you are making bookings. 1. Should a revaluation of the Chinese Renminbi occur, China Highlights will honor all quotations for tours that have been fully paid at the time of the revaluation. 2. Customers who have not paid for their tour in full at the time of any revaluation will be required to pay the difference between the old and new price calculated in Renminbi. China Highlights will never charge more that our quotation that has been accepted by you, our client. Luggage AllowanceIn accordance with regulations of the General Administration of Civil Aviation of China, the free baggage allowance within China is 20kg for the economy class, 30kg for the business class, and 40kg for the first class, plus limited carry-on luggage. Excess baggage charges are the sole responsibility of the client. Regulations within China specify that all suitcases must have a locking device attached. Failure to follow this regulation may result in refusal by airport staff to load suitcases onto the aircraft. Alteration of Itinerary Alterations to your itinerary before the booking are happily processed free of charge. Alterations after payment of the deposit will attract a fee of $25.00 per request. All expenses incurred by China Highlights in alteration of the booking are the responsibility of the customer. This includes all fees and charges levied by third parties such as cruise operators, airlines and hotels. Liability & ResponsibilityChina Highlights provides tour information and China tour bookings. China Highlights publishes travel information and services gathered from the selected quality hotels, air ticket agencies and tour companies & operators. Chinahighlights will not be responsible for errors, emissions or inaccuracies in information provided by third party providers. China Highlights shall not be responsible for any wrongful or negligent or fraudulent, omissions, changes of itinerary, cancellation or the failure of any equipment operated by those suppliers or any other party not directly owned or controlled by China Highlights. China Highlights shall not be liable for any loss, injury, or damage to person or property, alteration of itineraries or cancellation in part or in full, caused by climatic conditions, sea fire, breakdown of machinery or equipment, acts of government or other authorities, wars whether or not declared, civil disturbances, strikes, riots, thefts, epidemics, quarantines, medical or customs regulations, terrorist activities, or any other actions, omissions or conditions beyond China Highlights's control. Neither China Highlights nor any of its affiliates or subsidiaries shall be or become liable or responsible for any additional expenses of liability sustained or incurred by the tour member as a result of any of the aforementioned causes China Highlights is not responsible for a client's failure to comply with customs regulations. China Highlights is not responsible for the theft or loss of any customer's valuables or items of personal property due to the negligence of the customer. China Highlights reserves the right to substitute hotels, flights, trains, or cruise ships, to alter itineraries, or to cancel the tour prior to departure. If China Highlights has cancelled any tour prior to the commencement of the tour, China Highlights is liable for a full refund of the money received from the client. Many of China Highlights tour packages include activities which require care and attention. Such activities include boarding and going ashore from boats, climbing hills and entering and exiting tombs and caves etc. You will receive help and advice from our representatives but all activities are undertaken at your own risk. China Highlights, its employees and agents cannot be responsible for any action or event that occurs after its said employees and agents have exercised their duty and taken the necessary care. China Highlights reserves the right to modify or rescind the terms and conditions in whole, or in part at any time with or without notice.Modification or Discontinuance of Service China Highlights reserves the right to modify or discontinue service to clients who behave illegally or objectionably toward its employees and agents. Offensive behavior includes behavior which is obscene, racially offensive or of a sexual nature. CommunicationsYou can contact China Highlights via the web form from www.chinahighlights.com, email, fax, or phone. If for any reason, you fail to receive any reply from China Highlights in regard of your tour status within 48 hours from the time you submitted the request for booking, modifying, or canceling a tour, please contact China Highlights customer service center at customercare@chinahighlights.com to ensure that we are able to deal with your enquiry under the terms of our Terms and Conditions. Contact Us Form Complaints and ClaimsShall you feel unsatisfied with any service China Highlights has provided, please notify your 7x24 hours available travel advisor or China Highlights Customer-care service to avoid the potential for similar problems happening again during your trip. Phone no. or WhatsApp: +86 18007839275 Email: customercare@chinahighlights.com  In the event of a complaint or claim for compensation, you must inform us by email, regular mail, or facsimile in writing within 15 days from the end of your tour. Relevant receipts and substantiating evidence must be attached to the letter of claim. China Highlights will not be liable for any claims made later than 15 days after the completion of your tour.,
Cancellation policy
Cancellation Refunds
We would deeply regret your decision to cancel your trip to China, however we realize that there are many valid reasons that this can happen.

In the event of a cancellation, you enjoy 100% refund of any payments made to China Highlights prior to 3 weeks before departure. The cancellation fee will be calculated as follows except specified by your travel advisor:

  • Cancellation received prior to 22 days before departure: 100 % refund of all monies paid.
  • Cancellation received from 15 to 21 days before departure: 70% refund of all monies paid.
  • Cancellation received from 8 to 14 days before departure: 50% refund of all monies paid.
  • Cancellation received from 0 to 7 days before departure: no refund.
  • No-show travelers will be charged 100% of the payment.
  • After the trip has commenced, no refund for unused services due to your unwillingness/inability to participate, early departure, late arrival, or missed days on tours.
Special Notes:

  • The terms for cancellation for tours of more than 10 people may vary from case to case. Please ask you travel advisor regarding the cancellation policy for a group of over 10 people.
Travel Insurance
China Highlights tour packages include Tourist Accident/Casualty Insurance up to a maximum of $30,000 per adult provided free of charge as part of our package. We still highly recommend that you purchase full coverage travel insurance from you country of origin. Insurance provided by China Highlights is not applicable where only hotel or China flight booking are purchased through China Highlights.
Visa requirements
All clients must be in possession of a valid passport and necessary visas or permits at the commencement of travel. All such documentation is the sole responsibility of the client. Your travel advisor may assist you in applying for the necessary travel documentation upon request. China Highlights accepts no responsibility or liability whatsoever for the failure of clients to obtain appropriate documentation.
Health & Safety
Clients should take into account all international travel risks and familiarize themselves with health requirements applicable to the areas they intend to visit. The client is solely responsible for checking the safety and security conditions, vaccination, and other health requirements of governments in countries visited or transited. Travelers to Tibet are required to provide a doctor's certificate stating that the he/she is fit to travel and his/her blood pressure and heart condition are normal. This is a necessary requirement because of the possible effects that the very high altitude may have on certain people.
Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Additional Information
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Trip ID
chinah-InDeChSiRoTo

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