Ancient Silk Road of China

12 days
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Private Guided
Enjoy this 12-day journey along the Silk Road; you'll uncover natural wonders and rich cultural heritage. Starting in Xi'an, where the Terracotta Warriors unveil ancient dynasties, you'll venture to Jiayuguan for the imposing First Pier of the Great Wall. Next, in Dunhuang, the celebrated Mogao Grottoes await. Traverse the Flaming Mountain in Turpan before co...
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Overview

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

Highlights

    • Explore ancient dynasties through the fascinating Terracotta Warriors in Xi'an.
    • Witness the imposing First Pier of the Great Wall in Jiayuguan, a marvel of ancient engineering.
    • Discover the vibrant Buddhist art and history at the celebrated Mogao Grottoes in Dunhuang.
    • Traverse the culturally significant Flaming Mountain in Turpan, known from the classic tale "Journey to the West".
    • Immerse yourself in history at Kashgar, with its ancient mosque and lively bazaar, reflecting the Silk Road's cultural diversity.

What's this trip about?

    Enjoy this 12-day journey along the Silk Road; you'll uncover natural wonders and rich cultural heritage. Starting in Xi'an, where the Terracotta Warriors unveil ancient dynasties, you'll venture to Jiayuguan for the imposing First Pier of the Great Wall. Next, in Dunhuang, the celebrated Mogao Grottoes await. Traverse the Flaming Mountain in Turpan before concluding in Kashgar, where an ancient mosque and bustling bazaar await your exploration.

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizePrivate - your group only
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportAll internal transport included (including local flights)
Start CityXi'an
End CityKashgar

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • Nature & Wildlife

Destinations

Activities

  • Culture
  • Historic Sightseeing
  • History
  • Nature
  • Ruins & Archaeology

Trip includes

    • Entrance fees for the scenic spots as listed in the itinerary
    • All in-destination transport as listed in the itinerary
    • 4-star accommodation
    • English-speaking guides for sightseeing as listed in the itinerary
    • Meals: 11 breakfasts and 10 lunches
    • One bottle of drinking water per person per day

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Xi'an 

Embark on your journey in the historic city of Xi'an, the starting point of the ancient Silk Road trading route. Upon arrival at Xi'an airport, you'll receive a warm welcome from your guide and be transported to your hotel in a private vehicle. Spend the remainder of ...

Day 2: Xi'an's Terracotta Warriors 

This morning, venture beyond the city limits to discover one of the world's extraordinary marvels—the Terracotta Warriors. This vast assembly of life-sized clay soldiers, chariots, and horses was crafted to

safeguard China's first emperor, Qin Shihuang, in the ...

Day 3: Xi'an to Jiayuguan 

Embark on today's exploration with a visit to the awe-inspiring Big Wild Goose Pagoda, housing Buddha figures and scriptures brought from the birthplace of Buddhism—India—by the renowned monk Xuan Zang. His 18-year pilgrimage along the Silk Road served as the inspirat...

Day 4: Jiayuguan Pass Exploration 

Jiayuguan, a city strategically located near the historically-significant Jiayuguan Pass, is the convergence point of the Great Wall and the Silk Road in China's northwest Gansu Province. Spend the day delving into key sites associated with these two marvels. Ascend t...

Day 5: Jiayuguan to Dunhuang

Embark on your day with a morning visit to the Wei-Jin Art Gallery, an ancient tomb complex boasting over 1,400 tombs adorned with vibrant murals dating back to the 3rd century. This colossal underground art gallery provides a fascinating glimpse into ancient Chinese ...

Day 6: Moga Grottoes Exploration 

This morning, embark on an enriching exploration of the city's cultural treasures. Begin by visiting the UNESCO-listed Moga Grottoes, also known as the Caves of the Thousand Buddha, showcasing exquisite examples of Buddhist paintings and statues spanning a millennium....

Day 7: Singing Sand Dunes & Crescent Moon Spring 

Dedicate today to an enlightening visit to the Dunhuang Research Academy, where you can listen to captivating stories behind the murals and even try your hand at creating your own mural, a wonderful keepsake to take home. Later, savor an organic vegetarian lunch at th...

Day 8: Dunhuang to Turpan 

Embark on a visit to the remarkable Yulin Caves, often regarded as the sister caves to the Mogao Caves. This network of 42 Buddhist caves houses a wealth of colorful statues and wall paintings. Afterwards, head to Liuyuan Railway Station for a high-speed train journey...

Day 9: Turpan Highlights 

Commence your exploration of Turpan at the Gaochang Ruins, often referred to as the "replica of Chang'an in the Western Regions during the Tang Dynasty." Dating back to the 1st century B.C. and later devastated by war in the 14th century A.D., this ancient city once s...

Day 10: Turpan to Urumqi, then to Kashgar 

Standing at an impressive height of 44 meters (144 ft), the Emin Minaret, also known as Sugong Tower, is China's tallest minaret. Admire its extraordinary design, blending traditional Islamic elements with local Uyghur architectural traditions. The Turpan Water System...

Day 11: Id Kah Mosque & Abakh Khoja Tomb 

Delve into the long and storied history of the Id Kah Mosque with your guide, taking in the grandeur of the largest mosque in Xinjiang. Due to its ample capacity, the Id Kah Mosque serves as a focal point for Muslims during the annual Feast of the Sacrifice. Unearth t...

Day 12: Departure from Kashgar 

Savor some free time in the morning before catching your flight to your next destination. Meals: Breakfast

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Dates & Availability

Price From $4,529
Price per day$377
Last Updated: 2/13/2025

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Odynovo.

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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Logistics

What's excluded

    • International flight
    • Visa application & visa fee
    • Gratuities to the guides and drivers
    • Travel insurance
    • Personal expenses or any other item not listed in the itinerary
    • Excess baggage charge for flight
    • Optional activities either recommended by tour guides or out of your own interests

Accommodation

is shared in a double/twin room. Single supplement applies. 

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Meals Included

11 breakfasts and 10 lunches

Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Additional Information
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Trip ID
TS-TS-CN-312

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