14 Days China Silk Road Tour with Beijing and Shanghai

Day-by-day Itinerary

1. Day 1: Beijing Arrival

   Welcome to Beijing, the capital of China. Our driver will pick you up when you arrive at Beijing airport. The driver is waiting for you at the exit after you reclaim your luggage. When you meet, he will drive you to the hotel for check-in. In the rest of the day, please take your time to relax after a long flight. Your local guide will be happy to give you suggestions and helpful advice.

   Meal: N/A

   Accommodation: Beijing

2. Day 2: City Exploration in Beijing
   Explore the Royal Sites of the Qing Dynasty

   At about 8:30 am, your private guide will meet you at the hotel lobby. The first full day in Beijing will cover 4 spots. First, you will visit the famous Tian'anmen Square, the largest city square in the world, covering an area of 4800 square meters, equivalent to 66 standard football fields. After a short sightseeing, walk across the Golden Water Bridge and come to the splendid Forbidden City, built 600 years ago, where you will be impressed by the gorgeous imperial palaces and vast storage of historical relics.

   After lunch, your visit continues to the Temple of Heaven in the afternoon, the best-preserved and largest altar complex in China. It is a royal temple in the Qing Dynasty (1616-1912). The unique architecture, like the Hall of Prayer of Good Harvest and the Echo Wall, will leave a deep impression. In the evening, we will see an authentic Beijing Acrobatic Show (Chinese acrobatic shows have a history of over 2,000 years) and then the guide escorts you back to the hotel.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: Beijing

   

3. Day 3: Beijing Great Wall Hike
   Hike on the Great Wall, Experiencing the Vicissitudes of History

   Today, you will have a lot of walking on the Great Wall of China. You will be driven to climb the splendid Badaling Great Wall, the most famous and best-preserved section of the Great Wall, declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1987. The mountain slope is very steep and the roads are tortuous, which made it an important military stronghold in ancient times. The wall is like a strong dragon winding its way along the mountain ranges. We mainly visit the North Section as it houses the essential scenery.

   Note: If you want to save energy, you can take the cable car to the Great Wall at your own expense (your guide will help you buy the tickets).

   After that, transfer you to the underground palace of Dingling (one of the 13 tombs). Dingling Mausoleum is the tomb of Emperor Shenzong, Zhu Yijun, who reigned for 48 years, the longest during the Ming emperors. In traditional Chinese people's mind, by passing the Sacred Way — walking along the way means the road leading to heaven. On the way back to the downtown hotel, we will pass by the  Bird's Nest to take some pictures there.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: Beijing

   

4. Day 4: Beijing to Urumqi by Flight
   Take a Boat Tour of the Royal Summer Garden

   In the morning, our local guide will pick you up from the hotel lobby and pay a visit to the Summer Palace. It is the largest and best-preserved royal park in China for emperors’ entertainment with centralized architectural masterpieces. The main attractions here are the Seventeen-Arch Bridge, spanning Kunming Lake for about 150 meters, looking like a rainbow above the water from afar; the Long Corridor with over 14,000 exquisite paintings of different themes; and the Tower of Buddhist Incense, the highest point in Summer Palace where one can get a panoramic view of Kunming Lake and the surrounding scenery. If interested, you can pay extra to take a relaxing boat ride on the lake.

   After lunch, the guide will escort you to the airport for a flight to Urumqi, the capital city of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. The local driver in Urumqi will meet you at the airport and then send you to the hotel. In the evening, you can explore the nightlife of Urumqi on your own. The International Grand Bazaar, aka Erdaoqiao Grand Bazaar, is the largest in the world, where you will admire Islamic architectural style and purchase ethnic products from jewelry to handicrafts. Also, try some delicious snacks such as kebabs, pilaf, and naan.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: Urumqi

   

5. Day 5: Urumqi to Kashgar by Flight
   Witness the "Sleeve Trade" of the Livestock Market

   In the morning, your driver will pick you up and escort you to the airport to take the morning flight to Kashgar. The local guide in Kashgar will wait for you at the airport exit.

   In the afternoon, you will be guided to visit the famous Livestock Market, namely Sunday Bazaar, which used to be the largest international trade market in northwestern China. Tradings in the market are all conducted face-to-face. Usually, they negotiate the price by "sleeve trade", a highlight of the bazaar. Traders at home and abroad also exchange other kinds of goods, such as silk, salt, fur, perfume, and ivory. In addition, you can savor a variety of local foods and dishes, including roasted lamb leg, yogurt water, lamb skewers, and so on.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: Kashgar

   

6. Day 6: Kashgar Back to Urumqi by Flight, Drive to Turpan
   Glimpse Kashgar's Ethnic Culture in Ancient City

   Kashgar has been an important hub for the exchange of Eastern and Western civilizations in history. Marco Polo, Zhang Qian, Xuanzang, and other famous Chinese and foreign figures have left their footprints here. Kashgar has preserved a large number of historical relics and cultural landscapes. After breakfast, you will be taken to visit the soul of Kashgar - Kashgar Old Town.

   First, go to admire the Id Kah Mosque, a typical Islamic architecture with domes, minarets, and arches, as well as pious prayers. It has a 500-year history. At about 10:30 am, we walk to the gate to watch the Opening Ceremony of Kashgar Ancient City. Enjoy a lively cultural performance with local dancers wearing traditional clothes.

   After that, transfer you to visit the Abakh Khoja Tomb, which is an ancient Islamic building complex and a cemetery. Five generations of a famous Islamic master were buried here. It is considered the largest dome architecture in the east of the cemetery.

   After lunch, your guide will escort you to the airport to take the flight back to Urumqi. Our Urumqi guide will pick you up and then transfer you for about 3 hours to Turpan. Upon arrival in Turpan, you will check into the hotel.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: Turpan

   

7. Day 7: Turpan's Historical Sites
   Explore Silk Road Relics in Turpan's Ancient Valleys

   Turpan is located at the southern foot of the Tianshan Mountains and is a must-pass point on the northern route of the Silk Road. This geographical location makes Turpan an important transit point for caravans and envoys. You will spend 2 days here to visit all the essential parts.

   In the morning, drive for 1 hour to reach the Tuyoq Valley. It is a must-visit in Xinjiang if you want to see old Uyghur culture, Buddhist caves, and beautiful canyon views all in one place. Mazha Village here is the oldest Uyghur village, with a history of more than 2,600 years. The village still keeps Uyghur traditions and buildings well protected. Next, we drive to Gaochang Ruins, which used to be the capital of the ancient Gaochang Kingdom. It was a crucial hub on the ancient Silk Road, boasting a history of over 1,400 years.

   The next stop is the Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves. It is a series of caves with thousands of Buddhist murals. The vivid murals show many Buddhist figures, stories, and the social life about 1,000 years ago in the Ancient Gaochang Kingdom. Then, we travel back to Turpan city center, with a stop at the hottest place in China– the Flaming Mountains. The temperature is so high that nothing grows on the hill. The record highest temperature of summer could reach 47.8 ℃ (118 ℉).

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: Turpan

   

8. Day 8: Turpan to Dunhuang by High-speed Train
   Walk through Earth Ruins and Marvel at Desert Hydraulics

   After breakfast, your guide will take you to explore the Jiaohe Ruins, which is one of the most important towns along the ancient Silk Road. It is also the largest, oldest, and best-preserved earth construction in the world. Although 2,000 years have passed, the former brilliants of Jiaohe can still be found in the ruins. Then you will visit the well-known Karez Well, the gigantic underground irrigation system created by ancient Xinjiang people. There are over 1,100 Karez Wells in Turpan, providing a precious water source to this dry and hot area for the past 400 years.

   After that, say goodbye to Turpan and take a high-speed train to Dunhuang. After arrival, the Dunhuang driver will pick you up and check you in at the hotel. You can explore the nightlife of Dunhuang by yourself in the evening. Shazhou Night Market is highly recommended as it is the largest local night market in Dunhuang. There are many Silk Road specialty foods and handicrafts gathered here. Some snacks worth trying are Niang Pi Zi, Yellow Noodles with Donkey Meat, and Apricot Peel Water.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: Dunhuang

   

9. Day 9: Essence of Dunhuang
   Marvel at Buddhist Caves and Desert Miracles in Dunhuang

   In the morning, your guide will take you to explore the Mogao Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the largest and best-preserved collection of Buddhist art in the world. Also called the "Pearls of Oriental Art," this site includes 735 caves filled with 45,000 square meters of wall paintings and more than 2,4oo painted statues. You’ll also find five wooden buildings from the Tang and Song Dynasties, along with beautiful carvings.

   Please note that it’s not allowed to take photos inside the caves because flashlights are not good for the murals.

   After lunch, spend your afternoon at the Echoing-sand Mountain and Crescent Lake, one of Dunhuang's symbols. You will marvel at the coexistence of sand dunes and spring. What a miracle it is! Although Crescent Lake is surrounded by sand dunes, it has never been buried by the sands because the sands do not go down the dunes but flow up the dunes when the wind blows. Therefore, the lake is called the "Eye of the Desert". You can ride camels here at your own expense. It will be a great experience. Enjoy your free time sliding down the sand.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: Dunhuang

   

10. Day 10: Dunhuang to Xian by Flight
    Cycle Ancient Walls and Witness Tang Dynasty Splendor

    After breakfast, leave Dunhuang and take a plane to Xi'an, the ancient capital of thirteen dynasties and the starting point of the Silk Road. After arrival, the local guide will take you to the city center for lunch. Afterwards, we check in at the hotel.

    In the afternoon, embark on your exploration of Xi'an from the Ancient City Wall. This is an ancient military defense system, the largest, best preserved, and most complete city wall in China, with a height of 12 meters. It will be an unforgettable experience to rent a bike and ride around the city on the wall (optional, at your own expense).

    Then, you will be transferred to another landmark of Xian - the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. It was originally built to hold Buddhist sutras and figurines of the Buddha that Xuanzang brought back from India in the Tang Dynasty. Your guide will tell you more stories about the pagoda. After the visit, you can go to the nearby Datang Everbright City for sightseeing on your own. The dazzling night view is a major highlight, bringing you a visual shock.

    Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

    Accommodation: Xian

    

11. Day 11: Terracotta Army Tour in Xian
    Unearth Warrior Secrets and Savor Ancient Flavors in Xi'an

    We’ll start with the famous Terracotta Warriors and Horses, known as the "Eighth Wonder of the World." Discovered by four farmers digging a well in 1974, it has become one of China’s top attractions. The museum includes Pit 1 (the largest), Pit 2, and Pit 3. You’ll spend 2–2.5 hours here. With your guide’s expert explanation, you’ll uncover the stories behind these life-sized statues.

    After lunch, we will drive back to the Xian downtown area to visit the Xi'an Museum, a great place to explore the city's long history. You can view many cultural relics from different periods of Xi’an’s past. There are also special exhibitions featuring Buddhist statues, old paintings and calligraphy, as well as jade artworks. After that, take a walk in the Muslim Quarter. If you enjoy food, you’ll like this area. You can find almost all of Xi’an’s famous snacks here, such as Biangbiang Noodles, Roujiamo (Chinese hamburger), Mutton Soup with Bread, and Liangpi (Cold Skin Noodles).

    Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

    Accommodation: Xian

    

12. Day 12: Xian to Shanghai by Flight
    Sip Coffee amid Brick-walled Creativity and Urban Energy

    After breakfast, it's time to leave Xi'an. You will take a plane to Shanghai. After arrival, the tour guide will take you to visit Jade Buddha Temple, the most respected Buddhist attraction in Shanghai. There are two exquisite jade Buddha statues imported from Myanmar in 1882 inside. Strolling through the courtyard, you can admire golden statues and intricate carvings.

    The nearby Tianzifang is a creative arts center. This former residential area now has boutique shops, art studios, quirky cafes, and handicraft stalls in traditional shikumen houses. Appreciate street art on exposed brick walls, browse through souvenirs, and relax with a cup of coffee in a comfortable bar... In the evening, you can explore this international metropolis on your own.

    Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

    Accommodation: Shanghai

    

13. Day 13: Shanghai City Highlights
    Trace Shanghai's History from Artifacts to Skylines

    Start the visit at the Shanghai Museum, located at People’s Square (note: it’s closed on Mondays). Founded in 1952, the museum holds over 120,000 valuable cultural items, ranging from the Old Stone Age to recent history.

    Next, move on to the beautiful Yuyuan Garden. Yu Garden is a model of Chinese Jiangnan-style gardens and a must-see attraction in Shanghai. It features cute traditional Chinese architecture, small bridges, and unique rock formations. Mr. Pan built it with the intention of allowing his father to spend his later years here. Then explore the nearby Yuyuan Bazaar. This busy market has a wide variety of items, including souvenirs, antiques, handmade crafts, fresh fruits, and local snacks.

    After that, your guide takes you to the lovely Former French Concession, known for its European-style buildings and leafy streets. This area was under French control for almost a century. After that, walk along Nanjing Road, the oldest shopping street in Shanghai, where you can see four well-known department stores and try local snacks.

    Finally, enjoy a visit to Shanghai’s most famous spot – the Bund. It was once just an empty tidal flat, but during the late Qing Dynasty, it became a British settlement and later the city’s financial center. Today, it’s a great place to take photos of Shanghai’s skyline. Optionally, you can take a relaxing Huangpu River cruise to enjoy the spectacular scenery along the bank.

    Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

    Accommodation: Shanghai

    

14. Day 14: Shanghai Departure

    After breakfast at the hotel, you may have all your belongings and luggage packed and check out of the hotel by yourself. Our driver will drive you to the airport to see you off. This is the end of your 14 days China travel itinerary of the Silk Road from Beijing to Shanghai.

    Meal: Breakfast

    Accommodation: N/A