15 Days In-depth Silk Road Tour from Xian to Xinjiang

Day-by-day Itinerary

1. Day 1: Xian Arrival

   Welcome to the starting point of the Silk Road - Xian, for a 15-day in-depth Silk Route tour in China! Upon your arrival at Xian airport/train station, our local driver will pick you up from the exit gate and transfer you to the downtown hotel for check-in. Free and easy on your arrangement for the rest of the day.

   Meal: N/A

   Accommodation: Overnight in Xian

2. Day 2: Xian Highlights
   Visit the Landmarks of Xian: Terracotta Warriors, City Wall...

   In the morning, meet your private Xian guide and driver at the hotel lobby, and then drive for around 1 hour to Terracotta Warriors and Horses. Known as "the Eighth Wonders of the World", the museum shows a surprisingly high level of sculpture, which is listed among the most significant discoveries of the 20th century. You will spend 2-2.5 hours exploring the three pits of the museum. After the visit, have lunch at a local restaurant.

   

   Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and then head back to the Xian downtown area for another historical highlight- the Ancient City Wall. It is the most completely preserved and the largest city wall in China, which was built for military defense in ancient times. Since it is cycling the city, visitors can ride a bike around the city wall (optional).

   Later, transfer to the Bell Tower & Drum Tower Square which is a strategically important building that marks the geographical center of the ancient capital of Xian. Taking a relaxing walk here would be very worthwhile to experience local people's lives. Last, go to Muslim Quarter, the most famous food street in Xian. It consists of an Islamic food area, an ethnic group shopping center, a Great Mosque, and the living area of the Hui people, with a history of more than 1,000 years. You can taste some local snacks.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: Overnight in Xian

   

3. Day 3: Xian to Dunhuang by Flight
   Gain an Insight into Xi'an's Glorious History

   Today morning, you will continue your visit in Xian at the Xi'an Museum, a blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. It holds 130,000 pieces of cultural relics, showcasing Xi'an's glorious history as an ancient capital. In this scenic spot, you can also see the Small Wild Goose Pagoda, an important legacy of Buddhist architecture from the Tang Dynasty.

   After that, go to Big Wild Goose Pagoda. On the way to the attraction, your guide will introduce the history and culture of this ancient city. Big Wild Goose Pagoda was originally built to hold Buddhist sutra and figurines of the Buddha that Xuanzang brought back from India in the Tang Dynasty. Now there is a big square divided into North Square and South Square, surrounding the Big Wild Goose Pagoda.

   In the afternoon, take a flight to Dunhuang. Upon arrival at Dunhuang airport, a local private driver will pick you up and transfer you to a local hotel.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: Overnight in Dunhuang

   

4. Day 4: Exploration of Dunhuang Classics
   Learn about the Buddhist Art, Experience Riding a Camel

   Today you will explore the best of Dunhuang!  Mogao Grottoes, commonly known as Thousand Buddha Caves, is a world cultural heritage. Founded in 366 A.D., the Mogao Caves have been expanded through many dynasties, and today there are 735 caves, 45,000 square meters of murals, and 2,415 colored sculptures. It is not only a holy place of Buddhist art, but also an important witness to the cultural exchange between the East and the West.

   

   In the late afternoon, you will visit the Crescent Spring and Echo Sand Mountain, famous for their desert wonders of sand and water symbiosis. The Mingsha Mountain is made of five-colored fine sand and stretches for dozens of kilometers, making it a spectacular sight. The Crescent Spring is in the embrace of the Mingsha Mountain, named for its shape resembling a crescent moon, with crystal clear water.

   Visitors can hike or ride a camel up the sandy mountain to overlook the beauty of the spring. In addition, there are many amusement programs in the scenic area, such as desert off-road vehicles, sand slides, and so on. (additional fee required, optional)

   Last, come to Shazhou Night Market for further exploration. You can sample authentic Northwest-style snacks such as lamb kebabs and roasted lamb legs, as well as enjoy exquisite handicrafts and local specialty artworks.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: Overnight in Dunhuang

   

5. Day 5: Dunhuang to Urumqi by High-speed Train

   Free and easy on your own in the morning for you to have a good rest at the hotel. Later, meet your driver at the hotel lobby and transfer to the train station to catch the afternoon high-speed train to Urumqi. The train rides around 4.5 hours, you can have a nap on the train or enjoy the urban scenery outside the window on the way.

   Upon your arrival at Urumqi station, there will be a local driver waiting for you at the exit gate, and drive to the local hotel for check-in.

   Meal: Breakfast

   Accommodation: Overnight in Urumqi

6. Day 6: Urumqi City & Heavenly Lake
   Relax by the Serene Lake and Explore Legends

   After breakfast, meet your Urumqi guide and then take a 1.5-hour drive to the amazing Heavenly Lake of Tianshan Mountain. It combines natural scenery and cultural heritage, with an elevation of 1,910 meters and an area of 4.9 square kilometers. You can stroll by the lake, enjoying the scenery of the mountains. The clear and transparent lake reflects the blue sky, white clouds, and surrounding snow-capped peaks. Also, pay an additional fee to take a boat tour of the lake (optional) and experience the tranquility and beauty of nature. The guide will also explain the myths and legends related to this place to you. ‌

   

   Driving back to Urumqi city, explore the Xinjiang Regional Museum. As the only autonomous region-class museum in Xinjiang, the museum houses over 40,000 collections including all kinds of relics and specimens, exhibited in five separate halls. You can find many treasures ever glittering on the famous Silk Road. The best exhibition in the museum is the unprecedented ancient corpse with even tiny fingernails well preserved.

   Last, take a walk on the Erdaoqiao International Bazaar. The bazaar is built in the Islamic style and is the best place for sightseeing and shopping.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: Overnight in Urumqi

7. Day 7: Drive to Turpan from Urumqi
   Discover Ancient Villages, Buddhist Caves, and Tombs

   After breakfast, drive to Turpan and visit the main attractions in the eastern part of the city.

   With a history of over 1,700 years, Tuyoq Valley is the oldest surviving Uyghur village in Xinjiang and a place where Buddhist and Islamic cultures intersect. Here, you can enjoy well preserved earthen architecture and unique folk customs. The Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves, located in the middle section of the Flaming Mountain, has a total of 83 caves, of which 57 still exist. The total area of the murals is 1,200 square meters, and it is a treasure of Buddhist art in Xinjiang.

   

   The Astana Ancient Tomb Group is a public cemetery for officials and civilians in Gaochang City from the Western Jin Dynasty to the Tang Dynasty, with over 500 existing tombs, known as the "Underground Museum". Tourists can visit mummies, murals, and many cultural relics. After the visit, you will be escorted to your hotel in Turpan.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: Overnight in Turpan

8. Day 8: Turpan City Sightseeing
   Visit the City Highlights - Underground Well and Earth Ruins

   After breakfast, in the city center, you will go to one of the largest pagodas in Xinjiang, Emin Minaret. With a height of 44 meters (144.36 feet). It is decorated with 15 geometric patterns, showing a strong Islamic architectural style.

   Next is the "Xinjiang's Underground Great Wall" - Karez Well. It is a miracle of hydraulic engineering. Follow your guide to explore the unique underground waterway system.

   The last stop is the the "most perfect ruin in the world", Jiaohe Ruins. In the largest, oldest, and best preserved city of primitive architecture in the world, you can experience the historical changes of the Silk Road and glimpse the ancient stories among the ruins. After the visit in Turpan, we will drive for 5 hours to Korla.‌‌

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: Overnight in Korla

   

9. Day 9: Korla to Kuqa
   Glimpse Buddhist Culture and Stroll around Kuqa Old Town

   After breakfast, it takes about 3.5 hours to drive to Kuqa. Subash Buddhist Ruins was once the cultural center of ancient Kuqa. It is the best-preserved site of a Buddhist complex in the Western Region. You can experience the thousand years of Buddhist culture here.

   Kuqa was once a major town on the Silk Road. Nowadays, the core area of Kuqa Old Town - Guzi Alley is very popular. Stroll along the 1.2-kilometer-long alley with more than 100 internet-famous destinations including carpet wall, flower pot alley, porcelain wall, ancient house clusters, and specialty cafes.

   Finally, your guide takes you to admire Kuqa Great Mosque, the second largest mosque in Xinjiang. The temple is particularly majestic and consists mainly of the Minaret, the Worship Hall and the Religious Court, incorporating a variety of cultural elements, making it an important place to learn about Islamic culture and history.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: Overnight in Kuqa

10. Day 10: Kuqa to Aksu
    Admire the Beautiful Mural Paintings at Kezil Caves

    Today we will leave Kuqa for Aksu. On the way, we will first visit the Kezil Thousand-Buddha Grottoes. First excavated between the end of the 3rd century and the beginning of the 4th century A.D., the cave predates the Dunhuang Mogao Caves by 300 years and was gradually abandoned after the 8th century. There are 236 caves with about 10,000 square meters of mural paintings. Known as "China's second Dunhuang", it is famous for the beautiful murals.

    Afterward, head to the Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon, featuring its red sandstone landforms and spectacular canyon landscapes. With a total length of over 5,000 meters, the canyon boasts rugged peaks and steep cliffs, making it a great destination for exploration and sightseeing.

    After the visit, continue driving to Aksu for the night.

    Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

    Accommodation: Overnight in Aksu

11. Day 11: Aksu to Kashgar

    Today you will drive for about 7 hours to arrive in Kashgar. You are suggested to prepare some snacks in advance. After arrival, check in at the Kashgar hotel. You can explore this old city on your own during the remaining time.

    Meal: Breakfast

    Accommodation: Overnight in Kashgar

12. Day 12: Kashgar Highlights Tour
    Experience the Rich Uyghur Culture in Kashgar Old Town

    Kashgar, the City of Gems on the Silk Road, is the intersection of the southern and northern routes of the ancient Chinese Silk Road at the western end. Today you will explore the highlights of Kashgar.

    Kashgar Old Town, with a history of hundreds of years, is the most classic representative of Uyghur culture. Strolling through the crossing alleys, visit traditional residential buildings and experience the rich Uyghur culture. Among them, the Century-old Tea House is exquisitely decorated, with intertwined music and singing (optional, self funded).

    Afterward, go to admire the Id Kah Mosque, the largest mosque in Xinjiang, which was built in 1442. The unique architectural style and bright colors are important windows for understanding Xinjiang's religious culture. Finally, head to Xiangfei Park, a 4A level tourist attraction with a history of over 350 years. You can visit Xiangfei Square, Abakh Khoja Tomb, and watch Uyghur song and dance performances.

    Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

    Accommodation: Overnight in Kashgar

    

13. Day 13: Kashgar to Karakul Lake
    Enjoy the Magnificent Reflection of Muztagh Ata and Lake

    After breakfast, depart from Kashgar to Karakul Lake. This is a journey to explore the natural beauty of the plateau. Along the way you can enjoy the scenery of Baisha (White Sand) Lake. Arrive after about 3.5 hours.

    Karakul Lake, at an altitude of 3,656 meters, is the largest natural lake on the Eastern Pamir Plateau, whose color changes according to the weather, sometimes blue like a jewel, sometimes turquoise like emerald, and even turning black.

    Standing by the lake are magnificent snow capped mountains such as Muztagh Ata, reflecting in the lake, creating a breathtaking sight. This is a paradise for photography enthusiasts.

    After the tour, we will drive to Tashkurgan for the night.

    Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

    Accommodation: Overnight in Tashkurgan

    

14. Day 14: Tashkurgan Back to Kashgar
    Immerse in the History and Culture of the Tajik People

    After breakfast, the guide will take you on a visit to Stone City and Golden Grassland to experience the history and culture of the Tajik people.

    Stone City, one of the three major stone cities in China, is built with stones and tells the story of a thousand years of vicissitudes of history. Golden Grassland is located at the foot of Stone City, with abundant water and grass, cattle and sheep everywhere, forming a beautiful painting with distant snow capped mountains, blue sky and white clouds.

    After the visit, drive back to Kashgar and admire the magnificent reflection of Muztagh Ata and Karakul Lake again on the way. ‌

    Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

    Accommodation: Overnight in Kashgar

    

15. Day 15: Kashgar Departure

    This amazing 15-day in-depth Silk Road tour in China will end by today. We will arrange airport transfer for you and wish you a pleasant journey home! If you want to visit more places in Xinjiang or other Chinese cities, please feel free to contact us. We will be very happy to be helpful to you.

    Meal: Breakfast

    Accommodation: N/A