16 Days Silk Route Adventure, Explore China’s Ancient & Modern Wonders

Day-by-day Itinerary

1. Day 1: Beijing Arrival (No meal)

   Upon your arrival at Beijing airport, the local driver will pick you up from the exit gate by holding a welcome board with your name and transfer you to the downtown hotel for check-in. Free and easy on your arrangement for the rest of the day. Here are some options for your first evening in the capital: sample authentic Beijing street food on Wangfujing Street, enjoy lakeside bars and live music in Houhai, or just relax with a foot massage in your hotel.

   Accommodation: Overnight in Beijing 

2. Day 2: Beijing Highlights (B,L)
   Walk through Imperial Grandeur from Square to Hutong Alleys

   You will start the Silk Road Beijing exploration with the largest city square in the world - Tian'anmen Square. The square has a very important role for Chinese people. You can just wander around the square and take in the rich history.

   Then follow your tour guide into the incredible Forbidden City, which was once the royal palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties, with over 9,000 rooms. It is among the biggest and best-preserved old wooden buildings in the world. As you enter the large and impressive complex, you’ll feel the deep history of China and be amazed by the beautiful design.

   After lunch, move on to the Summer Palace. With an area of 2.9 square kilometers, this palace was the place where the emperors of the Qing Dynasty spent their summers. Here is an amazing lake view, the exquisite long corridor, precious cultural relics, an elegant stone bridge, and high old trees, etc.

   Beijing Hutongs are full of history, which attracts many worldwide tourists! Today, your guide will take you to feel the charm of the hutongs in the Shichahai Scenic Area. Taking a rickshaw to ride along the ancient alleys, you will know more about the background information of the Hutongs, experience authentic old Beijing life, and witness the blending of tradition and modernity.

   Accommodation: Overnight in Beijing 

   

3. Day 3: The Great Wall of China in Beijing (B,L)
   Witness Imperial Prayers, Conquer Ming Dynasty's Green-clad Walls

   This morning, wake up early and follow the guide to enjoy a wonderful morning at the Temple of Heaven, watching how the locals spend their mornings on the square. The Temple of Heaven is renowned for its meticulous layout, unique architecture, and magnificent decorations. This architectural complex was built for the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties to worship and pray for a bountiful harvest. In 1998, it was listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

   Next, transfer you with a 2-hour drive to today’s highlights - the famous world heritage Mutianyu Great Wall. Mutianyu is the most beautiful part of the Great Wall of China. It was built in the early Ming Dynasty in 1368 and has a total length of 5400 meters. 90% of Mutianyu is covered by vegetation. Therefore, in every season, this part of the Great Wall attracts tourists with its unique scenery. If hiking is too difficult for you, there are options for cable cars and toboggans to enjoy spectacular scenery from different angles (optional, at your own expense on site).

   Finish the amazing hiking, drive back to the hotel, and have an exterior visit of the marvelous Bird's Nest and Water Cube, which were built for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. Walking around the outside of the building to appreciate the unique design.

   Accommodation: Overnight in Beijing

   

4. Day 4: Beijing to Xian by High-speed Train (B,L)
   Trace Scriptures, Ramparts, and Spice-filled Alleys

   After breakfast, the driver will take you to the train station to take the high-speed train to Xi'an (about 5.5 hours). After arrival, the local driver and the tour guide will pick you up and send you to the city center for lunch.

   In the afternoon, be guided to visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, originally built to hold Buddhist scriptures and figurines of the Buddha that Xuanzang brought back from India. Next, go to another historical highlight- the Ancient City Wall. It is the most complete preserved and the largest city wall in China, which was built for military defense in ancient times. You can ride a bike atop the city wall (optional, extra fee).

   Later, move on to the Bell and Drum Tower Square, the symbol of this old capital. Walking forward, you will enter the Muslim Quarter, where you will find many special local products and authentic local snacks. After the visit, transfer you to your hotel in the downtown area.

   Accommodation: Overnight in Xian

   

5. Day 5: Xian Terracotta Warriors Exploration, High-speed Train to Zhangye (B,L)
   Uncover 2,200-Year-Old Clay Armies in Xi'an's Archaeological Wonder

   Today's Xian exploration begins with the world’s heritage Terracotta Warriors and Horses. Known as “the Eighth Wonder of the World”, it was found by local farmers while drilling a well in 1974. Now it has turned into one of the most important attractions in China and the No.1 attractive site in Xi’an. The museum includes Pit 1 (the largest pit), Pit 2, Pit 3, and the exhibition hall of the chariots and horses. You will stay in the museum for 2-3 hours. Listening to the explanation from the expert guide, learn the hidden story of those life-sized sculptures.

   Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, and then you will be escorted to the railway station for a high-speed train to Zhangye. In about 6 hours, you will arrive in Zhangye. The local driver picks you up at the station and then sends you to your hotel. In the evening, you can explore Zhangye's nightlife on your own, trying some local snacks or visiting the famous park.

   Accommodation: Overnight in Zhangye

   

6. Day 6: Zhangye Rainbow Mountains, To Dunhuang by Train (B,L)
   Take Pictures of Rainbow-hued Danxia Landforms

   Meet your private guide in the hotel lobby. You will spend a whole morning at Zhangye Danxia Landform Geological Park. After breakfast, drive to the Rainbow Mountain (approximately a one-hour drive). The characteristic of this scenic area is its vibrant colors. You will climb up to four observation decks and enjoy the mountains in colors such as red, yellow, and orange. At noon and sunset, the light is at its best. At that time, you will arrive at the "Colorful Clouds Observation Deck", where you will capture the most magnificent scenery, like a flowing oil painting.

   Notes:

   • Drones are prohibited in the scenic area, but professional photography platforms are available.
   • You will take many steps, so it is recommended to wear comfortable shoes.

   After that, we go back to the city center for lunch. And then take a 4.5-hour high-speed train to Dunhuang. Upon arrival, the driver escorts you to your hotel. You can explore Dunhuang's nightlife at the Shazhou Night Market. This is a perfect fusion of Silk Road style and Northwest cuisine. Try lamb skewers, Rang Pi, Apricot Peel Water, as you like.

   Accommodation: Overnight in Dunhuang 

   

7. Day 7: Explore Dunhuang and Its Surroundings (B, L)
   Visit Historical Site along the Ancient Silk Route

   Welcome to Dunhuang, a very significant city in the Hexi Corridor. After breakfast today, the itinerary will take you to visit three of its most popular attractions. Let's delve deeper into the details.

   Meet the guide in the hotel lobby and drive 1.5 hours (about 90 kilometers) to Yumen Pass. It is an important historical site along the ancient Silk Road, allowing people to glimpse the rich history of China. Here, you can pass through the ruins of the Great Wall and imagine the bustling trade that once occurred.

   After that, take a 1 hour drive to reach Yardang National Geopark. Hop on a sightseeing bus to see its unique rock formations shaped by wind erosion and also learn about the fascinating geological features. Usually, the best visiting time is early in the morning or late afternoon when the light enhances the shapes of the rocks.

   ​​In the late afternoon, we go back to Dunhuang (2.5 hours driving) for relaxing in Crescent Spring and Mingsha Mountain. Crescent Spring, an amazing oasis, is surrounded by sand dunes and have never dried up. You can take a camel ride (optional, extra fee) or simply slide down the sand mountains. If you want to seek more excitement, you can experience projects such as desert off-road vehicles and motorcycles.

   Accommodation: Overnight in Dunhuang

   

8. Day 8: Dunhuang to Turpan by High-speed Train
   Marvel at Buddhist Grotto Art, Including Murals and Sculptures

   In the morning, you will be guided to visit the ​​Mogao Grottoes​​, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned as the world’s largest and best-preserved treasury of Buddhist art. Often called the ​​"Pearls of Oriental Art,"​​ this complex features ​​735 caves​​, adorned with ​​45,000 square meters of murals​​, ​​2,415 painted sculptures​​, and over ​​4,000 Apsaras​​ (graceful Buddhist deities associated with music and dance). Besides, you can see ​​five wooden structures​​ from the Tang and Song Dynasties, along with intricately carved ​​stone pillars and lotus-engraved flagstones​​.

   After the visit, it's time to have lunch. In the afternoon, board a ​​high-speed train​​ to Turpan (approximately ​​3.5 hours​​). Relax onboard or enjoy the passing landscapes. Upon arrival at ​​Turpan Station​​, your ​​local driver​​ will pick you up and transfer you to your hotel for a smooth check-in. Have a good rest.

   Accommodation: Overnight in Turpan

   

9. Day 9: Turpan Essence (B, L)
   ‌Trace Silk Road Relics from Caves to Scorched Cliffs

   Located in the Turpan Basin in the east of Tianshan Mountains, Turpan is a vital commercial and cultural exchange center on the northern route of the Silk Road. After breakfast, we drive for 1 hour to ​​Tuyugou Valley​​, the ​​oldest Uyghur village in Xinjiang​​, where Buddhist and Islamic heritage blend greatly. Stroll through its ancient roads, admire the traditional architecture and interact with locals under the help of your tour guide.

   Next, head to the ​​Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves​​, Turpan’s most significant Buddhist site. With ​​57 accessible caves​​, it boasts the ​​largest collection of murals and sculptures​​ in the region.

   After lunch, on the way back to Turpan, we can stop at the ​​Flaming Mountains​. The scorching red cliffs will instantly justify their fiery name. The area’s extreme heat is displayed on a giant thermometer at the entrance - often reaching ​​50°C (122°F)​​ in summer! A fun experiment? Bury an egg in the sand and watch it cook within minutes - a quirky testament to the mountain’s natural "oven."

   In the city center, go to visit the ​​Jiaohe Ruins​​, a ​​2,000-year-old city​​ carved from raw earth. As the ​​world’s largest and best-preserved earthen archaeological site​​, it invites you to wander through ancient temples, homes, and streets, feeling the echoes of past civilizations. It is called the "Pompeii of the East".

   Accommodation: Overnight in Turpan

   

10. Day 10: Drive from Turpan to Urumqi Tour (B, L)
    Understand the Great Underground Irrigation System

    Before leaving Turpan, have a city exploration of the Karez System, a clever ancient irrigation network that turns Xinjiang's arid landscape into fertile land. This miracle with a history of 2000 years, which uses underground tunnels to prevent evaporation. So it is often called the "lifeline of the desert".

    Next, transfer you to admire the ​​Sugong Pagoda​​ (Emin Minaret), Xinjiang’s ​​largest and one of the most famous Islamic structures​​. Standing at ​​44 meters tall​​, its elegant ​​Uyghur-style architecture​​ highlights intricate brickwork and a striking ​​tapered design.

    After that, a ​​3-hour scenic drive​​ takes you to Urumqi, the capital city of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Upon arrival, your guide will lead you into the ​​lively Erdaoqiao International Bazaar​​. The one of the ​​world’s largest Islamic markets immerses you in Uyghur culture. Even if you’re not shopping, the ​​sights and sounds​​ are unforgettable. The stalls​​ overflow with spices, silk, jade, and handicrafts. Aromatic Uyghur snacks​​ like kebabs and naan bread tempt your taste buds; and bargaining calls​​ and Uygur traditional music fill the air, which will transport you back to Silk Road days.

    Accommodation: Overnight in Urumqi

    

11. Day 11: Urumqi to Kashgar by Flight (B, L)
    Shoot Stunning Natural Scenery of Tianchi, Learn about Mysterious Legends

    After breakfast, we drive for 1.5-hour to ​​the Heavenly Lake (Tianchi)​​, located ​​1,910 meters high​​ in the Tianshan Mountains. At Heavenly Lake, enjoy ​​natural views​​: snow-covered mountain peaks​​, thick green forests​​, open grass fields​​, and colorful flowers​​... This beautiful place has an ​​interesting old story​​ about the ​​Queen Mother of the West. The quiet and clean air help you ​​feel relaxed. You can also ​​take a boat ride​​ on the lake (extra fee) to see more of its beauty.

    Later, go back to Urumqi to visit the ​​Xinjiang Regional Museum​​, one of China's ​​best museums​​. It has over 60,000 historical objects​​, silk fabrics from the Han Dynasty​​, ancient paintings of Fuxi and Nuwa from the Tang Dynasty​​. The famous "Loulan Beauty"​​, a ​​3,800-year-old woman's body​​ that looks almost like she's sleeping. In this museum, with your guide's detailed and interesting explanations, you can understand Xinjiang's rich history​​.

    At the end, you will be dropped off at the airport for an evening flight to Kashgar. When you arrive at Kashgar, there will be a local driver transferring to a comfortable hotel.

    Accommodation: Overnight in Kashgar

    

12. Day 12: Kashgar Cultural Exploration (B, L)
    Experience Kashgar's Ethnic Culture by Mosque and Markets

    Good morning, your guide will pick you up from the hotel at ​​9:00 AM. The first stop of your Kashgar cultural exploration is the Id Kah Mosque​​. ​​Xinjiang's largest mosque​​ is famous for its ​​beautiful Islamic-style buildings​​. Your guide will show you around and explain its history and importance to local Muslims.

    About 10:30 AM, go to watch the Opening Ceremony​​ of Kashgar Ancient City. Enjoy a ​​colorful cultural show​​ at the entrance, appreciating local dancers in traditional costumes​​ perform to ​​live music. It makes you feel like you’ve traveled back to the ​​Silk Road’s golden age​​.

    Next, move to explore one of the ​​world’s biggest animal markets​​ - Livestock Bazaar (Sunday Only)​​. As you walk in, you’ll see fresh fruits, honey, and grilled meats​​ (like lamb and beef skewers), hundreds of animals​​ - sheep, cattle, horses, donkeys, and camels, and exciting bargaining​​ between buyers and sellers.

    Last, take a relaxing walk down this ​​1-kilometer-long Handicraft Street​​​​, filled with ​​craft shops and stalls​​. Discover unique handmade items, including colorful embroidery and silk fabrics​​, silver and gold jewelry​​, pottery and traditional musical instruments​​...

    Accommodation: Overnight in Kashgar

    

13. Day 13: Kashgar to Shanghai by Flight (B)

    In the morning, the driver will pick you up from the hotel lobby and transfer to Kashgar airport for your flight to Shanghai.

    Friendly tip: There is NO direct flight from Kashgar to Shanghai, thus, you will be transiting at Urumqi airport for 2-3 hours, then continue to fly to Shanghai.

    Upon your arrival at Shanghai airport, the local driver will be waiting for you at the exit gate and escort to a local hotel.

    Accommodation: Overnight in Shanghai

14. Day 14: Shanghai City Essence (B, L)
    Old and New Shanghai from Ancient Garden to Modern Skyscrapers

    Your private Shanghai guide will pick you up from your downtown hotel at 8:30 am. Explore Shanghai firstly at the beautiful Yuyuan Garden, built in 1559 as a special gift for parents, featuring lovely traditional Chinese buildings, small bridges, and unique rock formations. Though damaged over time, it was carefully repaired and opened again in 1961. Right next door is the lively Yuyuan Market, perfect for buying souvenirs like handmade fans and pottery or trying delicious Shanghai local snacks.

    After this, travel to Lujiazui to ascend the Shanghai Tower's observation deck on the 118th floor (546 meters high) for breathtaking views of the entire city and the Huangpu River.

    In the afternoon, be guided to the charming Former French Concession area with its European-style buildings and tree-lined streets that were once controlled by France for nearly 100 years. Your guide will then take you down the Nanjing Road, Shanghai's oldest shopping street, pointing out four classic department stores and great places to sample local treats.

    The tour ends at the famous Bund waterfront, where you can take amazing photos of the modern skyline while learning about its history as a British business center in the 1800s.

    Accommodation: Overnight in Shanghai

    

15. Day 15: Shanghai Side Trip to Water Town (B, L)
    Enjoy a Relaxing Time in the 'Venice of Shanghai'

    Today, you will relax in one of China's most famous water towns - Zhujiajiao Water Town, located on the outskirts of Shanghai.

    Zhujiajiao, known as the 'Venice of Shanghai', has a history of over 1700 years. Strolling through the ancient stone paved streets, you will have a feeling of traveling back to the Ming and Qing dynasties. Many elegant stone bridges span across the river, surrounded by many white-wall, grey-tiled buildings. You can also choose to ride a gondola to truly experience the charm of the water town.

    Note: If you want to take a boat tour, please feel free to seek help from your tour guide at any time (optional, extra charge).

    Afterwards, return to your hotel. You will be free for the rest of the day.

    Accommodation: Overnight in Shanghai

    

16. Day 16: Shanghai Departure (B)

    Today is the last day of your 16 days in China. After breakfast, your driver will send you to the airport to see you off. The 16-day China Silk Road tour with Beijing and Shanghai ends here! Safe travels!

    Accommodation: N/A