8-Day Classic Silk Road Tour from Xian to Dunhuang by Flight

Day-by-day Itinerary

1. Day 1: Xian Highlights
   Explore the Terracotta Army and Bell Tower Before Savoring Local Delicacies in Muslim Quarter

   Welcome to Xian! The city is not only the ancient capital of 13 dynasties in China, but also the starting point of the ancient Silk Road.

   After arrival, start your tour at the world-famous Terracotta Army. Feast your eyes on over 8,000 vivid life-sized terracotta warriors and hundreds of exquisite horse sculptures. And listen to your guide explain how these incredible sculptures were made.

   Each warrior has a unique facial expression and hairstyle, look carefully and try to find out their differences.

   Drive to the Bell Tower - the famous landmark located in the city center. The best time for photos is during the “blue hours”, just after sunset when the city lights are on gradually.

   If you are a food lover, the nearby Muslim Quarter is worth visiting. Follow the guide to skip the crowded tourist stalls with long queues and discover the most authentic local flavors in hidden alleys.

   After the tour, head to your hotel for check-in.

   Travel tips：

   It is advised to arrive in Xian before noon for a more relaxing travel pace on the first day.

   If interested, you can also make your own mini terracotta warrior in the factory near the Terracotta Army as a souvenir.

   

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   4-Star Hotel in Xi'an
2. Day 2: Xian to Lanzhou by High-speed Train
   Cycle atop the Ancient City Wall

   Before leaving Xian, visit the ancient Xian City Wall, the largest and best-preserved ancient city wall still existing in China.

   Take a walk or rent a bike to cycle atop the broad city wall. On one side are the traditional residences and green trees of the old city, while on the other side are the clusters of modern buildings.

   

   In the early afternoon, take a high-speed train to Lanzhou. After arrival, the local driver will escort you to the hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to explore the city at your own pace.

   Note:

   Bike rental on the city wall is an optional activity and needs an additional fee. If interested, your guide can help you purchase tickets on site.

   Travel Tips:

   In Lanzhou, Yellow River Custom Tourist Line is a great place for a leisurely stroll in the evening.  Visit landmarks, such as Zhongshan Bridge, Waterwheel Park, and Yellow River Mother Sculpture, to experience folk cultures, take a traditional sheepskin raft ride on the Yellow River or visit Baita Mountain Park for panoramic views of the city.

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   4-Star Hotel in Lanzhou
3. Day 3: Lanzhou to Xiahe by Private Vehicle
   Immerse in the grotto arts in Bingling Temple

   From Lanzhou, drive about 1.5 hours to Bingling Temple Grottoes. Located along the bank of Liujiaxia Reservoir, the grottoes were carved into the cliff with a history of over 1,600 years.

   It can be reached by boat. During the 45 minutes’ ride, appreciate the striking Danxia landform surrounding you. Sister Peaks are the unmissable landmark. It got the name because the two peaks stand side by side, just like sisters.

   After getting ashore, one of the highlights is the 27-meter-tall stone-carved Buddha statue in the 171^st niche, which was built in the Tang Dynasty and is the symbol of Bingling Temple.

   Besides, many other exquisite sculptures and murals covering over 900 square meters are also well worth a visit.

   Drive to Xiahe County and stay overnight.

   Tips:

   • You need to climb many steps when visiting the Bingling Temple, so a pair of comfortable and anti-slip shoes is highly recommended.
   • Flashlight is strictly prohibited when taking photos inside the cave to prevent irreversible damage to the cultural relics.

   

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   4-Star Hotel in Xiahe
4. Day 4: Lanzhou to Zhangye by Flight
   Experience the Buddhist culture in Labrang Monastery

   Xiahe County is the gateway to Gannan. Famous for the Tibetan Buddhism culture and abundant folk customs, it is often called as the “Little Xizang (Tibet)”.

   Start your exploration at the Labrang Monastery. More than just a temple, it also serves as a major center of Buddhist learning and houses numerous precious Buddhist statues, scriptures, and murals.

   The world’s longest prayer-wheel corridor is also inside the monastery, which consists of over 2,000 prayer wheels. Join local pilgrims to walk clockwise and spin the wheels gently while surrounded by the scent of butter lamps and Tibetan incense.

   Drive back to Lanzhou and transfer to the 1-hour flight to Zhangye. Check in at the local hotel upon arrival.

   Enjoy your free time to explore Ganquan Park. Wander along the illuminated lake, watch the musical fountain show (usually between 8:30 and 9:00), or join the locals dancing in the lively public squares to experience the daily life in the city.

   

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   4-Star Hotel in Zhangye
5. Day 5: Best of Zhangye
   Admire Large Buddha Statue in Giant Buddha Temple and Colorful Danxia Landform in Zhangye

   Your Zhangye tour will begin at Giant Buddha Temple. 

   With a history of more than 900 years, the temple is renowned for housing  Asia’s largest reclining Buddha statue of Sakyamuni (34.5 meters long).

   The Great Buddha Hall also features the murals themed by The Journey to the West, which is even 200 years earlier than the time the famous novel was published.

   Continue to Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park in the afternoon, hailed as one of the world’s top natural wonders.

   Your guide will take you to the famous Rainbow Danxia Scenic Area. The surreal landscape of colorful rock formations resembles a palette spilled across the earth. You will be amazed.

   Take a shuttle bus to explore the four main viewing platforms. Admire the colorful landscapes closely, capture breathtaking panoramic photos, and enjoy the spectacular sunset scenery.

   The No.4 Viewing Platform is the most popular. Because at sunset , the layered rock formations glow in stunning shades of red, orange, yellow, and green, creating an unforgettable display of color.

   Photography Tips:

   • The best time for photography is during 19:00 - 20:00 in summer from June to August and 18:00 - 19:00 in winter from December to January.
   • The sunlight can be intense on sunny days, be sure to bring sunglasses and a sun hat for a more comfortable visit.

   

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   4-Star Hotel in Zhangye
6. Day 6: Zhangye to Jiayuguan by Private Vehicle
   Marvel at the Jiayuguan Pass and Underground Galleries in Wei and Jin Tombs

   Drive to Jiayuguan Pass after breakfast, the westernmost pass of the Ming Great Wall and one of the most important military fortresses on the Silk Road.

   Walk along the city wall to view the beacon towers, inner and outer fortress walls and other military buildings. Standing on the top of the city wall, you can overlook the magnificent scenery of the Gobi Desert in the distance.

   

   Learn more about the history of the Great Wall in the Great Wall Museum. The old photos, cultural relics and huge oil paintings of the Great Wall collected there will show you the importance of this historic fortress.

   Step into the No.6 tomb chamber of the Wei and Jin Tombs, where the walls around are decorated with murals made of colorful bricks, and the colors remain vibrant to this day.

   Known as the “underground galleries”, the murals depict scenes of daily life of common people over 1,700 years ago, like farming, drinking, hunting.

   Notes:

   • On the high slope outside Jiayuguan Pass, the panoramic view of the pass can be captured, making it one of the best photo spots.
   • To protect cultural relics, taking photos inside the tomb is strictly prohibited.

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   4-Star Hotel in Jiayuguan
7. Day 7: Jiayuguan to Dunhuang by Private Vehicle
   Explore the Natural Wonders of Singing Sand Dunes and Crescent Spring

   To avoid the hottest period, head to the Singing Sand Dunes and Crescent Spring in the late afternoon. Marvel at the unique landscape of the coexistence of desert and spring.

   The sand dunes are said to present five colors of red, yellow, green, black, and white. When the wind blows across the dunes, a mysterious humming sound is produced. This is also the origin of its name.

   Nestled among the deserts is the Crescent Spring. It got the name because of its crescent moon shape. For more than 2,000 years, it has been surrounded by sand dunes without being buried. More remarkably, its water has remained clear and never dried up, making it a rare natural wonder.

   Here, you can enjoy the thrill of sliding down the sand dunes or climb to the top for the stunning view of the desert at sunset.

   Before returning, have a look around Shazhou Night Market. The market is packed with varieties of delicious snacks, fresh ingredients, and characteristic souvenirs. Do not miss the scallion beef pancakes and apricot peel juice.

   Travel Tips:

   • A variety of optional activities are available in Singing Sand Dunes, including camel riding and desert off-road adventure. If needed, your guide can assist with ticket purchases on site.
   • The temperatures in desert can be extremely high in summer, so do not forget to bring the sunhat, sunscreen, and sun-protective clothing.

   

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   4-Star Hotel in Dunhuang
8. Day 8: Dunhuang Departure
   Appreciate Buddhist Art in Mogao Grottoes

   Today, explore the world-famous Mogao Caves. Begin your visit at the Digital Exhibition Center. Watch the 40-minutes film to learn about the history, art, and stories of the Mogao Caves.

   Take a shuttle bus to the grotto area to explore over 45,000 square meters of exquisite murals and over 2,000 vividly painted Buddhist statues. These caves were carved in different dynasties, thus presenting diverse artistic styles.

   After the tour, you will be transferred to the airport for the departure flight. Your 8-day Silk Road tour ends here.

   Notes:

   Photography and video recording are strictly prohibited inside the Mogao Caves. However, it is allowed for the exterior of the iconic Nine-Story Pavilion and the full-scale replica caves at the exhibition center.

   Departure Tips:

   It is recommended to book a flight or a train after 15:00 to leave sufficient time for the visit.

   

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