15-Day In-depth Silk Road Tour: Xi’an, Gansu & Xinjiang

Day-by-day Itinerary

1. Day 1: Xi'an Arrival

   Welcome to Xi’an, the starting point of the Silk Road.

   Your private guide and driver will pick you up at the airport/station, then lead you to the hotel for check-in. After you’ve settled in, explore the city at your own pace.

   Evening travel ideas：

   Step into the Grand Tang Dynasty Ever-Bright City, a modern pedestrian street that brings you back to Tang Empire. Admire Asia’s largest musical fountain, and watch attractive street performances, like the “tumbler” performers who lean and sway

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   4-Star Hotel in Xi'an
2. Day 2: Xi'an Essence
   Step Back into the Qin Dynasty and Feel the Grandeur of the Terracotta Warriors

   Explore the “Eighth Wonder of the World”—Terracotta Warriors in depth. The army features some 8,000 life-size warriors that reveal remarkable sculptural skill from the Qin dynasty. Spend 2–2.5 hours to explore its three pits as your guide revealing why and how they were built.

   When you return to the city, walk atop the ancient City Wall, a 13.74-kilometer rectangular fortification. Stroll along the grey-brick path and take in views of the moat and ring park. It’s China’s best-preserved and largest city wall, where you can admire its neatly lined battlements and grand gate towers.

   

   Next, head to the old capital’s central landmark—the Bell & Drum Tower Square. A five-minute walk leads to the Muslim Quarter. Instead of the crowded main strip, your guide will take you deep into the side streets near Sajinqiao to discover locals’ favorite eateries. Don’t miss the local food like hand-pulled biangbiang noodles, refreshing liangpi, and marinated beef stuffed in crispy flatbread (roujiamo).

   Optional activities：

   You can craft your own mini warrior at a workshop near the Terracotta Warriors, and bring home as a special souvenir.

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   4-star hotel in Xi'an
3. Day 3: Xi'an to Dunhuang by Flight
   Continue exploring the rich history and culture of Xi'an

   Begin today’s journey at Xi'an Museum in a Chinese-style garden. Home to 130,000 artifacts, such as Tangsancai pottery and ancient calligraphy, the museum brings the glory of a capital of 13 dynasties to life.

   Also located in the garden is the Small Wild Goose Pagoda, a Tang-era treasure that withstood several major earthquakes. Take a deep breath, listen to the resonant "Morning Bell" and feel the tranquil surroundings.

   

   Next stop is another of the city's most iconic landmarks—the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, built in 652 and affectionately called the "big sister" of Small Wild Goose Pagoda. It once housed Buddhist scriptures brought from India. Inside, a wooden spiral staircase allows you to climb up and see unfolding city views from the arched windows on each floor.

   After sightseeing, catch a flight to Dunhuang. Upon arrival, your driver will transfer you to the hotel.

   Free time ideas:

   As night falls, foodies can head to Shazhou Night Market — Dunhuang's top spot for nightlife. The must-eat snacks include apricot tea, donkey meat noodles, and crispy sand leek beef pies.

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   4-star hotel in Dunhuang
4. Day 4: Exploration of Dunhuang Highlights
   Explore Dunhuang’s UNESCO World Heritage Treasures and Breathtaking Desert Wonders

   Today’s highlight is the Mogao Grottoes, dating from 366 AD and being expanded over centuries. Now, the caves are home to 45,000 square meters of murals and over 2,400 painted sculptures.

   Begin by watching two introductory digital films to learn background information. Your guide will lead you into the finest caves, using a special cool-light torch to reveal exquisite details.

   

   At dusk, head to the Mingsha Sand Dunes and Crescent Moon Spring, a miraculous union of desert and oasis. Mingsha’s colorful sands stretch for miles, with the crescent-shaped spring being embraced by its towering dunes. Wander the silky slopes for an unforgettable sunset view, then surf down the sand with the wind roaring in your ears.

   Remember to visit Shazhou Night Market again in the evening. Don’t miss the authentic northwest street food and handcrafted souvenirs.

   Notes:

   Photography is strictly forbidden inside Mogao Grottoes, because flash causes irreversible mural damage. Your guide carries a cool-beam torch for clear viewing.

   Optional activities:

   • Mingsha Sand Dunes offers optional activities like camel rides and desert buggies (your guide helps with ticket purchases).
   • The summer sun is intense; be sure to pack sunscreen, sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, and UV arm sleeves.

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   4-star hotel in Dunhuang
5. Day 5: Dunhuang to Urumqi by High-speed Train
   Farewell Dunhuang and travel onward to Xinjiang

   You can rest at the hotel or explore the Dunhuang Museum in the morning. Later, your driver picks you up from the lobby and takes you to railway station. It takes 4.5 hours to Urumqi by high-speed train.

   A local driver will greet you at the station and transfer you to your hotel.

   

   Morning free time activities:

   The Dunhuang Museum is a good choice for history lovers. Its architecture is designed like an ancient fortress with beacon towers. The highlight is a full-scale replica of Mogao Cave 45, where you can admire exquisite Tang-era painted sculptures and murals up close.

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   4-star hotel in Urumqi
6. Day 6: Urumqi City & Heavenly Lake
   Visit Heavenly Lake & the Bazaar, and Uncover Silk Road Treasures at Xinjiang Museum

   Heavenly Lake is a 1.5-hour drive from the city. At 1,910m, its crescent-shaped waters perfectly mirror the snow-capped Bogda Peak. Stroll the wooden boardwalk along the shoreline to take in the view.

   On the north shore stands an over 180-year-old elm called the "Sea-Calming Needle". There is a legend that the elm was transformed from the hairpin of the mythical Queen Mother of the West. Your guide will share more myths.

   For the best views, ride the Maya Mountain cable car to the viewing platform at an elevation of 3,056 meters and overlook the entire lake, forests, and snowy peaks.

   

   Return to the city to explore Xinjiang Museum. Its Silk Road galleries house an incredible collection of artifacts, but the star exhibit is an astonishingly well-preserved mummy whose fingernails are still intact.

   Cap off the day at the Erdaoqiao International Grand Bazaar. Under Islamic-style arches, follow the scent of roasted samsa and cumin lamb. Browse stalls piled with dried fruits, carpets, and Yengisar knives. Keep an eye on the square, where you may meet an impromptu music and dance show.

   Optional activities：

   • Take a boat to the center of Heavenly Lake if you like, and admire lush spruce forests from a close distance.
   • Take the Maya Mountain cable car if you are interested (your guide can help you buy tickets).
   • Wear sun protection to protect against intense sunshine on clear days.

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   4-star hotel in Urumqi
7. Day 7: Urumqi to Turpan by Private Vehicle
   Discover Turpan's Dramatic Landscapes and the Folk Traditions of its Ancient Villages

   Expect a 3-hour journey to Turpan, a crucial Silk Road hub. Later, visit Tuyoq Valley — a deep ochre-red canyon hiding Xinjiang's oldest village - the 1,700-year-old Mazar village. You will wander among remarkably preserved adobe dwellings and soak in the authentic local customs.

   The Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Grottoes are carved straight into the crimson cliffs in the heart of the Flaming Mountains. Most murals were damaged over time, but the accessible grottoes still reveal vivid Jataka tales, portraits of donors, and Manichaean elements.

   

   On your drive back to the hotel, watch the endlessly stretching Flaming Mountains outside your window. Like a colossal red barrier across the Gobi, their wind-eroded gullies truly appear to blaze under the fierce desert sun.

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   4-star hotel in Turpan
8. Day 8: Turpan City Sightseeing
   Discover Turpan's Remarkable Engineering and Earthen Heritage

   Let’s start at the Emin Minaret, a striking Islamic tower crafted from sun-baked yellow bricks. Its facade brims with intricate motifs like diamonds and waves. The dramatic edge where oasis meets the barren Gobi can be seen across the vineyards.

   

   Next, explore the Karez system. Local people call it Xinjiang's "Underground Great Wall." This hydraulic marvel is a network of subterranean channels. It turns arid land into fertile oasis, showcasing the ancient wisdom of local people.

   The last stop is Jiaohe Ancient City, the world's best-preserved earthen architectural site. Without using one single brick, the entire city was built by excavating downward into the natural earth. Explore the remnants of official halls and Buddhist temples, immerse yourself in the history and development of the Silk Road.

   Travel to Korla for an overnight stay.

   Travel tips:

   Jiaohe offers almost no shade and the UV is intense; pack a hat, sunglasses, and sun-protective clothing.

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   4-star hotel in Korla
9. Day 9: Korla to Kuqa by Private Vehicle
   Dive Deep into Kuqa's Historical, Cultural, and Religious Charm

   Check into your hotel and settle in Kuqa after a 4-hour drive.

   The first spot is the Subashi Buddhist Temple, once the cultural heart of ancient Kuqa (also called Qiuci) and the best-preserved Buddhist complex in western Xinjiang.

   Kuqa was an important Silk Road city. Its old town's core area, like Qiuci Lane, has become a traveling hotspot nowadays. Walking on the 1.2-kilometer lane, you can see countless photogenic spots: carpet walls, flowerpot alleys, a mosaic of porcelain tiles, and distinctive cafés.

   

   The Kuqa Grand Mosque is Xinjiang's second largest, blending Islamic and Central Plains styles. Its main hall features 64 painted hexagonal pillars and a ceiling decorated with lotus and peony motifs. From the corridor behind the old religious court, enjoy a panoramic view of the entire old city.

   Photo Tips:

   For good-looking portraits, a plain long dress or ethnic-style clothing pairs beautifully with the rustic architecture.

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   4-star hotel in Kuqa
10. Day 10: Kuqa to Aksu by Private Vehicle
    Travel to Aksu, and Explore the Kizil Grottoes & the Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon

    Carved roughly 300 years earlier than Dunhuang's Mogao Caves, Kizil is home to nearly 10,000 square meters of murals. Beyond religious themes, the paintings bring alive scenes of farming, hunting, passing caravans, music and dance.

    

    Then, venture into the Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon to admire its red sandstone wonders. The best time for photos is 3–5 pm, when sunlight washes the red-brown cliffs in fiery golden-red hues.

    After sightseeing, drive onward to Aksu for an overnight stay.

    Travel tips:

    • Wear sturdy, non-slip hiking shoes or trainers; the canyon floor is full of gravel and sandy trails.
    • For photos, opt for solid and bright colors like white or blue to contrast vividly with the red rock walls.

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    4-star hotel in Aksu
11. Day 11: Aksu to Kashgar by Private Vehicle
    Take a Road Trip through the Rugged Beauty of Xinjiang to Kashgar

    Given the 7-hour driving today, don't forget to stock up on snacks and water beforehand.

    Your guide will help you check in after your arrival. You spend the rest of the day wandering the Old City's enchanting maze. As night falls, the alleys are lit, and you'll enjoy lively folk music, impromptu dance, and creative craft shops—a wonderfully atmospheric setting for a leisurely walk and photos.

    

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    4-star hotel in Kashgar
12. Day 12: Best of Kashgar Old Town
    Discovering Kashgar's Highlights in Depth

    Kashgar is the intersection of the ancient Silk Road's northern and southern routes. Today, you'll step into the shining pearl along that historic path—the 2,000-year-old Kashgar Old City. Don’t miss the grand opening ceremony at 10:30. You will appreciate Uyghur dance right up close.

    Visit the Id Kah Mosque, the largest mosque in China and the symbol of the Old City. There are over one hundred blue-green carved pillars inside to support the vast prayer hall—a truly spectacular sight.

    

    Wander through the maze-like alleys, admire traditional houses, and stroll along the handicrafts street to soak up a rich cultural atmosphere. Drop by the Century-Old Teahouse, an elegant spot featured in the movie The Kite Runner.

    Explore the Fragrant Concubine Garden at last. The highlight is the Apak Khoja family tomb, completely covered in blue-green glazed bricks. Listen to the legend of the "Fragrant Concubine" who married into the Qing court.

    Notes:

    • Photography of worshippers in prayer is NOT allowed inside the mosque. Dress respectfully — we recommend clothing that covers your knees and shoulders.
    • If your visit falls on a Thursday or Sunday, and time permits, your guide can take you to Asia's largest livestock bazaar. Look out for the centuries-old custom of haggling in complete silence — buyers and sellers secretly negotiate prices through hand gestures hidden inside their sleeves.

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    4-star hotel in Kashgar
13. Day 13: Kashgar to Tashkurgan by Private Vehicle
    Enjoy a High-altitude Dreamscape of Mirror-like Lakes and Perfect Reflections

    Leave Kashgar for Karakul Lake, stopping to admire the stunning White Sand Lake along the way. Silver-white sand drapes the mountainsides, and the jewel-toned blue water perfectly reflects snow-capped mountains and the blue sky.

    Drive another 3.5 hours to reach Karakul Lake, situated at 3,600m on the Pamir Plateau and embraced by Muztagh Ata and other mighty peaks. The water shimmers like dark silk that changes color from inky green to deep sapphire as the light plays upon it.

    

    The eastern boardwalk serves as the classic vantage point for photographing Muztagh Ata’s perfect reflection. Your guide will also share the ancient legend of the “Black Lake,” adding a mythical touch to the scenery.

    Later, drive to Tashkurgan for the night.

    Travel tips:

    • Due to the high elevation of Karakul Lake (3,600 m), it is advised to move at a relaxed pace and avoid sudden bursts of activity like running or jumping to reduce the risk of altitude sickness.
    • You can enjoy a horseback or camel ride by the lake; your guide will assist with on-the-spot ticket purchases.

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    4-star hotel in Tashkurgan
14. Day 14: Tashkurgan Back to Kashgar by Private Vehicle
    Visit the Stone City and Gaze out at Snow-capped Mountains, Rivers & Sheep Flocks

    Your guide will lead you to the Stone City, a famous ancient site on the Pamir Plateau. Explore remnants of a Tang Dynasty temple and a Qing Dynasty office; stand at a gap in the walls and look down upon the winding Tashkurgan River and Golden Grasslands, where herds of cattle and sheep dot the wetlands, with snowy peaks stretching endlessly behind.

    

    On the drive back to Kashgar, enjoy once more the spectacular reflections of Muztagh Ata and Karakul Lake.

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    4-star hotel in Kashgar
15. Day 15: Kashgar Departure

    This unforgettable 15-day Silk Road adventure ends after breakfast. A private transfer will escort you to the airport.

    Ideas for Extended Travel:

    Should you wish to explore northern Xinjiang's pristine landscapes, like Kanas Lake, feel free to contact us. We'd love to design a custom itinerary for you.

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