10-Day Ancient China Silk Road Tour from Xian to Kashgar

Day-by-day Itinerary

1. Day 1: Encounter the Terracotta Army and Taste Xi’an’s Local Flavors

   Welcome to Xi'an, the starting point of the Silk Road and also your journey! Your private guide will be ready to wait for you at the airport.

   Begin your trip with a visit to the "Eighth Wonder of the World": the Terracotta Army, which is also the landmark of Xi’an. Explore highlights of the three pits:

   • Pit 1 is the largest exhibition hall. There are thousands of terracotta soldiers and horses lined up in neat formations, creating a magnificent and awe-inspiring spectacle.
   • Pit 2 has a more complex layout. Get a deeper look into the strategic organization of the Qin army with crossbowmen, cavalry, chariots, etc. here.
   • Pit 3 is the smallest one, which is believed to have served as the high-level "command center" for the entire underground army.

   After heading to the city center, visit the iconic Bell and Drum Tower Square (a central landmark). Move on to the Muslim Quarter - the most famous food street in Xian. Follow your guide to skip the overly touristy snacks and enjoy your food adventure at the "hidden gem" eateries loved by the locals.

   

   Friendly Tips:

   • It’s recommended to arrive in Xi'an before 11:30 AM so you can enjoy today’s exploration at a comfortable pace.
   • If time permits, consider crafting a miniature replica of a Terracotta Warrior by yourself near the site.

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   4-Star Hotel in Xi'an
2. Day 2: Xi'an to Zhangye by High-speed Train
   Journey Across the Hexi Corridor to Zhangye

   Board a high-speed train bound for Zhangye. The journey takes approximately 6 hours.

   During the Lanzhou–Zhangye leg of the journey, remember to look outside the window, since the scenery will be incredibly stunning: in the summer, you'll see the rolling peaks of the Qilian Mountains, while the vast grasslands are dotted with grazing cattle and sheep. In a distance, the Gobi Desert is shimmering under the sun.

   

   After arriving at Zhangye Railway Station, a local driver will transfer you to your hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is free for you to explore downtown Zhangye at your leisure.

   Nighttime ideas: Enjoy your time at Ming and Qing Street, one of the liveliest areas in Zhangye, with glowing traditional archways, bustling food stalls, and the irresistible aroma of local street food.

   Most recommended local specialties are Chaobola (stir-fried lamb offal) and Malatang (spicy hot pot soup).

   Reference trains:

   D2671 / 07:48–14:16 or D2737 / 10:24–16:03

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   4-Star Hotel in Zhangye
3. Day 3: The Essence of Zhangye
   Admire Rainbow Mountains and Ancient Buddhist Heritage

   The first stop of your Zhangye trip is the Giant Buddha Temple, home to Asia's largest reclining statue of Sakyamuni, which gives the temple its name. The temple can be traced back to the Western Xia Dynasty, so you can see traces of history on the exquisite wood carvings and paintings. Some murals will introduce you to legendary stories, such as the Journey to the West.

   

   A one-hour drive will then take you to the Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park. Today, you will focus on the "Colorful Danxia" section, the top highlight in the park.

   The sightseeing shuttle will stop at several observation decks. At Qicai Xianyuan Terrace, you can observe the colorful rock formations and layered textures up close. Qicai Yunhai Terrace offers a sweeping panoramic view of the rolling rainbow-colored hills.

   The Qicai Hongxia Terrace is the absolute highlight. At sunset, the sunlight intensifies the colors of the mountains. The natural palette of deep reds, vibrant yellows, and rich browns looks like a giant painter’s palette spread across the earth.

   Travel Tips:

   • The best time for photo is at the sunset. Around 19:00 to 20:00 (during summer) or 18:00 and 19:00 (during winter).
   • Drone flight is not allowed within the scenic area.

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   4-Star Hotel in Zhangye
4. Day 4: Zhangye to Jiayuguan by High-speed Train
   Explore the Western Gateway of the Great Wall

   Take a high-speed train to Jiayuguan (Suggested train: D2741 / 10:27–11:53).

   Upon arrival, take a visit to the Jiayuguan Fortress. People call it the "Throat of the Hexi Corridor" for the strategic importance of its geographical location.

   Ascend the fortress tower for sweeping views of the snow-capped Qilian Mountains facing the rugged Black Mountains, while the vast Gobi Desert stretches endlessly into the distance.

   

   Head to the Jiayuguan Great Wall Museum to gain a comprehensive understanding of this magnificent engineering marvel. A major highlight of the museum is the colossal oil painting of the Great Wall, it’s a total masterpiece spanning approximately 220.5 square meters.

   Continue your trip to the Wei-Jin Tombs. This site is known as the "Underground Gallery" as it conceals some 1,400 ancient tombs beneath the shifting sands. Currently, only Tomb No. 6 is open to the public.

   The vividly colored brick murals allow you to see how daily life goes on during the Wei-Jin period, depicting scenes of farming, sericulture, hunting, and travel.

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   4-Star Hotel in Jiayuguan
5. Day 5: Jiayuguan to Dunhuang by Train
   Experience Desert Landscapes and Crescent Spring at Sunset

   Take a morning train from Jiayuguan to Dunhuang. There are only two morning trains: Z259 / 05:18-09:10 and 7535 / 08:15-14:10. It is advised to pack your breakfast to eat on the train.

   After checking into the hotel, begin your Dunhuang tour at Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Lake. The sand dunes may remind you of the giant dragons, and the Crescent Lake rests quietly among them like a hidden jewel.

   

   More than the surreal landscape where desert and oasis coexist, you can also slide down the sand ridges or take photos at the desert sunset. If visit in summer, you may have a chance to join the lively “Starry Sky Concert” in the desert.

   Then, take a stroll in the Shazhou Night Market, the air is filled with the aroma of grilled meat. Must-try dishes include stir-fried lamb offal (chaobola), chewy "cuoyuzi" noodles, and they are to be paired with refreshing apricot juice.

   Optional activities:

   There are many desert activities in Mingsha Mountain Scenic Area, such as camel riding and desert off-roading. Your guide will help you buy tickets on-site.

   Tips:

   • It is best to enter the scenic area after 4 PM, when it is less hot and you’ll catch the breathtaking sunset.
   • Summer temperatures are very high, so sun protection is really important. Remember to bring a pair of flip-flops for easy access to the sand.

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   4-Star Hotel in Dunhuang
6. Day 6: Dunhuang to Turpan by High-speed Train
   Discover Mogao Caves and Travel into Xinjiang

   The Mogao Caves are the world's largest and best-preserved treasure trove of Buddhist art. After thousands of years, it still preserves approximately 45,000 square meters of murals and over 2,400 painted sculptures.

   The largest sculpture (35.5 meters tall) was built during the Tang Dynasty. It is located in the "Nine-Story Tower" in Cave 96. And in Cave 45, there are the finest examples of polychrome sculptures.

   

   After the visit, take the high-speed train to Turpan which may take approximately 3.5 hours. Still, you’ll first be transferred to your hotel for check-in.

   Tips:

   Before visiting the cave area, learn more details about the caves’ murals and sculptures through the films, such as "Dreamlike Buddhist Palace", shown in the dome theater in the digital exhibits. Due to the poor lighting, these details can be difficult to see clearly during the on-site visit.

   Photography is prohibited inside the cave. Flash photography can cause irreversible damage to the murals.

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   4-Star Hotel in Turpan
7. Day 7: Turpan to Urumqi by Private Vehicle
   Uncover Ancient Oasis Culture and Bazaar Life

   The first stop in Turpan is the Karez - a remarkable ancient underground irrigation system. When descending the steps to the karez irrigation canals, you’ll immediately feel a refreshing coolness. Your guide will explain how the ancients used snowmelt from the Tianshan Mountains to irrigate this vast desert.

   Next, head to the Sugong Tower. It is Xinjiang's largest and best-preserved Islamic tower. Walking around this 37-meter-high, earth-colored ancient tower, you’ll be amazed by its rich Islamic style, especially the wave-like and diamond-shaped geometric patterns formed by the brickwork.

   

   Move on to the Jiaohe Ruins, an "open-air ruins museum" constructed of rammed earth. With a history of over two thousand years, it still retains much of its original layout.

   Wandering through it, you can still clearly see the central avenue running north to south. The towering street walls on both sides will lead you to the well-preserved government office area and Buddhist temple ruins.

   After the exploration of Turpan, drive 3 hours to Urumqi to visit the Erdaoqiao International Bazaar. Among the earthen-yellow Islamic-style architecture are vendors selling products like colorful silks, dried fruits, and handicrafts.

   The vendors' cries rise and fall, as if transporting you back in time to the ancient Silk Road. In a second, you’ll find yourself becoming part of the prosperous trade between nations in bygone eras.

   After the tour, your guide will help you check into a comfortable hotel in the city center.

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   4-Star Hotel in Urumqi
8. Day 8: Urumqi to Kashgar by Flight
   Relax at Heavenly Lake amid the Tianshan Mountains

   Tianchi Lake in the Tianshan Mountains is like a sapphire set at the foot of Bogda Peak. Its tranquil waters reflect the surrounding spruce forests like a giant natural mirror. Legend has it that this was once the abode of the Queen Mother of the West, which adds a touch of mythology to the site and also your trip.

   

   Take a stroll along the lakeside boardwalk to enjoy the picturesque lake view surrounded by dense forest. During the 2-hour walk, you’ll be impressed by iconic landmarks such as the "Sea-Stabilizing Needle" (a thousand-year-old elm tree) and the Feilongjian Waterfall.

   After the visit, fly to Kashgar. Check into your hotel and get some rest.

   Optional activities: A boat ride on Tianchi Lake is a popular way to experience its beauty. This allows you not only to venture into the heart of the picturesque landscape but also to have an up-close look at the spruce forest along the shores. If you're lucky, you might even spot wild ducks frolicking on the water.

   Travel tips:

   • Tianchi Lake is at a high altitude and the ultraviolet radiation is extremely strong. Please take full precautions against sunburn.
   • Tianchi Lake serves as a source of drinking water, please do not touch or play in the water.

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   4-Star Hotel in Kashgar
9. Day 9: Kashgar Cultural Exploration
   Experience Uyghur Traditions in Kashgar Old City

   The early morning sunlight paints the earthen-yellow streets of Kashgar Old City even more vibrant.

   At 10:30 AM, go enjoy the opening ceremony performance at the East Gate of the Old City. Local people will warmly welcome visitors with lively Uyghur songs and dances.

   After the ceremony, follow your guide to visit one of the largest mosque in the country – the Id Kah Mosque. Its iconic goose-yellow exterior is highly photogenic, especially from the square in front of it.

   

   Admire the "Hall of a Hundred Columns," which is supported by 140 green carved wooden columns. Each one of them has a unique hand-carved pattern.

   The rest time is for you to wander through the maze-like streets. In the handicraft street, you’ll find all kinds of local goods, such as the bronze ware, earthenware, wood carvings, and silks. It’s possible to encounter some artisans creating their crafts on-site.

   Travel tips:

   • When visiting a mosque, wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. It is not allowed to take photos of worshippers.
   • For panoramic views of the mosque and Kashgar Old City, the best spot is the second-floor terrace of the old teahouse opposite the mosque.
   • If you happen to be in Kashgar on Thursday or Sunday, there will be Asia's largest livestock market. Best time to visit is 11 am to 3 pm, and there’s going to be a truly fascinating phenomenon: buyers and sellers negotiate the price by making hand gestures inside their sleeves.

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   4-Star Hotel in Kashgar
10. Day 10: Departure from Kashgar
    Conclude Your Silk Road Adventure in Kashgar

    Spend your final morning at your leisure. Then a private vehicle will transfer you from the hotel to the airport in accordance with your flight schedule. This marks the conclusion of your 10-day China Silk Road journey.

    More Travel Ideas:

    If you wish to explore more natural landscapes of Xinjiang, such as Kanas and Hemu, we would be more than delighted to accompany you on an extended journey.

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