Along the Great Silk Road: A 12-Day Adventure with HelloChinatrip

This tailored journey takes you through the highlights of China’s Great Silk Road, from Xi’an in the east to Kashgar in the far west. Experience extraordinary landscapes, ancient history, and authentic encounters with local cultures. Below is a suggested itinerary, which can be customized to your interests and schedule.

Day 1: Arrival in Xi’an

• Airport Transfer: Your private guide will meet you at the airport or train station and transfer you to your hotel in comfort.
• Hotel Options:
  • Somerset Xindicheng Xi’an (4-star)
  • Wyndham Grand Xian South (5-star)

Day 2: Xi’an – The Terracotta Army

• Breakfast & Lunch Included
  • Terracotta Army: Start your adventure at the world-famous Terracotta Army. Learn about the mysterious life-sized warriors and the story of Emperor Wu’s search for a good steed, which laid the foundation for the Silk Road.
  • Mini Terracotta Warrior Crafting: Visit a local craftsman’s traditional cave dwelling and make your own mini terracotta warrior as a souvenir.
  • Muslim Quarter & Great Mosque: Explore the lively Muslim Quarter, with its vibrant stalls, and visit the Great Mosque, an intriguing blend of Chinese and Islamic architecture.

Day 3: Xi’an – City Highlights and Travel to Zhangye

• Breakfast Included
  • Ancient City Wall: Enjoy a morning stroll along the well-preserved city wall, offering panoramic views of the ancient city.
  • Big Wild Goose Pagoda: Visit this UNESCO World Heritage site, a key stop along the Silk Road.
  • Travel to Zhangye: Transfer to the airport and fly to Zhangye.
• Hotel Options:
  • Tianyu International Hotel (4-star)
  • Zhangye Hotel (5-star)

Day 4: Zhangye – Danxia National Geological Park

• Breakfast & Lunch Included
  • Danxia National Geological Park: Explore the “Rainbow Mountains,” a stunning geological marvel that has earned Zhangye the nickname “Color Palette Overturned by God.”
  • Wooden Pagoda Temple: Visit the oldest tower in Zhangye, followed by a stop at the Giant Buddha Temple to see the largest reclining Buddha in China.

Day 5: Zhangye to Dunhuang – Jiayuguan Pass

• Breakfast & Lunch Included
  • Jiayuguan Pass: Visit the westernmost pass of the Great Wall, a remarkable fortress from the Ming Dynasty. Walk along the Hanging Great Wall, part of the region’s ancient military defense system.
  • Travel to Dunhuang: Continue your journey to Dunhuang, a key stop on the Silk Road.
• Hotel Options:
  • Dunhuang Hotel (4-star)
  • The Silk Road Dunhuang Hotel (5-star)

Day 6: Dunhuang – Mogao Caves & Camel Ride

• Breakfast & Lunch Included
  • Mogao Caves: Visit the UNESCO-listed Mogao Caves, renowned for their exquisite murals and statues. Learn about ancient Buddhist art and history.
  • Dunhuang Research Academy: Explore more murals and even try your hand at copying a sample mural.
  • Singing Sand Mountains & Crescent Moon Spring: Experience the beauty of the desert landscape with a camel ride through the Singing Sand Mountains, imagining the ancient caravans that once crossed these sands.

Tip: If you’re keen on exploring beyond the public caves, we can arrange a special visit to exclusive caves that are not typically open to the public, showcasing priceless art treasures.

Day 7: Dunhuang to Turpan – The Great Wall of the Han Dynasty

• Breakfast & Lunch Included
  • Great Wall of the Han Dynasty: Explore the ruins of the oldest section of the Great Wall, dating back to 206 BC. Experience the ancient structure and its unique design.
  • Travel to Turpan: Board the bullet train to Turpan.
• Hotel Options:
  • Turpan Friendship Peak Hotel (4-star)
  • Shuangcheng Hotel (5-star)

Day 8: Turpan – Turpan Highlights

• Breakfast & Lunch Included
  • Emin Minaret: Visit the stunning Emin Minaret, where sunlight casts beautiful shadows over the mosque.
  • Karez Well System: Discover the ancient underground water system that helped Turpan thrive in the desert.
  • Ancient City of Jiaohe: Explore this unique ancient city built into the earth, learning about its fascinating history and architectural marvels.
  • Vineyard Visit: Enjoy a relaxing break in a local vineyard, where you can taste Turpan’s famous grapes.
  • Tuyugou Village & Flaming Mountain: Visit the 1,700-year-old Uyghur village and see the iconic Flaming Mountain.

Day 9: Turpan to Urumqi – City Highlights

• Breakfast Included
  • Turpan Museum: Explore the museum and uncover the rich history of the Silk Road through its cultural relics.
  • Erdaoqiao Market: Wander through Urumqi’s largest bazaar, where you can shop for local goods, spices, and textiles.
• Hotel Options:
  • Excemon Xinjiang Yilite Hotel (4-star)
  • Wanda Vista Hotel (5-star)

Day 10: Urumqi to Kashgar – Kashgar Old Town

• Breakfast & Lunch Included
  • Id Kah Mosque: Visit the largest mosque in China, a key landmark in Kashgar.
  • Handicrafts Street: Stroll down Handicrafts Street, known for its wide range of local artisan products.
  • Teahouse Experience: Stop at a centuries-old teahouse for tea, conversation, and possibly even a traditional dance.
• Hotel Options:
  • Luxemon Qinibagh Hotel (4-star)
  • Radisson Blu Kashgar (5-star)

Day 11: Kashgar – Karakul Lake

• Breakfast & Lunch Included
  • Karakul Lake: Drive along the China-Pakistan Highway to visit this sparkling glacial lake, framed by the towering Muztag Ata Mountain. The stunning scenery will captivate your photographer’s soul, with snow-capped peaks and clear waters.

Day 12: Kashgar – Departure

• Breakfast Included
  • Your guide and driver will escort you to the airport for your flight back, with options to connect to other cities in China.

This journey is designed to offer you a deeper understanding of the Great Silk Road, its ancient wonders, and vibrant cultures. Let HelloChinatrip customize your experience to match your interests and create a unique adventure tailored just for you.