13-Day Beijing–Xi'an–Dunhuang–Urumqi–Shanghai Tour
13-Day Beijing–Xi'an–Dunhuang–Urumqi–Shanghai Tour
City
Beijing
Xi'an
Dunhuang
Urumqi
Shanghai
Silk Road Highlights and China's Gateway Cities
Experience the perfect blend of China’s ancient heritage and modern charm with this thoughtfully curated tour. Starting from Beijing, the nation’s capital and cultural heart, and ending in Shanghai, a bustling metropolis symbolizing modern China, this journey takes you through the fascinating landscapes and historical treasures of the Silk Road.
Ideal for first-time travelers to China, this tour offers a unique opportunity to delve into the rich culture and history of the ancient Silk Road. You’ll uncover the stories behind iconic sites, marvel at awe-inspiring desert landscapes, and explore the vibrant gateway cities that have connected China to the world for centuries. From the grandeur of imperial palaces to the whispers of ancient trade routes, this tour invites you to witness the essence of China’s timeless appeal.
At HelloChinaTrip, we are here to make your travel experience seamless, immersive, and unforgettable.
Itinerary Quick Look:
Day 1: Beijing Arrival
Your private guide will greet you at the airport arrivals area. Relax as your non-smoking vehicle transfers you to your hotel. Rest well to prepare for the exciting days ahead.
Morning: Begin at Tian’anmen Square, the world’s largest public square, then step into the Forbidden City. Your guide will navigate the crowds and take you to explore hidden halls for a more personalized experience.
Afternoon: Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before visiting Beijing’s hutongs. Take a rickshaw ride through the narrow alleys and immerse yourself in the authentic local life.
Morning: Visit the Temple of Heaven, where locals gather for morning exercises. Join in or observe seniors showcasing their impressive skills.
Afternoon: Head to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall. This scenic and less crowded area features a convenient cable car for easy access, leaving you with more time to enjoy the panoramic views.
Morning: Wander through the imperial gardens of the Summer Palace, enjoy the lakeside breeze, and explore the historic theater.
Lunch: Savor Beijing’s signature dish, Peking duck, at a handpicked restaurant.
Evening: Fly to Xi’an. Your local guide will meet you upon arrival and transfer you to your hotel.
Morning: Visit the world-famous Terracotta Army and learn about its fascinating history. Your guide will help you avoid the crowds for a better experience.
Afternoon: Discover a local craftsman’s traditional cave dwelling and try your hand at crafting a mini terracotta warrior. Return to Xi’an to stroll or bike along the ancient city wall, enjoying panoramic views.
Morning: Explore the Shaanxi History Museum and visit the iconic Big Wild Goose Pagoda, a symbol of Xi’an’s rich history.
Afternoon: Delight in a dumpling feast, then visit the vibrant Muslim Quarter to experience Xi’an’s diverse culinary culture. End your day with a flight to Dunhuang.
Morning: Explore the Mogao Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Your guide will reveal the treasures of this ancient Buddhist art hub.
Afternoon: Visit the Singing Sand Mountains and Crescent Moon Spring. Ride a camel through the golden dunes and imagine ancient caravans traversing the Silk Road.
Morning: Visit the ruins of the Great Wall from the Han Dynasty, built with unique materials like plant stems and gravel.
Afternoon: After lunch, take a scenic bullet train ride to Turpan.
Morning: Tour the Emin Minaret, a stunning Islamic architectural masterpiece, and learn about the ancient Karez Well System, which sustains the region’s lush vineyards.
Afternoon: Explore the ancient city of Jiaohe, carved into the ground by the Cheshi people. Marvel at the ruins and panoramic desert views.
Morning: Travel from Turpan to Urumqi to visit Heavenly Lake, nestled amidst the Tianshan Mountains. Enjoy a boat cruise or take a cable car for breathtaking views.
Afternoon: Walk the scenic trails and soak in the serene ambiance.
Morning: Visit the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region Museum, showcasing a rich collection of artifacts spanning thousands of years.
Afternoon: Experience the lively Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar, a hub for local crafts, food, and textiles. Fly to Shanghai in the evening.
Morning: Begin at Yu Garden, a classical Chinese garden, and stroll along the historic Bund to admire Shanghai’s architectural blend of old and new.
Afternoon: Ascend Shanghai Tower, China’s tallest building, for a bird’s-eye view of the city.
Your guide and driver will escort you to the airport and assist with your departure formalities, ensuring a smooth end to your journey.
Tour 'Wow' Points
FAQs About This Tour
How to connect Whatsapp, Google, Facebook and other social medias when you’re traveling in China?
Due to state control of internet security in China, many popular websites and APPs are blocked, such as Google, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, WhatsApp etc. It is very possible that you may not be able to receive your emails and other important information. For this reason, we highly recommend you to sign up for a VPN service(for example, ExpressVPN) before your trip, to make sure you can connect to the global internet.
Good to know: Wechat is widely use in China, we suggest you to use Wechat for further communication if possible.
Want a More Personalized Best China Tour?
Talk to us about booking a private or custom tour for your unique China experience.
Travel Memories
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Testimonials
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We joined the China Winter Tour to Harbin for the Ice Festival. It was spectacular! The snow sculptures were breathtaking, and our guide, Tom , made sure we stayed warm and comfortable. The hotpot dinner was the perfect end to our icy day. Highly recommended for winter lovers!
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A Memorable Great Wall Experience!
We booked the Great Wall of China Tour with HelloChinaTrip, and it exceeded our expectations! From the moment we started in Beijing, our guide, Emily, made every step of the journey engaging and informative. Visiting both the Mutianyu and Jinshanling sections allowed us to experience the Wall’s grandeur in a relaxed, unhurried way. The hidden historical stories shared by Emily made the tour unforgettable. We also enjoyed delicious local meals along the way, thanks to their excellent recommendations. Truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
Alexandra
A Dream Family Vacation!
Our Family Tour with HelloChinaTrip was phenomenal! We explored Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Suzhou over 10 days, and everything was perfectly organized. Special thanks to our guide, Lily , who was patient and fantastic with the kids, keeping them entertained and engaged with fascinating stories. The itinerary was a perfect mix of history, culture, and fun activities. We especially loved the boat ride on West Lake. This trip created lasting family memories we’ll cherish forever!
Oliver
Incredible Silk Road Adventure
We embarked on a 12-day Silk Road Tour, and every moment was magical. From Dunhuang’s Mogao Caves to Kashgar’s bustling markets, the journey was packed with highlights. Our guide, Michael , was passionate and knowledgeable, providing insights that brought ancient history to life. The accommodations were excellent, and the transportation was seamless. This tour gave us a profound appreciation for China’s rich cultural tapestry. Highly recommend!
Nadia
Yangtze River Cruise – Truly Unforgettable!
The Yangtze River Cruise with HelloChinaTrip was an experience we’ll never forget. The 5-day journey aboard the luxury vessel was comfortable and well-planned. Our guide, Jason, shared stories about the Three Gorges that added depth to the stunning scenery. The onboard activities and meals were excellent, and every detail was taken care of. This was the highlight of our trip to China!
Liam K
A Magical Panda Tour!
Our Panda Tour in Chengdu was everything we hoped for! We visited the Giant Panda Breeding Research Base, and our guide, Sophia , provided fascinating insights into panda conservation efforts. Watching the pandas play and feed was heartwarming. The tour also included some wonderful stops at local temples and markets. An unforgettable day that connected us deeply with China’s wildlife and culture.
Mariko
Tibet Tour
Our 8-day Tibet Tour with HelloChinaTrip was an extraordinary journey. From the Potala Palace to the stunning Namtso Lake, every site was awe-inspiring. Our guide, Tenzin , was knowledgeable and deeply connected to his culture, sharing stories that made our visit to Tibet incredibly personal. The logistics were seamless, and we felt well taken care of in this remote region. A once-in-a-lifetime adventure!
Samuel
Nature Tour of Guilin
Our nature tour through Guilin and Yangshuo was beyond beautiful. The Li River cruise and the hike through the Longji Rice Terraces were the highlights. Our guide, Leo , knew every hidden viewpoint and local story. The stunning landscapes and warm hospitality made this an unforgettable trip.
Isabella
Winter Tour
We joined the China Winter Tour to Harbin for the Ice Festival. It was spectacular! The snow sculptures were breathtaking, and our guide, Tom , made sure we stayed warm and comfortable. The hotpot dinner was the perfect end to our icy day. Highly recommended for winter lovers!
Sofia
A Memorable Great Wall Experience!
We booked the Great Wall of China Tour with HelloChinaTrip, and it exceeded our expectations! From the moment we started in Beijing, our guide, Emily, made every step of the journey engaging and informative. Visiting both the Mutianyu and Jinshanling sections allowed us to experience the Wall’s grandeur in a relaxed, unhurried way. The hidden historical stories shared by Emily made the tour unforgettable. We also enjoyed delicious local meals along the way, thanks to their excellent recommendations. Truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
Alexandra
A Dream Family Vacation!
Our Family Tour with HelloChinaTrip was phenomenal! We explored Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Suzhou over 10 days, and everything was perfectly organized. Special thanks to our guide, Lily , who was patient and fantastic with the kids, keeping them entertained and engaged with fascinating stories. The itinerary was a perfect mix of history, culture, and fun activities. We especially loved the boat ride on West Lake. This trip created lasting family memories we’ll cherish forever!
Oliver
Incredible Silk Road Adventure
We embarked on a 12-day Silk Road Tour, and every moment was magical. From Dunhuang’s Mogao Caves to Kashgar’s bustling markets, the journey was packed with highlights. Our guide, Michael , was passionate and knowledgeable, providing insights that brought ancient history to life. The accommodations were excellent, and the transportation was seamless. This tour gave us a profound appreciation for China’s rich cultural tapestry. Highly recommend!
Nadia
Yangtze River Cruise – Truly Unforgettable!
The Yangtze River Cruise with HelloChinaTrip was an experience we’ll never forget. The 5-day journey aboard the luxury vessel was comfortable and well-planned. Our guide, Jason, shared stories about the Three Gorges that added depth to the stunning scenery. The onboard activities and meals were excellent, and every detail was taken care of. This was the highlight of our trip to China!
Liam K
A Magical Panda Tour!
Our Panda Tour in Chengdu was everything we hoped for! We visited the Giant Panda Breeding Research Base, and our guide, Sophia , provided fascinating insights into panda conservation efforts. Watching the pandas play and feed was heartwarming. The tour also included some wonderful stops at local temples and markets. An unforgettable day that connected us deeply with China’s wildlife and culture.
Mariko
Tibet Tour
Our 8-day Tibet Tour with HelloChinaTrip was an extraordinary journey. From the Potala Palace to the stunning Namtso Lake, every site was awe-inspiring. Our guide, Tenzin , was knowledgeable and deeply connected to his culture, sharing stories that made our visit to Tibet incredibly personal. The logistics were seamless, and we felt well taken care of in this remote region. A once-in-a-lifetime adventure!
Samuel
Nature Tour of Guilin
Our nature tour through Guilin and Yangshuo was beyond beautiful. The Li River cruise and the hike through the Longji Rice Terraces were the highlights. Our guide, Leo , knew every hidden viewpoint and local story. The stunning landscapes and warm hospitality made this an unforgettable trip.