Explore the legendary ancient Silk Road across northwest China on this immersive 8-day tour, stopping at five iconic destinations from east to west: historic Xi’an, cultural Dunhuang, vibrant Turpan, stunning Urumqi, and one-of-a-kind Kashgar. This expertly curated trip is handpicked to highlight the very best of the region’s unique history, breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage, while offering unbeatable pricing and secure, trusted payment processing for a smooth, stress-free booking experience.
This 8-day immersive journey follows the ancient trade winds of the Silk Road, starting in the imperial eastern starting point of Xi'an and winding gradually northwest through the golden desert oasis of Dunhuang, the sun-baked grape-growing crossroads of Turpan, the alpine-fringed capital of Urumqi, before ending in the preserved ancient trading hub of Kashgar. You'll experience everything from UNESCO-listed imperial wonders and thousand-year-old cave murals to wind-sculpted desert dunes, traditional mud-brick old town alleys, and snow-fringed alpine lake views, getting an authentic taste of 2000 years of cross-cultural history along the world's most famous ancient trade route.
Arrive in the ancient imperial capital of Xi'an, the official starting point of the Silk Road, and check into your comfortable hotel right in the city center, steps from the iconic Bell Tower. Settle in after your travels, take a casual stroll around the neighborhood to soak up the historic vibe, and get rested for your full day of sightseeing tomorrow. 🏨 Stay at City Centre Days Inn (Bell Tower)
Start your day with an included breakfast at your hotel, then head out to the world-famous Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum, where you'll stand awestruck before thousands of life-sized clay warriors built to guard China's first emperor over 2,000 years ago. After exploring the museum, walk or cycle along the fully preserved ancient Xi'an City Wall, taking in panoramic views of the modern city stretching out below. Wrap up your day with a wander through the bustling Muslim Quarter, where you can sample local street snacks and soak up the lively night atmosphere. 🍽️ Breakfast included | 🏨 Stay at City Centre Days Inn (Bell Tower)
After an included breakfast, travel from Xi'an to the legendary desert oasis city of Dunhuang, a critical rest stop for Silk Road caravans for thousands of years. Once you arrive, head straight to the iconic Singing Sand Dunes, where you can climb golden sand hills to catch breathtaking views of the famous Crescent Spring, a natural oasis that has survived in the middle of the desert for centuries. End your day browsing the lively Dunhuang night market, perfect for picking up local handicrafts and trying regional specialties. 🍽️ Breakfast included | 🏨 Stay at Vienna Hotel Dunhuang
Kick off the day with an included breakfast, then explore one of the Silk Road's greatest cultural treasures: the Mogao Caves. Wander through hundreds of hand-carved grottos adorned with millennia of stunning Buddhist murals and statues, learning about the cross-cultural art that flourished along the trade route. After your exploration, travel onward to the warm, grape-rich oasis of Turpan and check into your hotel for the night. 🍽️ Breakfast included | 🏨 Stay at Turpan Karez Hotel
After an included breakfast, spend your full day exploring Turpan's most iconic Silk Road sites. First visit the ancient Bezklik Buddhist Grottos, home to some of the earliest surviving cave art in the region. Next, wander the wind-swept ruins of the Ancient City of Jiaohe and the Ancient City of Gaochang, two powerful former trading capitals that have stood here for over 2,000 years. Finish your exploration with a tour of the ingenious ancient Karez Irrigation System, an underground network that still waters Turpan's oases today, before traveling onward to Urumqi, the capital of Xinjiang. 🍽️ Breakfast included | 🏨 Stay at Ibis Urumqi Youhao Mingyuan
Start your day with an included breakfast, then head out of the city to the stunning Heavenly Lake (Tianchi), a crystal-clear alpine lake ringed by snow-capped Tianshan Mountain peaks. Breathe in fresh mountain air and soak up postcard-perfect views of the lake before continuing your journey westward to Kashgar, the legendary western hub of the Silk Road. 🍽️ Breakfast included
Immerse yourself in the unique Uyghur culture of Kashgar today. Start with a visit to the stunning Apa Hoja Mausoleum, a beautiful 17th-century Islamic architectural landmark and resting place of a revered local religious leader. Next, wander the winding alleys of the well-preserved Kashgar Old Town, where traditional mud-brick homes and family-run workshops have stood for centuries. Stop by bustling Handicraft Street to watch local artisans create traditional textiles, pottery, and woodwork, before visiting the historic Id Ghar Mosque, the largest mosque in China and a center of local life for hundreds of years. 🏨 Stay at Lavande Hotel Kashgar Ancient City
After enjoying an included breakfast at your hotel, your 8-day Silk Road adventure comes to an end. You are free to arrange independent onward travel or head to the airport for your departure flight. 🍽️ Breakfast included
Min 2 · Max 20 people per group
Traveler reviews
May 10, 2026
The Gobi Desert views between Dunhuang and Turpan took my breath away, and learning about the ancient Buddhist art at the Mogao Caves was such a moving experience. The 8 days felt like the perfect length to see all the key highlights without feeling too rushed or too slow.
February 20, 2026
My consultant Sunny at HelloChinaTrip adjusted a small part of my itinerary to accommodate my mobility needs before the tour started, which I really appreciated. This cross-northwest route shows such a different side of China, from ancient imperial history in Xi’an to the wild, beautiful landscapes of the far west in Kashgar.
November 3, 2025
I’ve done multiple group tours around China, and this Silk Road itinerary is by far my favorite. The progression from Xi’an, the starting point of the ancient route, all the way west to Kashgar tells such a cohesive story of trade, cultural exchange, and thousands of years of history. I especially loved trying all the local foods along the way, from hand-pulled noodles to sweet Turpan grapes and spiced roasted lamb in Kashgar. I would recommend this tour to anyone who loves history, unique landscapes, and off-the-beaten-path travel experiences.
April 18, 2025
I booked this tour during the spring public holiday, so I expected a bit of crowds but some popular sites like the Mogao Caves were more packed than I anticipated. The heat in Turpan was also more intense than I prepared for in early April, which made walking around the ancient city a little tiring. Every other part of the itinerary was perfectly planned, and I left with so much incredible context about the ancient Silk Road that I never would have gotten traveling on my own.
March 12, 2025
This 8-day Silk Road tour exceeded every expectation I had.
January 9, 2025
Every historic site on this tour feels like stepping back into the golden age of the Silk Road.
December 28, 2024
Seeing the Terracotta Warriors in Xi’an first hand followed by the stunning Mogao Caves in Dunhuang was a dream come true. Every stop along the route felt perfectly paced, giving us enough time to soak in the history and local culture without rushing.
December 5, 2024
Visiting the ancient Silk Road sites that I’d read about in history books for years was such a surreal experience. The tour balances iconic historic landmarks with time to explore local markets and enjoy the stunning natural scenery of northwest China perfectly. Our stops in Turpan, with its ancient karez irrigation system, and Kashgar’s famous old town bazaar gave me such a vivid picture of how the Silk Road still shapes life in this part of the world today. I can’t wait to come back again to explore more of this incredible region.
Dive into the unmatched natural and cultural beauty of Tibet on this immersive 6-day tour, which covers Lhasa, the stunning alpine Namtso Lake, surrounding scenic areas, and a stop in historic Xi’an for a well-rounded travel experience. As a top-curated pick for exploring the heart of Tibet, this tour stands out for its carefully selected itinerary highlights, competitive pricing, and secure, trusted payment processes, letting you focus fully on soaking in the one-of-a-kind magic of your journey.
