Highlights

The Price Based on 2 Persons in a Private Tour for 4Star Hotel.

  • Walk Along the magnificent man-made Great Wall.

  • Visit Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City.

  • Explore Terracotta Warriors, which is one of the world's biggest archaeological discoveries.

  • Explore the splendid Danxia Rainbow Mountain in Zhangye.

  • Explore Mogao Grottoes, the home to the largest, best-preserved, and richest Buddhist art in the world—the first cave was carved here in 366 AD.

  • Marvel Karakul Lake, a high-altitude lake set at the foot of snowcapped Muztagh Ata (7,546m) and Kongur Tagh (7,719m)

ITINERARY Close All

Day 1Arrive in Beijing

Nihao, welcome to Beijing, the capital of China. Be transferred to the hotel. Relax and prepare for your Natural wonders and Culture Adventure.

Traffic: Car
Hotel: Doubletree by Hilton Beijing Sunworld Hotel
Altitude: 44m

Day 2Visit the Great Wall

As the most famous and popular site, we will start early at 7:00 before the big groups arrive. After 2hr's driving, enjoy the cable car ride to the wall is peaceful and scenic. It is a fantastic experience to walking on the well-maintained wall where you also need a lot of water or an umbrella in the 2hr's visiting. Lunch will be arranged in the courtyard at the foot of the Great Wall.


Drive back to the city and visit the Bird's Nest National Stadium and Water Cube Aquatic Centre en route. Back hotel around 6pm.

Traffic: Car
Hotel: Doubletree by Hilton Beijing Sunworld Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Altitude: 44m
  • Bird's Nest National Stadium

  • The Great Wall

Day 3Beijing City Tour

Today is another day to explore culture and history in Beijing.


At 08:00, we will pay a visit to Tianan Men Square for 30 mintes, Continue the 3hrs exploration in Forbidden City, also called Palace Museum. Walk on the steps of the most magnificent and splendid palace complex in China. Feel the enchant atmosphere or to foresee the Emperors were ruling this great county. The Hollywood Movie“The Last Emperor” highly recommended before your visiting


After Lunch in the local Restaurant, make our way to Temple of Heaven,1-2hrs walking through the vast beautiful park to enjoy the impressive architecture and interesting story of the Chinese Emperors prayed for good harvest 


Our final stop is the Summer Palace, a imperial garden consisting of vast ensemble of lakes, gardens and palaces in China. You can take the boat cross the island and then walk over to the temple on the hill. The climb up the stairs might be bit tired but so worth to enjoy incredible view from the top.


In the evening, enjoy a delicious dinner and have a good rest in the hotel.

Traffic: Car
Hotel: Doubletree by Hilton Beijing Sunworld Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Altitude: 44m
  • Forbidden City

  • Summer Palace

Day 4Flight to Luoyang and Adventure to Shaolin Temple and Longmen Grottoes

Say farewell to Beijing as we will take flight to Luoyang, the ancient capital with profound history and culture in China.


Drive 2hrs to Shaolin Temple, a fascinating place to learn about the origins of Buddhism and the discipline of Kung Fu. You will be amazed by the pagoda forest celebrating numerous eminent monks over 1200 years. 20mins Kung Fu Show bring all those action movies to life


Following a lunch in the traditional restaurant,drive all the way to the World Heritage of Longmen Grottoes with a treasure house of ancient Buddhist cave art to represent the high point of Chinese stone carving. Take the cart into the park and 10mins walking to the view platform wher you get the most amazing view of the tallest Buddha witnessed the spiritual power and wonder of the ancient artistry.

Traffic: Car+Flight
Hotel: Xinyuan International Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Altitude: 353m
  • Longmen Grottoes

  • Shaolin Temple

Day 5Morning Train to Xi'an and Have City Tour

We will catch morning fast train to Xi'an for 1.5 hrs. Greeted by our colleague in train station of Xi'an. Our journey starts with the visiting to Shaanxi Museum, a treasure trove for anyone interested in the art facts of Chinese history. Exhibits numerous unearthed cultural artifacts and represents the imposing image of a 13-dynasties capital.


Afterwards, head up to the Ancient City Wall, the most well-preserved city wall and the largest ancient military defensive systems in the world. It is an amazing to wander along the city wall with the bird's-eye view of Xi'an.


In the evening, enjoy a delicious dinner and have a good rest in the hotel.

Traffic: Car+Train
Hotel: Sofitel on Renmin Square Xi'an Grand Dynasty Culture Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Altitude: 400m
  • Shaanxi Museum

  • Ancient City Wall

Day 6Terracotta Warriors and Train to Tianshui

Today is an another day to explore the history and culture in Xi'an.


We first visit the most imposing historic site Terracotta Warriors, the most significant archaeological excavations of the 20th century. 


After lunch in the local restaurant, head to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda with 7 floors in total. It is the traditional Chinese style decorated with some Buddha statues, where Tourists can see a variety of Buddha statues and have panoramic Xi'an city at the top floor. 


Thereafter, we will board on the fast train to Tianshui about 2 hrs.

Traffic: Car+Train
Hotel: Fortune Sunshine Hotel Emperor International Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Altitude: 1100m
  • Terracotta Warriors

  • Big Goose Pagoda

Day 7Tour at Tianshui then Speed Train to Lanzhou

Today we will journey to visit Maijishan Grottoes, a network of caves and walkways carved into the cliff side, where we can enjoy Buddhist artwork and exquisite clay sculpture art. A trail for tourists has been made all around this mountain to give them the chance to visit the grottoes nestled inside the mountain itself. The path is a little bit dangerous especially if the above mentioned trail is packed with tourists. So please tightly hold the handrail for your safety


Discover another site to the hometown of Chinese ancestors --- Fu Xi Temple that boasts ten historic buildings including the theatrical stage, archways, the main gate, the instrumental gate, Congenital Temple, Taiji Temple, Bell Tower, Drum Tower, and Laihe Hal. You can experience the most mysterious and primitive philosophic symbols--eight tri-grams created by Fu Xi.


Then take bullet train to the capital city of Gansu-Lanzhou. Relax with free time for the rest of the day. 

Traffic: Car+Train
Hotel: Crowne Plaza Lanzhou Sapphire Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Altitude: 1500m
  • Fuxi Temple

  • Majishan Grottoes

Day 8Lanzhou City Tour and Speed Train to Zhangye

With a early start today, we will arrive Binglings Temple at 09:30 after 1.5hrs' driving. Taking the 40mins fast boat to the inside of the park , enjoy the variety of artworks in different styles and observe the social situations and customs in ancient times when seeing the stone sculptures and appreciate the miracle of Buddha caves. 


We will then head back to downtown to visit the the first bridge of the Yellow River's Mother Statue consisting of "a mother" and "a baby boy" which symbolizes the mother of the Yellow River nurturing the Chinese nation.


At twilight, take high-speed train to Zhangye to check in the hotel for a good rest.

Traffic: Car+Train
Hotel: Zhangye Hotel Tianyu International Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Altitude: 3633m
  • Binglings Temple

  • Yellow River's Mother Statue

Day 9Zhangye Danxia Rainbow Mountain and Car to Jiayuguan

After 1hr's drive to the 900-year old Grand Buddha Temple, experiencing the impressive Buddha culture and architectural treasures.


After lunch, we will drive 3hrs to the masterpiece of nature Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park, which is situated in the north of Qilian mountains with a distance of 40 km from east Zhangye city. You will be marveled by the colorful layers of mountain ridges in the 4hr's adventure to the different platforms.


Afterwards, 3hrs drive to Jiayuguan for a refreshing dinner and a good rest.

Traffic: Car+Train
Hotel: Plaza Holiday Inn Jiayuguan Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Altitude: 2799m
  • Grand Buddha Temple

  • Zhangye Danxia

Day 10Jiayuguan City Tour then Drive to Dunhuang

Today we begin our journey to the Jiayuguan Fortress. Standing among vast desert and surrounded by rolling mountains,it looks like a dignified general guarding the grand land. It was constructed with the most integrated defensive system: an inner city, an outer city, and a moat. Besides functioning as a frontier military fortress, it was also an important traffic hub along the Silk Road, the oldest worldwide trading route.


After that, you will explore the Great Wall Museum, which was opened to the public in October 1989 and it is the first one to exhibit the Great Wall culture in a comprehensive and systematic way. Thereafter, we are going to visit the Great Wall on the Cliff, The wall here was built on the ridge with a gradient of 45 degrees. It is high in the air and it looks as if it fell down from the top of the hill. So people refer to this section of the Great Wall as the "Suspended Wall". 


Continue the sightseeing to renowned underground gallery Weijin Tombs. There we can enjoy lifelike and succinct wall paintings covering a wide range of subjects including politics, economics, culture, military affairs, folk customs, and science and technology during the Wei and Jin periods (4AD)

After today's trip, we will drive you to Dunhuang.

Traffic: Car——375km
Hotel: Overnight in Dunhuang
Meals: Breakfast
Altitude: 1138m
  • Jiayuguan Pass

  • The Great Wall Museum

Day 11Dunhuang Tour and Train to Turpan

Today we are going to appreciate the Holy Center of Buddhism Culture and Art-UNESCO of Mogao Grottoes, enjoying the 40mins 4D movie to learn the development of the grottoes and then we will be escorted by the professional guides from Mogao to enjoy the the 8 caves mainly.

Then continue driving to Dunhuang to visit Echoing Sand Mountain, where you can ride the camels for 40mins to experience the beautiful desert scenery in the sunset. It is also fun to climb up to the top of the sand dune by the ladders to have the bird-view of the park and slide down to the bottom.

Afterwards, say farewell to Dunhuang as we will take high-speed train to Turpan

Traffic: Car+Train
Hotel: Overnight in Turpan
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Altitude: 500m
  • Mogao Grottoes

  • Echoing Sand Mountain

Day 12Turpan City Tour

Our first stop is Tuyoq Valley, an ancient oasis-village. We will have lunch in the local Uighur family before exploring this traditional village surrounded by the impressive grape trellis and the stories of the adventurers all of the world. Following is the visiting to Sugong Minaret, a conduit for cultural exchange between different ethnic and religious groups.


About 3pm, head up to the Karez Well irrigation system that produce the best melons and grapes in China. Following is the visiting to Sugong Minaret, a conduit for cultural exchange between different ethnic and religious groups.


Today's tour end up with the 2hrs's exploration of Jiaohe Ruins, resembles Pompei, but 300 years older. a Chinese archaeological site found in the Yarnaz Valley, 10 km west of the city of Turpan and a natural fortress located atop a steep cliff on a leaf-shaped plateau between two deep river valleys where you can experience the way of life of the Uygur ancestors

Traffic: Car
Hotel: Mercure Hotel Turpan Downtown
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Altitude: 500m
  • Tuyoq Village

  • Sugong Minaret

Day 13Drive to Urumqi and Have City Tour

After breakfast, drive to Urumqi. Today we head to Xinjiang Regional Museum, home to many archaeological treasures of the Silk Road and Xinjiang's minority cultures. You will learn about the history of Xinjiang and its peculiar ethnic customs. 


After lunch, you will visit Grand International Bazaar where you can watch Uygur dance show and taste local delicacies.

Traffic: Car——200km
Hotel: Hilton Hotel Oasis Grand Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Altitude: 800m
  • Xinjiang Regional Museum

  • Grand International Bazaar

Day 14Visit Heavenly Lake (120 kms) and Flight to Kuqa

After breakfast, we will drive 1.5 hours to entrance of the Heavenly Lake about 08:30, following is the 40-minutes shuttle bus twisting through the picturesque Tianshan mountains to the edge of the Lake. Either Trek around the lake, enjoy the boating cruise, or even take the cable car to the explore the Maya Mountain for the incredible view of Bogoda Peak. Lunch will be arranged in the Yurt of the local Kazakhs.


Say goodbye to Urumqi, be transferred to take the flight to Kuqa, an ancient Buddhist kingdom located and a commercial hub of the Silk Road. Upon arrival, pick up to check in the hotel.

Traffic: Car+Flight
Hotel: Kuqa Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Altitude: 1600m
  • Heavenly Lake

  • Heavenly Lake

Day 15Visit Kizilgaha Beacon Tower, Subashi Ruins, Kuqa Old City

Today there is an option to visit  Kizilgaha Beacon Tower. Locating 10 km outside Kuqa, the Kizilgaha Beacon Tower provide security for traveling caravans on the Silk Road and prevent enemy invasions. Round earth tower built with a wooden roof, it rises to the sky in the middle of the desert landscape as typical scenery of the region. 


Then continue your trip to downtown and stroll around the Kuqa Old City to explore the local lifestyle.

Traffic: Car
Hotel: Kuqa Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Altitude: 1600m
  • Kuqa

  • Kizilgaha Beacon Tower

Day 16Visit Subashi Ruins and Flight to Kashgar from Aksu

Today is another day to explore Buddhist culture in Kuqa.


Enjoying a delicious breakfast, drive to Subashi Ruins, considered a religious place and reflecting its past glory. There you can experience an exotic sight more than one thousand years ago.


Drive back to Aksu and catch a short flight to Kashagr, an ancient city with special local cultural and ethnic characteristics along the Silk Road.

Traffic: Car+Flight
Hotel: Radisson Blu Hotel Kashgar Tianyuan International Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Altitude: 1289m
  • Subash Ruins

  • Subash Ruins

Day 17Kashgar City Tour

Today you will enjoy a full day excursion of Kashgar. Pay a visit to Id Kah Mosque, the largest Mosque in China and the most sacred mosque for the locals to practise their Islamic activities at 09:00. Continue the visiting to Old Town at 10:30 with the open ceremony of Maxilap show. Come and Join the exciting movement in this well-preserved Uighur residential area.


Our speciality: Relaxing in the Hundred-years Tea house,taste the local rose tea and nang-bread!


After Lunch in the local Restaurant. Then drive to Sunday Bazaar that is combined two section. The covered bazaar sells the clothing, nuts, household goods and many things out of your imagination.The outdoor Animal Bazaar is the first bazaar we visit, where the farmers and buyers arriving by donkey cart, truck, bicycle, horseback, motorbike or on foot, with their animals. It's loud, lively and cheerful as they arrive. It is quite interesting to witness their typical methods of bargin.Return to hotel for the night and have a good rest.

Traffic: Car
Hotel: Radisson Blu Hotel Kashgar Tianyuan International Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Altitude: 1289m
  • Id Kah Mosque

  • Sunday Bazaar

Day 18Drive to Taxkorgan (320 kms)

Today we will adventure to Taxkorgan, a town in the far west of Xinjiang Province in China, bordering Pakistani, Tajik, and Afghani.This region is commonly known as the main road of the "old Silk Road" the main route leading from China to West Asia.


On the way, you can experience beautiful Karakul Lake where the herds of livestock around the lakeside are reflected in lake Kirghiz herdsmen usually settle down and graze their herds before shuttling you onward to Kashgar.


Stay one night and explore its peculiar folk customs of Tajik nationality. Taste snack and milk tea provided by local herdsman and spend your rest of day at leisure.

Traffic: Car
Hotel: CROWNINN TASHKORGAN
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Altitude: 4000m
  • Karakul Lake

  • Karakul Lake

Day 19Return to Kashgar

Today say farewell to Taxkorgan and return to Kashgar. On the way, you will have stunning views of the great Pamir Plateau and pass by sand dunes, mountains and sandstone valleys.

Traffic: Car
Hotel: Radisson Blu Hotel Kashgar Tianyuan International Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Altitude: 1289m
  • Taxkorgan

  • Taxkorgan

Day 20The End of Silk Road Tour

There are no activities planned for Kashgar today. You will be transferred to take flight based on your schedule. Look forward to your next journey China.

Traffic: Car
Hotel: No accommodation
Meals: Breakfast

INCLUDES

  • Private transportation through out the itinerary. SRT will arrange for all travelers to be met on arrival and seen off on departure based on your flight info.

  • Shared accommodations in well located, tourist to superior class hotels include breakfast, service charge and government tax.

  • All entrance fees(shuttle bus) sightseeing; excursions and activities as per the itinerary

  • Domestic flight form Beijing to Luoyang, Urumqi to Kuqa, Aksu to Kashgar

  • 2nd class express train form Luoyang to Xi'an, Xi'an to Tianshui, Tianshui to Lanzhou, Lanzhou to Zhangye, Dunhuang (Liuyuan Station) to Turpan listed in the itinerary

  • Private friendly and professional English-Speaking guides (French, Italy, Russian, German can be arranged per your request)

  • Visa support letter for you to apply Chinese visa easily.

  • Travel and health insurance when travel with us.

  • 8, A 24/7 helpline while you are traveling.

EXCLUDES

  • International flight arrive in Kashgar and leave from Beijing not indicated.

  • Food, Lunch or dinner not specified

  • Tips or gratuities for guides and drivers

  • Personal expenses and the other tours or activities not mentioned

TRIP NOTES

  • We will upgrade trains to 1st class where available if book the tour 5 months in advance of departure.

  • There is no problem to travel Silk Road during Ramadan.

  • Complimentary 2 bottles of water each person on daily use.

Transportation

We will use business MPV to luxurious coaches and trains.

Accommodation

All the hotels we selected are 4-5star well-located in the city center with good and proper breakfast for our clients.

Guides

Our guides are very friendly, knowledgeable, helpful. And our group tours will be escorted from SRT.

Climate and Altitude

Generally speaking Mid March—End Oct are the best time to visit Silk Road. And we strongly suggest you come in May, June, October to avoid the heat and crowd. No need to worry about high altitude along the Silk Road. We will prepare Oxygen bags if the package includes Xiahe, Qinghai Lake and Taxkorgan County.

We offer beneficial Cancellation Policy to our customers.