15 Days Silk Road Culture Exploration Tour
Tour Overview
A 15-day China culture tour from Xi’an to Kashgar takes you through the heart of the ancient Silk Road. Along the way you will explore world heritage sites such as the Terra Cotta Warriors; Appreciate Buddhist grottoes and murals; Take pictures of colorful Danxia landscapes; Experience markets or night markets in different cities; Understand the traditions of different ethnic groups…
In addition to cultural heritage, you will also visit some natural scenery including Karakul Lake, Tianchi (Heavenly Lake), and Golden Grass Beach. This trip allows you to discover China’s rich Silk Road heritage.
Highlights of this tour
- Marvel at the life-sized Terracotta Warriors in Xi’an.
- Explore the Maiji Mountain Grottoes to see intricate Buddhist carvings and statues.
- Admire the Rainbow Mountains in Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park.
- Visit the most famous Buddhist cave in China – Mogao Caves – to appreciate Buddhist murals and sculptures.
- Enjoy beautiful alpine scenery at the Heavenly Lake.
- Wander the Kashgar Old Town to witness the lively bazaars and traditional Uyghur neighborhoods.
- Shoot the mirror-like Karakul Lake reflected by the Muztagh Ata snow peaks.
Basic Trip Information
Travel Route: Xi’an-Tianshui-Lanzhou-Xiahe-Zhangye-Jiayuguan-Dunhuang-Turpan-Urumqi-Kashgar
Travel Length: 15 Days and 14 Nights
Tour Code:
Group Size: Only your family or group
Suitable for: Culture & history lovers, nature lovers, adventurers
Departure: Any day you want
Your tour – quick look
Day 1-2 Arrival & Xi’an Tour
At the starting point of the ancient Silk Road, be guided to visit Terracotta Warriors, Big Wild Goose Pagoda and Ancient City Wall.
Day 3-4 Tianshui, Lanzhou and Xiahe Tour
Take a high-speed train to Tianshui from Xian and enjoy a Tianshui day tour to Maiji Mountain Grottoes and Fuxi Temple. Then, drive for 4 hours to Lanzhou to visit Bingling Temple. After that, take a train to Xiahe to explore Labrang Monastery. At the end, drive to Lanzhou for a bullet train to Zhangye for the night.
Day 6-8 Zhangye Jiayuguan Dunhuang Tour
In Zhangye, visit the city landmarks including Giant Buddha Temple and Rainbow Mountain. Next travel to Jiayuguan to admire colorful brick murals. Arrive in Dunhuang in the afternoon to experience desert fun in Echoing-Sand Mountain and Crescent Lake.
Day 9-11 Turpan and Urumqi Tour
Before leaving Dunhuang, visit the famous Mogao Caves. Take an afternoon high-speed train to Turpan for the highlights of the city such as Karez Wells and Emin Minaret. Drive to Urumqi to enjoy the natural beauty of the Heavenly Lake, stroll along the Erdaoqiao Grand Bazaar and visit Xinjiang Regional Museum.
Day 10-11 Dunhuang Tour, Bullet Train to Turpan
Experience desert fun in Echoing-Sand Mountain and Crescent Lake and marvel at the amazing murals of Mogao Grottoes. Then, take a high-speed train to Turpan.
Day 12-15 Kashgar Tour
Take a flight to Kashgar and enjoy a side trip to Karakuli Lake. Then spend a half-day exploring the Stone City and Golden Grass Beach in Tashkurghan. Back to Kashgar, visit Id Kah Mosque, Local Bazaar, Handicrafts Market, and Kashgar Old Town.
Day-to-day Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival in Xian
Welcome to this 15-day Silk Road tour of China from Xian to Kashgar! Your private driver will wait for you at the airport terminal exit by holding a welcome sign and then you will be driven to the city center hotel. Free time for you in the rest of the day to explore Xian, the starting point of the ancient Silk Road.
Meal: N/A
Accommodation: in Xi’an
Day 2 Xian Highlights Tour
Explore City Landmarks and World-famous Terracotta Army
After breakfast, your private Xi’an tour guide will meet you in your hotel lobby and begin your Silk Road tour of Xi’an at the world-famous Terracotta Warriors and Horses. As the eighth wonder of the world, located in Lintong District, it is the burial pit of China’s first emperor (Qing Shihuang). In the magnificent place you can see the clay warriors neatly arranged and lifelike. Your guide will take you to visit three pits and explain the historical facts to you. The visiting time is about 2.5 hours.
Lunch will be served in Lintong District. Afterwards, we return to the center of Xi’an to visit the landmark of the ancient capital – the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. Standing at 64.5 meters tall with seven floors, the pagoda was built to hold the scriptures brought back by Master Xuanzang. Climbing to the top of the pagoda (optional and at your own expense), you will have a great view of the city of Xi’an.
Then, be transferred to the Xi’an Ancient City Wall. More than 600 years old, it is the largest and best-preserved city wall in China. When you step on it, you can rent a bicycle (at your own expense) to go sightseeing. On one side is the quaint thousand-year-old street, on the other side is the modern prosperous city. After the tour, go back to your hotel to rest.
Meal: Breakfast + Lunch
Accommodation: in Xi’an
Day 3 Xi’an to Tianshui by Bullet Train
Visit One of the Four Major Grottoes in China
Check out from the hotel after breakfast. Your driver will transfer you to the train station and take a 1.5-hour high-speed train to Tianshui. Located in the eastern part of Gansu Province, Tianshui is an important node and transportation hub in the eastern section of the Silk Road.
Upon arrival, the local tour guide and the driver will pick you up and directly take you on a one-day Tianshui tour. The first stop is the Maiji Mountain Grottoes, one of the four major grottoes in China, located on the Qinling Mountains. It is named after the mountain’s resemblance to a wheat stack. Entering the grottoes, you can see lots of exquisite statues and murals.
The next stop is Fuxi Temple, which is a sacred site for worshiping the human ancestor Fuxi (the legendary first emperor in ancient history). The temple was first built in 1483-1484 and underwent nine renovations, eventually forming a large-scale architectural complex. Entering the temple, towering ancient cypress trees complement the magnificent architecture. Stepping in the main hall, the first thing that catches the eye is the huge painted clay sculpture of Fuxi, which is truly awe inspiring. After the visit, your guide will escort you to the hotel to check in.
Meal: Breakfast + Lunch
Accommodation: in Tianshui
Day 4 Tianshui to Lanzhou, Xiahe Arrival
Take a Speedboat to the World Heritage Bingling Temple
After breakfast, say goodbye to Tianshui and drive for 4 hours to Lanzhou city. And then your guide will lead you to the World Heritage Bingling Temple, located in Linxia Hui Autonomous Prefecture, close to the Yellow River. The grottoes were excavated in the early Western Jin Dynasty and have survived through many dynasties, with 183 niches remaining now. Arrive at the site by speedboat, and along the way you can enjoy the magnificent scenery of Liujiaxia Reservoir.
After the visit, take a high-speed train to Xiahe for an overnight stay.
Meal: Breakfast + Lunch
Accommodation: in Xiahe
Day 5 Xiahe to Lanzhou, High-speed Train to Zhangye
See the World’s Longest Corridor of Prayer Wheels
Your China Silk Road tour in Xiahe continues today. In the morning, your private guide will show you around the Labrang Monastery, one of the six major monasteries of the Gelug School of Tibetan Buddhism. This boasts the world’s longest corridor of prayer wheels. Marvel at the grand buildings, which blend Tibetan and Chinese styles, with the Main Assembly Hall being particularly spectacular. If you happen to visit in summer, you can see picturesque views of the surrounding mountains and crystal clear lakes.
After the tour, drive back to Lanzhou and take a bullet train to Zhangye city. Zhangye, located in the middle of the Hexi Corridor, has been a key point on the Silk Road since ancient times
Meal: Breakfast + Lunch
Accommodation: in Zhangye
Day 6 Zhangye Day Tour, Drive to Jiayuguan
Enjoy Colorful Mountain Scenery in Danxia Geological Park
Located in the city center, Giant Buddha Temple is one of the iconic attractions in Zhangye. Founded in the Western Xia Dynasty, this temple has a history of over 900 years. Here, you will see a very large indoor clay sculpture reclining Buddha (accommodating 10 adults sitting side by side on one ear) as well as ancient buildings with unique features such as earthen pagodas and assembly halls. Following the tour guide’s explanation, you can learn about the art of Buddhism and the history of the Dafo Temple.
After lunch, drive for about an hour to reach one of the highlights of this Silk Road trip – Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park. We mainly visit the Rainbow Mountain Scenic Area, which covers a total area of 50 square kilometers. You can enjoy the colorful mountain scenery from different observation decks, or choose to take a hot air balloon to overlook this magical land from the sky (open from May to October every year).
After the sightseeing, we drive for 3 hours to Jiayuguan to check in.
Meal: Breakfast + Lunch
Accommodation: in Jaiyuguan
Day 7 Drive from Jiayuguan to Dunhuang
Experience the Desert Dun through Various Activities
Today, the tour in Jiayuguan begins at Weijin Mural Brick Tomb, the “world’s largest underground gallery”. Here you can see rich and colorful brick murals, reflecting the scenes of production, life, banquets, music, and dance at that time. Your tour guide will provide you with a detailed explanation of some of the important murals.
After the visit, drive for 4 hours to reach Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring in Dunhuang, which is famous for its picturesque scenery of sand mountains surrounding a clear spring. Tourists can experience riding camels across sand dunes, or try exciting activities such as sand sliding and desert off-road vehicles (at their own expense). The Crescent Spring lies like a crescent moon in the sand sea, with reeds swaying by. At sunset, the sand mountain is dyed orange red, reflected in the spring, making it an excellent opportunity for photography.
Warm tips: The ultraviolet rays in desert are strong. It is recommended to wear sunglasses, headscarves, sand proof phone covers, and prepare sufficient drinking water.
At night, Shazhou Night Market is a great place to experience the nightlife of Dunhuang. You can taste various specialty snacks, such as Apricot Peel Water and Yellow Noodle.
Meal: Breakfast + Lunch
Accommodation: in Dunhuang
Day 8 Dunhuang to Turpan by High-speed Train
Admire Colorful Murals and Lifelike Sculptures at Mogao Caves
After breakfast, begin your day with a visit to the famous Mogao Caves. As a world cultural heritage site, Mogao Grottoes have 735 caves. Entering the cave, you will be amazed by the colorful murals and lifelike sculptures. Especially the murals and sculptures of the Tang Dynasty are highly skilled and rich in content, covering various aspects such as Buddhist stories, myths and legends.
After the tour, take an afternoon high-speed train to Turpan in Xinjiang.
Meal: Breakfast + Lunch
Accommodation: in Turpan
Day 9 Turpan to Urumqi
Learn about One of the Three Major Projects in Ancient China
You have half day to visit the highlights of the city including Karez Wells and Emin Minaret.
Karez Wells, one of the three major projects in ancient China, skillfully diverts underground water for irrigation. By visiting this place, you can visualize the process of digging Karez wells and feel the wisdom of ancient working people. Emin Minaret or Sugong Pagoda is the largest existing ancient pagoda in Xinjiang. It is 44 meters high, conical in shape and covered with geometric decorations, showing the beauty of Islamic architectural art.
After the visit, your guide and drive will transfer you for 3 hours to Urumqi for the night, the capital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. An important commercial port on the Silk Road since ancient times, it witnessed the exchange and integration of Eastern and Western cultures.
Meal: Breakfast + Lunch
Accommodation: in Urumqi
Day 10 Heavenly Lake Sightseeing
Experience Riding a Camel in the Desert
Your tour in Urumqi starts with a 1.5-hour drive to Tianchi, the Heavenly Lake, a brilliant pearl embedded in the Tianshan Mountains. The crystal clear water of the lake is surrounded by snow-capped mountains, making the scenery picturesque.
Take a stroll by the lake and enjoy the fresh air and unparalleled natural beauty. Or you can take a cruise (optional, at your own expense) to see the forests up close from another angle. In addition, your guide will explain about the legend of Tianchi – where the Queen Mother of the West once bathed.
Drive back to the city center after the sightseeing. You will stroll around the Erdaoqiao Grand Bazaar. This place has a long history and has been a must-visit destination for Chinese and foreign merchants since the Qing Dynasty. You can find Central Asian goods and local features, such as Pakistani bronze ware, Turkish jewelry, grapes from Turpan, carpets from Hotan.
Meal: Breakfast + Lunch
Accommodation: in Urumqi
Day 11 Urumqi to Kashgar by Flight
Be Guided to Visit Exquisite Fabrics, Mummies, and More
Before leaving Urumqi, you will take a guided tour of the Xinjiang Regional Museum, the largest cultural relic collection and exhibition center in Xinjiang. The exterior of the museum blends Uyghur architectural style with modern design, while the interior exhibits are rich, including exquisite ancient fabrics, mummies, documents, and more. The well-preserved dead body of a woman is definitely worth a visit, and your tour guide will explain her story to you.
After that, take a flight to Kashgar, an important hub for the exchange of Eastern and Western civilizations. The ancient city carries rich historical heritage and the integration of diverse cultures.
Meal: Breakfast + Lunch
Accommodation: in Kashgar
Day 12 Karakul Lake, Tashkurghan Arrival
Marvel at the Color-changing Beauty of Karakul Lake
After breakfast, meet your tour guide in the hotel lobby then drive along the Pamir Plateau to Karakul Lake. Along the way, we will stop to visit the Opal village to glimpse the local traditional bustling bazaar.
Continue driving to reach our destination. Karakul Lake is the largest natural lake on the Eastern Pamir Plateau. The lake changes color with the light and weather. A walk around the lake will give you a view of the majestic Muztagh Ata – a beautiful combination of snow peaks and the lake. In addition, you can enjoy horseback riding (at your own expense) and hiking in the meadows around the lake.
After the visit, we drive to Tashkurghan for the night.
Meal: Breakfast + Lunch
Accommodation: in Tashkurghan
Day 13 Tashkurghan Back to Kashgar
Glimpse the Story Behind Ancient Fortress Ruins
In the morning, your guide will take you on a tour of Stone City, an ancient fortress ruins located at an altitude of around 3,100 meters. This was once the royal city of Puli Kingdom (蒲犁国), one of the thirty-six states in the Western Regions during the Han Dynasty. Climbing up to the wall, you can experience the majestic aura of the ancient city. Under the ancient city lies the Golden Grass Beach, with abundant water and grass, herds of cattle and sheep, and a picturesque view of the distant Muztagh Ata.
Afterwards, we drive for about 5 hours back to Kashgar.
Meal: Breakfast + Lunch
Accommodation: in Kashgar
Day 14 Kashgar’s Essence
Admire Uyghur Architecture, Experience Lively Local Bazaars
On today’s Silk Road tour in Kashgar, you will be led to the highlights of Kashgar. The Kashgar Old Town, with more than 2,100 years of history, is the center of Kashgar culture. Strolling through the ancient city, you will see ancient Uyghur architecture, lively bazaars, and exquisite handicrafts that exude a rich Western flavor.
Id Kah Mosque is a must-see attraction. The largest mosque in Xinjiang, built in 1442, is an example of ancient Uyghur architectural art. The architecture inside the mosque is quite exquisite, blending rich ethnic styles and religious colors. If you happen to be here on Friday, you can witness the spectacular scenes of worship.
After lunch, the guided Kashgar tour continues to the Handicraft Street, where hundreds of craft workshops and stalls are gathered. The street is lined with a variety of Kashgar and even Central Asian handicrafts as well as snacks and teas. You may also enjoy the street musical instruments playing.
Then comes the Livestock Bazaar, open every Sunday. Here you can see the traditional Uyghur way of trading livestock and taste freshly-made mutton delicacies such as Samsa (baked mutton or beef stuffed buns) and mutton soup. After the tour, go back to the hotel.
Meal: Breakfast + Lunch
Accommodation: in Kashgar
Day 15 Departure from Kashgar
Enjoy your free morning at leisure till the private driver escorts you to the airport to catch the flight home. Hope the 15-day cultural Silk Road tour from Xi’an to Kashgar leaves you an impressive memory.
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: N/A
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