Silk Road 16-Day Inclusive Tour
The Silk Road is an ancient trade and cultural exchange network connecting the East and the West. It is not limited to one road, but consists of multiple land and sea routes.The Silk Road is traditionally believed to start in Xi'an, China, pass through Central Asia, Persia (now Iran), and finally reach Istanbul, Turkey, and further connect to Europe.
This 16 days Silk Road Tour will start from Xi'an in Shaanxi, end at Urumqi in Xinjiang.
Please arrange your own international or domestic transportation.
Our highlights include:
1. Terracotta Warriors
2. Chang’an Twelve Hours and the Datang Everbright City
3. Da Ci’en Temple and Giant Wild Goose Pagoda
4. the UNESCO site Dunhuang Mogao Cave & Dunhuang Murals;
5. the Mingsha Sand Dunes and the Crescent Lake;
6. the "First and Greatest Pass Under Heaven, Jiayuguan, & Ming Dynasty Great Wall;
7. Tian Shan & The Heavenly Lake;
8. Kanas Nature Lake & Hemu Village;
9. Bullet train from Dunhuang to Turban;
10. Different authentic regional cuisines.
Xi'an, one of China’s oldest and most culturally rich cities, served as the capital of thirteen dynasties and remains a key window into ancient Chinese civilization. It is considered the starting point of the Silk Road because, in the Western Han period, the city—then called Chang’an—was the political and economic center of the empire. From here, the envoy Zhang Qian set out on his historic journey to the Western Regions in 138 BCE, opening routes that later grew into the Silk Road. As a prosperous metropolis where silk, ceramics, tea, and other goods were produced and traded, Chang’an naturally became the place from which merchants, diplomats, and ideas began their westward journeys. Its strategic location in the Guanzhong Plain, connecting the Central Plains to the Hexi Corridor, further cemented its role as the gateway between China and the wider world.
Northern Xinjiang, located in China’s northwest near Kazakhstan and Mongolia, is a breathtaking region of turquoise lakes, vast grasslands, and majestic mountains. Known for places like Kanas Lake and the Yili Valley, it’s especially stunning in autumn, with colorful forests and fields of lavender in summer. The area is culturally rich, home to Kazakh, Uyghur, and Mongolian communities, who live in traditional yurts and wooden homes suited for the cold climate.
Local cuisine features lamb skewers, 'Dapan Ji' a hearty slowed cooked chicken dish serves with hand-pulled noodles, and dairy specialties like “kumis.” Northern Xinjiang’s blend of landscapes, traditions, and unique flavours makes it a must-visit for adventurous travellers.
Download Itineraries
What to expect?
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All meals (15B/14L/15D), 15 nights 4-5 star hotel stay;
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All transportations (train tickets and car usage);
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All entry tickets;
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High speed bullet train experience;
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4WD on Desert Highway.
*exclude transportation/expenses between your home city and Xi‘an, exclude any personal expenses
Minimum of 3 people is required to proceed with tour.
Available dates:
April 6 - April 21, 2026
April 27 - May 12, 2026
May 18 - June 2, 2026
June 8 - June 23, 2026
June 29 - July 14, 2026
July 20 - August 4, 2026
August 10 - August 25, 2026
August 31 - September 15, 2026
September 21 - October 6, 2026
October 12 - October 27, 2026
*Please contact us for other day's departure.
Q&A
1. What is the Silk Road?
The Silk Road is an ancient trade and cultural exchange network connecting the East and the West. It is not limited to one road, but consists of multiple land and sea routes.
2. Where does the Silk Road start and end?
The Silk Road is traditionally believed to start in Xi'an, China, pass through Central Asia, Persia (now Iran), and finally reach Istanbul, Turkey, and further connect to Europe.
3. What are the main routes of the Silk Road?
The Silk Road includes the Land Silk Road and the Maritime Silk Road. The Land Silk Road has the North Line, the Central Line, and the South Line, while the Maritime Silk Road leads to Africa and Europe via Southeast Asia and the Indian Ocean.
4. When is the best time to visit the Silk Road?
Summer and autumn (April-June, July-September) are the ideal seasons for grasslands in full bloom, alpine lakes, wildflowers, and vibrant ethnic culture. We offer different packages for different seasons. Please click here to see more details.
5. What is the best way to travel the Silk Road?
You can choose high-speed rail, car, hiking, cycling and other modes, or choose our 13-day Silk Road Northern Xinjiang Tour Group to take you to experience an in-depth tour of historical sites and natural landscapes.
6. How safe is the Silk Road?
Traveling the Silk Road in China is very safe, with strong public security, especially in Xinjiang, where police assistance is easily accessible. Mobile payment is widely used, reducing the need for cash. Medical care is convenient, but carrying some medicine for long trips is advisable. While travel in China is safe and well-supported, travelers are advised to arrange their own travel insurance prior to departure.
7. What are the famous attractions along the Silk Road?
Including Dunhuang Mogao Grottoes, Turpan Jiaohe Ancient City, Samarkand Registan Square, Iran Persepolis Ruins, etc.
8. What are the most worthwhile cities to visit on the Silk Road?
• China: Xi'an, Dunhuang, Turpan, Kashgar
• Central Asia: Samarkand (Uzbekistan), Almaty (Kazakhstan)
• West Asia: Isfahan (Iran), Istanbul (Turkey)
9. What are the must-visit historical sites on the Silk Road?
• Mogao Grottoes (Dunhuang): a world-class grotto art treasure house
• Jiaohe Ancient City (Turpan): a well-preserved ancient city ruins
• Registan Square (Samarkand): a landmark of Islamic culture in Central Asia
• Persepolis Ruins (Iran): a symbol of the glory of the Persian Empire
10. What natural landscapes along the Silk Road are worth visiting?
• Mingsha Mountain Crescent Lake (Dunhuang): a wonder of desert oasis
• Tianshan Tianchi (Xinjiang): a high mountain lake surrounded by snow-capped mountains
• Pamir Plateau (Kashgar): extreme plateau scenery
• Kanas (Xinjiang): a fairyland-like forest lake
11. What climate issues should be paid attention to when traveling on the Silk Road?
• Desert areas (such as Dunhuang and Turpan): hot during the day and large temperature differences at night, requiring sun protection and warmth
• Plateau areas (such as the Pamir Plateau): high altitude, need to pay attention to altitude sickness
12. What do you need to prepare for a trip to the Silk Road?
• Passport & visa (some Central Asian countries require a visa)
• Sun protection products (sunglasses, sunscreen, hat)
• Light clothing & warm clothing (large temperature difference)
• Mobile payment & cash (WeChat/Alipay is not supported in some areas)
DAY1 Transit City < Xi'an
•Your vacation starts with a pleasant flight via transit city to Xi'an - home of the Terracotta Warriors.
•Today, dressed in traditional Tang Dynasty Hanfu, visiting Chang’an Twelve Hours and the Datang Everbright City, experiencing the charm of the Tang Dynasty.
Traffic: Car
Hotel: In Xi‘an
Meals: Lunch/Dinner
Altitude: 400m
DAY2 Xi'an
• Visit Da Ci’en Temple and Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, Xi’an’s oldest and largest Tang-era monument, then continue to Dayanta Plaza with its 40‑meter “Great Tang Empire” relief wall.
• Explore Tang Paradise Park recreating Tang splendor, and conclude at SEG Shopping Center with Asia’s longest indoor escalator and world’s largest indoor waterfall.
Traffic: Car
Hotel: In Xi'an
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Altitude: 400m
DAY3 Xi'an
• Visit the Terracotta Warriors Museum, the “8th Wonder of the World,” and join a DIY workshop guided by restoration experts to craft a miniature warrior with authentic Lishan clay.
• In the afternoon, tour Huaqing Palace at Mount Li, then enjoy The Everlasting Regret, a spectacular outdoor performance with 300 performers set against the mountain backdrop.
Traffic: Car
Hotel: In Xi'an
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Altitude: 400m
DAY4 Xi'an < Lanzhou
•Your vacation starts with a pleasant flight via transit city to Lanzhou-the capital city of Gansu Province.
• Today visit the Zhongshan Iron Bridge, Mother Statue of the Yellow River and Ancient Water Wheel.
Traffic: Car
Hotel: In Lanzhou
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Altitude: 1572m
DAY5 Lanzhou < Wuwei < Zhangye
• Depart for Wuwei and take a visit to Jiumoluoshi Pagoda. Then continue your coach journey to Zhangye, one of the most important cites along so-called Hexi Corridor.
•After lunch, visit Giant Buddha Temple, the biggest indoor sleeping Buddha in China.
Traffic: Car
Hotel: In Zhangye
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Altitude: 1481m
DAY6 Zhangye < Jiuquan < Jiayuguan
•After breakfast, visit Danxia Landform Geological Park at own expense.
• Jiayuguan, the west ending point of the Great Wall of China, earning the name “the First and Greatest Pass under the Heaven”.
•The famous historical relics include Jiayuguan Pass and Luminous Factory in Jiuquan.
Traffic: Car
Hotel: In Jiayuguan
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Altitude: 1412-2722m
DAY7 Jiayuguan < Dunhuang
•Dunhuang-the pearl along ancient Silk Road in Gansu Province.
Visit Echoing-Sand Hill offering superb picture-look desert scenery.
•The Crescent Spring can be called a natural wonder in the Gobi Desert. Having been lying among these sand dunes for thousands of years, Crescent Spring still gurgles clear (Camel-riding at own expense). After dinner, you can go to the Shazhou Night Market, which is full of the characteristics of the frontier.
Traffic: Car
Hotel: In Dunhuang
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Altitude: 1138m
DAY8 Dunhuang < Liuyuan < Turpan
•Mogao Grottoes, a World Heritage Siteon the Silk Road. Located near the ancient town of Dunhuang, the caves are a depository of historical and cultural exchanges over more than a thousand years between China and other nations(Digital Movie included).
• After that, coach to Liuyuan station for your express train to Turpan (around 4hrs. Check-in luggage to be carried by yourself)
Traffic: Car
Hotel: In Turpan
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Altitude: 30m
DAY9 Turpan < Urumqi
• Start the day with a visit to Jiaohe Ancient Town, the most famous ancient cities along the SilkRoad. It is found from underground 2000yearsago.
• Karez System-the life resources of the oasis, is very delicate irrigation system made up of vertical wells, canals and small reservoirs.
•After a visit to the well-known Flaming Mountain, we will proceed to the Grape Valley (tram cart included). You can taste fresh fruit in Uyghur’s’ House and enjoy their songs and dancing. Next visit Sugong Pagoda before coach to Urumqi. Along the way, you can see the Dabancheng wind power station from afar.
Traffic: Car
Hotel: In Urumqi
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Altitude: 800m
DAY10 Urumqi < Tianchi Lake < Kuitun
•Tianshan Mountain Scenic Area. Highlight will surely be Tianchi Lake, also known as Heavenly Lake. With melted snow as its source, Heavenly Lake enjoys crystal water. You will take a boat ride to explore the wonderful scenery.
• Continue your coach journey to Kuitun.
Traffic: Car
Hotel: In Kuitun
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Altitude: 474m
DAY11 Kuitun < Buerjin
• Head for Buerjin via Karamay which is well-known as Oil City.
On the way, you can see the derrick everywhere. The legendary Ghost City (small train ride included) is a unique wind-eroded geological feature. Also, it is the filming location of the famous movie.
• Continue your drive north to Buerjin, the fairytale city. This northern frontier
The small county town is unique due to its proximity to Russia, with a variety of spires
It's like a cottage in a fairy tale, and the Erber meanders in the sunset
The Zes River, which attracts tourists from all over the world, is available for dinner and tasting Cold-water fish flavor.
Traffic: Car
Hotel: In Buerjin
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Altitude: 603m
DAY12 Buerjin < Kanas
• Kanas Nature Reserve. Located at Altay region, is mysterious sand charming and rich in animal and plant resources. You will take a tourist bus to Kanas scenic area. On the way, you may view the scenery of Crouching Dragon Bay, Moon Bay and Angel Bay from far.
•Climb up to the Fish-viewing Pavilion where you can get a breathtaking view of Kanas Lake.
Traffic: Car
Hotel: In Kanas
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Altitude: 1374 m
DAY13 Kanas < Hemu
• Hemu Village known as the paradise of photography funs. Hemu is one of the three residences of the Tuva Mongol in China, who have well preserved the traditional custom of their tribe.
•On the Viewing Gallery, you can enjoy the panoramic view of Hemu Village such as wooden huts, Hemu River and birch forest etc.
Traffic: Car
Hotel: In Hemu
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Altitude: 1300m
DAY14 Hemu < Buerjin < Beitun
• Depart to Buerjin for a visit to Multicolored Bay (Wucai Tan). Covering an area of 3 sq kilometers, it has a typical wind erosion physiognomy and is believed to be the most beautiful one of its kind in Xinjiang. Multicolored Bay has an impressive Yadan landscape.
• Onward journey to Beitun City, located in Hefu, Altay City, northern Xinjiang
Between Hai County, is the transportation hub center of the Altay region, is new
The division headquarters of the 10th Division of the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps. Beitun is adjacent to Kanas Lake Scenic Area.
Traffic: Car
Hotel: In Beitun
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Altitude: 248m
DAY15 Beitun < Urumqi
• Enjoy your coach journey to Urumqi passing through the S21 Desert Expressway. Located in northern Xinjiang, it is the first desert express way in China.
• Proceed to International Bazaar for your shopping spree. Tonight enjoy Xinjiang Ethnic performance and taste local snacks at own expense.
Traffic: Car
Hotel: In Urumqi
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Altitude: 800m
DAY16 Urumqi < TransitCity
•After breakfast, bid farewell to Xinjiang and Silk Road for your flight back to transit city. We hope you have had an enjoyable time.
Traffic: Car
Meals: Breakfast
Altitude: 800m
