Journey from the ancient capital of Xi’an to the legendary Silk Road
15 Days In-Depth Silk Road Discovery across Western China
29 Mar 2026 / Twin/double Share – Price Per Person
£3,075.00
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15 Days In-Depth Silk Road Discovery across Western China
Product code：CS15-01
A fully scheduled, English-guided, small-group journey designed to make travel to Western China simple for first-time and culturally curious travellers.
This 15-day itinerary brings together ancient Silk Road heritage, dramatic desert landscapes and diverse ethnic cultures, moving smoothly from Xi'an to the far western frontiers via high-speed trains, domestic flights and scenic overland routes.
With accommodation, transport and expert English-speaking guides arranged throughout, travellers can focus on the experience itself — without the complexity of planning a multi-city journey independently.
Key Highlights:
- Discover UNESCO World Heritage Sites including Xi'an's Terracotta Army and Dunhuang's Mogao Caves with their 1,000-year-old Buddhist murals and sculptures
- Witness the vibrant rainbow-layered hills of Zhangye Danxia Landform and the desert oasis of Crescent Lake surrounded by singing sand dunes
- Explore the westernmost fortress of the Ming Dynasty Great Wall at Jiayuguan Pass, marking the historic end of China's ancient defences
- Journey along the legendary Karakoram Highway to Tashkorgan at 3,200m elevation, visiting Tajik grasslands and the ancient Stone City with views of Muztagh Ata peak (7,546m)
- Experience Uyghur culture in Kashgar's Old City and bustling bazaar, then travel seamlessly across six cities via high-speed rail, domestic flights and overnight trains with all logistics handled
Guaranteed Departure: This tour is guaranteed to operate with a minimum of 2 passengers. Small-group experience limited to 12 travelers during peak season. Spanish, Japanese, and Cantonese guides available upon request.
Payment Terms: We require a 30% deposit upon reservation, with the balance due 45 days prior to departure. For bookings made within 45 days of departure, full payment is required at the time of booking. Please apply discount code DEPOSIT30 when paying your deposit.
Cities Overview
- Xi’an
- Lanzhou
- Zhangye
- Jiayuguan
- Dunhuang
- Turpan
- Urumqi
- Kashgar
£3,075.00
Tour Highlights
Follow the journey through these amazing destinations
Select an image to get started
1
Xi’an
China's ancient gateway and enduring citadel
2
Lanzhou
A key Yellow River city that played a vital role in Silk Road trade and cultural exchange
3
Zhangye
Famous for the Rainbow Mountains and well-preserved ancient temples
4
Jiayuguan
The western end of the Great Wall and a historic military stronghold
5
Dunhuang
Renowned for the Mogao Caves and its role as a cultural crossroads of the Silk Road
6
Turpan
An important oasis town known for ancient irrigation systems and desert landscapes
7
Urumqi
The cultural and commercial heart of Xinjiang, where East meets Central Asia
8
Kashgar
A legendary Silk Road city with strong Uyghur traditions and vibrant local markets
Bestseller
Terracotta Warriors
Bestseller
Silk Road Desert & Mogao Caves
Xinjiang Oasis & Pamir Landscapes
Upon arrival in Xi’an, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Xi’an is one of China’s oldest cities and served as the capital for 13 dynasties, including the Qin, Han, and Tang. As the historic starting point of the Silk Road, the city played a crucial role in cultural, commercial, and religious exchanges between China and the West.
The remainder of the day is at leisure, allowing time to rest after your journey or take a first glimpse of the city’s historic atmosphere. Xi’an’s legacy as an imperial capital and international trading hub sets the stage for the remarkable journey that follows across China’s northwest frontier.
Meals: ✗
The remainder of the day is at leisure, allowing time to rest after your journey or take a first glimpse of the city’s historic atmosphere. Xi’an’s legacy as an imperial capital and international trading hub sets the stage for the remarkable journey that follows across China’s northwest frontier.
Meals: ✗
Today is dedicated to one of China’s greatest historical treasures — the Terracotta Army of Emperor Qin Shi Huang. Visit the Qin Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where more than 8,000 life-sized soldiers, horses, and chariots were buried to guard China’s first emperor in the afterlife. Each figure is uniquely crafted, offering remarkable insight into military organization, craftsmanship, and beliefs of the Qin Dynasty over 2,000 years ago.
After exploring the museum complex and learning about the unification of China under Emperor Qin, return to Xi’an and transfer to the railway station. In the afternoon, take a high-speed train to Lanzhou, marking the official transition from China’s ancient heartland into the historic Hexi Corridor — a vital section of the Silk Road that once connected China with Central Asia and beyond.
✓ Breakfast | ✓ Lunch
After exploring the museum complex and learning about the unification of China under Emperor Qin, return to Xi’an and transfer to the railway station. In the afternoon, take a high-speed train to Lanzhou, marking the official transition from China’s ancient heartland into the historic Hexi Corridor — a vital section of the Silk Road that once connected China with Central Asia and beyond.
✓ Breakfast | ✓ Lunch
After breakfast, begin exploring Lanzhou, the capital of Gansu Province and an important hub along the Silk Road. Lanzhou’s location on the banks of the Yellow River made it a key transportation and trading center connecting central China with the western regions.
Visit the Yellow River Iron Bridge, also known as Zhongshan Bridge, a historic landmark symbolizing Lanzhou’s role as a gateway to the northwest. Continue to the Yellow River Mother Sculpture, an iconic monument representing the origins of Chinese civilization and the nurturing spirit of the Yellow River. Walk along the riverfront to observe daily life in this frontier city, where traditional culture and modern development coexist.
In the afternoon, visit the Gansu Provincial Museum, home to important Silk Road artifacts that illustrate the region’s cultural exchanges with Central Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. The museum’s collections provide valuable context for understanding the historical significance of the Silk Road and Lanzhou’s role within it.
✓ Breakfast | ✓ Lunch
Visit the Yellow River Iron Bridge, also known as Zhongshan Bridge, a historic landmark symbolizing Lanzhou’s role as a gateway to the northwest. Continue to the Yellow River Mother Sculpture, an iconic monument representing the origins of Chinese civilization and the nurturing spirit of the Yellow River. Walk along the riverfront to observe daily life in this frontier city, where traditional culture and modern development coexist.
In the afternoon, visit the Gansu Provincial Museum, home to important Silk Road artifacts that illustrate the region’s cultural exchanges with Central Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. The museum’s collections provide valuable context for understanding the historical significance of the Silk Road and Lanzhou’s role within it.
✓ Breakfast | ✓ Lunch
Today’s journey begins with a visit to the Zhangye Danxia Landform, one of China’s most remarkable geological landscapes. The colorful layered hills, formed over millions of years, are explored via designated viewing platforms that provide panoramic perspectives of the unique rock formations.
During the visit, guests have time to appreciate the natural scenery and learn about the geological processes that shaped this extraordinary terrain. The contrasting colors and textures make Zhangye Danxia a highlight of the Hexi Corridor section of the Silk Road.
In the afternoon, the group travels by road toward Jiayuguan, crossing vast plains and desert landscapes that once served as important trade routes. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel for overnight stay.
✓ Breakfast | ✓ Lunch
During the visit, guests have time to appreciate the natural scenery and learn about the geological processes that shaped this extraordinary terrain. The contrasting colors and textures make Zhangye Danxia a highlight of the Hexi Corridor section of the Silk Road.
In the afternoon, the group travels by road toward Jiayuguan, crossing vast plains and desert landscapes that once served as important trade routes. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel for overnight stay.
✓ Breakfast | ✓ Lunch
The morning is dedicated to exploring Jiayuguan Pass, the westernmost fortress of the Ming Dynasty Great Wall. Guests visit the ancient walls, watchtowers, and exhibition areas, gaining insight into the strategic importance of this military stronghold in defending China’s frontier and controlling Silk Road traffic.
The visit provides a deeper understanding of how Jiayuguan functioned as both a defensive structure and a gateway between civilizations. The surrounding desert environment further highlights the isolation and significance of this historic site.
In the afternoon, the journey continues by road toward Dunhuang, following historic caravan routes across arid landscapes. Arrival in Dunhuang in the evening, with transfer to the hotel.
✓ Breakfast | ✓ Lunch
The visit provides a deeper understanding of how Jiayuguan functioned as both a defensive structure and a gateway between civilizations. The surrounding desert environment further highlights the isolation and significance of this historic site.
In the afternoon, the journey continues by road toward Dunhuang, following historic caravan routes across arid landscapes. Arrival in Dunhuang in the evening, with transfer to the hotel.
✓ Breakfast | ✓ Lunch
Today features one of the most important cultural highlights of the Silk Road. The morning visit to the Mogao Caves includes guided exploration of selected grottoes, showcasing well-preserved Buddhist murals and sculptures that span over a thousand years of artistic development.
After the cave visit, the tour continues to Crescent Lake, a natural oasis surrounded by towering sand dunes. Guests have time to experience the striking contrast between desert and water, a defining image of Dunhuang.
In the evening, transfer to the railway station to board an overnight train to Turpan, marking a transition into the Xinjiang region.
✓ Breakfast | ✓ Lunch
After the cave visit, the tour continues to Crescent Lake, a natural oasis surrounded by towering sand dunes. Guests have time to experience the striking contrast between desert and water, a defining image of Dunhuang.
In the evening, transfer to the railway station to board an overnight train to Turpan, marking a transition into the Xinjiang region.
✓ Breakfast | ✓ Lunch
Upon arrival in Turpan, the day focuses on exploring the region’s ancient heritage. Visits include historical ruins and traditional irrigation systems that demonstrate how civilizations adapted to the extreme desert climate along the Silk Road.
These sites reveal Turpan’s long history as a vital trading hub connecting China with Central Asia. Architectural remains and archaeological relics offer insight into daily life and commerce in ancient times.
In the afternoon, the group travels by road to Urumqi, the capital of Xinjiang. Arrival in the evening and transfer to the hotel.
✓ Breakfast | ✓ Lunch
These sites reveal Turpan’s long history as a vital trading hub connecting China with Central Asia. Architectural remains and archaeological relics offer insight into daily life and commerce in ancient times.
In the afternoon, the group travels by road to Urumqi, the capital of Xinjiang. Arrival in the evening and transfer to the hotel.
✓ Breakfast | ✓ Lunch
Today begins with an excursion to Heavenly Lake of Tianshan, located high in the mountains and surrounded by forests and snow-capped peaks. Guests enjoy the tranquil alpine scenery and have time to walk along the lakeshore and admire the natural surroundings.
The lake’s dramatic setting provides a striking contrast to the desert landscapes seen earlier in the journey. Its cultural and natural significance makes it one of the most scenic locations in Xinjiang.
In the afternoon, return to Urumqi for a city tour introducing local culture, ethnic diversity, and modern urban development.
✓ Breakfast | ✓ Lunch
The lake’s dramatic setting provides a striking contrast to the desert landscapes seen earlier in the journey. Its cultural and natural significance makes it one of the most scenic locations in Xinjiang.
In the afternoon, return to Urumqi for a city tour introducing local culture, ethnic diversity, and modern urban development.
✓ Breakfast | ✓ Lunch
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for a flight to Kashgar, a historic crossroads of cultures and trade routes along the Silk Road. Upon arrival, the tour begins with an exploration of Kashgar Old City.
Guests walk through traditional streets and residential areas, observing local architecture and daily life shaped by centuries of cultural exchange. The atmosphere reflects Kashgar’s unique position between China and Central Asia.
✓ Breakfast
Guests walk through traditional streets and residential areas, observing local architecture and daily life shaped by centuries of cultural exchange. The atmosphere reflects Kashgar’s unique position between China and Central Asia.
✓ Breakfast
Today offers a deeper exploration of Kashgar’s cultural and historical landmarks. The city tour includes visits to key sites that illustrate Kashgar’s long-standing role as a center of commerce, religion, and cultural interaction.
Later, the group visits the local bazaar, where traders gather to sell regional products, crafts, and food. This lively market provides a vivid look into local traditions and everyday life.
The remainder of the day is spent at leisure in Kashgar.
✓ Breakfast | ✓ Lunch
Later, the group visits the local bazaar, where traders gather to sell regional products, crafts, and food. This lively market provides a vivid look into local traditions and everyday life.
The remainder of the day is spent at leisure in Kashgar.
✓ Breakfast | ✓ Lunch
The journey continues southward along the Karakoram Highway, one of the world’s most scenic mountain roads. Along the route, travelers pass dramatic landscapes of valleys, rivers, and high mountain peaks.
This drive offers a rare opportunity to experience the remote beauty of western China and the traditional lifestyles of communities living along the route.
Arrival in Tashkorgan in the afternoon, with views of open grasslands and surrounding mountains. Transfer to the hotel.
✓ Breakfast | ✓ Lunch
This drive offers a rare opportunity to experience the remote beauty of western China and the traditional lifestyles of communities living along the route.
Arrival in Tashkorgan in the afternoon, with views of open grasslands and surrounding mountains. Transfer to the hotel.
✓ Breakfast | ✓ Lunch
The morning is spent exploring Tashkorgan Grassland and the ancient Stone City. These sites highlight the region’s historical role as a strategic stronghold and resting point for Silk Road caravans.
Guests have time to enjoy the expansive plateau scenery and learn about the history of the fortress and surrounding settlements.
In the afternoon, the group drives back to Kashgar, arriving in the evening.
✓ Breakfast | ✓ Lunch
Guests have time to enjoy the expansive plateau scenery and learn about the history of the fortress and surrounding settlements.
In the afternoon, the group drives back to Kashgar, arriving in the evening.
✓ Breakfast | ✓ Lunch
Today is free for independent exploration in Kashgar. Guests may choose to revisit parts of the Old City, explore additional cultural sites, or observe local daily life at their own pace.
This free day provides flexibility and a chance to further experience the city’s atmosphere after several days of overland travel.
✓ Breakfast
This free day provides flexibility and a chance to further experience the city’s atmosphere after several days of overland travel.
✓ Breakfast
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for a flight back to Urumqi. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel.
The remainder of the day is free, allowing time to rest or enjoy individual activities after the extended Silk Road journey.
✓ Breakfast
The remainder of the day is free, allowing time to rest or enjoy individual activities after the extended Silk Road journey.
✓ Breakfast
After breakfast, guests are transferred to the airport for their onward departure. The tour concludes with the end of services.
✓ Breakfast
✓ Breakfast
