12-Day Silk Road In-depth Tour

As the starting point of the ancient Silk Road, Xi'an is not only a city with a wealth of historical sites, but also a major transportation hub with an international airport, making it a great journey start point today. Your tour guide will be waiting at Arrivals to pick you up and transport you to your hotel for the coming adventure.

The Terracotta Warriors are so widely known, but seeing them may nevertheless astound you. Despite being so numerous, each soldier of the Terracotta Army has unique facial features, expression, and hairstyle, and clothing, reflecting their ranks and positions. Your tour guide will explain how to figure it out.

The next destination is Big Wild Goose Pagoda, which was originally constructed in the Tang Dynasty era (618–907) to house Buddhist sutras and figurines brought back from India by the revered monk Xuanzang. His travels inspired the classic Chinese novel "Journey to the West".

Tianshui was an important stop along the Silk Road for centuries giving it a rich history and culture. Though less commonly visited, Tianshui is very easy to access from Xi'an, taking only 1½ hours to reach on a high-speed train.

The Maijishan Grottoes are one of the famous Four Grottoes in China. Carved into the cliffsides over centuries, they are stunning examples of rock-hewn galleries. The sculptures and murals there are incredibly detailed and expressive. You would be exclusive visitors to a special cave housing Maijishan's most famous works of art.

Visit Fuxi Temple in the morning before you head to Lanzhou.

Fuxi Temple is a sprawling complex with numerous courtyards and four compounds. The main hall enshrines a large statue of Fuxi, the legendary founder of Chinese civilization. As you look up in the main hall, see paintings on the ceiling that depict the 64 hexagrams. Your tour guide will explain how to understand Yin and Yang, and help you gain insight into traditional Chinese ways of thinking.

After lunch, you will be driven to Lanzhou within 3½ hours.

From Lanzhou, about 2½ hours will be needed to arrive at the Bingling Temple Grottoes.

Unlike Maijishan, Bingling Temple offers a more off-the-beaten-path grotto experience. Reaching the grottoes involves a scenic boat ride on the Yellow River, making the journey more of an adventure.

The grottoes are nestled along a dramatic canyon carved by the Yellow River. A massive Maitreya Buddha statue towers over 27 meters (89 feet) tall, along with over 600 statues and murals spanning several dynasties. Also, your group will be individually invited to explore one of the most exquisite and oldest caves that was carved from 386 to 534 AD.

*Optional visit: Bingling Shang Temple is nestled deep within Danxia Mountain. Reached only by a rugged, riverbed trail, this remote sanctuary offers intrepid travelers a truly unique experience. Home to just four monks, the temple is a living relic of Tibetan Buddhism. Visitors are warmly welcomed to engage in quiet conversation, light the temple lamps, and listen to the temple's history. This intimate encounter provides vital support for this community, embodying the spirit of responsible travel.

Linxia is home to a large Hui population, who are a Chinese Muslim ethnic group with a blend of Islamic traditions with Chinese influences.

We'll take you on an exclusive exploration, skipping the commercial pedestrian streets and leading you straight to the heart of Linxia's Islamic heritage – its mosques. Immerse yourself in the city's rich cultural tapestry, where diverse elements blend harmoniously. This is your chance to peek into the heart of China's Muslim community and experience a culture unlike any other. While Linxia may not be on the beaten path, it's a true gem for those seeking an authentic encounter with Chinese Muslim culture.

Your next cultural adventure will be in Xiahe, where the famous Labrang Monastery is located. Unlike on ordinary traveler visits, your tour guide will guide you on a visit to a nunnery and a Nyingma sect monk's home before heading to Labrang Monastery.

Labrang Nunnery is situated near Labrang Red Temple, which is secluded and without many tourists. Communicate with the Buddhist nuns to learn about their lives and beliefs. The experience of visiting the monk's home is special, as this Nyingma sect monk wears distinctive braids, is married, and has kids.

Founded in 1709, Labrang Monastery is home to the largest number of Tibetan Buddhist monks outside of Tibet Autonomous Region, housing more than 1,100 currently. It is not just a museum: it's a functioning monastery. You'll see monks engaged in prayer, debates, and their daily routines.

You will be guided by a monk to visit some of the six major monasteries of the Gelugpa school. Witnessing prayer ceremonies, listening to the chanting of monks, and experiencing the atmosphere of tranquility can be a deeply moving experience.

Then it will be time to free your mind on the verdant grassland and enjoy a Tibetan dinner. The Sangke Grasslands are 14 km (9 miles) from Labrang Monastery. Escape to our carefully-picked ranch, where you can see sheep and yaks dot the distant slopes. As evening comes, savoring a delectable Tibetan dinner in a tent would create a unique and romantic moment.

On day 8, you'll fly to Dunhuang from Lanzhou. About 3½ hours will be taken to drive from Xiahe to Lanzhou Zhongchuan International Airport. You'll land at Dunhuang Mogao International Airport at around 4 p.m.

As well as visiting the Mogao Caves, we arrange a unique 2-hour art experience to learn the secrets behind the Mogao Caves masterpieces. Under the guidance of experts from Dunhuang Research Academy, you'll get a hands-on experience using traditional natural pigments to create your own replica mural.

After the mural painting class, you will have a deeper appreciation for the artistry and history of the Mogao Caves. Then, you'll visit eight caves that are renowned for their stunning Buddhist art, encompassing murals and sculptures spanning two millennia. These artworks represent some of the finest examples of Buddhist artistic expression.

Avoid the bustle of Echo Sand Mountain — we've found a hidden desert camp tucked away on the other side! Feel the warm sand between your toes as you climb the dunes, and watch in awe and tranquility as the sun dips below the horizon. To crown this unforgettable escape, indulge in a delectable desert feast under the starry sky.

The Great Wall of Han Dynasty (built 206 BCE – 220 CE) is about an hour northwest of Dunhuang. It played a crucial role in protecting the Han Dynasty's borders and facilitated the expansion of agriculture into northern territories. It also helped secure the Silk Road, a vital trade route.

Another landmark, Hecang, situated in the Gobi Desert, served as a massive military warehouse. By providing a secure and well-stocked supply depot, it helped maintain the effectiveness of the Great Wall.

Your next adventure will be in Turpan, across the provincial border in Xinjiang. Your tour guide will escort you to Liuyuan Train Station before 5 pm to catch a high-speed train to Turpan.

Let's first explore the Ruins of Jiaohe, a once-thriving city on the Silk Road. Dating back to the 2nd century BC, this UNESCO World Heritage site offers a glimpse into the architectural styles and way of life of its former inhabitants.

Then, step back in time once again to marvel at the ingenuity of the ancient Karez underground irrigation system. This network of tunnels and wells, stretching for miles, has sustained life in this arid region for centuries.

Turpan is China's premier grape growing region. If you visit during August and September, you will have the opportunity to go to a vineyard and pick grapes as part of their harvest.

We recommend you head to your next destination from Urumqi Diwopu International Airport, as it serves more flights than Turpan Jiaohe Airport. Your tour guide and driver will transfer you from Turpan to Urumqi within 3 hours to catch your flight. If you would like to extend your trip to explore Urumqi or Kashgar, feel free to send us your inquiry.

We hope you have an unforgettable experience and that we can be your travel partner for your next exploration, anywhere your wanderlust takes you.