12-Day Silk Road In-depth Tour

Unveil Cultural Legacy of Minorities

Unlike other traditional China Silk Road trips, this 12-day in-depth tour ventures beyond major tourist destinations, exploring lesser-known historical sites, and interacting with local minority communities.

The magic of this in-depth tour is the Silk Road's coexisting multi-ethnic cultures and its warm people. Its beauty unfolds in a series of captivating moments: an unforgettable encounter with Muslims in Linxia, a home visit to see a Nyingma monk in Labrang, the vibrant energy of a Tibetan feast on Sangke Grassland, and an immersive mural painting session with a Mogao Caves expert.

This is an nuanced route even for experienced travelers who are fascinated with the culture of Silk Road. And it can be personalized to fit your interests. Read the suggested itinerary below for inspiration and let us know if you are interested.

Suggested Silk Road Tour

Day Highlights
1-2
Xi'an
The Terracotta Warriors, Big Wild Goose Pagoda
3-4
Tianshui
The Maijishan Grottoes, Fuxi Temple
5-6
Linxia
Mosques, Bingling Temple Grottoes
6-8
Xiahe
Labrang Monastery and Nunnery, Monk's House Visit
9-10
Dunhuang
The Mogao Caves, Echoing Sand Hill Dinner
10-12
Turpan
Jiaohe Ancient City, Tuyugou Village, Karez Wells
Suggested Route of Silk Road

Tour 'Wow' Points

Be invited to a hidden cave that houses the 'the crown jewels of artistry'.

Stand in intimate proximity to see the masterpieces, experiencing their beauty in an exclusive way.

Maijishan Grottoes
Maijishan Grottoes

Discover "China's little Mecca" as you're immersed in the heart of Linxia's Muslim culture.

Visiting Linxia's mosques offers a window into the city's rich cultural heritage. Its warm people, harmonious integration of multiple ethnic groups, and beautiful architecture are the highlights.

Linxia's Mosque
Linxia's Mosque

Enjoy a more-adventurous experience in the Bingling Temple Grottoes.

A boat ride on the Yellow River to the Bingling Temple Grottoes adds more interest to the journey. Though it's less convenient for some travelers, these grottoes are surely a sight to behold.

Bingling Temple Grottoes
Bingling Temple Grottoes

Watch monks chanting with booming voices.

You will be guided to a sutra hall to appreciate monks' daily chanting to experience their spiritual cleansing.

Labrang Monastery
Labrang Monastery

Feel a sense of serenity on the grasslands with sheep and yaks surround you.

Within the vastness of the grasslands, you would be far away from crowded tourists. Enjoy a traditional Tibetan dinner in a tent served by friendly Tibetan people.

Sangke Grasslands
Sangke Grasslands

Create your own masterpiece under the guidance of mural experts.

Use traditional Chinese brushwork techniques to paint a replica mural with the distinctive style of Dunhuang art at Dunhuang Research Academy.

Mogao Caves

Mural painting at Mogao Caves

Savor a fine and intimate dinner on the vast expanse of sand dunes.

It's a dramatic change from the usual restaurant scene! Escape the bustle of tourists and enjoy the remoteness and tranquility.

Echo Sand Mountain dinner

Echo Sand Mountain dinner

Gaze into Turpan's glorious past — its rich historical tapestry and cultural exchange.

As an oasis amid the harsh desert, Turpan provided a crucial resting point for weary travelers and caravans, and this left behind great historical legacy.

Jiahe Ancient City
old buildings in Turpan

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Itinerary Quick Look

Here is a suggested itinerary. We are happy to customize a tour according to your interests.

Day 1Xi'an | Airport Transfer

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.

Day 2Xi'an | The Terracotta Warriors

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".

Day 3Xi'an to Tianshui | The Maijishan Grottoes

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.

Day 4Tianshui to Lanzhou | Fuxi Temple

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.

Day 5Lanzhou to Linxia | The Bingling Temple Grottoes

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.

Day 6Linxia to Xiahe | Explore Muslim Culture and Tibetan Buddhism

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.

Day 7Xiahe | Labrang Monastery and Dinner at a Ranch Camp

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.

Day 8Xiahe to Dunhuang | Flight and Transfers

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.

Day 9Dunhuang | Mogao Caves and a Desert Dinner

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.

Day 10Dunhuang to Turpan | The Great Wall of the Han Dynasty

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.

Day 11Turpan | Xinjiang's History and Agriculture Hub

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.

Day 12Turpan to Urumqi | Urumqi Departure

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.

Hotel Selection

—the Icing on the Cake

Boutique hotels are recommended to enrich your travel experience.

Labrang Monastery Hotel
hotel in Dunhuang
FromUSD 4,299 p/p Based on a private tour for 2 people. Price varies depending on program, travel date, number of people and chosen hotel

Price Includes:

  • Private air-conditioned business car with big windows and ample space
  • English speaking local guide
  • Activities, hotels, and meals listed in the itinerary
  • 24/7 helpline for while you are traveling

Tour Code: cht-sl-03

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