8-Day Qinghai Lake, Zhangye, and Dunhuang Tour

Miraculous Qinghai and Legendary Silk Road Tour

This itinerary includes Qinghai and Gansu, which were two very important regions during the history of the ancient Silk Road. Qinghai is famous for high plateau lakes and grasslands as well as exotic ethnic culture, while Gansu features the Gobi Desert landscapes, Danxia landforms, Buddhist grottoes, and Great Wall culture.

Travel from Xining to dreamlike Qinghai Lake and Chaka Salt Lake, and then go to Zhangye with its unique Danxia — red sandstone landforms. End the trip at the mysterious city of Dunhuang, where you will enjoy the spectacular desert landscapes and experience unique ancient Silk Road culture.

Tour 'Wow' Points

Feast Your Eyes on the Spectacular Landscapes of Two High Plateau Lakes.

Visit picturesque Qinghai Lake, which was selected as "the Most Beautiful Lake in China" by China's National Geographic, and be amazed by the stunning landscape around it. Also, take a train ride through "the sky mirror" — Chaka Salt Lake.

Trace the Roots of China's Brilliant Buddhist Culture on the Ancient Silk Road.

Admire exquisite architecture in celebrated Ta'er Monastery in Xining and Giant Buddha Temple in Zhangye. Appreciate amazing murals, sculptures, and grottoes in the mysterious Mogao Caves.

Enjoy the Stunning Views of Wild China

Explore the famous Zhangye Danxia Geopark and take great photos of the Rainbow Mountains. Capture spectacular desert views of Echoing-Sand Mountain, Crescent Moon Spring, and Devil City — Yadan National Geological Park.

Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family's best-rated service across trusted platforms.

Beeindruckende Tage in Lijiang Wir waren 3 N?chte in Lijiang, organisiert durch China Highlights. Wir haben den Jadedrachenschneeberg besucht, wurden in Baisha durch einen Naxi-Schamanen in die Bilderschrift der Naxi eingeführt, waren in der Tigersprungschlucht und sind durch die Altstadt von Lijiang gebummelt. Unser Guide Alice hat uns super geführt (englisch), ist auf unsere Wünsche eingegangen und wir hatten viel Spass und tolle Gespr?che miteinander. Ein tolles Erlebnis. more Oct 2025, Ulrich

Beautiful Guilin and Magical Yangzhou This was my 2nd time after 10 years that I went back to China with China Highlights. Our guide in Guilin and Yangzhou was Chase from China Highlights. He went out of his way to accommodate me and my friend during the tours and also in-between. more Oct 2024, DLSKJTF

Trip to Guilin and Yangshuo Lele was our guide in Guilin. He is a professional in every way. He is kind, considerate, easy to talk to and has a great personality. He had every small detail of our trip taken care of in advance. He went before we arrived and made sure our hotel rooms in Guilin and Yangshuo had the best views, and the views were beautiful. He introduced us to the Night Market, which we loved. He adjusted the itinerary to make sure on our last day we were not exhausted as we headed to the airport. Because of Lele's knowledge, insights, and great conversion we had a trip we will always remember. If you travel to Guilin make sure you use China Highlights for a first class trip and make sure you ask for Lele as your guide, you will be very happy you did. more Oct 2024, Curious 81820

Tour Map

Itinerary Quick Look

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

Hotel Selection

—the Icing on the Cake

Boutique hotels are recommended to enrich your travel experience.