12-Day Xi'an-Dunhuang-Turpan-Urumqi-Kashgar Tour
Experience the best of the China Silk Road with this classic 12-day tour designed to immerse you in the history, culture, and natural wonders of the ancient trade route. Beginning in Xi'an, the start of the Silk Road, this journey takes you through the famous cities of Dunhuang, Turpan, Urumqi, and Kashgar, each offering unique historical, cultural, and scenic experiences. Explore ancient Buddhist cave temples, Uyghur heritage sites, ancient desert cities, and vast mountain landscapes, all while enjoying delicious local cuisines and staying in handpicked accommodations. Expert guides, private transfers, and seamless travel arrangements will ensure that you have a hassle-free and enriching experience throughout your adventure.
Itinerary
Our thoughtfully planned 12-day Silk Road of China tour ensures you make the most of your time in China's most historic trade route, offering rich cultural experiences and stunning landscapes that will leave a lasting impression:
Day 1: Arrival in Xi'an - Gateway to the Silk Road
Arrive in Xi’an, the historic starting point of the Silk Road. Depending on your arrival time, you may begin with a leisurely city tour, starting at the Ancient City Wall, one of the best-preserved city walls in China. Afterward, take a stroll through the vibrant Muslim Quarter, where Chinese and Islamic cultures blend seamlessly, and savor local specialties such as “Xi’an liangpi” cold noodles and flavorful lamb skewers.
- Meals: Dinner
- Transportation: Private transfer from airport/railway station to hotel
Day 2: Terracotta Army and Ancient City Exploration
In the morning, explore the world-famous Terracotta Warriors, an archaeological wonder that showcases the grandeur of Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s tomb. In the afternoon, visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, a historic Buddhist temple that was built to house ancient scriptures. Later, visit the Shaanxi History Museum, which details Xi'an’s pivotal role in the Silk Road trade and houses multiple dynasties of China's ancient treasures.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Transportation: Private vehicle with professional driver
Day 3: Xi'an to Dunhuang - The Desert Oasis
Fly from Xi'an to Dunhuang, a historical oasis city along the edge of the Gobi Desert. After checking into your hotel, enjoy an afternoon visit to Crescent Moon Lake, a magnificent serene desert oasis surrounded by massive sand dunes. Experience the tranquility of the desert and take a camel ride across the sands.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Transportation: Flight from Xi'an to Dunhuang, private vehicle with professional driver
Day 4: Mogao Caves and Desert Exploration
Today, visit the renowned Mogao Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage site home to thousands of Buddhist murals and sculptures. These caves are a testament to the spread of Buddhist culture along the Silk Road. In the afternoon, take a desert excursion to the Singing Sand Dunes and enjoy a camel ride in the unique landscape.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Transportation: Private vehicle with professional driver
Day 5: Dunhuang to Turpan - Ancient City of the Uyghurs
Travel by train from Dunhuang to Turpan, a city located in the Taklamakan Desert, famous for its Uyghur culture and ancient ruins. After checking in, enjoy a visit to the Karez Irrigation System, an underground water network used for centuries to bring water to the desert, and the Jiaohe Ruins, an ancient city dating back over 2,000 years.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Transportation: High-speed train from Dunhuang to Turpan, private vehicle with professional driver
Day 6: Turpan - Exploring Ancient Ruins and Desert Wonders
Visit the ancient ruins of the Jiaohe city, one of the oldest and best-preserved earthen cities in the world. Explore the ruins of the Gaochang Ancient City and then visit the Flaming Mountains, famous for its vivid red sandstone cliffs. Enjoy a relaxing evening sampling Uyghur cuisine, such as pilaf and freshly made naan bread.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Transportation: Private vehicle with professional driver
Day 7: Turpan to Urumqi - Gateway to the Uyghur Region
Travel from Turpan to Urumqi, the capital of Xinjiang Province. Visit the Xinjiang Regional Museum, which highlights the rich history and culture of the Uyghur people, showcasing Silk Road artifacts, ancient mummies, and local traditions. In the evening, explore Urumqi’s local night markets, where you can taste Uyghur-style lamb skewers and other traditional foods.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Transportation: High-speed train from Turpan to Urumqi, private vehicle with professional driver
Day 8: Urumqi - Heavenly Lake and Local Markets
Today, enjoy a scenic drive to Tianchi (Heavenly Lake), situated in the Tianshan Mountains. The stunning blue lake, surrounded by snow-capped peaks, offers an idyllic setting for relaxation and photography. In the afternoon, return to Urumqi and visit the local markets for traditional handicrafts, spices, and textiles.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Transportation: Private vehicle with professional driver
Day 9: Urumqi to Kashgar - The Heart of the Silk Road
Fly from Urumqi to Kashgar, a key city along the Silk Road and a melting pot of cultures. Explore the historic Kashgar Old Town, where you can see traditional Uyghur architecture and narrow alleyways. Visit the Id Kah Mosque, the largest mosque in China, and experience the vibrant atmosphere of the local markets.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Transportation: Flight from Urumqi to Kashgar, private vehicle with professional driver
Day 10: Kashgar's Sunday Market and Old Town
Start your day at the lively Kashgar Sunday Market, where you can enjoy the sights, scents, and sounds of spices, colorful textiles, and local crafts. Shop for unique souvenirs before heading to the Abakh Khoja Mausoleum in the afternoon. This beautiful site, also known as the Tomb of Xiangfei, showcases impressive Islamic architecture with detailed tile work and domes. End the day with a tasty Uyghur dinner, featuring hand-pulled noodles and roasted lamb.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Transportation: Private vehicle with professional driver
Day 11: Kashgar - Exploring the Altun Mountains
Travel to the Altun Mountains for stunning views of the desert and snow-capped peaks. The scenic beauty of this area offers a unique perspective on the harsh, yet majestic landscapes that have shaped the Silk Road’s legacy. Return to Kashgar in the afternoon and enjoy a farewell dinner of Uyghur specialties.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Transportation: Private vehicle with professional driver
Day 12: Departure from Kashgar
Spend your final morning in Kashgar at leisure, perhaps enjoying a visit to the local markets or a final exploration of the city’s ancient alleyways. Afterward, you will be transferred to the airport or railway station for your next destination, marking the end of your Silk Road adventure.
- Meals: Breakfast
- Transportation: Private vehicle with professional driver
Accommodations
You may choose 5-star or 4-star accommodations for your journey. The following list is a sample of hotels you may stay in. An alternative hotel of similar grade may be chosen if the following hotels are not available. All of our accommodations are carefully selected for comfort and convenience.
5-Star Hotels List:
- Xi'an
- Sofitel Xi'an on Renmin Square
- Shangri-La Hotel, Xian
- Grand Park Xian
- Dunhuang
- Dunhuang Hotel
- Silk Road Dunhuang Hotel
- Dunhuang International Hotel
- Turpan
- Turpan Hotel
- Turpan Yuetan Hotel
- Tuha Petroleum Hotel
- Urumqi
- Hilton Urumqi
- InterContinental Urumqi
- Wanda Realm Urumqi
- Kashgar
- Pamir Hotel Kashgar
- Kashgar Tianyuan Hotel
- Royal International Hotel Kashgar
4-Star Hotels List:
- Xi'an
- Holiday Inn Xi’an Big Goose Pagoda
- Mercure Xi’an on Renmin Square
- Dunhuang
- Dunhuang Zhongzhou International Hotel
- Turpan
- Hampton by Hilton Turpan
- Urumqi
- Urumqi Belle Hotel
- Atour Hotel
- Kashgar
- Hampton by Hilton Kashgar
Inclusion/Exclusion
- What's Included:
- Panda Tourism's expert travel director and skilled professional driver
- Luxury 5-stars hotels with proven quality or comfortable high-end 4-stars hotels
- Inclusive of porterage and restaurant gratuities
- All hotel service charges, tips, and local taxes covered
- Daily breakfasts and up to half of your evening meals included
- Iconic sightseeing highlights plus unexpected extras
- Audio headsets for special destination tours
- Private premium transportation coach/vehicle
- Gratuities for guides and drivers
- Optional experiences and plenty of leisure time
- Flights and train rides within China included
- What's Not Included:
- International flights to and from China
- China visa fees
