• Welcome to Xi'an, an ancient city with a rich history dating back over 2,000 years!
• Arrival at either Xianyang International Airport or Xi'an North Train Station. Our guide and driver will be waiting for you outside the baggage claim area. Enjoy a private transfer to your hotel in downtown Xi'an directly to the downtown Xi'an, and your guide will provide an overview of Xi'an during the journey, pointing out landmarks and sharing interesting facts.
• After checking into the hotel, the rest of day will be at your own leisure.

• Stay in Xi'an

• After breakfast, our guide and driver will meet you at the hotel for an early start to the Terracotta Warriors Museum, about an hour's drive from Xi'an. Begin your visit with Pit 1, where thousands of lifelike clay soldiers, horses, and chariots stand ready for battle, buried with Emperor Qin Shi Huang to protect him in the afterlife. Explore Pits 2 and 3 to see more warriors, including archers, cavalry, and the command center in Pit 3. You'll have about three hours to marvel at the intricate details and reflect on the craftsmanship and historical significance.
• After a local lunch, return to Xi'an to explore the ancient City Wall. Dating back to the 14th century, this well-preserved structure stretches 13.7 kilometers. Enjoy a leisurely walk or rent a bike to take in panoramic views of the old town, imagining the city as it once was.
• End your day with a stroll through the lively Muslim Street, rich in Chinese Muslim culture. Sample delicious street food like lamb kebabs and pita bread soaked in lamb soup, and soak in the blend of Chinese and Muslim architectural styles. Don't miss a visit to the Great Mosque, one of China's oldest and most famous mosques.

• Visit the Terracotta Warriors Museum
• Explore the ancient City Wall
• stroll through the lively Muslim Street
• Stay in Xi'an, B, L, D

• Boarding a high-speed train heading west from Xi'an, you will reach Tianshui in just under 2 hours. This historical city marks the first significant stop for all merchants, caravans on the ancient Silk Road departing from Xi'an. Upon arrival, our guide and driver will meet you and drive to MaiJiShan Grottoes. Prepare to be awestruck by the wooden paths clinging to the cliffs and the thousands of intricate Buddhist sculptures and murals. These treasures belong to the renowned Maiji Mountain Grottoes. The incredible site, which began its construction in the late 4th century, evolved over an impressive span of 1,600 years. As you explore, you'll witness a captivating array of Buddhist art styles from different historical periods, each offering a unique glimpse into the past.
• Another must-visit in Tianshui is the Fuxi Temple, dedicated to the legendary Chinese emperor Fuxi, said to be the forefather of humanity and inventor of the eight trigrams. The temple, with its ancient architecture and cultural significance, adds another layer to the rich historical tapestry you'll experience in this remarkable city.

• Explore ancient Buddhist sculptures in Maijishan Grottoes
• Visit Fuxi Temple discovering Chinese legendary emperor history
• Stay in Tianshui, B, L, D

• Board on high-speed train to Lanzhou from TianShui in the morning,  LanZhou is the capital city of Gansu Province. Upon arrival, you'll be welcomed by our local guide and driver. Embark on a city tour, starting with a visit to the Yellow River Iron Bridge, a historic structure built by Germans about 100 years ago.The bridge was constructed between 1907 and 1909 by German engineers, marking a milestone in Chinese engineering history. The materials used for the bridge's construction, including steel components, were shipped from Germany, It was the first permanent bridge to be built over the Yellow River, replacing an earlier floating bridge. Spanning 233.5 meters in length and 7.5 meters in width, the bridge was designed with five iron arches, showcasing advanced engineering techniques of the time.
• Then,Continue your tour by taking a chairlift ride over the Yellow River to reach White Pagoda Hill. Here, you'll be treated to a breathtaking panoramic view of Lanzhou, offering a different perspective on the city's blend of modernity and tradition. In the evening, indulge in a delightful dinner featuring traditional hand-pulled noodles, a local specialty that encapsulates the rich culinary culture of Lanzhou.

• Explore historic Yellow River Iron Bridge built by Germans
• Cross Yellow River via chairlift to White Pagoda Hill
• Stay in Lanzhou, B. L. D

• After breakfast, you'll embark on a 4.5-hour drive to Xiahe, an ethnic Tibetan town in Gansu Province. Along the way, a simple lunch will be served in Linxia County. Upon arrival in Xiahe, you'll explore the Labrang Monastery, one of the holiest Tibetan Buddhist temples in their culture, historically known as the residence of a living Buddha and reputed as the highest academy of Tibetan Buddhism. The monastery is a treasure trove of thousands of religious artifacts and artworks, offering a deep dive into the mysteries of Tibetan Buddhism.
• Later, you'll take a short drive to the Sangke Grassland, where you can capture the natural beauty of the vast, sweeping landscape. Here, you'll also have the opportunity to experience local Tibetan life firsthand by visiting a Tibetan family, gaining insights into their customs, hospitality, and traditional way of living.

• Explore Labrang Monastery
• Learn about Tibetan Buddhism history
• Photograph vast Sangke Grassland
• Stay in Xiahe, B, L, D

• We will visit a Tibetan village where local Tibetan artisans create TangKa, the traditional religious artwork revered by Tibetan people. The pigments used in these artworks are derived from plantations, stones, and minerals, ensuring colors that last for centuries.
• TangKa is a traditional form of Tibetan Buddhist painting on cotton or silk appliqué, usually depicting a Buddhist deity, scene, or mandala. These paintings are deeply spiritual and are used as teaching tools, aids in meditation, and offerings in monasteries and homes. Artists spend years mastering the precise techniques needed to create these works, which involve meticulous brushwork and an acute attention to detail.
• The pigments used in TangKas are derived from natural sources such as minerals, stones, and plants. These natural pigments are mixed with a binder and result in vibrant, enduring colors. The longevity and vividness of the colors add to the beauty and mystique of the artwork.
• After this enriching experience, we will drive back to Lanzhou to the bullet train station. Our guide will assist you in boarding the train heading to Jiayuguan. The fast train journey will last for about five hours through the GoBi Desert then.
• Our guide and driver will meet you upon arrival, directly transfer to check into the hotel. Jiayuguan played a crucial role in guarding against invasions from the northwest, particularly from nomadic tribes such as the Mongols. It also controlled the passage and trade along the Silk Road, making it a vital military and economic center.

• Observe Tibetan artisans creating intricate TangKa paintings
• Learn about natural pigments used in traditional artwork
• Explore spiritual significance of TangKa in Tibetan Buddhism
• Stay in Jiayuguan, B, L, D

• Start your day with a visit to JiaYuGuan Fort, the westernmost point of the Great Wall of China. Built during the Ming Dynasty, this fortress once protected the Silk Road and served as a key defensive outpost. Explore the inner and outer cities, and learn about the fort's history as you walk along the impressive ramparts and watchtowers.
• Next, visit the nearby Great Wall Museum, where you'll find artifacts and exhibits detailing the Wall's construction and significance.
• After lunch, challenge yourself with a hike on the Hanging Great Wall. Known for its steep climbs and stunning views, this section of the Wall offers a unique and rewarding experience.
• Finally, drive to the Museum of Wei & Jin Dynasty Murals. Here, you'll discover ancient murals that depict scenes from daily life, mythology, and religious practices. These masterpieces showcase the artistic sophistication of the Wei and Jin dynasties, offering a fascinating glimpse into China's cultural history.

• Explore ancient Jiayuguan Fort
• Climb steep Hanging Great Wall
• Admire Wei and Jin Dynasty
• Experience Ming Dynasty architecture
• Stay in Jiayuguan, B, L, D

• Today, we will leave JiaYuGuan and embark on a 4.5-hour drive to DunHuang. After checking into the hotel and taking a short rest, we'll visit the renowned Crescent Moon Lake, nestled among the Echoing Sand Dunes. On windy days, the dunes create a unique whistling sound as the sand blows. For a touch of Silk Road adventure, you can opt for a camel ride.
• In the evening, enjoy some free time after dinner. We recommend exploring the vibrant ShaZhou evening market for an authentic local experience. Savor the atmosphere with beer, kebabs, and various souvenirs, as this market captures the essence of the old Silk Road trade tradition.

• Visit the renowned Crescent Moon Lake
• Explore the vibrant Shazhou
• Stay in Dunhuang, B, L

• We will visit the Silk Road highlight—the Mogao Grottoes. As a UNESCO-listed site, the Mogao Grottoes are a treasure house of the world's finest Buddhist artworks from over a thousand years ago. The colors in each cave appear as if they were painted by artists yesterday. The frescoes, statues, and mythical flying apsaras within the caves transport us back in time to when merchants, missionaries, and caravans traveled along the Silk Road. This experience is like stepping into a time machine, immersing us in the rich cultural and spiritual history of the ancient trade route.
• Afternoon visit to the Dunhuang Museum, a fascinating institution that offers deeper insights into the history and culture of the Silk Road. The museum houses a vast collection of artifacts, including ancient manuscripts, pottery, textiles, and relics that highlight the rich heritage of the region. Exhibits showcase the blend of cultures, religions, and artistic traditions that thrived in Dunhuang, illustrating its significance as a major hub on the Silk Road. Visiting the Dunhuang Museum will enrich our understanding of the historical context and cultural interactions that shaped this legendary trade route.
• In the evening, we will enjoy the spectacular night show "Zaijian Dunhuang" ("See Dunhuang Again"). This immersive performance combines traditional music, dance, and cutting-edge technology to bring the history and culture of Dunhuang to life. The show highlights the rich artistic heritage of the Silk Road, featuring breathtaking choreography, stunning visuals, and vibrant costumes. "Zaijian Dunhuang" is an unforgettable experience that captures the spirit and beauty of Dunhuang, providing a perfect end to our day.

• Explore ancient Buddhist art in Mogao Grottoes
• Discover Silk Road history at Dunhuang Museum
• enjoy the spectacular night show
• Stay in Dunhuang, B, L

Our guide and driver will meet you at the airport, private transfer to the airport for the onward journey home.

• Departure, B