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Itinerary
Step off the plane in Chengdu, and feel the excitement build as your driver waits for you at the airport or train station, holding a sign with your name. A quick transfer to your downtown hotel lets you settle in comfortably. After checking in, the rest of the day is yours to explore at your own pace. Maybe take a stroll around the lively streets of Chengdu, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere.
Treat yourself to some spicy Sichuan hotpot, or indulge in local street food like the famous “kung pao chicken” or savoury snacks from the bustling markets. There’s no rush—just enjoy Chengdu’s unique energy and culture as you relax before the adventure ahead!
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Stay in Chengdu
Start your day with an exciting visit to the Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding Research Base, one of the most beloved attractions in Chengdu. Here, you’ll get the chance to see China’s iconic giant pandas in their natural habitat. Watch as they munch on bamboo, roll around in play, or simply nap in their favourite spots. Your guide will take you around the vast park, sharing fascinating insights about these adorable creatures, and help you capture perfect photos for your memories.
After a delicious local lunch, head over to Wenshu Temple, a peaceful spot rich in history, dating back to the Sui Dynasty. This working Buddhist temple is still an important place of worship for locals, offering a tranquil escape. Stroll through the beautiful gardens, and marvel at the ancient architecture that’s stood the test of time. It’s a perfect spot to relax and get a taste of Chengdu’s spiritual side.
Next, unwind with a leisurely tea break at People’s Park. This charming park is a fantastic place for people-watching, where locals gather to enjoy their free time. Sip a cup of tea at a traditional tea house while watching elderly locals play cards, do tai chi, or engage in a friendly game of mahjong. It’s a truly unique slice of Chengdu life that will make you feel like you’ve stepped into a quieter, slower world.
End your day at the lively Jinli Pedestrian Street. Stepping onto this street feels like travelling back in time, with its architecture inspired by the Qing Dynasty. Wander through the narrow lanes, browse quirky shops for local crafts and souvenirs, and enjoy tasting local snacks you’ve never seen before. The buzz of the crowd, the smell of street food, and the colourful sights will leave you wanting to explore more of Chengdu’s rich culture.
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Stay in Chengdu
Start your day with a comfortable hotel pick-up. Your driver will take you to Chengdu East Train Station for your high-speed train ride to Xi’an. The journey takes about 3.5 hours, so relax, enjoy the views, or even take a quick nap as the train speeds through the countryside.
Upon arrival at Xi’an North Train Station, your tour guide will be there to welcome you, holding a sign with your name. Your first stop will be the world-renowned Terracotta Warriors. This UNESCO World Heritage site is often called the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” Walk through the vast pits where thousands of life-sized warriors stand in formation. Your guide will share fascinating stories about these ancient statues and their creator, the First Emperor of Qin, who unified China. You’ll have 2-3 hours to explore, marveling at the intricate details of each warrior and learning about the history of this incredible discovery.
After a delicious local lunch, head to the Ancient City Wall. This massive, well-preserved wall once protected the city from invasions and now stands as a symbol of Xi’an’s rich history. It’s the largest and most complete city wall in China. For a unique experience, you can opt to rent a bike and cycle along the top of the wall, taking in stunning views of the city.
In the late afternoon, visit the lively Muslim Quarter, a vibrant neighbourhood full of local culture and flavour. Wander through narrow lanes lined with colourful stalls selling traditional snacks and souvenirs. Try Xi’an’s famous preserved meats, hot casseroles, and various types of noodles. Don’t forget to grab a Terracotta Warrior replica as a memento of your time in this historic city.
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Stay in Xi’an
Start your day with a visit to the iconic Big Wild Goose Pagoda. This ancient pagoda, built in 652 AD during the Tang Dynasty, was originally constructed to house the Buddhist scriptures and figurines that the famous monk Xuanzang brought back from India. As you stroll through the vast North and South Squares surrounding the pagoda, you’ll notice the grandeur of the Tang-style architecture and statues, reflecting the glory of that golden era. It’s an inspiring sight, and though it’s peaceful during the day, the area comes alive in the evening when locals gather to engage in activities inspired by Tang culture. You can easily imagine what life must have been like during one of China’s most prosperous dynasties.
After immersing yourself in the ancient history of the pagoda, it’s time to continue your journey. Your driver will take you to the airport for your afternoon flight to Zhangye. Once you land, a local driver will be waiting to greet you and whisk you away to your hotel. Take the rest of the evening to settle in and prepare for the exciting adventures ahead.
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Stay in Zhangye
Wake up early and get ready for an unforgettable day. Your adventure begins at the Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park, a true natural wonder. In 2011, National Geographic named it one of the “10 Wonders of Nature in the World,” and it’s easy to see why. Today, you’ll explore the famous Rainbow Mountain Scenic Area, renowned for its vibrant, multi-coloured layers that look almost too stunning to be real. Standing on the high viewing platform, the sight is breathtaking. The mountains, painted in red, orange, and purple, stretch across the horizon, each layer more vivid than the last. Sunlight casts a rosy glow over the landscape, creating a surreal scene. While most visitors come for the sunset, the morning light also showcases the vibrant colours perfectly, offering an ideal photo opportunity. After some hiking, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a painting.
In the afternoon, head back to the city to visit the Zhangye Giant Buddhist Temple. Built during the Western Xia Dynasty, this historic temple has withstood centuries of change and is a key stop along the ancient Silk Road. Inside, you’ll encounter Asia’s largest reclining statue of Sakyamuni, an awe-inspiring sight that stretches nearly 35 metres. The temple also houses intricate wood carvings, colourful murals, and statues that give you a glimpse into the rich culture and history of this ancient place. The atmosphere is peaceful, offering a perfect contrast to the vibrant colours of the Rainbow Mountain earlier in the day.
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Stay in Zhangye
After breakfast, your journey begins with a morning high-speed train from Zhangye to Jiayuguan, which takes just 1.5. Upon arrival, your friendly local guide and driver will be waiting at the station to greet you.
As you drive through the vast yellow desert, the iconic Jiayuguan Pass, known as the “First and Greatest Pass Under Heaven,” unfolds before you. This ancient military stronghold, marking the western end of the Great Wall of the Ming Dynasty, has stood for centuries. It was a key point in both military defense and the Silk Road, facilitating trade and cultural exchange.
Next, you’ll visit the Great Wall Museum, located within the Jiayuguan Pass Scenic Area. This museum is dedicated to showcasing the history and significance of the Great Wall, with seven major exhibition halls. The highlight is a massive oil painting of the Great Wall, measuring 220.5m², offering an impressive display of this architectural marvel.
Your adventure continues as you travel 20km into the Gobi Desert to discover the Weijin Tombs. Hidden beneath the sands, these tombs feature vibrant wall paintings that provide a glimpse into the lives of scholars and officials from the Weijin period. With only six tombs open to the public, it’s a fascinating and somewhat mysterious experience, uncovering the rich history and artistry from a long-lost era.
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Stay in Jiayuguan
Your adventure begins with a pick-up from your hotel early in the morning. The driver will transfer you to the train station for your high-speed ride to Dunhuang. The journey lasts about 2.5 hours. When you arrive in Dunhuang, your friendly local guide and driver will greet you at the station exit, holding a welcome sign with your name.
Your first stop is the magical Crescent Spring and Echo Sand Mountain, a perfect pair created by nature. These two landmarks, glittering like pearls along the Silk Road, offer a surreal sight. The Echo Sand Mountain stretches like a massive dragon, with its roaring winds, while Crescent Spring, a delicate oasis, sits calmly, nestled within the mountains. This unique harmony between water and sand will leave you in awe. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can try a camel ride around the Echo Sand Mountain. It’s a fun experience, costing around CNY100 per person, and your guide will be happy to help with ticket purchases.
In the evening, head to Shazhou Night Market, where you’ll feel the vibrant pulse of Dunhuang. Although you may have visited many night markets during your travels, this one offers a special charm. As you stroll through the market, you’ll experience the unique energy of this remote northwest city, filled with local culture and delicious street food.
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Stay in Dunhuang
This morning, you’ll visit the magnificent Mogao Grottoes, one of the world’s most remarkable collections of Buddhist art. Known as the “pearls of oriental art,” the Mogao Caves house over 700 caves, filled with 45,000 square metres of frescoes, 2,415 painted sculptures, and thousands of intricate carvings. The flying Apsaras, graceful and divine, dance across the walls, creating a captivating atmosphere. These ancient treasures, spanning over a thousand years, will leave you in awe of their preservation and beauty.
After soaking in the grandeur of the caves, your panda & silk road tour ends here. Our local driver will drop you off at Dunhuang airport for your departure flight.
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Travel between cities is by comfortable transportation. This includes bullet trains and short flights, allowing you to enjoy scenic views while getting to your next destination comfortably and quickly.
The journey from Xi'an to Dunhuang is about a 2.5-hour flight. You’ll be transported comfortably, ensuring you arrive relaxed and ready for the day’s activities.
At the Terracotta Warriors Museum, you’ll see thousands of life-sized clay soldiers, horses, and chariots that were buried with China’s first emperor. It’s an awe-inspiring glimpse into ancient China’s military history.
Yes, throughout the tour, you’ll experience a variety of delicious local dishes. In cities like Xi'an and Turpan, don't miss out on the famous hand-pulled noodles, roasted lamb, and Xinjiang-style pilaf.
The best time to visit is during spring (April to May) or autumn (September to October). The weather is mild, making it perfect for exploring outdoor sites like the Echo Sand Mountain and Crescent Spring.
Yes, this tour is family-friendly. The diverse destinations and activities cater to all ages, and the cultural experiences will be enjoyable for children and adults alike.
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bit spicy
Nurul Izzah –
I like the tour very much, especially the pandas. The food was okay but sometimes bit spicy for me.
More me time
Darrel Tan –
It was a good tour, but we should had more free time in Chengdu. The pandas was cute, but I would’ve loved to explore the city more. The guides were good and helpful, just not enough time for myself.
recommend JusChinaTour
Emilia Rossi –
This Panda and Silk Road tour was our unforgettable experience. From seeing the adorable pandas in Chengdu to exploring the ancient Terracotta Warriors in Xi’an, every moment was packed with history and beauty. The Rainbow Mountain in Zhangye was a true highlight, and I loved the camel ride in Dunhuang. JustChinaTour made everything seamless, and I highly recommend this trip!
Perfect Trip to China Silk Road
Laura Garcia –
The combination of pandas, ancient history, and Silk Road landmarks made this tour unforgettable. Chengdu’s pandas were adorable, and the history in Xi’an and Zhangye was fascinating. The guides were friendly and professional. I felt truly immersed in China’s rich culture and history.
I love China
Sarah Johnson –
I had an amazing time on the Panda and Silk Road tour with JustChinaTour. The highlight for me was definitely the Terracotta Warriors in Xi’an, but I also loved visiting the Big Wild Goose Pagoda and experiencing the vibrant life in Chengdu. The team was super helpful, and the food was excellent throughout. I’d definitely book again!
incredible China tour
James Turner –
This tour was incredible! The visit to the Chengdu Panda Base was a dream come true. The Terracotta Army and City Wall in Xi’an were awe-inspiring, and I enjoyed every aspect of the Silk Road journey. The team at JustChinaTour provided excellent service throughout, making it easy to relax and enjoy the adventure.