Share:
Itinerary
Welcome to Xi’an, a historic city with over 2,000 years of rich heritage!
Upon arrival at Xianyang International Airport or Xi’an North Train Station, our guide and driver will greet you outside the baggage claim area. You’ll then enjoy a private transfer to your downtown Xi’an hotel, during which your guide will introduce the city, highlight key landmarks, and share fascinating insights.
After hotel check-in, the rest of the day is yours to explore at your leisure.
D
Stay in Xi’an
After breakfast, your guide and driver will take you to the Terracotta Warriors. The drive, about 1 hour. Arriving at the museum, you’ll step into Pit 1. The sight is jaw-dropping—thousands of warriors, each with unique facial features, standing in silent formation. Pits 2 and 3 reveal archers, cavalry, and the army’s command centre, showcasing the power of Emperor Qin Shi Huang.
Lunch is a feast of Xi’an’s best flavours. Try the famous biang biang noodles, thick and chewy with a savoury sauce, or sink your teeth into a crispy roujiamo, packed with slow-cooked, spiced meat.
Back in the city, climb onto the ancient City Wall. Walk or rent a bike to ride along its massive stone pathway. The view is stunning—traditional courtyards inside the wall, modern skyscrapers beyond. It’s the perfect way to feel the contrast between Xi’an’s past and present.
As evening falls, dive into the lively Muslim Street. The air is thick with the scent of sizzling lamb skewers and freshly baked sesame bread. Vendors call out, offering sweet persimmon cakes and hand-pulled candy. Don’t miss a bowl of rich, fragrant lamb soup with torn flatbread. By the end of the day, you’ll be full, amazed, and already thinking about your next adventure in Xi’an.
B, L, D
Stay in Xi’an
Your day begins with a high-speed train ride west from Xi’an to Tianshui. In just under 2 hours, the landscape shifts—urban skylines fade into rolling hills, and the air feels crisper. Tianshui, once a crucial Silk Road stop, welcomes you with its rich history and slower pace.
Your first stop is the breathtaking Maijishan Grottoes. Wooden walkways cling to the cliffs, leading you through a maze of ancient Buddhist carvings. The statues, some serene, others imposing, reflect 1,600 years of devotion and artistry. The sheer scale and detail—flowing robes, lifelike expressions—make it feel as if history itself is watching.
For lunch, savour a taste of local Gansu flavours. Try hand-pulled noodles in a fragrant beef broth or crisp dumplings filled with spiced lamb. The dishes are simple yet deeply satisfying.
Next, visit Fuxi Temple, a tribute to the legendary ancestor of Chinese civilisation. Walk beneath grand wooden gates, past incense-filled courtyards, and admire the elegant architecture. The temple’s calm atmosphere offers a moment to reflect, surrounded by centuries of culture and tradition.
As the day winds down, soak in the charm of Tianshui—markets buzzing with locals, tea houses filled with chatter, and the golden glow of lanterns lighting up the streets. The journey back to Xi’an gives you time to relive the day’s highlights, already planning for the next adventure.
B, L, D
Stay in Tianshui
Your day begins with a high-speed train ride from Tianshui to Lanzhou, the heart of Gansu Province. The journey is smooth and swift, cutting through rugged landscapes and golden fields. Upon arrival, the city’s unique mix of history and modernity unfolds before you.
Start with a visit to the iconic Yellow River Iron Bridge. Standing for over a century, this German-built structure was the first permanent bridge across China’s legendary “Mother River.”
Next, take a chairlift ride up to White Pagoda Hill. As you ascend, the entire city stretches out beneath you—the Yellow River winding through clusters of high-rises and ancient temples. At the top, the peaceful pagoda and its surrounding gardens offer a quiet escape. Snap photos of the panoramic view, capturing Lanzhou’s blend of old and new.
As evening sets in, it’s time to savour Lanzhou’s most famous dish—hand-pulled beef noodles. Watch as skilled chefs stretch the dough into impossibly thin strands before serving it in a rich, fragrant broth. The balance of tender beef, fresh herbs, and chewy noodles is pure perfection.
With a satisfied palate and a day full of discoveries, stroll through the bustling night streets, where red lanterns glow and the hum of the city lingers in the cool night air.
B, L, D
Stay in Lanzhou
Your journey to Xiahe begins after breakfast, with a scenic 4.5-hour drive through the heart of Gansu. Along the way, rolling hills and endless grasslands unfold outside your window. A stop in Linxia County offers a simple but satisfying local lunch—perhaps a steaming bowl of hand-pulled noodles or freshly grilled lamb skewers.
Arriving in Xiahe, the air feels different—crisp, pure, and filled with the faint scent of burning incense. The highlight of the day is Labrang Monastery, a sacred place for Tibetan Buddhism. Monks in maroon robes chant softly as you wander through halls adorned with golden statues and ancient scriptures. The monastery houses the world’s longest prayer wheel corridor—spinning the wheels, you feel a quiet sense of peace.
Later, a short drive brings you to Sangke Grassland, an endless stretch of green under the vast blue sky. The open landscape is breathtaking, dotted with grazing yaks and the occasional sight of Tibetan nomads in traditional dress. A visit to a local Tibetan family offers a warm welcome with butter tea and yak cheese. Sitting inside their tent, you’ll hear stories of their way of life—rooted in nature, faith, and tradition.
As the sun sets over the grasslands, the sky turns shades of orange and pink. It’s a moment of pure tranquility, far from the rush of city life.
B, L, D
Stay in Xiahe
Today, you’ll explore a traditional Tibetan village where artisans bring Tangka paintings to life. Inside their workshop, the scent of incense fills the air as artists mix pigments from rare minerals, plants, and stones, creating colours that last for centuries. Each brushstroke is precise, depicting serene Buddhas or intricate mandalas, rich in spiritual meaning.
After this immersive experience, we set off for Lanzhou’s bullet train station. The journey to Jiayuguan takes around 5 hours, cutting across the vast, golden expanse of the Gobi Desert. Outside the window, endless dunes stretch towards the horizon, interrupted only by the occasional glimpse of a distant camel or an isolated settlement.
Upon arrival in Jiayuguan, our guide and driver will be waiting. A short drive takes you to your hotel, where you can unwind after the journey. This city, once a strategic fortress on the ancient Silk Road, holds centuries of history within its walls. Tomorrow, you’ll step into its legendary past.
B, L, D
Stay in Jiayuguan
Begin your day at Jiayuguan Fort, the westernmost stronghold of the Great Wall. Stepping through its ancient gates, you’ll feel the weight of history. The vast desert stretches beyond the fortress walls, once a crucial checkpoint for Silk Road traders. Climb the ramparts, peek through watchtowers, and imagine the soldiers who once stood guard here.
Next, visit the Great Wall Museum, where artifacts and exhibits bring the Wall’s construction and strategic role to life. After a hearty local lunch, gear up for a climb on the Hanging Great Wall. This steep section snakes up the mountain, rewarding you with breathtaking views of the rugged landscape.
End the day at the Museum of Wei & Jin Dynasty Murals. In the dimly lit halls, ancient murals reveal vivid scenes of daily life, mythology, and traditions from over a thousand years ago—a mesmerising glimpse into China’s past.
B, L, D
Stay in Jiayuguan
Leave Jiayuguan behind as we journey through vast desert landscapes towards Dunhuang, a legendary Silk Road oasis. After a 4.5-hour drive, check into your hotel and recharge before heading to the breathtaking Crescent Spring, hidden among the towering Echo Sand Mountain. Feel the fine golden sand beneath your fingers, hear the wind whistle through the dunes, and, if you’re up for an adventure, ride a camel just like the ancient traders once did.
As night falls, immerse yourself in the lively Shazhou Night Market. The air is filled with the aroma of sizzling kebabs and freshly grilled lamb skewers. Sip on a cold local beer, browse handcrafted souvenirs, and soak in the vibrant energy of this Silk Road trading hub. It’s the perfect way to experience the soul of Dunhuang.
B, L, D
Stay in Dunhuang
Step into a world of ancient wonders as we visit the legendary Mogao Grottoes, a true highlight of the Silk Road. Inside, time stands still. The colours on the frescoes remain vivid, as if untouched by centuries. Delicate statues and celestial flying apsaras seem to come alive under the soft cave lighting. Each mural tells a story of Buddhist devotion, cultural fusion, and the countless travellers who once passed through this sacred site. It’s a journey back in time, offering a glimpse into a world where art, faith, and trade intertwined.
In the afternoon, explore the Dunhuang Museum, where Silk Road history unfolds through ancient manuscripts, pottery, and textiles. Discover how cultures blended, ideas spread, and Dunhuang thrived as a bustling trade hub. The exhibits reveal the everyday lives of those who shaped this iconic route, making history feel tangible.
As night falls, immerse yourself in the breathtaking “See Dunhuang Again” show. This grand spectacle blends traditional dance, music, and cutting-edge technology, bringing Silk Road legends to life. Vibrant costumes, stunning choreography, and dazzling visuals create a feast for the senses. It’s not just a performance—it’s an experience that captures the magic of Dunhuang, leaving you spellbound.
B, L, D
Stay in Dunhuang
After enjoying your breakfast at hotel, our driver will meet you at the lobby and provide a private transfer to the airport/train station for your next journey or home!
B
Pack comfortable walking shoes, lightweight clothing for warm days, and a jacket for cooler desert nights. Sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat are essential for sun protection. If visiting in autumn, bring layers for varying temperatures.
We accommodate guests in comfortable 4-star hotels in the cities. In remote areas like Dunhuang, we select the best available hotels, typically of 3-star quality.
The best time to visit is from May to October when the weather is pleasant, and the desert landscapes are at their most stunning. Spring and autumn offer comfortable temperatures, while summer provides longer daylight hours for sightseeing.
This immersive performance brings Dunhuang’s history and Silk Road culture to life with stunning visuals, traditional dance, and cutting-edge technology. It’s one of the most highly-rated experiences in Dunhuang.
Yes. Breakfast is included at all hotels. For lunch and dinner, we provide for you and can also give some recommendations for local restaurants where you can try authentic regional cuisine, including hand-pulled noodles, lamb skewers, and Silk Road specialties.
Yes, this tour is family-friendly. Children will enjoy the camel rides, exploring ancient forts, and watching the lively evening markets. The pace of the tour is balanced, with opportunities for both adventure and relaxation.
Let's chat about your dream journey to China
Tell us your ideal trip, and we'll make it happen this year
Just China Tours, Just For You!
Top Destinations
Information
Copyright © 2009-2025 justchinatour.com. All Rights Reserved.
first time in China
Haruto Tanaka –
Very happy with this tour! Our guide was friendly, and the places so beautiful. Hotel and food were also good. It was just two days of really bad weather.
great tour
Michael Adams –
This tour exceeded all my expectations. The high-speed train rides were comfortable, and each city had something unique to offer. We especially loved the Mogao Caves and riding camels in the desert.
awesome silk road experience!!
Emily Foster –
This tour gave me everything I wanted from a Silk Road adventure – history, nature, and great hospitality. From Xian to Jiayuguan, every stop was a highlight. JustChinaTour made it so easy and enjoyable!