Tour Highlights
Explore China's Imperial Heritage: Discover Beijing's Forbidden City, the Great Wall, and other landmarks of China's imperial past.
Follow the Silk Road Through Xinjiang: Explore Urumqi and Turpan, from Heavenly Lake and ancient ruins to the traditional Karez irrigation system and Flaming Mountains.
Discover Dunhuang's Desert and Buddhist Heritage: Visit the Mogao Grottoes, admire the Singing Sand Dunes, and explore the historic Silk Road frontier.
Experience Tibetan Buddhist Culture: Visit Labrang Monastery in Xiahe and discover the cultural traditions and landscapes of Gansu.
Explore Xi'an and Shanghai: Encounter the Terracotta Warriors in Xi'an, then experience Shanghai's classical gardens, historic waterfront, and modern skyline.
Day 1 Arrival in Beijing
Day 2 Beijing | Imperial Capital
Constructed from 1406 at the very centre of Beijing, the Palace Museum is more widely known as the Forbidden City. Previously home to 24 different emperors, it is the largest palace complex in the world at approximately 720,000 square metres. Note: Closed on Mondays. In case of closure or ticket unavailability, the itinerary adjusts to Jingshan Park for a premier panoramic view overlooking the entire Forbidden City.
Completed in 1420, the Temple of Heaven is the largest complex of sacrificial buildings in China that still stands to this day. The temple was visited by Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1636-1912) emperors on an annual basis to pray to the heavens for a good harvest. The subtle employment of acoustic principles used in the construction of the Echo Wall, Triple Sound Stone and Dialogue Stone reflects the advanced architectural technology in use in ancient China.
Good to know: Usually the guide service for a full day tour is about from 9:00 to 17:00, and the evening time is on your own. If needed, your guide is happy to offer some tips or help you buy tickets for evening entertainment.
Ideas for leisure time: If you are interested in Chinese Kung Fu, the Legend of Kung Fu is a good choice for tonight. It is stunning Kung Fu show with a great story line and martial arts skills.
Day 3 Beijing | Great Wall & Summer Palace
This Qing Dynasty (1636-1912) imperial palace and garden (1636-1912) is the largest and best-preserved imperial garden in China. Modelled on the West Lake in Hangzhou and borrowing design techniques and artistic ideas from the gardens of Jiangnan south of the Yangtze River, this landscaped park offers the perfect summer retreat.
Ideas for leisure time:
1. Enjoy the Peking Duck dinner at time-honored restaurant - Quanjude or Bianyifang. The duck is characteristic with its crispy skin, tender meat and the fragrance from the fruit-wood.
2. Watch a breathtaking acrobatic show at Chaoyang Theater or Tiandi Theater.
Day 4 Beijing to Urumqi by Flight
Day 5 Urumqi | Heavenly Lake & Local Culture
If time permits, visit the Erdaoqiao Bazaar, which is believed to be the largest outdoor market in Xinjiang.
Day 6 Urumqi to Turpan by Automobile
The Karez System (UNESCO), an underground irrigation system, is considered to be one of the three great ancient projects of China. Its main function is to deliver water from nearby snow capped mountains to Turpan and its agricultural fields.
Emin Minaret, also known as Sugong Tower, is one of the most famous Islamic constructions and the only Islamic tower in China.
Day 7 Turpan | Ancient Ruins & Flaming Mountains
Pass by the Flaming Mountain, which is famous in the Chinese classical literature “Journey to the West”.
The Bazelik Thousand Buddha Caves has 77 caves and inside each cave is a rural of the Buddha painted on the ceiling along with hundreds of Buddhist sculptures and figures.
With beautiful and elegant scenery, the Grape Valley is famous for growing all kinds of grapes and other fruits.
Day 8 Turpan to Dunhuang by Bullet Train
Day 9 Dunhuang | Mogao Grottoes & Desert Landscapes
The Crescent Moon Lake & Singing Sand Dunes are famous attractions in Dunhuang. From a distance make sure to listen carefully for the whistling tunes among the sand dunes. If you are feeling adventurous, take an optional camel ride (on your own expense).
Day 10 Dunhuang to Lanzhou by Flight
Day 11 Lanzhou to Xiahe | Sangke Grassland
Day 12 Xiahe to Lanzhou | Labrang Monastery
Day 13 Lanzhou to Xi'an by Flight
Day 14 Xi'an | Terracotta Warriors & Ancient Capital
The Big Wild Goose Pagoda, a Tang Dynasty landmark, is a seven-story pagoda initially constructed in 652 AD. One of the pagoda's many functions is to hold sutras and figurines of the Buddha that were brought to China from India by the Buddhist translator and traveler - Xuanzang.
Ideas for leisure time: Enjoy a tasteful Dumpling Banquet followed by an exquisite traditional Tang Dynasty Show.
Good to know: If you have an extra day in Xi’an, you could explore the Mount Hua and get impressed of its unique natural beauty. Or to take a day trip to Luoyang by bullet train and visit the Longmen Grottoes, one of the Three Most Famous Buddhist Grottoes in China.
Day 15 Xi'an to Shanghai by Flight | Ancient City Wall
Day 16 Shanghai | Yu Garden, Jade Buddha Temple & the Bund
The Jade Buddha Temple is famous for its two precious jade Buddha statues brought from Burma, which are not only rare cultural relics but also exquisite artworks.
The Shanghai Museum has a collection of 120,000 pieces of Chinese ancient treasures. Optional tour: Top of the Pyramid - The Exhibition of Ancient Egyptian Civilization is on display from July 19th, 2024 to August 17th, 2025.
One of the city’s most recognisable landmarks and the pride of Shanghai for over one hundred years, the Bund is a mile-long stretch of waterfront promenade along the Huangpu River. On the west side of the road stand 52 buildings of various architectural styles, including Gothic, baroque, and neoclassical styles. It is often called an outdoor museum of buildings.
Ideas for leisure time:
1. Acrobatic Shows in Shanghai are known as the best in China. You can never imagine how exciting the show is.
2. Or you could take a Huangpu River Night Cruise which is the perfect way to enjoy the gorgeous night view of Shanghai.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Which destinations are included in the Golden Route of the Silk Road?
A: This 17-day tour covers Beijing, Urumqi, Turpan, Dunhuang, Lanzhou, Xiahe, Xi'an, and Shanghai, combining imperial landmarks, ancient Silk Road cities, Buddhist heritage, desert scenery, and Tibetan Buddhist culture.
Q: How do I travel between destinations during the tour?
A: The itinerary combines domestic flights, high-speed rail, and private road transfers. Flights connect Beijing with Urumqi, Dunhuang with Lanzhou, Lanzhou with Xi'an, and Xi'an with Shanghai, while road and rail journeys connect the other destinations. Please confirm the final transport schedule when booking.
Q: What are the main Silk Road highlights of this tour?
A: Highlights include Turpan's ancient ruins and Karez irrigation system, the Mogao Grottoes in Dunhuang, the desert landscapes around Crescent Moon Lake, and the Terracotta Warriors in Xi'an. The itinerary also introduces Tibetan Buddhist culture in Xiahe.
Q: Can I visit Labrang Monastery and experience Tibetan Buddhist culture?
A: Yes. The itinerary includes Labrang Monastery in Xiahe and Sangke Grassland. Visitors can explore the monastery's religious and cultural heritage while learning about the region's Tibetan Buddhist traditions. Access to specific areas is subject to local rules and opening arrangements.
Q: Are accommodation, meals, and transportation included?
A: The original package includes centrally located hotel accommodation with breakfast, Chinese meals as specified in the itinerary, entrance tickets to listed attractions, domestic flights, second-class high-speed train tickets, and land transfers. Please check the final quotation for the exact meal arrangements and any optional activities.
Q: Can I customize this Silk Road tour?
A: Yes. CITS offers tailor-made travel services to suit your interests and schedule. You can extend your stay, add attractions, or arrange visits to other destinations in China, subject to availa
-- Private tour guide
-- Private air-conditioned coach
-- Land transfers between airport or railway station and hotel
-- Entrance tickets as listed
-- Chinese Lunch and dinner as listed
-- Centrally located hotels with breakfast
-- Domestic flights with taxes and train ticket (2nd class seat) as listed
-- Service charge & government taxes
-- International flights with taxes
-- Personal expenses such as laundry, drinks, phone bills, optional activities
-- Tips for guides and drivers
-- China Visa
-- Travel insurance