Tour Highlights
Follow the Silk Road by High-Speed Train: Travel through China's historic northwest, combining rail journeys with scenic road transfers between Lanzhou, Jiayuguan, Dunhuang, Turpan, and Urumqi.
Discover Ancient Buddhist Art at the Mogao Grottoes: Explore Dunhuang's UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its Buddhist murals, sculptures, and centuries of cultural exchange along the Silk Road.
Explore the Historic Frontier at Jiayuguan: Visit Jiayuguan Pass and the First Beacon Tower of the Great Wall, important landmarks of China's ancient frontier defense system.
Experience Dunhuang's Desert Landscapes: Admire Crescent Moon Lake and the Singing Sand Dunes, with the option to enjoy a camel ride across the desert.
Discover Turpan's Oasis Heritage: Explore Jiaohe Ruins, the ancient Karez irrigation system, Emin Minaret, Flaming Mountains, and Grape Valley, revealing the region's history, architecture, and agricultural traditions.
Enjoy Lanzhou's Yellow River Scenery and Xinjiang's Mountain Landscapes: Visit Bingling Temple Grottoes along the Yellow River and Heavenly Lake near Urumqi, combining cultural heritage with striking natural scenery.
Day 1 Arrival in Lanzhou
Day 2 Lanzhou | Bingling Temple Grottoes
Day 3 Lanzhou to Jiayuguan by Bullet Train
Day 4 Jiayuguan to Dunhuang | Jiayuguan Pass & First Beacon Tower
Take a visit to the First Beacon Tower of the Great Wall. The beacon tower was an important part of the defense system in Jiayuguan Pass.
Day 5 Dunhuang | Mogao Grottoes, Crescent Moon Lake & Singing Sand
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 6 Dunhuang to Turpan by Bullet Train
Day 7 Turpan | Ancient Ruins, Karez System & Emin Minaret
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 8 Turpan to Urumqi by Bullet Train
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 9 Urumqi | Heavenly Lake & Erdaoqiao Bazaar
If time permits, visit the Erdaoqiao Bazaar, which is believed to be the largest outdoor market in Xinjiang.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What destinations are included in this Silk Road tour?
A: This 10-day tour travels from Lanzhou to Urumqi, with stops in Jiayuguan, Dunhuang, and Turpan. Highlights include ancient frontier passes, the Mogao Grottoes, desert landscapes, historic oasis sites, and Heavenly Lake.
Q: How do I travel between destinations?
A: The itinerary combines high-speed train journeys and private road transfers. The route includes rail travel between Lanzhou and Jiayuguan, Dunhuang and Turpan, and Turpan and Urumqi, with road transfers for sightseeing and connections between selected destinations.
Q: Can I ride a camel at the Singing Sand Dunes?
A: Yes. Camel rides are available as an optional activity at Crescent Moon Lake and the Singing Sand Dunes, subject to availability and additional charges.
Q: Are accommodation, meals, and train tickets included?
A: The original package includes hotel accommodation with breakfast, meals as specified in the itinerary, entrance tickets to listed attractions, second-class domestic train tickets, and scheduled transfers. Please confirm the final quotation for the exact meal arrangements and included services.
Q: Can I customize this Silk Road tour?
A: Yes. CITS offers tailor-made travel services according to your interests and schedule. You can extend your stay, add attractions, or arrange visits to other destinations in China, subject to availability and additional charges.
-- 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 train tickets (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