13-Day Silk Road Highlights Tour
13 Days · From $4,899
Discover China's rich heritage on a 13-day journey through Beijing, Xi'an, Dunhuang, Turpan, Urumqi, and Shanghai. Explore ancient culture, Silk Road history, and modern cityscapes.
Itinerary
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Day 1: Arrival in Beijing
Welcome to Beijing, a city where ancient imperial grandeur blends seamlessly with modern vitality. Upon arrival, your private guide will greet you at the airport or train station and escort you to your hotel for a restful evening. Enjoy free time to explore the lively neighborhood around your hotel at your own pace.
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Day 2: Beijing
Begin your day at the UNESCO-listed Temple of Heaven, the sacred altar where Ming and Qing emperors once prayed for good harvests. After lunch, visit Tiananmen Square, the world's largest public square, before entering the majestic Forbidden City, China's most magnificent imperial palace complex and the best-preserved ancient wooden architecture in the world.
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Day 3: Beijing
Travel to the iconic Badaling Great Wall, the most celebrated and best-preserved section of the Great Wall. After returning to the city, enjoy a panoramic drive past the Bird's Nest Stadium, Water Cube, and Ice Ribbon—all architectural highlights from Beijing's Olympic Games. Continue to the historic Prince Gong's Mansion, one of the finest surviving mansions of the Qing Dynasty, and end the afternoon with a traditional Beijing hutong experience by rickshaw.
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Day 4: Beijing to Xi'an
Spend the morning exploring the stunning imperial garden of the Summer Palace, where Kunming Lake and Longevity Hill create a timeless landscape of pavilions and stone bridges. After lunch, your guide will transfer you to the train station for a high-speed train to Xi'an. Upon arrival, your Xi'an guide will escort you to your hotel.
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Day 5: Xi'an
Visit the world-famous Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of the 20th century. Enjoy a hands-on terracotta figurine-making or restoration experience. After lunch, visit the Bell & Drum Towers area and enjoy cycling atop the Ancient City Wall, followed by a traditional Hanfu dress experience. In the evening, explore the vibrant Muslim Quarter and the illuminated Tang Dynasty Ever-Bright City.
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Day 6: Xi'an to Dunhuang
Visit the Shaanxi History Museum or Xi'an Museum (Qin-Han Gallery). After lunch, fly to Dunhuang where your local guide will welcome you.
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Day 7: Dunhuang
Visit the Mogao Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage site, then explore Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Moon Spring, capturing the desert landscape and singing sands.
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Day 8: Dunhuang to Turpan
Tour the Han Dynasty Great Wall ruins in the morning. After lunch, take a high-speed train to Turpan.
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Day 9: Turpan
Explore Jiaohe Ancient City, the Karez irrigation system, and Grape Valley with local fruit tasting and folk performances. Evening stroll at local food streets for traditional snacks.
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Day 10: Urumqi
Visit Heavenly Lake, a picturesque alpine lake at 1910 meters, formed during Quaternary glaciation. Enjoy mountain and lake views.
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Day 11: Urumqi to Shanghai
Tour Xinjiang Museum to explore Silk Road cultural and artistic heritage. Visit the International Grand Bazaar and enjoy local music and performances. Transfer to airport for flight to Shanghai.
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Day 12: Shanghai
Explore the Bund, walk along Huangpu River, ascend Shanghai Tower, stroll Nanjing Road, and enjoy traditional gardens at Yu Garden and Bazaar. Explore tranquil streets of the Former French Concession.
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Day 13: Departure from Shanghai
Your guide and driver will transfer you to Shanghai Pudong International Airport for your departure flight.
What's Included
- ✓Costs for a private, air-conditioned business vehicle throughout the tour.
- ✓Services of a private English-speaking tour guide.
- ✓Hotels, entrance fees to scenic spots (first gate tickets), and meals as listed in the itinerary.
- ✓Travel insurance coverage during the tour (details available on the Insurance Policy page).
- ✓Inter-city flights or high-speed train travel.
- ✓24-hour customer service support during the trip.
- ✓Service fees, covering tour planning, handling, operation, and communication costs.
- ✗Chinese Visa fees.
- ✗Round-trip ticket. (We offer Air Ticket Booking Service, if you need it, please let us know.)
- ✗Personal expenses.
- ✗Meals, transportation transfers, and tourist attraction fees not listed in the itinerary.
- ✗Optional activities recommended at scenic spots or other commercial establishments.
- ✗Luggage overweight charges.
- ✗Optional activities provided by the driver or guide.
- ✗Personal Accident Insurance during Travel .
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