21-Day China Tour with Silk Road | Ancient Cities, Culture & Landscapes
21 Days · From $7,999
Explore China in depth on this 21-day Silk Road tour. Discover Beijing, Xi’an, Dunhuang, Xinjiang and ancient trade routes, blending history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes.
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 Zhangye
Begin the day at one of Xi’an’s top museums—either the Shaanxi History Museum, Xi’an Museum, or Shaanxi Qinhan Museum—where you will discover priceless artifacts reflecting China’s ancient dynasties and Silk Road connections. After lunch, transfer to the airport for your flight to Zhangye, where your local guide will welcome you.
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Day 7: Zhangye
Today, visit the spectacular Zhangye National Geopark, famous for its surreal rainbow-colored Danxia landforms. Formed over millions of years, these multicolored rock layers create one of the most photogenic landscapes on the Silk Road.
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Day 8: Zhangye to Jiayuguan
Drive to Jiayuguan, stopping en route to view the mighty Jiayuguan Pass, the western end of the Great Wall and a crucial military fortress during the Ming Dynasty. Continue to the Zixuan Winery Estate, where you can explore the vineyards, learn about wine-making, and enjoy a wine-tasting session.
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Day 9: Jiayuguan to Dunhuang
Travel across the Gobi Desert to reach the world-renowned Mogao Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its extraordinary Buddhist murals and statues created over a thousand years. The caves offer invaluable insight into ancient religion, culture, and the Silk Road’s artistic exchanges.
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Day 10: Dunhuang to Turpan
Visit the iconic Mingsha Sand Dunes and the crescent-shaped Crescent Lake, where the vast golden desert meets a crystal-clear oasis. After lunch, transfer to Yumen Railway Station for your high-speed train to Turpan, where your local guide will meet you upon arrival.
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Day 11: Turpan
Discover the ancient Jiaohe Ruins, the world’s largest and best-preserved earthen city, once a flourishing hub on the Silk Road. After lunch, explore the Karez Irrigation System, a remarkable ancient engineering feat, and later stroll through the lush Grape Valley to taste fresh local grapes and watch Uyghur music and dance performances.
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Day 12: Turpan to Urumqi
Visit the Turpan Museum, showcasing Silk Road history, mummies, and archaeological treasures. In the afternoon, drive to Urumqi and explore the lively Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar, filled with ethnic crafts, local snacks, and traditional music.
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Day 13: Urumqi to Kashgar
Fly to Kashgar, the cultural heart of Xinjiang. After arrival, explore the labyrinth-like Old Town, known for its traditional Uyghur homes, pottery workshops, and centuries-old market streets. Visit the grand Id Kah Mosque, one of the most important Islamic sites in China.
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Day 14: Kashgar
Journey to the stunning White Sand Lake, framed by snow-capped mountains and pure white sand dunes. The turquoise water set against the desert landscape creates a striking visual contrast—one of Xinjiang’s most breathtaking natural scenes.
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Day 15: Kashgar to Chengdu
Enjoy a relaxed morning exploring more of Kashgar Old Town before transferring to the airport for your flight to Chengdu. Your local Chengdu guide will meet you upon arrival and escort you to your hotel.
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Day 16: Chengdu
Begin your day at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, where you can observe adorable pandas in a naturalistic environment. In the afternoon, stroll through the lively People’s Park and the atmospheric Kuanzhai Alleys, known for their teahouses and traditional courtyard architecture.
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Day 17: Chengdu to Zhangjiajie
This morning, visit the Wuhou Shrine, dedicated to Zhuge Liang of the Three Kingdoms era. After lunch, transfer to the train station for a high-speed train to Zhangjiajie, where your local guide will welcome you.
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Day 18: Zhangjiajie
Explore Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, China’s first national forest park, famed for its towering sandstone pillars and lush valleys. Visit Yuanjiajie, home to the ”Avatar Hallelujah Mountain” and marvel at the otherworldly scenery that inspired the blockbuster film.
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Day 19: Zhangjiajie to Shanghai
Ascend Tianmen Mountain, famous for its dramatic Tianmen Cave ”Heaven’s Gat”) and breathtaking cliff-side glass walkway—one of the most thrilling skywalks in the world. After lunch, transfer to the airport for your flight to Shanghai.
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Day 20: Shanghai
Enjoy a full-day city exploration beginning with a walk along The Bund for stunning skyline views. After lunch, ascend Shanghai Tower, China’s tallest building, for panoramic city views. Continue to Nanjing Road, then visit Yu Garden and wander the lively bazaar. End the afternoon strolling through the tree-lined streets of the Former French Concession.
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Day 21: Departure from Shanghai
Your guide and driver will transfer you from the hotel 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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