Upon arrival at Urumqi International Airport, your local driver will warmly greet you and provide a private transfer to your hotel. After check-in, enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to relax or explore Urumqi on your own.

Accommodation: Overnight stay in Urumqi
Meals: No

After breakfast at the hotel, embark on a full-day excursion to Heavenly Lake of Tianshan, famous for its pristine alpine waters, snow-capped peaks, and lush spruce forests. Enjoy a round-trip shuttle bus, a scenic boat ride on the lake, and a short transfer by battery car for a comfortable experience. After lunch, return to Urumqi and explore the bustling Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar, where colorful handicrafts, dried fruits, and local delicacies create a lively marketplace atmosphere.

Accommodation: Overnight stay in Urumqi
Meals: Breakfast & Welcome Dinner

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before checking out and drive to Turpan, an oasis city rich in Silk Road history. Visit the ancient ruins of Gaochang Ancient City, a significant archaeological site with earthen walls and temples (battery car included). Continue to the Karez Wells Irrigation System, a UNESCO-listed ancient underground water network showcasing ingenious engineering. Later, marvel at the flaming red sandstone cliffs of the Flaming Mountains, famously described in the Chinese classic Journey to the West. In the afternoon, stroll through the fertile Grape Valley (shuttle bus included) and enjoy a memorable visit with a local family to experience authentic Uyghur hospitality.

Accommodation: Overnight stay in Turpan
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

After breakfast, transfer to Liuyuan by high-speed bullet train (reference schedule D56: 09:36–13:05). Upon arrival, continue by private vehicle to Dunhuang. In the afternoon, visit the breathtaking Singing Sands Dune (Mingsha Shan) and ride a camel across the golden desert landscape to the enchanting Crescent Moon Pool (Yue Ya Quan), an oasis in the sands (includes battery car and shoe covers).

Accommodation: Overnight stay in Dunhuang
Meals: Breakfast & Curated Dining: Desert Charm Banquet

After breakfast, visit the world-famous Mogao Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its Buddhist murals and sculptures (eco-car transfer included). Continue on to Jiayuguan to explore the iconic Jiayuguan Pass, the westernmost pass of the Great Wall of China (battery car included). End the day with a scenic view of the distant Qilian Mountains before transferring to your hotel.

Accommodation: Overnight stay in Jiayuguan
Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, drive to Zhangye to explore the stunning Zhangye Danxia Landform Geological Park (Rainbow Mountain), where colorful layers of rock create a surreal landscape (battery car included). After lunch, visit the Dafo Temple of Zhangye (Giant Buddha Temple), home to the largest reclining clay Buddha statue in Asia.

Accommodation: Overnight stay in Zhangye
Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, depart for Wuwei. Upon arrival, visit Mati Temple (Matisi) to explore the historic Buddhist grottoes carved into the cliffs and take in the scenic desert landscape. Continue to the Leitai Han Tombs, famous for the discovery of the Bronze Galloping Horse (Flying Horse of Gansu), an iconic symbol of Chinese cultural heritage.

Accommodation: Overnight stay in Wuwei
Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, drive to Lanzhou, the capital of Gansu Province. Begin with a visit to the Tiantishan Grottoes, a historic Buddhist cave complex featuring ancient cliff carvings and murals. Continue to Zhongshan Bridge, the iconic first bridge built over the Yellow River. Explore the Waterwheel Expo Garden, showcasing traditional irrigation tools, and admire the Statue of the Mother of the Yellow River, symbolizing the river’s nurturing spirit. End the day with free time at Zhangye Road Pedestrian Street, a lively area for shopping and dining.

Accommodation: Overnight stay in Lanzhou
Meals: Breakfast

In the morning, transfer to the train station and board the bullet train to Xi’an. Upon arrival, explore the Ancient Xi’an City Wall, one of the best-preserved city walls in China. Continue to Yongxing Fang, the Bell Tower of Xi’an, and the Xi’an Drum Tower, a lively hub of traditional culture and street food. End the day with a stroll through the vibrant Muslim Quarter, famous for its bustling atmosphere and local delicacies.

Accommodation: Overnight stay in Xi’an
Meals: Breakfast

Following breakfast, visit the world-famous Museum of Qin Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses (Pits 1, 2, and 3), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with battery car transfer and audio guide included. Later, head to Hanchenghu Scenic Area, where a scenic boat ride provides a glimpse into the grandeur of the Han Dynasty capital. Continue to Dafeng Pavilion, accessible by battery car, to admire traditional architecture.

Accommodation: Overnight stay in Xi’an
Meals: Breakfast

Following breakfast, begin the day at the Small Wild Goose Pagoda and the Xi’an Museum, with audio guide included. Next, explore the impressive Daming Palace National Heritage Park (battery car included), once the imperial palace complex of the Tang Dynasty. Visit the Miniature Landscape and Underground Heritage Museum within the park, then continue to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, an enduring symbol of Xi’an. Conclude the evening at Great Tang All Day Mall, where dazzling lights and performances bring Tang culture vividly to life.

Accommodation: Overnight stay in Xi’an
Meals: Breakfast

Start your day with breakfast at the hotel, then enjoy a leisurely morning at your own pace. Depending on your flight schedule, you will be transferred to the airport for your onward journey, marking the end of your memorable Silk Road and Xi’an adventure.

Accommodation: No
Meals: Breakfast