• Beijing to the China Silk Road

    ★★★★★

    4.9/5 717 Latest reviews

    Tour Code: ODY-CN-2463

    Destination: Beijing, Xi’an, Dunhuang, Turpan, Kashgar

Duration

12 Days

Tour Type

Private & Bespoke

Tour Style

Classic

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About This Trip

The 12-day journey kickstarts in Beijing and ends in Kashgar, showcasing the best of China’s capital and the ancient Silk Road. Begin in Beijing, where highlights include the Forbidden City and the Great Wall. In Xi’an, uncover the mysteries of the Terracotta Warriors. Fly to Dunhuang to explore the renowned Mogao Grottoes, and enjoy a breathtaking view of Singing Sand Dune and Crescent Spring. Then, continue to Xinjiang, visiting the representative historical relics of Bezaklik Thousand Buddha Grottoes, Flaming Mountain, Jiaohe Ruins, and Id Kah Mosque.

Itinerary Summary

DAYPLACEHIGHLIGHTS
1-4BeijingTiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Great Wall, Temple of Heaven
5 – 6Xi’anTerracotta Warriors, Shadow Puppet Show, Muslim Street
7 – 8DunhuangMogao Grottoes, Singing Sand Dune, Crescent Moon Spring, Yulin Caves
9-10TurpanBezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves, Tuyoq Village, Jiaohe Ruins, Karez Irrigation Site
11-12KashgarIdigar Mosque, Abkar Khoja Tomb, Kashgar Old Town
Quick Question

Itinerary

Landing in Beijing, the political and cultural hub of China, you will be warmly welcomed by your local guide and transferred to your hotel by private vehicle.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

Begin your China tour at Tiananmen Square, home to the Great Monument to the People’s Heroes and surrounded by monumental buildings. Visit the Chairman Mao Memorial Hall and other significant landmarks in the vicinity. Adjacent to the square lies the awe-inspiring Forbidden City, a masterpiece of ancient Chinese architecture. Delve into the rich history of royal dynasties that spans centuries within its walls. After exploring the royal palace, proceed to Jingshan Park, an imperial garden offering panoramic views of the magnificent palace complex.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

Embark in the morning by visiting the Temple of Heaven to admire its graceful ancient structures, where emperors pray for bountiful harvests annually. After that, head to the world-famous Great Wall. Take the cable car ascend to the wall, where you can hike along its ancient ramparts and soak in the breathtaking landscapes. Descend either by cable car or enjoy a thrilling toboggan ride down. Afterward, drive approximately two hours back to the city.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

This morning, break away from the usual and savor a breakfast feast like a local while exploring a traditional hutong neighborhood. Visit several eateries and street stalls to taste the most authentic Beijing flavors.

Then, hop on a high-speed train to Xi’an, the city considered the starting point of the Silk Road. Arriving about 5.5 hours later, be met and transferred to the hotel by your local tour guide and driver.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

Xi’an’s fame reverberates anew with the Terracotta Warriors, the ancient capital’s thousand-year-old marvel. A mere hour’s drive away, this extraordinary army of life-size pottery soldiers, horses, and chariots awaits. Each statue’s posture and vivid facial expressions tell captivating stories waiting to be discovered.

Later in the afternoon, head to the Great Tang All Day Mall and immerse yourself in traditional performances showcasing ancient architecture, historical costume shows, dragon and lion dances, as well as a variety of Tang Dynasty cultural exhibitions and handicrafts.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

Before departing from Xi’an, stroll to Muslim Street to explore its myriad shops offering a wide array of local delicacies, snacks, and souvenirs. Moreover, it boasts numerous small restaurants specializing in authentic Muslim cuisine. Afterward, visit the nearby Gao’s Courtyard to admire the Shadow Puppet Show, where vivid stories and characters are projected onto a white screen by light, allowing you to understand the profound history of Chinese traditional culture.

In the afternoon, head to the airport for your flight to Dunhuang, the city close to the parting of the northern and southern routes that skirted the impassable Taklamakan Desert.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

Start your morning by visiting Mogao Grottoes, renowned worldwide as a treasury of Buddhist art, featuring exquisite wall paintings and lifelike sculptures depicting Buddhist stories, historical scenes, and everyday life in ancient Chinese society.

In the afternoon, proceed to the Singing Sand Dune to experience the awe-inspiring wonders of nature. Climb to the top and marvel at the endless sea of sand, immersing yourself in the serene and majestic desert scenery. Afterwards, visit Crescent Spring nestled at the foot of Singing Sand Dune, with its crystal-clear water reflecting the magnificent desert scenery.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

Take a 2.5-hour drive to Liuyuan railway station for your high-speed train to Turpan, a significant stop on the historic Silk Road. Before boarding, catch the chance to visit Yulin Caves. Although less renowned than the Mogao Grottoes, this hidden gem promises delightful surprises. Arrive in Turpan 3.5 hours later and be escorted to your hotel.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

Continue the journey in Turpan, visiting the ancient city of Gaochang to experience its long history and magnificent city walls. Proceed to the Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves to explore its exquisite murals and sculptures, revealing the charm of ancient Buddhist art. After lunch, arrive at Tuyugou Valley, where you can stroll through its peculiar geological landscapes and experience the marvels and tranquility of nature. Finally, taste a bowl of butter tea when visiting a Uyghur family.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

Before driving to Urumqi airport, visit the distinguished landmark Emin Minaret (Sugong Tower), the former earth architectural wonder Jiaohe Ruins, and the remarkable Karez Irrigation Site. Afterward, drive about 2.5 hours to Urumqi airport for your flight to Kashgar. When you arrive, the local tour guide will pick you up and transfer to the hotel.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

Discovery Kashgar begins with the magnificent architecture and religious atmosphere of the Idigar Mosque, followed by a visit to the Abkar Khoja Tomb to learn its long history and unique burial culture. In the afternoon, wander through the ancient alleyways of Kashgar Old City, explore traditional artisan workshops, and immerse yourself in the vibrant markets, soaking in the rich Uyghur cultural ambiance and millennia-old cultural heritage.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

Time to conclude the tour. When you are ready, your guide and driver will pick you up and transfer you to the airport for your flight to the next destination.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

Why Choose Inner Mongolia Jiuhong Travel Service Co., Ltd.

12-Year TripAdvisor Award

Travellers’ Choice winner every year since 2013

No Commission Shopping

Zero shopping stops, zero pressure, zero hidden agendas

100% Private

Every tour is exclusively yours — no strangers, no shared buses

Expert Local Guides

Licensed, English-speaking guides with deep local knowledge

Real reviews from real travellers

  • u003cemu003eu003cemu003eI highly recommend Inner Mongolia Jiuhong Travel Service Co., Ltd. The team is very easy to work with, has excellent ideas and the guides are knowledgeable and easy to be with. Very solid itineraries and execution — flexible, high quality, and great value for money.u003c/emu003eu003c/emu003e
    James T.
    Verified · TripAdvisor
  • u003cemu003eu003cemu003eWe visited both Xi’an and Shanghai under Jiuhong’s arrangement and received the same first-class service in both cities. The guides were knowledgeable, flexible, and happy to discuss all aspects of modern China — giving insights difficult to obtain elsewhere. Strongly recommended.u003c/emu003eu003c/emu003e
    Greenfly
    Couples · Verified · TripAdvisor
  • u003cemu003eu003cemu003eWe had a wonderful action-packed day. Fei Fei was amazing — her knowledge was very impressive and she was a real pleasure to be with. This was certainly the highlight of our stay in this beautiful city. Thanks so much.u003c/emu003eu003c/emu003e
    Ludovic V.
    Couples · London, UK · Verified · TripAdvisor

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