• Taste of the Silk Road: Xi’an, Dunhuang, Lanzhou

    ★★★★★

    4.9/5 517 Latest reviews

    Tour Code: ODY-CN-2592

    Destination: Xi’an, Lanzhou, Dunhuang

Duration

7 Days

Tour Type

Private & Bespoke

Tour Style

Classic

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About This Trip

Trace the flavors and stories of the ancient Silk Road through Xi’an, Lanzhou, and Dunhuang – three vibrant cities in northwest China. In Xi’an, admire centuries of history while savoring rich Hui Muslim cuisine. Continue to Lanzhou for its famous hand-pulled noodles and hearty northwestern flavors. End in Dunhuang, where desert culture meets bold spices, offering a unique taste of Silk Road heritage in every bite.

Itinerary Summary

DAYPLACEHIGHLIGHTS
1 – 3Xi’anTerracotta Warriors, Bronze Chariots and Horses, Muslim Street, Home Visit
4 – 5LanzhouWhite Pagoda Hill, The iconic Zhongshan Bridge, Lanzhou Beef Noodle Museum, Zhengning Road Night Market
6 – 7DunhuangMogao Caves, Singing Sand Dunes & Desert Flavors
Quick Question

Itinerary

Welcome to Xi’an, the eastern gateway of the ancient Silk Road. Upon arrival, your local guide will meet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel for check-in. Take the rest of the day to relax or explore the city at your own pace.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

Step into the heart of ancient China as you visit the awe-inspiring Terracotta Warriors, where thousands of life-sized soldiers have stood guard for over two millennia. Continue to the exhibition of Bronze Chariots and Horses, showcasing the advanced artistry of the Qin dynasty. In the afternoon, dive into Xi’an’s rich street food scene with a guided snack tour in the Muslim Quarter, where you’ll sample local favorites like yangrou paomo, roujiamo, biangbiang noodles, and refreshing pomegranate juice or old-style yogurt.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

This morning, experience the warmth of local hospitality during a home-style noodle or dumpling-making class, where you’ll learn traditional techniques from a Xi’an family. Savor your handmade meal before heading to the train station.

In the afternoon, take a high-speed train to Lanzhou, riding through the vast landscapes that once connected ancient traders. Arrive and transfer to your hotel for rest.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

Begin your day with panoramic views from White Pagoda Hill, followed by a stroll across the iconic Zhongshan Bridge, often called the “First Bridge over the Yellow River.” Admire the Yellow River Mother Sculpture, a beloved city symbol. Then, delve into local flavors at the Lanzhou Beef Noodle Museum, followed by a hands-on experience where you’ll try your hand at pulling beef noodles like a master.

Continue to explore the lively Zhengning Road Night Market, sampling grilled skewers, sweet fermented rice, milk-egg rice wine, and the spicy chewiness of niangpi (cold mung bean noodles).

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

After a relaxing morning, board a short flight westward to Dunhuang, a desert outpost once vital to Silk Road trade. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy free time to unwind or take a walk around the quiet desert town.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

Start your day with a visit to the Mogao Caves, home to some of the world’s most exquisite Buddhist murals and sculptures, a treasure trove of Silk Road history. In the afternoon, explore the golden Singing Sand Dunes and the crescent-shaped Crescent Spring, an oasis that has captivated travelers for centuries. As evening falls, head to Shazhou Night Market, where you’ll sample donkey meat yellow noodles, sour plum and vegetable noodles, and the locally loved apricot peel juice.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

Your Silk Road journey comes to a close today. After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your departure flight. Take with you the flavors, stories, and vibrant memories of China’s legendary trading route.

🍽 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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