The Great Wall and Ancient Silk Road

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The Great Wall and Ancient Silk Road

★★★★★

4.9/5 534 Latest reviews

Tour Code: ODY-CN-2497

Destination: Beijing, Lanzhou, Zhangye, Jiayuguan, Dunhuang

Duration

10 Days

Tour Type

Private & Bespoke

Tour Style

Classic

About This Trip

This 10-day journey blends the legendary Great Wall and ancient Silk Road. Begin in Beijing, where you’ll visit the splendid Forbidden City, stroll through charming Hutongs, and hike the scenic Mutianyu Great Wall. Then, fly to Lanzhou to discover the stunning Bingling Temple Grottoes and enjoy a thrilling speedboat ride on the Yellow River. Next, marvel at the vibrant Zhangye Danxia Landform before visiting the historic Jiayuguan Fort and its remarkable Overhanging Great Wall. Conclude your adventure in Dunhuang, where you’ll explore the world-renowned Mogao Caves and visit the enchanting Crescent Lake.

Itinerary Summary

DAY	PLACE	HIGHLIGHTS
1 – 4	Beijing	Mutianyu Great Wall, Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City
5 – 6	Lanzhou	The Bingling Temple
7	Zhangye	Zhangye Danxia Landform
8	Jiayuguan	Jiayuguan Pass, Overhanging Great Wall
9 – 10	Dunhuang	The Mogao Caves, Crescent Spring, Singing Sand Dune

Itinerary

Touching down in Beijing, the capital of China, you’ll be greeted by your guide who will escort you to your hotel for a well-deserved rest. As you settle in, prepare to delve into the rich tapestry of Chinese history and culture, with each day promising discoveries and unforgettable experiences.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

Start your day at Tiananmen Square, one of the world’s largest city squares and a symbol of modern China. Here, you can admire the Monument to the People’s Heroes, Chairman Mao’s Mausoleum, and other notable structures. Proceed to the Forbidden City, the world’s best-preserved ancient wooden complex, which served as the imperial palace for the Ming and Qing dynasties. In the afternoon, embark on a Hutong tour with a rickshaw, meandering through narrow streets and traditional courtyard houses to experience the charm of old Beijing.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

Depart from Beijing for the Mutianyu Great Wall, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its unique scenery and historical significance. As taking the cable car up to the wall, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The wall is not only a historical marvel but also a testament to the strategic military thinking of its time, with both sides featuring crenelated parapets for defense.

On the way back to your downtown hotel, stop to capture the image of the Olympic Bird Nest and Water Cube.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

Start the day by visiting the Temple of Heaven, a masterpiece of Ming dynasty architecture. Surrounded by its vast park, witness locals leisurely strolling with bird cages and immerse yourself in the melodic tunes of the erhu. Engage in a Tai Chi session, where participants can master the elegant techniques of this age-old martial art.

After lunch, proceed to the airport for a flight to Lanzhou. Upon landing, be greeted and escorted to your accommodation by the local driver.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

Drive about 2 hours to the first large reservoir in Yellow River – Liujiaxia Reservoir. Continue with an hour’s speedy boat ride, offering a breathtaking view of the Yellow River and the surrounding natural beauty, to the Bingling Temple. This sacred place, initially constructed in A.D. 420 during the Western Qin Dynasty, is a treasure trove of 183 caves and niches, 694 stone statues, 82 clay sculptures, and 900 square meters of murals that transport you through the artistic evolution of Chinese Buddhist art across different dynasties.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

Continue your exploration to the Baita Mountain Park this morning, offering a panoramic view of the city’s skyline. Ascend the mountain to discover the White Pagoda, a historic landmark that stands as a testament to the region’s cultural heritage. From the park, meander towards the banks of the Yellow River to encounter the iconic Yellow River Mother statue, with its flowing lines and gentle curves, pays homage to the river’s nurturing role in the lives of the people. In the afternoon, take an approximately 3-hour train transfer to Zhangye for the night.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

Embark on a cultural and natural expedition starting with the majestic Dafo Temple, a sanctuary of serenity and architectural splendor. Wander through its hallowed halls, absorbing the tales etched into the stone and wood.

Thereafter, head to the Danxia Landform National Geopark to admire the captivating strata landscapes, an ideal photography spot for enthusiasts. You can stroll along the trails and ascend to the viewpoints for panoramic views. If time permits, witness a spectacular sunset here, with the entire sky and the Danxia landforms bathed in hues of red and orange. Then, drive about 2.5 hours to Jiayuguan for the night.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

Set off to the iconic Jiayuguan Fort, a sentinel marking the western extremity of the Ming Great Wall and a vital nexus on the storied Silk Road. Delve into the Great Wall Museum to unravel the intricacies of the ancient military defense architecture that once protected the empire.

After that, marvel at the Overhanging Great Wall, a section built on a ridge, known for its steepness and danger. Conclude your trip to Jiayuguan, then continue to Dunhuang with approximately 3 hours of high-speed train for the following itinerary.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

Kick off the day with a visit to the illustrious Mogao Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a sanctuary of Buddhist art. Immerse yourself in this majestic gallery, home to an exquisite array of murals that unfurl like scrolls of celestial tales and sculptures that stand as silent witnesses to centuries of devotion.

Next, venture to Crescent Lake, encircled by the dramatic dunes of Mingsha Mountain. Marvel at the harmonious coexistence of water and sand, where the lake’s crescent shape glistens like a desert gem, cradled by the undulating waves of sand. As dusk falls, ascend the slopes of Mingsha Mountain to admire the enchanting transformation of the landscape under the soft hues of twilight.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

On your last day in Dunhuang, you will be transferred to the airport to conclude your unforgettable journey in China.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

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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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The Great Wall and Ancient Silk Road

About This Trip

Itinerary Summary

Itinerary

Gallery