16 Days Silk Road Tour from Shanghai to Ancient Trade Routes

Meals: NA

Nihao, Welcome to Shanghai, a vibrant city where modern skyscrapers stand alongside historic landmarks. Known for its stunning skyline, rich culture, and famous attractions, it offers an exciting mix of tradition and innovation.

Upon your arrival at Shanghai airport or train station, you’ll transferred to your hotel in Shanghai.

The rest of the day will be at your leisure to relax and explore the city. Feel free to ask our travel consultant for suggestions if you'd like to explore the city instead of taking a rest.

Overnight in Shanghai.

Meals: B/L

Upon arrival in the morning, you will be picked up by your local tour guide and escorted to your hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is your leisure time.

Welcome to Shanghai, one of the world's major centers for finance, business, and economics, China's cosmopolitan financial hub, dazzles with its futuristic skyline along the Bund and iconic landmarks.

Then you’ll start the day of the Shanghai city tour. In the morning, you will visit:

1. Oriental Pearl TV Tower: This iconic tower’s second sphere has a transparent circular corridor. Walk on its glass walkway for thrilling views of the Huangpu River below.
2. Shanghai Historical Development Museum: Located under the tower, it displays 1,300 artifacts tracing Shanghai’s 6,000-year history. Exhibits range from ancient pottery to photos of colonial-era treaty ports.

After enjoying an authentic lunch in a time-honored brand restaurant, you are going on the tour in the afternoon:

1. Huangpu River Cruise: It is one of the best ways to experience both the historic and modern sides of Shanghai. As you sail toward the East China Sea, enjoy stunning views of the Bund’s iconic waterfront and the futuristic skyline of Pudong.
2 The Bund: This waterfront strip has grand European-style buildings from before 1937. Across the river, modern skyscrapers create a stunning skyline contrast.
3. Nanjing Road: Shanghai’s busiest shopping street glows with neon lights and endless stores. Find everything from local snacks to global brands in this lively area.

After the tour, enjoy a comfortable drop-off service at your hotel, marking the end of a wonderful day in Shanghai.

Overnight in Shanghai.

Meals: B/L

After breakfast, your tour guide will meet you at 8:00 am – 8:30 am to continue your exploration of Shanghai. In the morning, you will visit:

1. Yu Garden: Built 500 years ago in the Ming Dynasty, this classical garden features peaceful ponds and rockeries. Its winding bridges and pavilions offer a quiet escape in the city center.
2. Shanghai Old Town: Traditional shikumen houses and markets blend with modern life here. Explore old streets to see Shanghai’s cultural roots and daily local life.

After enjoying an authentic lunch in a time-honored brand restaurant, you are going to Shanghai airport for the 3.5-hour flight to Lanzhou.

Welcome to Lanzhou, the gateway to China’s Silk Road, is a vibrant city known for its rich history and cultural heritage. From the stunning Bingling Thousand Buddha Caves to the scenic Yellow River views, Lanzhou offers a perfect blend of ancient charm and natural beauty.

Upon arrival in Lanzhou, you’ll be transferred to the hotel. The rest of the time is for you to explore the city by yourself.

Overnight in Lanzhou.

Meals: B/L

After breakfast, your guide will meet you in the hotel lobby at 8:00 am – 8:30 am, and you will start your tour of Lanzhou. Today, you will visit some of the city's most iconic landmarks before heading to Zhangye in the evening. In the morning, you’ll visit:

1. Baita Mountain: Overlooking Lanzhou, Baita Mountain is home to the famous White Pagoda and offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the Yellow River. The mountain is a peaceful retreat with ancient temples, lush greenery, and cultural relics.
2. Lanzhou Yellow River Bridge: Also called Zhongshan Bridge, it was the first iron bridge built over the Yellow River and remains an iconic symbol of Lanzhou. Walking across the bridge provides a fantastic view of the river and the city skyline.
3. Yellow River’s Mother Statue: One of Lanzhou’s most famous landmarks, this elegant sculpture represents the Yellow River as the "Mother of Chinese Civilization." The statue, featuring a mother and child, symbolizes prosperity and the nurturing spirit of the river.

After lunch at a local restaurant, continue your tour in the afternoon:

1. Gansu Museum: A must-visit museum showcasing ancient Silk Road artifacts, including the famous bronze “Flying Horse of Gansu.” The museum’s exhibitions offer deep insights into Gansu’s role in China’s history and culture.
2. Waterwheel Garden: This garden displays traditional waterwheels that were once used for irrigation along the Yellow River. You can see the functioning waterwheels and learn about Lanzhou’s agricultural past.
3. Baiyun Temple: A serene Taoist temple nestled in the mountains, known for its peaceful atmosphere and beautiful traditional architecture. The temple is an excellent place to experience Taoist culture and enjoy stunning views.

After the tour, you will be transferred to the train station to take a fast train to Zhangye (around 3 hours). Upon arrival, you will be met and taken to your hotel for check-in.

Welcome to Zhangye! This city, once a major trading hub along the Silk Road, is home to breathtaking landscapes and cultural treasures waiting to be explored.

Overnight in Zhangye.

Meals: B/L

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at the hotel before meeting your guide at 8:00 am – 8:30 am. Today, you will discover the stunning grottoes of Mati Temple and the world-famous Rainbow Mountains, two of Zhangye’s top attractions.

1. Mati Temple: Nestled in the lush Qilian Mountains, Mati Temple is an extraordinary site featuring Buddhist grottoes carved into the cliffs. These ancient caves house intricate murals, sculptures, and meditation chambers, showcasing the region’s religious heritage. The serene surroundings, combined with the breathtaking mountain scenery, make this a memorable stop.
2. Zhangye Qicai Danxia National Geological Park: Known as the Rainbow Mountains, this incredible geological wonder is famous for its multi-colored rock formations. Over millions of years, layers of mineral deposits and erosion have created a surreal landscape of red, yellow, and orange hues. Walking along the viewing platforms, you’ll have panoramic views of the stunning, naturally painted mountains.

After the tour, you will be transferred to the train station to take a bullet train to Jiayuguan (around 1.5 hours). Upon arrival, you will be met and taken to your hotel for check-in.

Welcome to Jiayuguan! This historical city is home to the westernmost section of the Great Wall, offering a glimpse into China’s ancient frontier defense.

Overnight in Jiayuguan.

Meals: B/L

After breakfast, meet your guide at 8:00 am – 8:30 am to start another day of adventure. You will explore the fascinating Weijin Tombs before taking on a scenic drive to Dunhuang, where desert landscapes and ancient wonders await.

1. Weijin Tombs: Dubbed the "Underground Art Gallery," these ancient tombs date back to the Wei and Jin Dynasties (3rd–5th centuries). Inside, you will find well-preserved murals depicting scenes of daily life, from farming and hunting to feasts and celebrations. The artwork provides a vivid window into early Chinese history and culture.

After the tour, you’ll have a flight around 1 hour to Dunhuang, a legendary Silk Road oasis city at the edge of the Gobi Desert. Upon arrival, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before beginning your desert adventure.

1. Echoing Sand Mountain: One of Dunhuang’s most famous attractions, this vast sea of golden dunes is known for the unique sound the sand makes when the wind blows across it. You can try camel riding, sandboarding, or simply admire the breathtaking scenery as the sun sets over the rolling dunes.
2. Shazhou Night Market: In the evening, enjoy yourself in the lively atmosphere of Shazhou Night Market, where you can sample local specialties such as hand-pulled noodles and lamb skewers. Browse stalls selling Uyghur handicrafts, silk products, and souvenirs. This is the perfect way to experience the rich cultural blend of Dunhuang.

Overnight in Dunhuang.

Meals: B

Get up early to enjoy breakfast at the hotel and then head for a visit to one of China’s most remarkable historical sites.

1. Mogao Grottoes: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Mogao Caves are home to some of the finest Buddhist art in the world. These caves contain thousands of vivid murals, sculptures, and manuscripts, illustrating the cultural exchanges that took place along the Silk Road. The sheer scale and artistic beauty of these caves make them a highlight of any journey through China.

After the tour, you’ll be transferred to Liuyuan Train Station for the bullet train to Turpan (around 3.5 hours).

Welcome to Turpan! This ancient oasis city, once a vital stop along the Silk Road, is known for its rich Uyghur culture, unique architecture, and fascinating historical sites.

Overnight in Turpan.

Meals: B/L

After breakfast, your guide will meet you at 8:00 am – 8:30 am, and you will start your Turpan city tour. In the morning, you’ll visit:

1. Tuyoq Valley: An ancient Uyghur village nestled in a scenic canyon, known for its cave dwellings and religious significance. The valley has been an important site for both Buddhist and Islamic cultures for centuries.

After the morning tour, enjoy a break for lunch at a local restaurant, where you can sample traditional Uyghur cuisine. Continue your tour in the afternoon:

1. Karez Well: An ancient irrigation system that has sustained life in the desert for over 2,000 years. The underground tunnels help preserve water from evaporation, making them a crucial innovation in Silk Road history.
2. Sugong Minaret: Also known as Emin Minaret, this 18th-century Islamic tower is the tallest ancient minaret in China. Its unique design and historical significance make it an essential cultural landmark
3. Jiaohe Ruins: The remains of an ancient Silk Road city, where you can see well-preserved streets, temples, and homes carved from the earth. This abandoned city offers a fascinating look into China’s past civilizations.

Then, drive to the capital city of Xinjiang- Urumqi for about 3 hours.

Welcome to Urumqi, the capital of Xinjiang, located in the far northwest of China. It is a vibrant city with a mix of cultures, where you can explore traditional Uyghur markets, food, and customs.

Upon arrival at Urumqi, you’ll be transferred to your hotel. If you'd like to explore the city instead of resting, feel free to ask our travel consultant for suggestions.

Overnight in Urumqi.

Meals: B/L

Start your day with breakfast at the hotel before meeting your guide at 8:00 am – 8:30 am for an exciting day exploring Urumqi’s natural and cultural highlights.

In the morning, you’ll be driven to Heavenly Lake for around 1.5 hours:

1. Heavenly Lake: Located 120 km (75 miles) from Urumqi downtown in the Tianshan Mountains, this stunning alpine lake is surrounded by snow-capped peaks and dense forests. Enjoy a boat ride on the crystal-clear waters or take a leisurely walk along the scenic pathways to admire the breathtaking landscapes.

After a relaxing morning, return to Urumqi for a delicious lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, you’ll visit:

1. Xinjiang International Bazaar: One of the largest markets in China, this bustling bazaar is filled with stalls selling colorful textiles, exotic spices, handcrafted souvenirs, and traditional Uyghur delicacies. It's a great place to experience the vibrant culture and flavors of Xinjiang.

After the tour, return to your hotel for a relaxing evening or explore the city at your own pace.

Overnight in Urumqi.

Meals: B

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before checking out. Meet your guide at 8:00 am – 8:30 am for your final tour in Urumqi. You’ll head to Xinjiang Regional Museum for a visit.

1. Xinjiang Regional Museum: This museum displays Xinjiang’s rich cultural heritage, featuring well-preserved Silk Road artifacts, ancient manuscripts, and the famous Tarim mummies. The exhibits highlight the region’s unique blend of Chinese, Persian, and Central Asian influences.

After the museum visit, transfer to Urumqi airport for your 2-hour flight to Kashgar.

Welcome to Kashgar! This ancient Silk Road hub is a fascinating blend of Uyghur, Tajik, and Han Chinese cultures. Upon arrival, your guide will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to explore the city at your own pace.

Overnight in Kashgar.

Meals: B/L

After breakfast, meet your guide at 8:00 am – 8:30 am to start your full-day exploration of Kashgar, a legendary Silk Road city filled with history and culture. In the morning, you’ll visit:

1. Id Kah Mosque: The largest mosque in China, Id Kah Mosque is an important spiritual and cultural center for Uyghur Muslims. Built in 1442, it features beautiful Islamic architecture, spacious courtyards, and a peaceful atmosphere. Every Friday, thousands of worshippers gather here for prayer, making it a significant religious site.
2. Kashgar Old Town: Kashgar’s Old Town has been a vibrant trade center for centuries, where merchants from all over Central Asia once gathered to exchange goods. Enjoy the authentic charm of this well-preserved ancient town.

After sightseeing, you’ll enjoy a delicious Uyghur-style lunch at a local restaurant. Then continue your Kashgar city tour in the afternoon:

1. Kashgar Handicraft Street: Explore Kashgar’s famous Handicraft Street, where skilled artisans create and sell handmade items like Uyghur musical instruments, wood carvings, pottery, and traditional embroidered hats.
2. Sunday Bazaar: One of the largest and most famous markets in Central Asia, the Sunday Bazaar (also called the Grand Bazaar) is a sensory overload of colorful fabrics, exotic spices, dried fruits, carpets, and livestock.

After the tour, return to your hotel for a good rest or explore Kashgar at your own pace.

Overnight in Kashgar.

Meals: B/L

After breakfast, meet your guide at 8:00 am – 8:30 am, then begin your scenic drive along the Karakoram Highway toward Taxkorgan, a stunning highland region near the Pakistan border. The drive takes around 5 hours, passing through breathtaking landscapes. On the way, you’ll visit:

1. Opal village: A small Uyghur settlement that serves as the gateway to the Karakoram Highway. It’s a great place to take a short break and experience the local culture.
2. Karakul Lake: Located at an altitude of 3,600 meters (11,800 feet), it is a breathtaking glacial lake surrounded by snow-capped mountains. You can take some time to walk along the shore and admire the nomadic Kyrgyz yurts and grazing yaks.
3. Tajik Nationality Culture: Upon reaching Taxkorgan, visit a Tajik village to learn about the unique culture, traditional clothing, and lifestyle of the Tajik people, one of China’s smallest ethnic groups.

Arrive in Taxkorgan in the late afternoon and check into your hotel. Enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure, surrounded by the stunning landscapes of the Pamirs Plateau.

Overnight in Taxkorgan.

Meals: B

After breakfast, meet your guide at the hotel and begin your return journey to Kashgar. Before driving back to Kashgar, you’ll visit the Stone Fortress.

1. Stone Fortress: A 2,000-year-old stone fortress that once guarded the Silk Road trade routes. The ruins of this ancient citadel sit atop a hill, offering panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and mountains.

After the tour, drive back to Kashgar airport for the flight to Beijing (around 5 hours).

Welcome to Beijing, the capital city of China with 3 millennia of history. Its rich culture, bustling streets, and delicious cuisine make it one of the most popular tourist cities in China.

Upon your arrival in Beijing, your private local tour guide will welcome you at the airport or train station and then escort you to your hotel in Beijing.

Overnight in Beijing.

Meals: B/L

After breakfast, your tour guide will meet you at 8:00 am – 8:30 am to start the day of the Beijing city tour. In the morning, you will visit:

1. Tiananmen Square: One of the largest public squares in the world. It is a historic and cultural landmark in the heart of Beijing. Surrounded by the Forbidden City and the Great Hall of the People, it is a must-visit destination to experience China’s rich history and political significance.
2. Forbidden City: The highlight of the day. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Forbidden City is a grand imperial palace that served as the home of Chinese emperors for nearly 500 years. It’s the most famous palace in all of Chinese history. With its stunning architecture and vast courtyards, it offers a glimpse into China’s royal history and culture.

After enjoying an authentic Beijing roast duck lunch in a time-honored brand restaurant, you are going on a tour in the afternoon.

1. Temple of Heaven: a masterpiece of Ming dynasty architecture, is a sacred site where emperors once held ceremonies to pray for good harvests.
2. Kung Fu Show: an exciting performance that combines martial arts, acrobatics, and storytelling. It showcases the strength, skill, and beauty of traditional Chinese Kung Fu in a dramatic stage production.

You will finish the trip after the show ends. Then, you will be escorted to the hotel for a good rest. 

Overnight in Beijing.

Meals: B/L

After breakfast, your tour guide will meet you at the hotel around 8:00 am – 8:30 am. The day begins with climbing the Mutianyu Great Wall. It’s a highlight of your 4-day Beijing tour. You’ll visit:

1. Mutianyu Great Wall: It is a well-preserved section of the Great Wall of China, known for its stunning scenery and fewer crowds. It offers an easy way to explore ancient history with cable cars and scenic hiking trails.

Lunch will be served in Beijing downtown. When you drive back, you could stop at the Bird’s Nest to take a photo. After a short rest, you’ll continue on your half-day tour of the cultural Hutong.

1. Hutong Tour by Rickshaw: It is a great way to explore Beijing’s traditional alleyways and old courtyard homes. It offers a close look at local life, history, and culture in a fun and relaxing ride.
2. Hutong Family Visit: Visit a local family living in Hutong lets you experience traditional Beijing Hutong life. You could learn about their daily routines, history, and culture up close.

After the tour, your tour guide will escort you to the hotel, and the rest of the time is yours.

Overnight in Beijing.

Meals: B

After breakfast, enjoy your free time until you’re transferred to the Beijing airport/train station for the flight to your next destination.

Tour service ends here.

Hope you enjoyed a great trip with us and we look forward to seeing you next time.

Note: If you’re planning to explore the Indochina region, like Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar, please never hesitate to tell us, we’re tour experts for all of these destinations.