China Silk Road Tours are designed for travellers drawn to a different side of China. Here, the landscape has been shaped by ancient trade routes, centuries of cultural exchange, and some of the country’s most dramatic scenery. These itineraries follow the historic caravan corridors from Xi’an westwards to the edge of Central Asia, passing through desert cities, mountain passes, and oasis towns that once channelled the movement of silk, ideas, and faith across the continent.
This category includes many of the route’s most significant stops: the Terracotta Army outside Xi’an, the sandstone formations of Zhangye Danxia, and Jiayuguan — once the western limit of the Great Wall. From there, the route continues through Dunhuang and Turpan to the Silk Road’s westernmost city in China. Set at the edge of the country and on the threshold of Central Asia, Kashgar has long marked the point where China gives way to the overland routes beyond. To combine this route with Shanghai and Beijing, see our China Golden Triangle Tours.
7-day Silk Road Tour in Western China
Explore the highlights of Western China on a 7-day Silk Road tour through Dunhuang, Turpan, Urumqi and Kashgar. Discover ancient sites, desert landscapes, and vibrant local culture along one of history’s most important trade routes.
Dunhuang Mogao Caves Singing Sand Dunes Turpan Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves Flaming Mountains Tuyuk Village Urumqi Hongshan Park Kashgar
Details7 Days | Private | All year round from US$ 1,950 per person
The Silk Road across China stretches for thousands of kilometres, linking regions that differ sharply in landscape, history, and cultural character. Along this route travelled caravans and monks, merchants and missionaries. It also carried languages, religions, and technologies that left lasting marks on the places through which it passed. China Silk Road tours cover different sections of this vast route, and each has its own pace and emphasis.
Shaanxi Province marks the starting point. Xi’an anchors this section, with the Terracotta Army, the Muslim Quarter, and the Great Mosque all within easy reach.
Gansu Province forms the central corridor of the route. Key sites here include the Zhangye Danxia Rainbow Mountains, the Jiayuguan fortress, and the Mogao Caves outside Dunhuang.
Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region covers the western section. This stretch includes the oasis city of Turpan and the regional capital, Urumqi. The route ends at Kashgar, where the Chinese Silk Road meets the overland routes into Central Asia.
