The 9-day Legendary Silk Road Tour follows one of the historic routes that once connected China with Central Asia and the lands further west. Among China tours focused on the country's Silk Road heritage, this journey traces a particularly fascinating stretch from Xi'an to Dunhuang. From Xi'an through the Hexi Corridor to Dunhuang, you'll travel in the same direction as the merchants, pilgrims, and caravans that kept this road alive for centuries.
Xi'an opens with the Terracotta Army and the Ancient City Wall before the route heads west to Zhangye and its vividly coloured Rainbow Mountains. From there, the Hexi Corridor leads to Jiayuguan Fortress – once the last outpost on the western frontier of Ming China, and still one of the most evocative spots on the entire journey.
Dunhuang is the undisputed highlight. The UNESCO-listed Mogao Caves hold centuries of Buddhist art that speak directly to the cultural exchange this road once made possible. Beyond the caves, the Singing Sand Dunes and Crescent Moon Spring draw you out into the desert itself – a camel ride here is less tourist activity than it sounds.
The 9-day Legendary Silk Road Tour combines archaeology, Buddhist heritage, historic fortresses and desert scenery while following a route deeply connected with the real history of the Silk Road.

Tour itinerary:

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Day 1: Xi'an - arrival

Arrive in Xi'an, where you will be met by our driver and transferred to the hotel. Check into the hotel at 14:00 and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Depending on your arrival time, you may take an independent walk through the lively Muslim Quarter, known for its traditional food stalls, local markets and rich cultural heritage.
Overnight at the hotel.

Day 2: Xi'an

Meet your guide in the morning and drive to the Terracotta Army Museum (about 40 km, 1 hour), home to one of the world's greatest archaeological discoveries. Thousands of life-sized clay warriors and horses were created more than 2,000 years ago to guard the tomb of China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang.
After the visit, stop at a local pottery workshop to learn about traditional techniques and see how terracotta figures are made.
Return to Xi'an and visit the Ancient City Wall, one of the best-preserved city walls in China. Explore the wall on foot or by bicycle and enjoy views over the historic centre of the city.
In the evening, attend the Tang Dynasty Show, featuring traditional music, dance and costumes inspired by one of the most prosperous periods in Chinese history. A dumpling dinner can be arranged as an optional addition.
Overnight at the hotel.
Duration of the sightseeing tour: 7-8 hours

Day 3: Xi'an – Zhangye

In the morning, transfer to the railway station and take a high-speed train to Zhangye (1,300 km, 6.5-7.5 h).
Upon arrival, meet your driver and transfer to the hotel. Check in and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight at the hotel.

Day 4: Zhangye

Begin the day with a visit to Zhangye Danxia National Geopark (30 km, 45 min), famous for the extraordinary multi-coloured rock formations known as the Rainbow Mountains. Explore several viewing platforms offering different perspectives over the layered sandstone landscape.
Later, return to Zhangye and visit the Giant Buddha Temple, home to one of the largest reclining Buddha statues in China and an important historic Buddhist site along the ancient Silk Road.
Overnight at the hotel.
Duration of the sightseeing tour: 6-7 hours

Day 5: Zhangye – Jiayuguan – Dunhuang

Set off west through the landscapes of the Hexi Corridor, an important section of the ancient Silk Road connecting central China with the regions further west.
Stop in Jiayuguan (220 km, 3 h) to visit Jiayuguan Fortress, the westernmost major fortress of the Ming Great Wall and once a strategic gateway for travellers and caravans passing along the Silk Road.
After the visit, continue to Dunhuang (380 km, 4.5-5 h). Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel.
Overnight at the hotel.
Duration of the sightseeing tour: 2-3 hours

Day 6: Dunhuang

Start your sightseeing in Dunhuang with a visit to the world-famous Mogao Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important collections of Buddhist art in China. Carved into the cliffs near Dunhuang, the caves preserve centuries of murals, sculptures and religious art reflecting the cultural exchanges that took place along the Silk Road.
Later, visit the Dunhuang Museum to learn more about the history of the city and its role as an important Silk Road trading center.
Overnight at the hotel.
Duration of the sightseeing tour: 5-6 hours

Day 7: Dunhuang

Spend the day exploring the Mingsha (Singing Sand) Dunes, where sweeping desert landscapes surround one of Dunhuang's most recognizable sights.
Take a camel ride across the dunes to Crescent Moon Spring, a small oasis that has survived among the sands for centuries. Spend time exploring the area before staying to watch the sunset over the desert.
Return to the hotel.
Overnight at the hotel.
Duration of the sightseeing tour: 5-6 hours

Day 8: Dunhuang – Xi'an

Check out from the hotel and transfer to the airport for your domestic flight to Xi'an (1,400 km, 2.5 h).
Upon arrival, meet your driver and transfer to the hotel. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.
Overnight at the hotel.

Day 9: Xi'an – departure

Check out from the hotel and transfer to the airport for your departure flight. End of the Legendary Silk Road Tour.

Price includes:

All transfers: 1-2 pax by Sedan type car, 3-7 pax on minivan/van, 8-16 pax by 20 seat bus;
Accommodation based on double/twin room sharing, breakfasts included;
English-speaking local guide;
Entrance fees to sights as per itinerary;
2nd class train tickets Xian-Zhangye
Economy class tickets for the flight Dunhuang-Xian.