21-Day China Tour with Silk Road

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Your morning begins with a walk across Tian'anmen Square, the grand symbolic heart of modern China, before passing through the Meridian Gate to enter the awe-inspiring Forbidden City. As you wander through this vast complex of crimson walls and golden-tiled roofs, your private guide will unveil the court intrigues and imperial secrets hidden within its grand chambers and secluded courtyards. After savoring a classic crispy Beijing Roast Duck lunch at a handpicked local restaurant, escape the city center to explore the Summer Palace. This sprawling imperial retreat blends grand halls, elegant pavilions, and natural beauty into a living masterpiece of classical Chinese landscape design.

When visiting the Forbidden City, most standard crowds stick strictly to the central axis, but we highly recommend slipping away with your guide into the eastern and western wings; the Treasure Gallery (Hall of Mental Cultivation) offers an incredible, intimate look at the intricate jade, gold, and ceremonial clothing of the Qing Dynasty that many travelers completely miss. Stay overnight in Beijing.

Expert Tip:
When visiting the Forbidden City, most standard crowds stick strictly to the central axis, but we highly recommend slipping away with your guide into the eastern and western wings; the Treasure Gallery (Hall of Mental Cultivation) offers an incredible, intimate look at the intricate jade, gold, and ceremonial clothing of the Qing Dynasty that many travelers completely miss.

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Begin your morning at the Temple of Heaven, a magnificent imperial sacrificial complex where Ming and Qing emperors once prayed for abundant harvests. Today, the surrounding parklands transform into a lively hub of local culture, offering a fascinating glimpse into authentic Beijing life. Afterward, leave the urban bustle behind for a scenic 1.5-hour drive north to the Mutianyu Great Wall. This exceptionally well-preserved section winds majestically across rugged, forested ridges and features a variety of flexible exploration options—including a smooth round-trip cable car ride for an easy walk along the ramparts, or an exhilarating chairlift up paired with a thrilling toboggan slide down.

To capture the most energetic and authentic local atmosphere, arrive at the Temple of Heaven before 8:30 AM, when local elders gather near the Long Corridor to practice vibrant fan dancing, water calligraphy, and competitive shuttlecock matches; it is a captivating, non-touristy cultural spectacle that provides a wonderful prelude to your walk along the Great Wall later that afternoon. Stay overnight in Beijing.

Expert Tip:
To capture the most energetic and authentic local atmosphere, arrive at the Temple of Heaven before 8:30 AM, when local elders gather near the Long Corridor to practice vibrant fan dancing, water calligraphy, and competitive shuttlecock matches; it is a captivating, non-touristy cultural spectacle that provides a wonderful prelude to your walk along the Great Wall later that afternoon.

Meals: Breakfast

Board a sleek high-speed train this morning for a smooth, scenic ride from Beijing to the ancient capital of Xi'an. Upon arrival, check into your hotel before heading to the vibrant Muslim Quarter for an immersive culinary journey. Wander through the aromatic alleys to sample iconic local street food—ranging from crowd favorites like crispy Roujiamo (Chinese hamburger) and Yangrou Paomo (shredded flatbread in lamb broth) to adventurous local specialties like stewed lamb trotters and lamb offal soup. Tucked quietly behind the bustling food stalls, you will discover the Great Mosque of Xi'an, a tranquil sanctuary featuring a fascinating and rare blend of traditional Chinese courtyard architecture and Islamic ceremonial design.

While the main streets of the Muslim Quarter are highly energetic and packed with vendors, we suggest slipping into the quieter parallel alleyways like Dajuexiang with your guide; here, you can watch local families hand-pulling noodles and throwing sesame candies in century-old courtyards, offering a much more authentic, slow-paced look at the neighborhood's unique cultural tapestry before you enter the serene grounds of the Great Mosque. Stay overnight in Xi'an.

Expert Tip:
While the main streets of the Muslim Quarter are highly energetic and packed with vendors, we suggest slipping into the quieter parallel alleyways like Dajuexiang with your guide; here, you can watch local families hand-pulling noodles and throwing sesame candies in century-old courtyards, offering a much more authentic, slow-paced look at the neighborhood's unique cultural tapestry before you enter the serene grounds of the Great Mosque.

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Begin your day with a short tram ride into the world-renowned Terracotta Warriors Museum, a breathtaking archaeological wonder showcasing the formidable military might of Emperor Qin Shi Huang. Explore the three sprawling excavation pits where thousands of life-sized clay soldiers, horses, and chariots stand in eternal battle formation. Your private guide will share fascinating insights into their meticulous craftsmanship, ancient preservation techniques, and the vibrant pigments that once coated them. Afterward, delve deeper into history at the Conservation Laboratory, where you can view newly restored warriors up close, learn about the painstaking preservation process, and admire genuine Qin Dynasty artifacts.

In the afternoon, ascend the massive Xi'an City Wall, one of the oldest and best-preserved medieval fortifications in China. Take in the contrasting views of the ancient town and the modern skyline from the ramparts, where you can enjoy a leisurely walk or rent a bicycle for a scenic ride along the wide, historic paths.

Expert Tip:
When visiting the Terracotta Warriors Museum, Pit 1 is the largest and most famous, but Pit 2 and Pit 3 offer the closest views of individual details like unique hairstyles and facial expressions. We highly recommend dedicating extra time to the Conservation Laboratory to see archaeologists actively restoring artifacts through the glass windows, a rare behind-the-scenes experience most standard tour groups skip entirely. Stay overnight in Xi'an.

Meals: Breakfast

After enjoying breakfast at your hotel, pack your luggage and meet your private driver for a comfortable transfer to the airport. Board your direct flight from Xi'an to Zhangye, transitioning from the ancient imperial capital to the dramatic gateway of the Hexi Corridor. Upon landing in Zhangye, your local private guide and driver will welcome you at the arrivals hall and transfer you directly to your hotel, leaving the rest of the day at your leisure to rest and adjust to the new region.

Expert Tip:
Direct flights between Xi'an and Zhangye can occasionally experience seasonal schedule adjustments. If the flight timings change, taking a morning high-speed train is a phenomenal alternative; the 7-hour rail journey cuts directly through the heart of the majestic Qilian Mountains, offering spectacular, panoramic window views of high-altitude alpine meadows and snow-capped peaks that you would completely miss from the air. Stay overnight in Zhangye.

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Spend your morning exploring the world-famous The Rainbow Mountains (Zhangye Danxia Geopark), a legendary key destination along the ancient Silk Road. Here, you will witness the "Seven-Color Danxia Landforms," an extraordinary landscape of barren, rolling hills painted in vibrant stripes of magenta, amber, and lemon yellow. Known among geologists as a masterpiece of "window lattice and palace-shaped" topography, this stark, vegetation-free desert terrain offers an absolute paradise for nature lovers and photographers alike. In the afternoon, return to the city center to immerse yourself in the region's spiritual history at the Great Buddha Temple, before concluding your sightseeing at the striking Wooden Tower, an architectural treasure dating back to the Sui Dynasty.

Expert Tip:
To capture the most dramatic photographs at The Rainbow Mountains, try to schedule your visit for a clear morning just after a rainy day, as the moisture deeply saturates the mineral layers and makes the colors appear incredibly intense; when you visit the Great Buddha Temple later, be sure to walk slowly around the massive 35-meter reclining Buddha to appreciate the intricate silk and clay details that have survived remarkably well since the Western Xia Dynasty. Stay overnight in Zhangye.

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Depart early this morning for a scenic drive further west along the Hexi Corridor, arriving at the historic outpost of Jiayuguan. Step back in time at the magnificent Jiayu Pass, a formidable Ming Dynasty military stronghold complete with an imposing gate tower and fortified inner structures. Stand atop the historic ramparts to take in the stark, sweeping vistas of the vast Gobi Desert juxtaposed against the snow-capped mountain peaks rising in the far distance. Following an authentic local lunch, transition from frontier history to modern heritage at the Zixuan Winery. Venture beneath the desert sands to tour an expansive underground wine cellar that spans an astonishing 13,700 square meters, making it the largest subterranean storage facility of its kind in Asia. Conclude your day with a drive through the desert terrain to the historic oasis town of Dunhuang.

Expert Tip:
When exploring the grand fortress at Jiayu Pass, make sure to look for the famous "Last Leftover Brick" resting on a ledge above the back gate tower; ancient legend states that the master architect calculated the exact number of bricks needed for construction down to a single unit, and this solitary brick remains a revered symbol of ancient mathematical precision. Stay overnight in Dunhuang.

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Begin your morning with a journey to the world-renowned Mogao Caves, a treasure trove of Buddhist art and a vital historical landmark along the Silk Road. Wander through the meticulously preserved desert caverns, where thousands of ancient murals, clay sculptures, and religious manuscripts offer an unparalleled window into China's spiritual and artistic heritage. Afterward, visit the Dunhuang Research Academy, where world-class conservationists study and protect these fragile treasures. Here, you will join a hands-on workshop, choosing an authentic ancient mural motif to paint onto your own traditional mud slab copy as a unique keepsake. In the late afternoon, head into the sweeping desert expanse to experience a traditional camel trek across the Singing Sand Dunes, watching the wind ripple over the crests of the dunes as the sun begins to dip below the horizon.

Expert Tip:
To preserve the ancient pigments, flash photography is strictly forbidden inside the Mogao Caves, and your guide will carry a special low-light flashlight to reveal the details. We highly recommend bringing a small pocket flashlight or wearing a headlamp yourself to better appreciate the incredible, intricate brushwork in the darker corners of the caves. For the late-afternoon desert excursion, be sure to rent a pair of high-top fluorescent shoe covers at the entrance of the Singing Sand Dunes; they keep the fine, powdery desert sand entirely out of your footwear during your camel ride and climb. Stay overnight in Dunhuang.

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Venture deep into the desert this morning to explore the haunting ruins of the Han Dynasty Great Wall and the remote outpost of Yumen Pass (Jade Gate Pass). Dating back over two thousand years to the Han Dynasty (206 BC – 220 AD), this ancient line of defense is the oldest surviving example of its kind in China. Stand among the wind-sculpted ruins and see firsthand how it contrasts sharply with the massive brick-and-stone Ming Dynasty structures near Beijing. In the late afternoon, transfer to the railway station to board a smooth bullet train, slicing through the vast desert landscapes toward the historic oasis basin of Turpan.

Expert Tip:
Unlike the majestic stone ramparts of Mutianyu, the Han Dynasty Great Wall was built in a hyper-arid desert environment using alternating layers of rammed earth, gravel, reeds, and desert tamarisk branches. Take a close look at the exposed cross-sections of the ruins to appreciate how ancient engineers utilized local desert flora to bind the structure together, allowing it to withstand the fierce Gobi winds for millennia before you depart for Turpan. Stay overnight in Turpan.

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Begin your discovery of this unique desert oasis by uncovering the ancient wisdom of the Karez Well System, an incredible subterranean irrigation network that has sustained life in the basin for centuries. Next, explore the fascinating Ancient City of Jiaohe, an extraordinary archaeological marvel where an entire bustling city was built over two millennia ago by excavating directly into the clay of a steep, river-carved island plateau. In the afternoon, venture out to Tuyugou Village, a remarkably preserved valley settlement widely regarded as the oldest Uyghur village, boasting a rich 1,700-year history. Along the scenic drive, you will marvel at the dramatic vistas of the Flaming Mountains, legendary for their intense summer heat, deeply furrowed ravines, and striking, fiery red sandstone hues.

Expert Tip:
When wandering the sun-bleached ruins of the Ancient City of Jiaohe, the desert sun can be exceptionally intense due to the basin's low elevation and reflective clay surfaces. We highly recommend wearing a wide-brimmed sun hat, applying a generous layer of high-SPF sunscreen before leaving your vehicle, and bringing a lightweight scarf or umbrella to shield yourself from the heat, as natural shade is virtually nonexistent across the historic plateau. Stay overnight in Turpan.

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Start your morning at the Turpan Museum, the second-largest museum in Xinjiang, which houses an extraordinary collection of artifacts detailing the rich economic, cultural, and artistic exchanges along the ancient Silk Road. Afterward, enjoy a scenic 3-hour drive through the expansive wind farms and dramatic mountain valleys to the regional capital of Urumqi. In the afternoon, immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and aromas of the historic Erdaoqiao Market (International Grand Bazaar). More than just a shopping destination, this bustling cultural landmark offers an authentic look into Uyghur traditions, where you can browse intricate handicrafts, see traditional musical instruments, and experience the lively atmosphere of a traditional Central Asian marketplace.

Expert Tip:
The absolute highlight of the Turpan Museum is its dedicated ancient mummy exhibition hall, where the region's hyper-arid climate has naturally and perfectly preserved textiles, clothing, and facial features dating back thousands of years. When you arrive at the Erdaoqiao Market in Urumqi later, bypass the standard souvenir rows and head straight for the spice and dried fruit sections to sample premium jade-colored Xinjiang raisins, lavender, and wild wolfberries, which are far fresher and more authentic than anything found in standard retail shops. Stay overnight in Urumqi.

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Rise early this morning for your domestic flight across the Taklamakan Desert to the legendary oasis city of Kashgar, the ultimate cultural crossroads of the ancient Silk Road. Upon arrival, begin your exploration at the iconic Id Kah Mosque, a grand yellow-tiled sanctuary that stands as one of the largest mosques in China. Step outside into the rhythmic clanging of the nearby Handicraft Street, where generations of artisans shape gleaming copper vessels, intricate metalwork, porcelain, and traditional Uyghur woodwork. Afterward, climb the wooden stairs of a century-old ancient teahouse to rest. Savor a pot of spiced saffron tea alongside local elders who gather here daily to converse, play traditional stringed instruments, and dance. Conclude your day wandering through the labyrinthine earthen lanes of Kashgar Old City, witnessing a vibrant, thriving culture that has remained unbroken for millennia.

Expert Tip:
The century-old ancient teahouse does not have formal performance schedules; the music and dancing happen organically when local elders feel inspired to play the rawap or dutar. Instead of sitting quietly at a corner table, we highly recommend ordering a plate of local rock candy (qand) and a pot of medicinal rose tea, then finding a spot on the communal raised wooden platforms where you can easily smile, greet the locals, and immerse yourself in the living oral history of the Silk Road. Stay overnight in Kashgar.

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Begin your morning by diving into the sensory overload of the renowned Kashgar Bazaar (Grand Bazaar), historically celebrated as one of the largest and most vibrant trading hubs in all of Asia. Wander through an endless maze of stalls overflowing with a diverse array of goods, from glittering rolls of silk and hand-woven carpets to aromatic mountains of dried fruits, local spices, leather goods, and traditional Central Asian souvenirs. In the afternoon, leave the oasis behind and ascend into the breathtaking Pamir Mountains along the Karakoram Highway. Your destination is the stunning glacial waters of Karakul Lake, a high-altitude marvel framed by snow-capped peaks. Along the way, you will pause to capture photographs at the ethereal Baisha Lake (White Sand Lake), where massive, wind-swept white sand dunes contrast brilliantly against the deep, dark hues of Karakul Lake.

Expert Tip:
The absolute best vantage point for photographing Baisha Lake is at the second official boardwalk lookout along the Karakoram Highway, where the reflection of the white sand dunes hitting the turquoise water is perfectly clear. Because you will be ascending to an altitude of over 3,600 meters (11,800 feet) at Karakul Lake, we highly recommend packing a windproof heavy jacket and a pair of sunglasses, as the mountain winds are remarkably piercing and the high-altitude sun reflecting off the glacial water can cause intense glare. Stay overnight in Kashgar.

Meals: Breakfast

Enjoy your final breakfast in Kashgar before packing your bags and meeting your driver for the transfer to the airport. Today is a dedicated travel day as you board a direct flight from Kashgar to Chengdu, transitioning from the arid oasis of the Silk Road to the lush, vibrant capital of Sichuan province. The flight takes approximately 4.5 hours, crossing over spectacular landscapes of western China. Upon landing in Chengdu, your new local guide and driver will welcome you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel, leaving the remainder of the day at your leisure to unwind, stretch your legs, or enjoy your first taste of world-famous Sichuan cuisine.

Expert Tip:
Because China operates entirely on a single time zone, Kashgar experiences an exceptionally late sunset, often past 10:00 PM. When you fly back east to Chengdu, you will notice the daylight hours instantly shift back to normal. To make the most of this long flight, we highly recommend securing a window seat on the left side of the aircraft; on a clear day, the flight path offers magnificent, sweeping aerial views of the snow-peaked Tian Shan mountain range as you leave Xinjiang behind. Stay overnight in Chengdu.

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Begin your morning with a journey to the Dujiangyan Panda Base, a premier conservation center nestled in a lush, tranquil forest valley well away from the urban bustle. Because it receives fewer tourist crowds than urban centers, you can enjoy a much quieter, more intimate encounter with the giant pandas. Stroll along the shaded wooden walkways to observe these beloved animals as they climb trees, play in their nurseries, and crunch on fresh bamboo groves. After a delightful lunch featuring authentic Sichuan dishes at a handpicked local restaurant, return to the city center to visit the historic People's Park. Grab a seat at a traditional bamboo chair, sip a cup of local jasmine tea, and fully immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere as local residents gather around you to sing, dance, and play competitive games of Chinese chess.

Expert Tip:
To see the pandas at their most active, you must arrive at the Dujiangyan Panda Base right when the gates open around 8:30 AM, as this coincides with their morning feeding time; by mid-day, they typically sleep for hours. While relaxing at the open-air teahouse in People's Park later, we highly recommend trying the unique services of a traditional Sichuan ear-cleaning artisan (Shanger); it is an incredibly relaxing, century-old cultural tradition utilizing specialized brass chimes and feathers that will truly make you feel like a local. Stay overnight in Chengdu.

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Bid farewell to Chengdu this morning as you board a direct flight to the otherworldly landscapes of Zhangjiajie. Upon arrival, your local private guide and driver will greet you and transfer you directly to the spectacular Tianmen Mountain. Begin your ascent by boarding the longest alpine cable car ride in the world, a breathtaking 30-minute journey that whisks you straight from the city center up to the misty mountain peaks. Once at the summit, face your fears on the famous Tianmen Mountain Glass Skywalk, a transparent walkway jutting out from a sheer vertical cliff face at an exhilarating 1,430 meters (4,690 feet) above the valley floor. Peer through the glass beneath your feet to admire hardy alpine trees, dramatic karst cliffs, and the dizzying 99 Bends road winding through the canyons far below.

Expert Tip:
The mountain weather in Zhangjiajie is famously unpredictable, and the peaks can become suddenly blanketed in heavy fog. If you arrive at the Tianmen Mountain Glass Skywalk and find the view completely obscured by mist, don't be discouraged; wait patiently for 10 to 15 minutes, as high-altitude winds frequently blow the clouds through the chasms, creating a breathtaking, mystical "floating mountain" effect that makes for an even more spectacular photograph than a perfectly clear day. Stay overnight in Zhangjiajie.

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Prepare to enter a realm of surreal natural beauty today as you explore the world-renowned Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your exploration will focus on the spectacular Yuanjiajie scenic area, the legendary inspiration behind the floating peaks in the movie Avatar. To reach the summit, you will ride the engineering marvel known as the Bailong Elevator. Standing as the tallest and fastest outdoor sightseeing elevator in the world, it dramatically whisks you up a sheer sandstone cliff face in just 88 seconds. Once at the top, wander along the cliffside paths to gaze in awe at the towering Avatar Hallelujah Mountain, a colossal columns of quartz-sandstone that juts dramatically out of the misty, forested chasms below.

Expert Tip:
Because Yuanjiajie and the Bailong Elevator are the absolute most famous highlights of the park, they experience heavy foot traffic, especially around mid-morning. We highly recommend coordinating with your guide to enter the park through the less-congested Zhongbuxi (Wulingyuan) Entrance right at opening time; heading directly up the elevator first thing in the morning allows you to photograph the pristine, misty valleys around the Hallelujah Mountain in quiet serenity before the large tour groups arrive. Stay overnight in Zhangjiajie.

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Spend your final morning in Zhangjiajie experiencing a thrilling feat of modern engineering at the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge. Suspended high above the lush chasm of the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon, this world-famous transparent walkway offers a heart-pounding perspective of the dizzying depths beneath your feet alongside spectacular, panoramic views of the surrounding karst landscapes. Afterward, descend into the mystical underworld of the Yellow Dragon Cavern. As one of China's largest and most magnificent karst caves, it features a mesmerizing network of vast subterranean chambers, quiet underground rivers, and thousands of brilliantly illuminated stalactites and stalagmites. In the evening, transfer to the airport for your flight to the glittering metropolis of Shanghai, where your private guide and driver will warmly welcome you at the arrivals hall and transfer you to your hotel.

Expert Tip:
The interior of the Yellow Dragon Cavern maintains a constant, cool temperature of around 16°C year-round and requires climbing hundreds of wet, sometimes slippery stone steps over a two-hour exploration. We highly recommend bringing a lightweight jacket or pullover to put on right before entering, and ensuring you wear sturdy, non-slip walking shoes to safely navigate the cavern's misty paths before you depart for Shanghai. Stay overnight in Shanghai.

Begin your exploration of Shanghai at Yu Garden, a magnificent classical Chinese garden dating back to the Ming Dynasty. Wander through its peaceful pavilions, serene koi ponds, and intricate rockeries that offer a perfect escape from the surrounding metropolis. Next, fast-forward to modern cultural curation at the Shanghai Museum East Campus, a cutting-edge facility designed to display ancient Chinese art, jade, and ceramics with world-class exhibition technologies. In the afternoon, embark on an In-Depth Bund Culture Discovery Tour along The Bund. Your guide will lead you inside the historic, colonial-era banks and trading houses that line the waterfront promenade, sharing stories of the city's meteoric financial rise. Take a relaxing break to sample traditional snacks at a local Michelin-starred restaurant before boarding a public ferry across the Huangpu River to Lujiazui. Conclude your day by ascending the soaring Shanghai Tower, standing as the tallest building in China, to catch a breathtaking bird's-eye view of the city lights stretching out to the horizon.

Professional Suggestion:
When visiting Yu Garden in the morning, make sure to seek out the Exquisite Jade Rock directly opposite the Yuhua Hall; it is a celebrated 5-foot-tall porous boulder where ancient scholars would marvel at how a single pitcher of water poured on top trickles simultaneously out of every single opening, or how burning incense at the bottom causes smoke to dramatically bellow out of all its holes. After your tour of The Bund later that afternoon, look out for the historic Dongjin Ferry Line to make your crossing to Lujiazui; it costs only a couple of yuan and offers an authentic, wide-open view of the contrasting skylines that feels much more historic and panoramic than taking the congested underground tourist tunnels. Stay overnight in Shanghai.

Meals: Breakfast

Enjoy your final breakfast in Shanghai before your private guide and driver meet you in the hotel lobby for your scheduled airport transfer. Travel in comfort via private vehicle to the airport for your departure flight home. Your guide will closely assist you with the airline check-in process and luggage handling, accompanying you as far as the security checkpoint before waving a fond goodbye and wishing you a safe and pleasant journey.

Professional Suggestion:
For international departures from Shanghai Pudong International Airport, we highly recommend arriving at the terminal at least three hours prior to your scheduled flight time to ensure a completely stress-free experience through customs and security. If you find yourself with extra time after passing through the security check, take the opportunity to browse the duty-free shops or pick up some traditional Shanghainese butterfly cookies or premium loose-leaf green tea as a final, authentic culinary souvenir of your incredible journey across China.