Experience China's Former Silk Road: Xi'an to Kashgar - 12 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Xi'an, Explore at Leisure

Welcome to Xi'an, one of China's oldest cities and the starting point of the Silk Road. Meet your driver outside the hotel and transfer to your hotel to check in and freshen up. Then, venture out to explore the area on your own. A good place to start is the 14th-century Drum Tower, where you can find a fascinating collection of drums, including replicas you can try playing. If you time your visit right, you can also witness a performance featuring a collection of ancient chime bells called bianzhong and percussion instruments.

Then, climb or take an elevator to the top of the ancient city walls built during the Ming Dynasty. Stretching over 8 miles (13 km), the wall is wide enough to comfortably walk or rent a bicycle to explore its expanse and enjoy panoramic views of the old city, mingling with the modern skyline. Once you've worked up an appetite, make your way to Yongxing Fang, a bustling avenue known for its historic architecture and diverse array of traditional Shaanxi cuisine. Indulge in local delights like biangbiang noodles or roujiamo (Chinese burgers) before returning to the hotel to fight off jet lag. 

Day 2: Visit Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum 

Join your guide on a full-day tour of Xi'an, starting at Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum, home to the famous Terracotta Army. Step inside to see the vast collection of life-sized clay soldiers and horses that were buried to guard the emperor in the afterlife. Wander through the excavation pits to understand the sheer scale and intricate craftsmanship of the terracotta figures, each with distinct facial features and expressions. Don't miss the on-site museum that showcases the emperor's life and the construction of his mausoleum.

In the afternoon, head to the city's Muslim Quarter, which dates back to the Tang Dynasty, when Xi'an attracted many Muslim merchants from the Middle East and Central Asia. Stroll through the bustling quarter, lined with traditional shops, vibrant market stalls, and historic mosques. Stop to try authentic dishes, like a lamb kebab on freshly baked flatbread, amid the blend of Chinese and Islamic architecture.

Day 3: Half-Day City Tour, Fly to Jiayuguan

Spend your last few hours in Xi'an on a half-day tour, starting at the Shaanxi History Museum to learn more about the province's rich history and culture. Peruse the extensive collection of over 370,000 artifacts, including ancient bronze ware, Ming Dynasty porcelain, Tang Dynasty murals, and imperial treasures. The exhibits are arranged chronologically so you can trace the development of Chinse civilization from prehistoric times through the various dynasties that made Xi'an their capital. 

Continue to the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, set within the Da Ci'en Temple complex. This seven-story pagoda was built in the seventh century to house Buddhist scriptures brought from India by the monk Xuanzang. Climb to the top for panoramic views of Xi'an's urban landscape and surrounding countryside. Then, transfer to the airport for a 2.5-hour flight to the city of Jiayuguan, where the Great Wall of China meets the vast expanse of the Gobi Desert. Meet your driver outside the airport and transfer to your hotel to settle in for the night. 

Day 4: Witness Hexi Corridor's Impressive Sights

Set off on a full-day tour of the Hexi Corridor, a narrow strip of land that served as a vital link between China and Central Asia along the ancient Silk Road. Head to Jiayu Pass at the western end of the Great Wall, a crucial defensive stronghold during the Ming Dynasty, and the entrance to the corridor. Discover the ancient fortification's towering walls, sturdy watchtowers, and grand main gate, then climb to the top of the outer fort for panoramic views of the arid landscape and nearby mountains. Continue to the Great Wall Museum to learn more about its history, construction, and cultural significance. 

Next, head to the Frustum of Taolai River, the first fire tower built along the Great Wall designed to relay messages and signal approaching threats using smoke signals. Climb to the top of the tower and look out at the surrounding desert and stronghold you just left before ending the tour at the Overhanging Great Wall, named after its dramatic positioning along a cliff edge. Navigate the steep path to the top of the wall, where you can appreciate the contrast between the ancient stonework and the expansive natural landscape.

Day 5: Visit Ancient Wei & Jin Dynasty Tombs, Transfer to Dunhuang

In the endless desert surrounding Jiayuguan, a group of over 1,400 tombs dating back to the Wei and Jin Dynasty await your visit. These tombs are from the third to fifth centuries CE and are renowned for their well-preserved murals and intricate decorations. As you explore the site, you'll encounter a series of burial chambers adorned with vivid frescoes depicting scenes of daily life, mythology, and historical events. Don't miss the on-site museum, which houses relics and paintings excavated from the tombs.

If you're feeling brave, head underground to discover Tomb 6, the final burial place of a Western Jin Dynasty bureaucrat. After exploring the tomb complex, transfer five hours to Dunhuang, situated at the edge of the Gobi Desert. Try to snag a window seat on the transfer, as you'll pass through expansive sand dunes, rugged mountains, and the occasional oasis. When you arrive, head to the hotel to check in and relax for the night.

Day 6: Visit the UNESCO-listed Mogao Caves & Dunhuang Museum

After breakfast, transfer 30 minutes to the Mogao Caves carved into the cliffs of Mingsha Shan (Echoing Sand Mountain). When you arrive at the fourth-century caves, you'll watch a 40-minute film introducing their history. Then, follow your guide through the UNESCO-listed complex with over 700 caves adorned with Buddhist frescoes, statues, and religious artifacts. Don't miss Cave 96, where a 108-foot-tall (33 m) Buddha statue sits, and Cave 257, featuring a mural depicting the legend of the Nine-Colored Deer. 

After exploring the caves, return to the city to visit the Dunhuang Museum, where you can learn more about the area's history, archaeology, and role in facilitating trade along the Silk Road. Peruse the exhibits featuring ancient manuscripts, sculptures, and textiles, many of which came from the caves you just explored. The evening is free for you to spend as you wish, so you could head to the Shazhou Night Market to grab dinner. Choose from various local and regional delicacies, like crispy dumplings, braised lamb shanks, or Dunhuang-style beef noodles.

Day 7: Visit the Dunhuang Research Academy, Camel Ride in the Gobi Desert

Start your day with an educational visit to the Dunhuang Research Academy, the research and conservation body of many cave networks in the Gansu province, including the Mogao Caves you visited yesterday. Go on a guided tour of the academy to gain insight into the ongoing efforts to protect and restore the area's ancient caves. Then, listen to stories about Mogao Caves' murals and sculptures before immersing yourself in the lesson by creating your own mural. Using traditional techniques and methods, you'll create an original artwork you can take home to commemorate your trip. 

After the workshop, enjoy an organic vegetarian lunch, then head into the Singing Sand Dunes, named after the melodious sound they make when the wind blows. When you arrive, switch to a camel to traverse the shifting sand dunes. Make your way to the Crescent Moon Spring, an oasis amid the dunes. Wander around the crescent-shaped pool of crystal-clear water that was once a vital water source along the Silk Road. Then, partake in heart-pumping activities like sand sliding or paragliding from the top of the dunes before returning to the city.

Day 8: Explore the Yulin Caves, Transfer to Turpan

Dive deeper into the Hexi Corridor this morning as you transfer two hours to Yulin Caves, a Buddhist grotto complex carved into the cliffs of the Loess Plateau. Step inside to discover the intricate sculptures and wall paintings depicting Buddhist deities, scenes from Buddha's life, and intricate patterns reflecting the artistic style of the time. Don't miss only the well-preserved Tang Dynasty grotto, Cave 25, where you can see delicate murals explaining the teachings and thoughts of Buddhist sutras (scriptures).

After exploring the complex, transfer to Liuyuan Station to catch a 3.5-hour train to Turpan, an ancient oasis city in the autonomous region of Xinjiang. Throughout the journey, you can see more of the Hexi Corridor as you pass through a blend of desert vistas and rugged mountain scenery. As you get closer to Turpan, watch the landscape change from golden sand dunes and historical ruins to fertile oasis landscapes and dramatic Flaming Mountains. Upon arrival, meet your driver outside the station and transfer to your hotel. 

Day 9: Guided Tour of Gaochang & the Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves

Learn about Turpan's rich history and culture today as you head to Gaochang, an ancient Silk Road city. The city was originally founded in the first century BCE and abandoned in the 14th century, so all that remains are the remnants of city walls, temples, and residential areas. You'll also find various tomb complexes and ancient burial sites surrounding the city, providing insights into the burial practices and social structure of the time. Continue to the Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves, a complex of 83 caves dating back to the fifth to 14th centuries.

Wander through the complex to see the sculptures of Buddhist deities and intricate murals showcasing the artistic and cultural exchanges that took place along the Silk Road with influences from Indian, Persian, and Chinese traditions. After exploring the 57 caves that remain today, continue to the Flaming Mountains to see where the movie "Journey to the West" was filmed and admire the fiery peaks. End the tour in Tuyoq, an ancient oasis village in the Taklamakan Desert, where you can learn about the Uyghur way of life and try the fresh, seedless grapes grown here.

Day 10: Ancient Ruins Tour, Transfer to Urumqi, Fly to Kashgar

Before you leave Turpan, visit a few more of the city's ancient sites, starting at the Emin Minaret, the tallest minaret in China at 144 feet (44 m). Look up at the elegant structure featuring intricate geometric patterns and delicate brickwork, then admire more ancient architecture as you learn about the Karez Irrigation System. This underground network, built over 2,000 years ago, channels water from the distant Tian Shan Mountains to the desert plains, transforming them into fertile land. As you explore the system, marvel at the complexity and efficiency of these subterranean tunnels and vertical wells.

Your last stop is Jiaohe, a once-thriving city along the Silk Road just 30 minutes outside of Turpan. Wander through the sprawling site to see the well-preserved streets, residential quarters, and religious buildings built in a blend of Han Chinese and Central Asian architectural styles. After exploring the ruins, transfer three hours to the airport in Ürümqi to catch a two-hour flight to the city of Kashgar, situated at the crossroads of ancient trade routes. When you arrive, meet your driver outside the airport and transfer to your hotel.

Day 11: Kashgar City Tour, Visit a Local Uyghur Family

Your penultimate day in China takes you on a city tour of Kashgar, starting at Id Kah Mosque, the largest mosque in the country. Step through the grand entrance adorned with intricate tile work and discover the mosque's expansive courtyard and spacious prayer hall decorated with elaborate wood carvings and Islamic calligraphy. Continue to the Afaq Khoja Mausoleum, built in 1640 for the revered Sufi saint and spiritual leader. Admire the mausoleum's blue tilework, elegant dome, and vibrant mosaics before continuing to the Sunday Bazaar, which is open all week but busiest on Sundays. 

Wander through the maze of stalls selling everything from fresh produce and fragrant spices to intricate textiles and handcrafted jewelry. Then, meet a local Uyghur family to learn about their culture and lifestyle. The Uyghurs are a Turkic ethnic group indigenous to the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region with deep-rooted Islamic traditions and connections to Central Asia. Learn about their daily lives, customs, values, and history in relation to the Silk Road before returning to your hotel. 

Day 12: Depart Kashgar

After spending 12 days exploring some of China's ancient cities along the Silk Road, your journey ends today. If you have time before your flight, head to Kashgar Old Town and navigate the winding streets lined with traditional Uyghur architecture, characterized by its mud-brick walls, ornate wooden balconies, and bustling courtyards. As you walk, you'll pass centuries-old mosques, ancient caravanserais (roadside inns), and artisan workshops. When it's time, return to your hotel to grab your bags, meet your driver, and transfer to the airport for your flight home. Safe travels!