Experience China's Former Silk Road: From Xi'an to Kashgar – 15 Days

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

Welcome to Xi'an, the starting point of the ancient Silk Road and the capital of several of China's most significant dynasties. 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 might 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), 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. 

Day 2: Full-Day Tour of Xi'an, Cooking Class With a Local Family

Start your day 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. Continue to the city's Muslim Quarter, which dates back to the Tang Dynasty when Xi'an attracted plenty of 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. Don't fill up too much, though, as your final stop is a local family's house to learn how to make traditional dishes. Head to the market first to pick up fresh ingredients, then try your hand at making different noodle or stir-fry dishes. When everything is ready, sit down to enjoy it together before returning to your hotel.

Day 3: Half-Day Historic City Tour, Fly to Lanzhou

Set off on one last tour of Xi'an's landmarks, 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 in chronological order so you can trace the development of Chinese civilization from prehistoric times through the various dynasties that made Xi'an their capital. 

Continue to the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, nestled 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 to catch a 1.5-hour flight to Lanzhou, the capital of China's northwest Gansu province. Meet your driver outside the airport and transfer to your hotel to settle in for the night. 

Day 4: Stroll in Baitashan Park, Explore Bingling Temple

First thing in the morning, you'll head to Baitashan Park, perched on Baita Mountain, for a leisurely stroll. Watch the locals go about their day-to-day lives as you walk past tranquil pavilions and vibrant flower beds. Climb to the top of the mountain to discover the colorful pagoda and enjoy panoramic views of Lanzhou and the Yellow River below. Then, leave the city behind as you transfer 1.5 hours to the Liujiaxia Reservoir, where you can board a speedboat to Bingling Temple, a collection of rock-cut Buddhist grottoes carved into the cliffs during the Western Qin Dynasty. 

Disembark and follow your guide through the complex featuring 183 caves adorned with Buddhist sculptures, murals, and inscriptions. Discover highlights like Cave 169, the largest and earliest cave in the complex, and Cave 171, where you'll find a colossal statue of Maitreya Buddha, standing around 89 feet (27 m) tall. If you're interested in art, don't miss Cave 118, renowned for its detailed frescoes. Admire the paintings depicting religious and artistic themes of the period before transferring back to your hotel in Lanzhou.

Day 5: Fly to Zhangye, Explore Zhangye National Geopark

Say goodbye to Lanzhou this morning as you head to the airport to catch a one-hour flight to the city of Zhangye, known for its blend of natural wonders and rich history. Meet your driver outside the airport and transfer to your hotel to check in and get ready for a walk through Zhangye National Geopark to discover its famous rainbow mountains. As you explore the park, you'll be treated to a panorama of swirling reds, yellows, and greens sculpted into dramatic ridges, valleys, and pillars over millions of years of erosion.

Stop at the different observation decks to admire the park from every angle before returning to the city for dinner. Head to the Ganzhou Night Market to indulge in local delights like Zhangye-style hand-pulled noodles served with flavorful broth and vegetables. End the night with a sweet treat like jian dui (sesame balls typically filled with red bean paste) or tanghulu (candied fruit skewers). 

Day 6: Discover Dafo Temple, Train to Jiayuguan, Explore Ancient Tombs

Spend your last few hours in Zhangye exploring Dafo Temple, also known as the "Giant Buddha Temple," as it houses one of the largest reclining Buddha statues in China. Step inside to see the impressive 113-foot-long (34 m) statue adorned with intricate carvings and detailed ornamentation. Then, discover the rest of the temple's halls and pavilions, housing elaborate sculptures, ancient murals, and calligraphic inscriptions dating back to the Tang Dynasty. Transfer to the station next for a 1.5-hour train ride to the city of Jiayuguan, nestled at the western end of the Great Wall of China.

When you arrive, meet your driver outside and transfer to the hotel to check in. Then, hit the ground running with a tour of the Wei and Jin Dynasty Tombs 30 minutes outside of the city. 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, housing 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. 

Day 7: Witness Hexi Corridor's Impressive Sights, Train to Dunhuang

Today you'll explore 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. 

End 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 get a look at the contrast between the ancient stonework and expansive natural landscape. After the trek, relax on a five-hour land transfer 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 8: Visit the UNESCO-listed Mogao Caves & Dunhuang Museum

Leave the city behind for the day as you 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 an array of local and regional delicacies, like crispy dumplings, braised lamb shanks, or Dunhuang-style beef noodles.

Day 9: Visit the Dunhuang Research Academy, Camel Ride in the Gobi Desert

Learn more about the Mogao Caves you visited yesterday at the Dunhuang Research Academy, the research and conservation body of many cave networks in Gansu. 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 the 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 sands. Make your way to the Crescent Moon Spring, an oasis nestled 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 10: Explore Yulin Caves, Transfer to Turpan

Discover more of the Hexi Corridor today 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 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 in Guazhou 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 as the landscape changes from golden sand dunes and historical ruins to fertile oasis landscapes and the dramatic Flaming Mountains. Upon arrival, meet your driver outside the station and transfer to your hotel. 

Day 11: Guided Tour of Gaochang & the Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves

Immerse yourself in Turpan's rich history and culture on today's tour, starting at 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 12: Ancient Ruins Tour, Transfer to Urumqi, Fly to Kashgar

Before you leave Turpan behind, 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 Urumqi Diwopu International Airport 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 13: Visit the Id Kah Mosque, Afaq Khoja Mausoleum & Sunday Bazaar

Join your guide on a tour of Kashgar, starting at Id Kah Mosque, the largest mosque in the country. Step through the grand entrance adorned with intricate tilework and discover the mosque's expansive courtyard and spacious prayer hall decorated with 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 stepping inside to learn more about the legacy of Afaq Kohja.

End the tour at the bustling 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. There's plenty of delicious street food here as well, so you can indulge in local delights like lamb kebabs, mantu (steamed dumplings), or lagman (hand-pulled noodles served in a savory broth with meat and vegetables). 

Day 14: Self-Guided Exploration of Kashgar, Visit a Local Uyghur Family

Your penultimate day in China is yours to spend as you wish. You could head to Kashgar Old Town to navigate the winding streets lined with traditional Uyghur architecture, characterized by mud-brick houses, ornate wooden balconies, and bustling courtyards. As you walk, you'll pass centuries-old mosques, ancient caravanserais (roadside inns), and workshops where artisans create handmade goods like carpets, wood shavings, and ceramics. 

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. Spend two hours learning about their daily life, customs, values, and history in relation to the Silk Road before returning to your hotel or grabbing dinner.

Day 15: Depart Kashgar

After visiting seven ancient Silk Road cities over the last 15 days, your journey is drawing to a close. If you have time before your flight, you could explore more of Kashgar on your own. Head to the Kashgar Museum to learn more about the area's history. Peruse the impressive collection of artifacts, including Silk Road relics, traditional Uyghur crafts, and archaeological finds from the ruins of old Kashgar. Just keep an eye on the clock, so you can return to the hotel, meet your driver, and transfer to the airport in time for your flight home. Safe travels!