China Silk Road Itinerary: 7 Best Silk Road Itineraries in China

China Silk Road Itinerary Starting from Xian

Starting your China Silk Road Tours from Xi'an is a popular choice. Xi'an, as one of the oldest cities in China and the starting point of the Silk Road, offers a rich historical and cultural experience that sets the stage for a journey along this ancient trade route.

Xian Terracotta Warriors

Xian Ancient City Wall

Here's your 10 Days Silk Road Itinerary from Xian at a glance:

• Day 1-3 (Xi’an): From Xi'an, you can explore iconic Silk Road sites such as the Terracotta Warriors, the Bell Tower, the Muslim Quarter, the Ancient City Wall, and the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. These attractions provide a glimpse into Xi'an's historical significance as a hub of trade and cultural exchange during the Silk Road era.
• Day 4-5 (Dunhuang): After exploring Xi'an, you can continue your journey along the Silk Road, visiting key destinations such as Dunhuang with its mesmerizing Mingsha Shan (Echoing-Sand Mountain) and Crescent Moon Spring, as well as the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Mogao Caves.
• Day 6-10 (Xinjiang): Extend your Silk Road Tours to Xinjiang. You can explore Turpan with its ancient ruins and irrigation system, Urumqi with its picturesque Tianchi (Heavenly Lake), and Kashgar with its vibrant markets and historic old city.

Welcome to Mogao Caves

Panorama of Jiaohe Ancient City

Xi’an - Dunhuang - Xinjiang Day-by-Day Itinerary

Starting your Silk Road Tours from Xi'an allows you to immerse yourself in the history and culture of this ancient trade route, tracing the paths of traders, travelers, and explorers who journeyed between East and West centuries ago. It offers a fascinating insight into the diverse civilizations and exchanges that shaped the Silk Road over time.

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10 Days Classic China Silk Road Tour: Xian, Mogao Caves & Kashgar Old City

China Silk Road Itinerary Starting from Lanzhou

Lanzhou, the capital of Gansu Province in northwestern China, is another significant city along the historical Silk Road route. Starting your Silk Road journey from Lanzhou offers a different perspective and access to unique attractions along the ancient trade route.

View Lanzhou City & the Yellow River

Hike in Pingshan Lake Grand Canyon

Here's your 8 Days Silk Road Itinerary from Lanzhou at a glance:

• Day 1-2 (Lanzhou): Explore Lanzhou, visit Bingling Temple Caves and enjoy the picturesque Liujiaxia Reservoir. These caves near Lanzhou house ancient Buddhist sculptures and murals, offering a glimpse into the religious art along the Silk Road.
• Day 3-5 (Zhangye-Jiayuguan-Dunhuang): Head to Zhangye to witness the breathtaking beauty of the Danxia National Geological Park with its colorful rock formations. Visit the Giant Buddha Temple to see the impressive reclining Buddha statue. Continue your journey to Jiayuguan to explore the iconic Jiayuguan Pass, the western end of the Great Wall of China, and the Overhanging Great Wall. Finally, explore Dunhuang, known for the stunning Mogao Caves with their intricate Buddhist art and the dramatic landscapes of Mingsha Shan (Echoing-Sand Mountain) and Crescent Moon Spring.
• Day 6-8 (Xinjiang): Extend your Silk Road tour to Xinjiang. You can explore Turpan with its ancient ruins and irrigation system, and Urumqi with its picturesque Tianchi (Heavenly Lake).

Welcome to Jiayuguan Pass

Cave 45, Mogao Grottoes

Gansu to Xinjiang Day-by-Day Itinerary

Starting your Silk Road Tours from Lanzhou, visiting Zhangye, and Jiayuguan, and then continuing on to other key Silk Road destinations like Dunhuang, Turpan, and Urumqi will provide a comprehensive and enriching exploration of the historical, cultural, and natural wonders along this ancient trade route in China. You can explore lesser-known but equally fascinating sites along the ancient trade route and experience the cultural diversity and historical significance of this region in China.

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8 Days Silk Road Tour from Lanzhou to Urumqi: Yellow River to Karez Wells

China Silk Road Itinerary Starting from Beijing

Traveling along the Silk Road from Beijing is a fascinating journey that showcases China's historical and cultural heritage. While Beijing is not traditionally considered a starting point for the Silk Road due to its eastern location, you can still join the Silk Road route from Beijing by traveling to cities like Xi'an, which is a significant Silk Road hub. From Xi'an, you can then follow the ancient Silk Road westward through cities such as Dunhuang, Turpan, and Kashgar, experiencing the rich history, diverse cultures, and stunning landscapes along the way.

Beijing Mutianyu Great Wall

Beijing Forbidden City

Here's your 13 Days Silk Road Itinerary from Beijing at a glance:

• Day 1-3 (Beijing): Explore Beijing's iconic attractions such as the Great Wall, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, and Summer Palace.
• Day 4-6 (Xi’an): Take a bullet train from Beijing to Xi'an. Spend two days exploring Xi'an's Terracotta Warriors, Bell Tower, Muslim Quarter, Ancient City Wall, and other cultural sites.
• Day 7-8 (Dunhuang): Fly from Xi'an to Dunhuang. Visit Mingsha Shan (Echoing-Sand Mountain) and the Crescent Moon Spring. Explore the UNESCO-listed Mogao Caves.
• Day 9-13 (Xinjiang): Extend your Silk Road tour to Xinjiang. You can explore Turpan with its ancient ruins of Jiaohe City, the Karez Water System, and other historical sites, Urumqi with its picturesque Tianchi (Heavenly Lake), and Kashgar with its vibrant culture of Kashgar at the Old City, Id Kah Mosque, and the Livestock Market. Visit scenic spots like Karakul Lake and Pamir Plateau before departure from Kashgar.

Welome to Crescent Lake

Aerial view of the karez system

Beijing - Xi’an - Dunhuang - Xinjiang Day-by-Day Itinerary

This itinerary provides a comprehensive journey from Beijing to Kashgar, covering key Silk Road destinations and offering a mix of historical, cultural, and natural attractions along the route. Traveling by a combination of high-speed trains and flights can help optimize your time and allow you to explore the diverse landscapes and experiences that the Silk Road has to offer.

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13 Days China Culture Adventure from Beijing: Ancient Capitals & Ancient Silk Road

China Silk Road Itinerary Starting from Dunhuang

Dunhuang, located in Gansu Province of northwestern China, was a crucial city along the ancient Silk Road route due to its strategic location near the Gobi Desert. From Dunhuang, you can follow the Silk Road route westward, visiting historical sites, ancient ruins, and cultural landmarks that showcase the rich history of the Silk Road.

Welcome to Mingsha Mountain & Crescent Lake

Mogao Grottoes in Winter

Here's your 8 Days Silk Road Itinerary from Dunhuang at a glance:

• Day 1-3 (Dunhuang): Arrive in Dunhuang by Flight. Visit the Mogao Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its ancient Buddhist art and murals. Explore the Crescent Moon Spring and Mingsha Shan (Echoing-Sand Mountain). Experience the Silk Road history at the Dunhuang Museum.
• Day 4-8 (Turpan, Urumqi, Kashgar): In Turpan, discover the ancient city of Jiaohe, explore the Grape Valley, and marvel at the Karez Water System. Head to Urumqi to visit the Xinjiang Regional Museum, explore Tianchi Lake, and experience the bustling Grand Bazaar. In Kashgar, wander through the historic Old City, visit the Abakh Khoja Tomb, and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture at the Livestock Market.

Entrance of Jiaohe Ancient City

Kashgar Old City

Dunhuang - Xinjiang Day-by-Day Itinerary

Traveling from Dunhuang allows you to explore significant Silk Road sites and experience the diverse cultures and landscapes that characterized this ancient trade route. The journey from Dunhuang offers a unique perspective on the Silk Road's history and the exchange of goods, ideas, and cultures between East and West.

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8 Days China Silk Road Tour from Dunhuang to Turpan, Urumqi & Kashgar

China Silk Road Itinerary Starting from Kashgar

Starting your China Silk Road Tours from Kashgar is an excellent choice. Kashgar, located in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in western China, is a historically significant city along the Silk Road route. Beginning your journey in Kashgar offers a unique perspective on the ancient trade route and allows you to explore its rich cultural heritage. From Kashgar, you can travel eastward along the Silk Road route, visiting key cities and sites that played crucial roles in the historical trade network.

Kashgar Old City

Daily life in the Kashgar Old City

Here's your 13 Days Silk Road Itinerary from Kashgar at a glance:

• Day 1-3 (Kashgar): Explore the vibrant Kashgar Old City, visit the Id Kah Mosque, experience the unique culture at the Livestock Market, and immerse yourself in the bustling Grand Bazaar.
• Day 4-6 (Urumqi, Turpan): Discover Urumqi's Xinjiang Regional Museum, enjoy the scenery at Heavenly Lake, and delve into the history and culture of the region. In Turpan, explore the ancient city of Jiaohe, visit the Grape Valley, and learn about the Karez Water System.
• Day 7-9 (Gansu: Dunhuang, Jiayuguan, Zhangye): Explore the ancient Buddhist art at the Mogao Caves in Dunhuang, visit the historic Jiayuguan Pass of the Great Wall, and marvel at the colorful Danxia Landform in Zhangye.
• Day 10-13 (Qinghai: Xining): Experience the cultural heritage of Xining, enjoy the serene beauty of Qinghai Lake, and witness the stunning landscapes surrounding Chaka Salt Lake on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.

Mogao Caves, Dunhuang

Qinghai Lake Beautiful View

Kashgar - Gansu - Qinghai Day-by-Day Itinerary

This itinerary provides a diverse and immersive experience along the Silk Road, encompassing the cultural richness of Kashgar, the historical sites in Gansu, and the natural beauty of Qinghai Province. Enjoy your journey along this ancient trade route rich in history and cultural significance.

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13 Days Silk Road Tour to Xinjiang Gansu Qinghai (Kashgar to Xining)

China Silk Road Itinerary Starting from Urumqi

Starting your China Silk Road Tours from Urumqi is definitely a viable option. Urumqi, as the capital of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, offers a mix of modern amenities, historical sites, and a gateway to the diverse cultures and landscapes along the Silk Road route.

Boating on Heavenly Lake of Tianshan

Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar

Here's your 11 Days Silk Road Itinerary from Urumqi at a glance:

• Day 1-4 (Xinjiang: Urumqi, Turpan): Explore the Xinjiang Regional Museum to delve into the region's rich history and diverse cultures. Wander through the bustling Grand Bazaar, Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site- Tianchi (Heavenly Lake). Visit the ruins of Jiaohe Ancient City, marvel at the Emin Minaret, and discover the intricacies of the ancient Karez Water System.
• Day 5-7 (Gansu: Dunhuang, Jiayuguan, Zhangye): In Dunhuang, explore the awe-inspiring Mogao Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site housing exquisite Buddhist art. Experience the magical desert scenery at Mingsha Shan (Echoing-Sand Mountain) and the tranquil Crescent Moon Spring. Journey to Jiayuguan to witness the iconic Jiayuguan Pass of the Great Wall and explore the ancient Jiayuguan Fort. In Zhangye, be captivated by the surreal beauty of the colorful Danxia Landform at Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park and visit the historic Giant Buddha Temple.
• Day 8-11 (Qinghai: Xining): Explore the cultural richness of the region at the Ta'er Monastery (Kumbum Monastery), a significant Tibetan Buddhist site with stunning architecture and religious treasures. Discover the natural splendor of Qinghai Lake, a serene expanse of water surrounded by mountains. Take in the surreal beauty of the Chaka Salt Lake, where the sky reflects on the mirror-like salt flats, creating a mesmerizing landscape.

Majestic Jiayuguan Fort

Chaka Salt Lake, Qinghai

Urumqi - Gansu - Qinghai Day-by-Day Itinerary

Starting your Silk Road Tours from Urumqi offers a unique perspective on the ancient trade route, blending modernity with history and diverse cultural experiences along the way. Enjoy your journey through the heart of China's Silk Road region, filled with wonders waiting to be discovered.

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11 Days Silk Road Tour to Xinjiang Gansu Qinghai (Urumqi to Xining)

China Silk Road Itinerary Starting from Xining

Starting your China Silk Road Tours from Xining is also a fantastic choice. Xining, located in Qinghai province, offers a gateway to the Tibetan Plateau and a starting point for exploring the Silk Road's historical and cultural sites.

Ta'er Monastery

Rapeseed Flowers at Qinghai Lake

Here's your 12 Days Silk Road Itinerary from Xining at a glance:

• Day 1-3 (Dunhuang): Arrive in Dunhuang by Flight. Visit the Mogao Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its ancient Buddhist art and murals. Explore the Crescent Moon Spring and Mingsha Shan (Echoing-Sand Mountain). Experience the Silk Road history at the Dunhuang Museum.
• Day 4-8 (Turpan, Urumqi, Kashgar): In Turpan, discover the ancient city of Jiaohe, explore the Grape Valley, and marvel at the Karez Water System. Head to Urumqi to visit the Xinjiang Regional Museum, explore Tianchi Lake, and experience the bustling Grand Bazaar. In Kashgar, wander through the historic Old City, visit the Abakh Khoja Tomb, and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture at the Livestock Market.

Welcome to Mogao Grottoes

Jiaohe Ruins in Turpan, Xinjiang

Dunhuang - Xinjiang Day-by-Day Itinerary

Starting your Silk Road Tours from Xining provides a unique perspective on the ancient trade route, beginning in a city rich in Tibetan culture and natural beauty. Enjoy your journey through historical sites, stunning landscapes, and diverse cultures as you traverse the Silk Road from Xining to Urumqi.

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12 Days Silk Road Tour from Xining to Kashgar (Qinghai Gansu Xinjiang)

Travel with Asia Odyssey Travel (AOT) to Explore Silk Road

Travel the historic Silk Road with Asia Odyssey Travel (AOT) and delve into the rich tapestry of cultures and landscapes that shaped the path of trade and civilization. With our deep expertise and over a decade of experience crafting journeys throughout this legendary route, AOT offers tailored tour packages that cater to a wide range of interests and preferences.

Tour Packages: Silk Road Tours, Silk Road Group Tours, China Silk Road Tours, China Northwest Tours, Xinjiang Silk Road Tours

Silk Road Destinations: Xi’an, Lanzhou, Zhangye, Jiayuguan, Dunhuang, Turpan, Urumqi, Kashgar

Popular Attractions: Mogao Caves, Hexi Corridor, Kashgar Old City, Karez System, Tianshan Tianchi, Jiaohe Ruins, Kanas Lake, Qinghai Lake, Chaka Salt Lake, Badain Jaran Desert

Silk Road Travel: Silk Road Travel Guide, Silk Road Cities, Silk Road Trip Planning Guide, Silk Road Itinerary, Silk Road Attractions, Silk Road Map, Silk Road Facts