9D8N Historical Journey through Silkroad

Embark on a mesmerizing journey along the legendary Silkroad, tracing the footsteps of ancient traders through China’s most breathtaking landscapes and historic landmarks. From the dramatic Yellow River Stone Forest and the vibrant Zhangye Danxia Landform to the mystical Mogao Caves and the tranquil Heavenly Lake of Tianshan, this adventure unveils the rich tapestry of history, culture, and natural wonders that define this fabled route. Experience the grandeur of Jiayuguan Fortress, the serenity of Crescent Spring, and the fiery allure of the Flaming Mountains. With curated stays in premium accommodations and seamless transport, this expedition promises an unforgettable blend of discovery and indulgence.

Tour Duration: 9 Days 8 Nights

Tour Price: Starting from SGD 2000

Key Features:

  • Yellow River Stone Forest – Witness breathtaking rock formations sculpted by the mighty Yellow River.

  • Speed Boat ride along Yellow River – Enjoy an exhilarating boat ride through stunning landscapes.

  • Electric Cart at Tianti Mountain Grottoes – Conveniently explore the ancient Buddhist grottoes with an electric cart.

  • Giant Buddha Temple – Visit the historic site housing one of China's largest reclining Buddha statues.

  • Zhangye Danxia Landform – Marvel at the rainbow-colored rock formations, a geological wonder.

  • Electric Cart at Jiayuguan Fortress – Explore the westernmost fortress of the Great Wall with ease.

  • Son of the Earth and Infinity – Discover this striking art installation in the vast Gobi Desert.

  • Electric Cart at Mingsha Mountain & Crescent Spring – Glide effortlessly across the desert dunes to the picturesque oasis.

  • Mogao Caves – Admire the exquisite Buddhist murals and sculptures of this UNESCO-listed site.

  • Flaming Mountains – Experience the legendary red sandstone mountains, famously linked to the Journey to the West.

  • Jiaohe Ancient City – Explore the well-preserved ruins of an ancient Silk Road city.

  • Electric Cart at Heavenly Lake of Tianshan – Travel effortlessly to this pristine alpine lake, surrounded by snow-capped peaks.

 

Transportation: Private air-conditioned vehicle
Local Guide: Chinese Speaking Guide
Meet & Greet: At Lanzhou Zhongchuan International Airport

 

Itinerary at a Glance:

Location Suggested Hotel
01 Night Lanzhou Sheraton Hotel or Hyatt Hotel or similar
01 Night Wuwei Gonghangli Jinling Hotel or similar
01 Night Zhangye Zhangye Hotel or similar
01 Night Jiayuguan Jiayuguan Youth International Hotel or similar
01 Night Dunhuang Four Points by Sheraton Dunhuang or similar
01 Night Turpan Hilton Garden Inn Turpan or similar
02 Nights Urumqi Global International Hotel or similar

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Lanzhou

Arrive in Lanzhou, the capital of Gansu Province, known as the gateway to the Silk Road. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and check in for a well-deserved rest after your journey. Take the evening to relax and acclimate to the city’s highland climate.

Activities & Services:

  • Airport Transfer
  • Leisure Time in Lanzhou

 

Day 2: Lanzhou – Jingtai – Wuwei

Embark on a journey from Lanzhou to Jingtai, exploring the breathtaking Yellow River Stone Forest, a geological wonder shaped by wind and water over millions of years.

Upon arrival, take a coach to the heart of the Stone Forest, where towering rock formations create a surreal landscape. Board a speedboat for a scenic ride along the Yellow River, drifting through dramatic canyons and witnessing the unique interplay of river and stone.

Marvel at the towering sandstone pillars, some rising over 80 meters, and explore the intricate formations resembling castles, pagodas, and ancient fortresses. This otherworldly scenery has been featured in numerous films and TV dramas.

After an immersive day in this natural masterpiece, transfer to Wuwei, an important Silk Road city, and check into your hotel for a restful evening.

Activities & Services:

  • Yellow River Stone Forest Tour
  • Speedboat Ride on the Yellow River
  • Transfer to Wuwei

Included: Breakfast

 

Day 3: Wuwei – Zhangye

Journey from Wuwei to Zhangye, a historic Silk Road city known for its cultural and religious significance.

Begin your exploration at the Tianti Mountain Grottoes, an ancient Buddhist cave complex carved into the cliffs. Take an electric cart up the mountain, where you’ll find a series of grottoes adorned with intricate Buddhist statues, murals, and carvings dating back to the Northern Wei Dynasty.

In the afternoon, visit the Giant Buddha Temple, home to China’s largest reclining Buddha. Built during the Western Xia Dynasty, this temple houses a 35-meter-long Buddha statue made of clay and wood, depicting Sakyamuni in Nirvana.

Activities & Services:

  • Visit Tianti Mountain Grottoes
  • Visit Giant Buddha Temple

Included: Breakfast

 

Day 4: Zhangye – Jiayuguan

After breakfast, depart from Zhangye and embark on a scenic drive to Jiayuguan, experiencing some of Northwest China’s most iconic landscapes and historical landmarks.

Start your day with a visit to the breathtaking Zhangye Danxia Landform, also known as the Colorful Danxia, a UNESCO-listed geological wonder. Take a shuttle bus through the park and witness the stunning rainbow-colored rock formations sculpted by nature over millions of years.

In the afternoon, continue your journey to Jiayuguan Fortress, the westernmost and most well-preserved section of the Great Wall of China. Hop on an electric cart to explore this strategic military stronghold, built during the Ming Dynasty.

Activities & Services:

  • Visit Zhangye Danxia Landform
  • Explore Jiayuguan Fortress

Included: Breakfast

 

Day 5: Jiayuguan – Dunhuang

Travel from Jiayuguan to Dunhuang, a legendary oasis city along the Silk Road known for its stunning desert landscapes and rich cultural heritage.

En route, visit Son of the Earth and Infinity, two mesmerizing land art installations set against the vast desert backdrop.

In the afternoon, head to the iconic Mingsha Mountain & Crescent Spring, where golden sand dunes rise dramatically around a pristine crescent-shaped oasis. Experience the phenomenon of the "Singing Sands," where the dunes emit a mysterious humming sound as the wind shifts the sand.

Activities & Services:

  • Visit Son of the Earth & Infinity
  • Explore Mingsha Mountain & Crescent Spring

Included: Breakfast

 

Day 6: Dunhuang – Liuyuan – Turpan

Begin your day with a visit to the world-famous Mogao Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the greatest treasures of Buddhist art.

Start with an immersive digital film experience, watching Thousand-Year Mogao and Dreamy Buddha Palace, which provide a vivid introduction to the history and artistry of the caves.

After lunch, depart from Dunhuang and drive to Liuyuan Railway Station, where you'll board a high-speed train to Turpan. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and rest.

Activities & Services:

  • Visit Mogao Caves
  • High-Speed Train to Turpan

Included: Breakfast

 

Day 7: Turpan – Urumqi

Start your day at the Flaming Mountains, made famous by Journey to the West. These striking red sandstone ridges appear to blaze under the sun.

Next, visit the Karez Irrigation System, an ingenious 2,000-year-old underground water network that sustains Turpan’s agriculture.

In the afternoon, explore Jiaohe Ancient City, a UNESCO-listed Silk Road ruin, and one of the best-preserved earthen cities in the world.

After exploring Turpan’s historical wonders, drive to Urumqi and check into your hotel.

Activities & Services:

  • Visit Flaming Mountains
  • Explore Karez Irrigation System
  • Visit Jiaohe Ancient City

Included: Breakfast

 

Day 8: Urumqi

Spend the day exploring Heavenly Lake of Tianshan and the vibrant culture of Urumqi.

Start with a visit to Heavenly Lake, located at the foot of the Tianshan Mountains. Take an eco-friendly bus and enjoy the boat ride on the crystal-clear lake, surrounded by snow-capped peaks and lush forests.

In the afternoon, return to Urumqi and head to the International Grand Bazaar, a bustling market where Central Asian and Uygur cultures merge with Chinese traditions.

Activities & Services:

  • Visit Heavenly Lake of Tianshan
  • Explore International Grand Bazaar

Included: Breakfast

 

Day 9: Depart from Urumqi

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel, reflecting on the incredible experiences of your journey through Xinjiang. Afterwards, transfer to Urumqi Airport for your departure.

Activities & Services:

  • Airport Transfer

Included: Breakfast

 

Please note: This itinerary is designed to give you an idea of what to expect on the tour but is not set in stone. What we actually do on a given day is flexible and can be tailored based on the interests of the group.

 

TOUR PRICE INCLUDES:

  • Meet & Greet by our representative upon arrival.
  • Breakfast as defined in the itinerary.
  • All transfers as indicated in the itinerary.
  • Tours as described in the itinerary with a fully qualified Chinese-speaking local guide (unless otherwise stated).
  • Accommodation in double/twin bedded rooms in hotels stated in the itinerary, or similar.
  • If the quoted hotel/lodge is unavailable, we will book an alternative property based on the same/similar rate and grading.
  • Entrance fees where applicable in the itinerary, unless otherwise stated.
  • High-Speed Train ticket as indicated in the itinerary.

 

TOUR PRICE EXCLUDES:

  • All Airfares (International / Domestic) & airport taxes.
  • Costs associated with obtaining visas/entry requirements.
  • Items of a personal nature (laundry, telephone calls, room service, alcoholic beverages, minibar charges, etc.).
  • Any tours not specified within the itinerary.
  • Early check-in / Late Check-out.
  • Excess baggage.
  • Gratuities for Tour Guide and Driver.
  • Other items not mentioned in the Tour Price INCLUDES list.

This itinerary and its package inclusions might be changed later in time, subject to availability.

ENQUIRE

Chat with a Travel Advisor
Hello 👋
How can we help you?