10 Days Silk Road Group Travel: Xinjiang, Gansu & Qinghai
Tour Overview
This 10-day Silk Road group tour takes you through the three legendary provinces of Xinjiang, Gansu, and Qinghai. From the bustling markets of Urumqi and the ancient ruins of Turpan, to the awe-inspiring Mogao Caves in Dunhuang, the mighty Jiayuguan Fortress, the rainbow-colored Zhangye Danxia, and the mirror-like Chaka Salt Lake β every day unveils a new chapter of the ancient Silk Road. Travel with a small group (max 16), stay in comfortable 4-star hotels, and enjoy the expertise of our English-speaking guides.
Trip Highlights
- Discover Urumqi's Xinjiang Museum and Hongshan Park
- Explore ancient Jiaohe Ruins and the Karez irrigation system in Turpan
- Visit the UNESCO Mogao Caves in Dunhuang
- Camel ride at Singing Sand Dunes & Crescent Moon Spring
- Walk the Jiayuguan Fortress β the western end of the Great Wall
- Rainbow Mountains at Zhangye Danxia at sunset
- Photograph Chaka Salt Lake β the "Mirror of the Sky"
- Tibetan culture experience in Xining
Day-by-Day Itinerary
- 1Day
Arrive in Urumqi
Arrive at Urumqi Diwopu International Airport. Your guide will meet you and transfer to your hotel. Afternoon visit to the Xinjiang Regional Museum to see the famous Tarim mummies. Evening at Hongshan Park for panoramic views of Urumqi against the Tianshan Mountains.
- 2Day
Urumqi β Turpan β Jiaohe Ruins & Karez System
Drive to Turpan (3 hours), the second-lowest depression on Earth. Visit the ancient Jiaohe Ruins, a 2,000-year-old city carved from raw earth. Discover the ingenious Karez underground irrigation system, a Silk Road engineering marvel that still waters the oasis today.
- 3Day
Turpan β Flaming Mountains & Grape Valley β High-speed Train to Dunhuang
Morning visit to the Flaming Mountains, glowing red under the desert sun. Stroll through Grape Valley, a lush oasis famous for its sweet Turpan grapes. Afternoon high-speed train to Dunhuang (approx. 4 hours), crossing the vast Gobi landscape.
- 4Day
Dunhuang β Mogao Caves & Singing Sand Dunes
Full UNESCO day. Morning at the Mogao Caves (8 caves included), a millennium of Buddhist art carved into the cliffs. Afternoon camel ride and sand surfing at the Singing Sand Dunes. Optional sunset at Crescent Moon Spring.
- 5Day
Dunhuang β Jiayuguan
Drive to Jiayuguan (5 hours) through the Gobi Desert. Visit the Jiayuguan Fortress, the western end of the Great Wall of China, standing majestically where the desert meets the mountains.
- 6Day
Jiayuguan β Zhangye β Danxia at Sunset
Morning visit to the Overhanging Great Wall. Drive to Zhangye (2.5 hours). Late afternoon at Zhangye Danxia β the famous rainbow-colored rock formations, best photographed at sunset when the colors blaze across the landscape.
- 7Day
Zhangye Giant Buddha Temple β High-speed Train to Xining
Morning at the Giant Buddha Temple, home to Asia's largest reclining Buddha. High-speed train to Xining (approx. 3 hours), capital of Qinghai province. Evening stroll through the Muslim quarter and visit Dongguan Mosque.
- 8Day
Xining β Chaka Salt Lake & Kumbum Monastery
Drive to Chaka Salt Lake (4 hours), the "Mirror of the Sky." Walk on the salt flats and capture stunning reflection photos. Visit Kumbum Monastery (Ta'er Si) on the return journey, one of the most important Tibetan Buddhist monasteries outside Tibet.
- 9Day
Xining β Free Day & Tibetan Culture
A relaxed day in Xining. Explore the city's Tibetan culture at the Qinghai Tibetan Medicine Museum, browse local markets for handicrafts, or simply enjoy the highland atmosphere. Optional evening food tour through Xining's vibrant night market.
- 10Day
Depart Xining
Free time until your airport transfer. Your 10-day Silk Road adventure concludes. εθ§!
What's Included
9 nights 4-star hotel accommodation (twin-share)
English-speaking guide throughout
All high-speed train tickets (TurpanβDunhuang, ZhangyeβXining)
Private air-conditioned vehicle & driver
Meals as indicated (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
All entrance fees & listed activities
Airport transfers on arrival & departure
Travel insurance (China domestic)
What's Excluded
International flights to/from China
Chinese visa fees
Personal expenses & tips
Single room supplement ($380)
What Our Travelers Say
Join 20,000+ happy travelers who have explored the Silk Road with us
"Thanks to the team for making our journey safe and unforgettable. Every detail was perfectly arranged β from the desert camps to the ancient cities. Truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience."
"Special thanks to Alice for her professional arrangements. Our guides Harry and Jane were incredibly knowledgeable and friendly. The drivers Zhou and Huang provided excellent service throughout."
"Amazing 13-day Xinjiang + Silk Road tour! Our guide Ali was exceptional β his knowledge of history and genuine care for every traveler made this journey extraordinary."
"Everything went smoothly as planned. The Silk Road exceeded all our expectations. We're already planning our next visit β there's so much more to explore!"
"Thank you Alice and assistant Richard for all the help! As first-time China travelers, we were nervous, but you made everything seamless."
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