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 — 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.

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.

  🏨 Urumqi 4★🍽 Dinner
• 2Day

  Urumqi → Turpan — 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.

  🏨 Turpan 4★🍽 B/L/D
• 3Day

  Turpan — Flaming Mountains & Grape Valley → 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.

  🏨 Dunhuang 4★🍽 B/L
• 4Day

  Dunhuang — 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.

  🏨 Dunhuang 4★🍽 B/L/D
• 5Day

  Dunhuang → 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.

  🏨 Jiayuguan 4★🍽 B/L/D
• 6Day

  Jiayuguan → Zhangye — Danxia at Sunset

  Morning visit to the Overhanging Great Wall. Drive to Zhangye (2.5 hours). Late afternoon at Zhangye Danxia — the famous rainbow-colored rock formations, best photographed at sunset when the colors blaze across the landscape.

  🏨 Zhangye 4★🍽 B/L/D
• 7Day

  Zhangye Giant Buddha Temple → 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.

  🏨 Xining 4★🍽 B/L
• 8Day

  Xining — 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.

  🏨 Xining 4★🍽 B/L/D
• 9Day

  Xining — 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.

  🏨 Xining 4★🍽 B
• 10Day

  Depart Xining

  Free time until your airport transfer. Your 10-day Silk Road adventure concludes. 再见!

  🍽 B

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