11 Days Silk Road: Kashgar to Xi'an
Tour Overview
Travel the full length of China's Silk Road on this comprehensive 11-day journey from the far-western oasis of Kashgar to the ancient imperial capital of Xi'an. This eastward route follows the path of merchants and monks who once carried silk, spices, and ideas across the world's greatest trade route. From the Sunday Market to the Terracotta Warriors, you'll witness the full arc of Silk Road history — Central Asian bazaars, Buddhist cave art, Great Wall fortresses, and China's first imperial dynasty.
Trip Highlights
- Experience Kashgar's legendary Sunday Market
- Visit the Xinjiang Regional Museum in Urumqi
- Explore the ancient Jiaohe Ruins in Turpan
- Marvel at the Mogao Caves in Dunhuang
- Walk the Jiayuguan Fortress — end of the Great Wall
- Stand before the Terracotta Warriors in Xi'an
- Ride the high-speed train across the Gobi
- Cycle atop Xi'an's ancient City Walls
Day-by-Day Itinerary
- 1Day
Arrive in Kashgar
Welcome to Kashgar! Your guide meets you at the airport. Transfer to hotel. Evening walk through the Old City.
- 2Day
Kashgar — Sunday Market & Old City
Full day exploring Kashgar. Morning at the Sunday Market, the largest in Central Asia. Visit Id Kah Mosque, Abakh Khoja Tomb, and the maze-like Old City alleys.
- 3Day
Kashgar ✈ Urumqi
Morning flight to Urumqi. Visit the Xinjiang Regional Museum to see the famous Tarim mummies. Afternoon at Hongshan Park and the Grand Bazaar.
- 4Day
Urumqi → Turpan
Drive to Turpan (3 hours). Visit the Jiaohe Ancient Ruins, a city carved from earth, and the ingenious Karez underground irrigation system.
- 5Day
Turpan → Dunhuang (High-Speed Train)
Morning visit to the Flaming Mountains and Grape Valley. Afternoon high-speed train to Dunhuang across the Gobi Desert.
- 6Day
Dunhuang — Mogao Caves & Singing Sand Dunes
Full day of UNESCO wonders. Morning at the Mogao Caves (8 caves included). Afternoon camel ride at the Singing Sand Dunes and visit to Crescent Moon Spring.
- 7Day
Dunhuang → Jiayuguan
Drive through the Gobi Desert to Jiayuguan. Visit the Jiayuguan Fortress, the western terminus of the Ming Dynasty Great Wall. Afternoon at the Overhanging Great Wall.
- 8Day
Jiayuguan → Xi'an (High-Speed Train)
Full day high-speed train journey to Xi'an. Arrive in the evening. Free time to explore the Muslim Quarter for dinner.
- 9Day
Xi'an — Terracotta Warriors
Full day at the Terracotta Warriors Museum, one of the world's greatest archaeological discoveries. Visit all three excavation pits and the bronze chariot exhibition hall.
- 10Day
Xi'an — City Walls & History
Morning bicycle ride atop the ancient City Walls. Visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda and Shaanxi History Museum. Evening Tang Dynasty music and dance show with dumpling banquet.
- 11Day
Depart Xi'an
Free time until your transfer to Xi'an Xianyang International Airport. Your Silk Road journey from west to east concludes.
What's Included
10 nights 4-star hotel accommodation (twin-share)
English-speaking guide throughout
All domestic flights & high-speed trains
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 ($420)
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 — 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 — 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 — 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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Join 20,000+ happy travelers who have explored the Silk Road with us
