Highlights

  • Explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the magnificent Longmen Grottoes with its awe-inspiring Buddhist carvings, and the ancient Yinxu ruins where oracle bone script - China's earliest writing system - was discovered.  

  • Discover the origins of Chinese Buddhism at the White Horse Temple, the country's first Buddhist temple, and witness the legendary Shaolin Temple where Zen philosophy and martial arts come together in spectacular displays of Kung Fu mastery.  

  • Walk through history at remarkable archaeological sites including the Erlitou ruins of the Xia Dynasty (China's first recorded dynasty) and the grand mausoleums of Song Dynasty emperors, offering fascinating insights into China's imperial past.  

  • Immerse yourself in vibrant cultural experiences - from the lantern-lit night markets of Kaifeng's Song Dynasty Imperial Street to the breathtaking Millennium City Park performance that brings a famous ancient painting to life with hundreds of performers and dazzling special effects.  

ITINERARY Close All

Day 1Zhengzhou Arrival

Your adventure begins in Zhengzhou, the dynamic capital of Henan Province! Upon arrival, your friendly guide will greet you at the airport with a warm welcome and escort you to your hotel. After settling in, step out into the lively streets of Zhenghong City Agricultural Road. Let the bustling atmosphere and tantalizing aromas of local delicacies awaken your senses as you enjoy a leisurely evening stroll. Rest well tonight—tomorrow, the wonders of Henan await!  

Traffic: Car
Hotel: Overnight in Zhengzhou
Altitude: 119m
  • Zhengzhou

    Zhengzhou

  • Zhengzhou

    Zhengzhou

Day 2Unveiling Ancient Mysteries

On the first day, we journey to Sanmenxia, where history comes alive! Explore the unique Shanzhou Silo-Cave, an extraordinary underground dwelling carved from loess soil. Marvel at how these courtyards stay cool in summer and warm in winter—a testament to ancient ingenuity.  

Next, delve into the past at the Guo State Museum, built atop the Western Zhou Dynasty's Guo State cemetery. As a National-Level Protected Cultural Site, it offers a fascinating glimpse into China's aristocratic burial traditions and Bronze Age splendor.  

Traffic: Car
Hotel: Overnight in Sanmenxia
Meals: Breakfast
Altitude: 871m
  • Shanzhou Silo-Cave

    Shanzhou Silo-Cave

  • Guo State Museum

    Guo State Museum

Day 3A Symphony of Art and History

Prepare to be awestruck in Luoyang, a city steeped in imperial grandeur and spiritual heritage. Begin at the Longmen Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and masterpiece of Buddhist art. Towering Buddha statues, intricate carvings, and the serene flow of the Yi River create a breathtaking panorama. Explore the grottoes' dual personalities: the West Mountain's Northern Dynasty relics and the East Mountain's Tang Dynasty elegance.  

Later, stand before the majestic Yingtianmen Gate, once the grand entrance to the Sui and Tang Palace Complex. Feel the echoes of emperors past as you walk this historic site. As dusk falls, wander through Luoyang Old City, where lantern-lit alleys and the aroma of local snacks like "Luoyang Water Banquet" invite you to savor the city's vibrant soul.  

Traffic: Car
Hotel: Overnight in Luoyang
Meals: Breakfast
Altitude: 147m
  • Longmen Grottoes

    Longmen Grottoes

  • Yingtianmen Gate

    Yingtianmen Gate

Day 4Tracing the Roots of Civilization

Today, we follow the footsteps of ancient dynasties! First, visit the White Horse Temple, China's first Buddhist temple. Legend says sutras were carried here by a white horse in 68 AD. Inside, marvel at the Yuan Dynasty's "dry lacquer statues"—delicate yet enduring, their colors still radiant after 700 years.  

Next, journey to Yanshi's Erlitou Site Museum, the heart of the Xia Dynasty (1900–1500 BC). Walk through ruins of China's earliest Bronze Age capital, where artifacts whisper tales of a civilization that shaped East Asia. The museum's winding design mirrors the archaeological site, blending history with modernity.  

Tonight, rest in Dengfeng, a city where time stands still. 

Traffic: Car
Hotel: Overnight in Dengfeng
Meals: Breakfast
Altitude: 147m
  • White Horse Temple

    White Horse Temple

  • Yanshi's Erlitou Site Museum

    Yanshi's Erlitou Site Museum

Day 5Kung Fu Meets Enlightenment

Awaken in Dengfeng, a treasure trove of culture and spirituality. Begin at Songyang Academy, one of China's oldest academies (founded 484 AD). Stroll its terraced gardens and meet two 4,500-year-old cypress trees—silent witnesses to centuries of scholars' dreams.  

Then, enter the legendary Shaolin Temple, birthplace of Chan Buddhism and Shaolin Kung Fu. Try your hand at Baduanjin (a graceful martial art) or meditate while tracing Buddhist scriptures. As night falls, be mesmerized by the Shaolin Zen Music Ritual, a performance that harmonizes martial arts, music, and Zen philosophy under the stars.

Traffic: Car
Hotel: Overnight in Dengfeng
Meals: Breakfast
Altitude: 367m
  • Shaolin Temple

    Shaolin Temple

  • Songyang Academy

    Songyang Academy

Day 6Echoes of Imperial Splendor

After breakfast, explore the Mausoleums of the Song Dynasty in Gongyi. These seven emperors' tombs, with their imposing stone statues and earthen walls, reveal the Northern Song's bold artistry.  

Next, discover the Gongyi Grottoes, where Northern Wei royalty carved Buddha images into cliffs. Smaller Tang and Song additions adorn these serene caves, blending Central Plains artistry with Buddhist devotion.  

Return to Zhengzhou and unwind at CBD Square, a futuristic hub where dazzling lights and lively cafes cap off your day.  

Traffic: Car
Hotel: Overnight in Zhengzhou
Meals: Breakfast
Altitude: 119m
  • Gongyi Grottoes

    Gongyi Grottoes

  • Mausoleums of the Song Dynasty

    Mausoleums Of The Song Dynasty

Day 7The Written Word Comes Alive

Dive into Henan's cultural heart at the Henan Provincial Museum. With 170,000 artifacts—from Shang bronzes to Tang ceramics—it's a crash course in China's 5,000-year legacy.  

Then, head to Anyang's National Museum of Chinese Writing. Its avant-garde design houses oracle bones—the earliest Chinese script—and interactive exhibits that make ancient characters leap off the page. 

Traffic: Car
Hotel: Overnight in Anyang
Meals: Breakfast
Altitude: 70m
  • Henan Provincial Museum

    Henan Provincial Museum

  • Anyang's National Museum

    Anyang's National Museum

Day 8Walking Through Time

Stand where history began at Yinxu, the Shang Dynasty's last capital and a UNESCO site. Here, oracle bones reveal the dawn of Chinese writing.  

Later, step into the Song Dynasty Imperial Street in Kaifeng. Lanterns glow above cobblestones as vendors in period costumes recreate a bustling 12th-century market. Climb the Drum Tower for panoramic views, then dive into the electrifying Night Market, where steaming xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) and lively performances await.  

Traffic: Car
Hotel: Overnight in Kaifeng
Meals: Breakfast
Altitude: 70m
  • Song Dynasty Imperial Street

    Song Dynasty Imperial Street

  • Yinxu

    Yinxu

Day 9A Living Painting of the Song Dynasty

Kaifeng's charm unfolds at the Iron Pagoda, a glittering tower of glazed bricks that has defied earthquakes for nearly 1,000 years. Nearby, the Dragon Pavilion overlooks twin lakes, its gardens blooming with peonies (Kaifeng's symbol).  

The grand finale? Millennium City Park, a living replica of the Riverside Scene at Qingming Festival painting. Watch as 700 performers reenact Song Dynasty life in a spellbinding water show—complete with fireworks and holograms!

Traffic: Car
Hotel: Overnight in Kaifeng
Meals: Breakfast
Altitude: 70m
  • Iron Pagoda

    Iron Pagoda

  • Millennium City Park

    Millennium City Park

Day 10Zhengzhou Departure

As your journey concludes, reminisce over steaming cups of local tea while driving back to Zhengzhou. From ancient caves to Shaolin temples, you've experienced the soul of China. Bon voyage, and may Henan's stories stay with you forever!  

Traffic: Car
Hotel: No Accommodation
Meals: Breakfast
Altitude: 119m

INCLUDES

  • Private transportation through out the itinerary. SRT will arrange for all travelers to be met on arrival and seen off on departure based on your flight info.

  • Shared accommodations in well located, tourist to superior class hotels include breakfast, service charge and government tax.

  • All entrance fees(shuttle bus) sightseeing; excursions and activities as per the itinerary.

  • Domestic flights and 2nd class express train listed in the itinerary.

  • Private friendly and professional English-Speaking guides (French, Italy, Russian, German can be arranged per your request)

  • Visa support letter for you to apply Chinese visa easily.

  • Travel and health insurance when travel with us.

  • 8, A 24/7 helpline while you are traveling.

EXCLUDES

  • International and domestic flights not indicated.

  • Food, Lunch or dinner not specified.

  • Tips or gratuities for guides and drivers.

  • Personal expenses and the other tours or activities not mentioned.

TRIP NOTES

  • We will upgrade trains to 1st class where available if book the tour 5 months in advance of departure.

  • There is no problem to travel Silk Road during Ramadan.

  • Complimentary 2 bottles of water each person on daily use.

Transportation

We will use business MPV to luxurious coaches and trains.

Accommodation

All the hotels we selected are 4-5star well-located in the city center with good and proper breakfast for our clients.

Guides

Our guides are very friendly, knowledgeable, helpful. And our group tours will be escorted from SRT.

Climate and Altitude

Generally speaking Mid March—End Oct are the best time to visit Silk Road. And we strongly suggest you come in May, June, October to avoid the heat and crowd. No need to worry about high altitude along the Silk Road. We will prepare Oxygen bags if the package includes Xiahe, Qinghai Lake and Taxkorgan County.

We offer beneficial Cancellation Policy to our customers.

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