9 Days Silk Road Tour to Xi'an Gansu and Qinghai

Today your travel begins with a welcome meeting at airport. After checking in the hotel, rest of your time is free to explore the Charming Xi'an, an ancient city with a long history and colorful culture. There are many historical sites worth visiting.

The tour commences at 08:00, and soon we embark on a one-hour journey to witness the incredible Terracotta Warriors, guardians of China's First Emperor's Tomb, built over 2300 years ago. This archaeological marvel stands as one of the most significant excavations of the 20th century.

After a satisfying lunch at a local restaurant, we make our way to the serene Big Goose Pagoda, a sacred place for Buddhists and a testament to ancient architecture. The restored Buddha and the pagoda's exquisite timberwork and gilded features, graciously donated by devoted individuals, offer a profound insight into the role of Buddhism in China's rich history.

Next, we traverse the Ancient City Wall, a remarkable feat of engineering and defense. This well-preserved city wall, touted as the largest ancient military defensive system in the world, offers a breathtaking bird's-eye view of Xi'an's bustling cityscape. As we wander along the wall, we explore the tight and charming Muslim Quarter Streets, where the local lifestyle comes alive. Street vendors showcase a diverse array of souvenirs, handcrafted products, and delectable local snacks. Haggling with the vendors adds to the charm of this vibrant market experience.

As the day draws to a close, we return to the hotel, where a restful sleep awaits after this enriching journey through Xi'an's historical and cultural wonders.

Take the flight to Dunhuang and head up to Echoing Sand Mountain & Crescent Lake. When there is wild wind, the sands will be blown up and make a loud sound, while the sound sounds like being produced by some ancient musical instrument when blown by the breeze. There is also a Crescent Lake that has been in existence for hundreds of years without ever being buried by the sand. Riding the camel as the Silk Road Caravan in the vast desert is highly recommended (approximately 40mins). Please bring your sunglasses and mask to keep out the dust.

In the evening, you can walk around and taste Gansu delicacies at the Shazhou Night Market, the most bustling place in Dunhuang at night. It's easy to lose our sense of time to wander the market while enjoying your leisure time and tasting some local cuisine.

Today, we embark on a journey to the sacred heart of Buddhist culture and art, the UNESCO-recognized Mogao Grottoes. Here, we'll immerse ourselves in a 40-minute 4D movie, a visual feast that traces the evolution of these awe-inspiring caves. Then, under the guidance of expert tour guides from Mogao, we'll delve into the depths of eight of these caves, each revealing a unique aspect of Buddhist art and history.

After bidding farewell to Dunhuang, we set our sights on Jiayuguan, a city steeped in profound history and cultural relics. A 3-4-hour drive awaits us, but the journey will be worth it as we arrive at our hotel and settle in for the evening. The rest of the day is yours to spend as you please, a perfect opportunity to unwind and reflect on the wonders we've encountered today.

After a satisfying buffet breakfast that filled our bellies with warmth and joy, we set our sights on the journey to Jiayuguan, a journey that would span about three hours on the road. As we arrive, the tour unfolds with a visit to the majestic Jiayuguan Pass, a fortress of the Ming Dynasty that stands sentinel over the strategic passage, guarding it like a lioness over her cubs. Located at the westernmost tip of the Great Wall, this fortification marks the final chapter in the Ming Dynasty's epic construction of the world-renowned wall.

From here, our journey continues to the mysterious Badan Jaran desert, where we will spend the night under the starry sky, embraced by the vastness of the sand dunes and the serenity of the desert night. It will be an unforgettable experience, a chance to escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life and immerse ourselves in the wonders of nature.

An entire day awaits us in the spectacular Badain Jaran Desert, boasting the world's tallest sand dunes, the breathtaking Mingsha region, scattered lake oases, never-ending Shahai springs, and enigmatic desert temples, among many other wonders. These unique and captivating landscapes have transformed this desert into a paradise for exploration, tourism, and photography enthusiasts in recent years.

After our immersive experience in the desert, we'll make our way back to Zhangye Linze County. There, we'll embark on a four-hour adventure to the Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park, where the breathtakingly colorful layers of mountain ridges will leave you in awe as you traverse the various platforms.

After an hour-long visit to the 900-year-old Grand Buddha Temple, we immerse ourselves in the profound Buddha culture and admire its architectural treasures.

Then, aboard a high-speed train, we make our way to Xining. Upon arrival, our guide warmly welcomes us, and we embark on a two-hour exploration of the Buddhist architectural masterpiece, Ta'er Monastery (also known as Kumbum Monastery). This ancient Tibetan gompa, founded in 1583, offers a breathtaking panorama of intricate architecture. We delve into the intricate inner design, admiring its decoration and murals. Witnessing Buddhist believers undertaking their religious activities is an enriching and profound experience.

Nestled at the fringes of the majestic Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and abuzz with vibrant minority cultures, Xining captivates travelers with its enigmatic charm and unparalleled diversity.

After indulging in a scrumptious buffet breakfast at the hotel, we embark on a journey to Qinghai Lake, Xining's other crown jewel. This vast inland saltwater lake, the largest of its kind in China, is a testament to nature's grandeur and generosity. It is no exaggeration to say that Qinghai Lake is a divine creation, a miracle of nature.

Outside, four mountains stand sentinel around the lake, embracing it with their arms and spreading out vast grasslands at their feet. Inside, like a skilled baker, nature has adorned the waters with numerous little islands, each a unique work of art. These natural attractions harmoniously blend together, creating a Xanadu-like paradise on earth that has captivated the hearts of countless tourists.

Today our journey comes to a halt after a good breakfast. You will be transferred to the airport or train station based on your schedule.