📍 China

SILK ROAD CHINA: DESERT CITIES AND TRADING HISTORY

Desert cities glow gold at sunset, caravanserais recall ancient trade, cave paintings span millennia. The Silk Road is history's trade corridor.

≈ 15
Days
6715
Km
9
Stops
📖 6 min read 🔄 Last updated: 2026-01-17

Start from Xi'an and its terracotta warriors, cross Zhangye's rainbow mountains, visit Dunhuang caves and end at Kashgar's bazaar. China's Silk Road, in the footsteps of caravaneers.

Your day-by-day itinerary

1
Day

Xian

ancient capital earthen walls

Xian - Photo 1Xian - Photo 2Xian - Photo 3Xian - Photo 4
4 photos
Day 1
🔍

Discover

1
Discovery of the Terracotta Army of Xi'an, one of the greatest archaeological treasures in the world.
2
Walk on the ramparts of the old city of Xi'an to admire the panoramic views.
🎯

Activities

→
Exploration of the Muslim quarter of Xi'an and its traditional markets.
→
Stroll in the historic center and visit of the Bell Tower and the Drum Tower.
2
Day

Lanzhou

river gateway yellow water

Lanzhou - Photo 1Lanzhou - Photo 2Lanzhou - Photo 3
3 photos
Day 2
🔍

Discover

1
Visit to the Gansu Provincial Museum in Lanzhou to understand the history of the Hexi corridor.
2
Walk along the Yellow River and on the Zhongshan Bridge, emblem of the city.
🎯

Activities

→
High-speed train journey between Xi'an and Lanzhou through the landscapes of the Loess Plateau.
→
Discovery of the White Pagoda Temple on the heights of Lanzhou.
✈️
Next stop
✈️ Flight / transfer day
Distance: 620 km
Travel time: 6h
3
Day

Zhangye

colorful mountain landscape

Zhangye - Photo 1Zhangye - Photo 2Zhangye - Photo 3Zhangye - Photo 4
4 photos
Day 3
🔍

Discover

1
Discovery of the geological park of the Zhangye Danxia Colorful Mountains.
2
Visit to the Giant Buddha Temple, housing one of the largest reclining Buddha statues in China.
🎯

Activities

→
Observation of the sunset over the multicolored rock formations of Danxia.
→
Journey along the Hexi Corridor, ancient commercial route of the Silk Road.
🚗
Next stop
⏱️ Long drive (5h+)
Distance: 510 km
Travel time: 5h
4
Day

Jiayuguan

fortress trading post frontier

Jiayuguan - Photo 1Jiayuguan - Photo 2Jiayuguan - Photo 3
3 photos
Day 4
🔍

Discover

1
Exploration of Jiayuguan Fort, western extremity of the Great Wall of China.
2
Discovery of the Great Wall Museum and its defensive role on the Silk Road.
🎯

Activities

→
Walk at the top of the ramparts with view over the Gobi Desert.
→
Journey to Dunhuang through the semi-desert landscapes of Gansu.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 385 km
Travel time: 4h
5
Day

Dunhuang

cave art oasis sanctuary

Dunhuang - Photo 1Dunhuang - Photo 2
2 photos
Day 5
🔍

Discover

1
Visit to the Mogao Caves, masterpiece of Buddhist rock art.
2
Walk in the Mingsha Desert and climb the Singing Sand Dune.
🎯

Activities

→
Camel ride around the Crescent Moon Lake oasis.
→
Free evening to admire the sunset over the dunes.
6
Day

Xining

plateau city gateway

Xining - Photo 1Xining - Photo 2Xining - Photo 3
3 photos
Day 6
🔍

Discover

1
Discovery of Kumbum Monastery (Ta'er), sacred site of Tibetan Buddhism.
2
Stroll at Lake Qinghai, China's largest salt lake.
🎯

Activities

→
Observation of yaks and sheep in the Tibetan pastures.
→
Scenic journey toward Qinghai along the Tibetan plateaus.
✈️
Next stop
✈️ Flight / transfer day
Distance: 820 km
Travel time: 9h
7
Day

Yinchuan

desert oasis city

Yinchuan - Photo 1Yinchuan - Photo 2Yinchuan - Photo 3
3 photos
Day 7
🔍

Discover

1
Discovery of the Western Xia imperial tombs near Yinchuan.
2
Walk in the Yellow River valley and discovery of local viticulture.
🎯

Activities

→
Visit to the Ningxia regional museum on the Hui ethnic group and their Muslim culture.
→
Exploration of Mount Helan and its ancient petroglyphs.
✈️
Next stop
✈️ Flight / transfer day
Distance: 630 km
Travel time: 7h
8
Day

Urumqi

silk road central hub

Urumqi - Photo 1Urumqi - Photo 2Urumqi - Photo 3Urumqi - Photo 4
4 photos
Day 8
🔍

Discover

1
Visit to the Xinjiang regional museum, tracing the history of Central Asian trade routes.
2
Excursion to Lake Tianchi, surrounded by snow-capped mountains.
🎯

Activities

→
Meeting with Uyghur artisans in the Erdaoqiao international bazaar.
→
Discovery of musical traditions and local dances.
→
Discovery of adobe alleyways and artisans of the old center.
✈️
Next stop
✈️ Flight / transfer day
Distance: 1650 km
Travel time: 10h
9
Day

Kashgar

bazaar energy trading heart

Kashgar - Photo 1Kashgar - Photo 2Kashgar - Photo 3Kashgar - Photo 4Kashgar - Photo 5Kashgar - Photo 6
6 photos
Day 9
🔍

Discover

1
Exploration of the old city of Kashgar and the Id Kah Mosque, one of the largest in China.
2
Stroll through the Sunday bazaar of Kashgar, heritage of the Silk Road.
🎯

Activities

→
Meeting with Uyghur families in surrounding villages.
→
Walk through the commercial districts and observation of the Han and Uyghur cultural mix.
✈️
Next stop
✈️ Flight / transfer day
Distance: 1050 km
Travel time: 9h
10
Day

Urumqi

silk road central hub

Urumqi - Photo 1Urumqi - Photo 2Urumqi - Photo 3Urumqi - Photo 4
4 photos
Day 10
🔍

Discover

1
Return to Urumqi and final immersion in the local bazars and markets.
2
Discovery of the dried fruit and spice market.
🎯

Activities

→
Farewell dinner in a traditional tea house.
→
Farewell dinner in a traditional tea house.
✈️
Next stop
✈️ Flight / transfer day
Distance: 1050 km
Travel time: 9h

🗺️ Itinerary map

🗺️ Nearby itineraries

YUNNAN OF THE MINORITIES: FROM KUNMING TO SHANGRI-LA VIA DALI, SHAXI, LIJIANG AND THE TIGER LEAPING GORGE

📅 11 days 🛣️ 998.0999999999999 Km

BEIJING, SHANGHAI, HUANGSHAN, GUANGXI KARSTS, HONG KONG, FENGHUANG, ZHANGJIAJIE AND CHONGQING

📅 27 days 🛣️ 5148.5 Km

TASTE OF CHINA – 2 WEEKS FROM BEIJING TO SHANGRI-LA

📅 17 days 🛣️ 3595 Km

🛡️ Travel advice - China

Check official recommendations

UK Foreign Travel Advice →

❓ Frequently asked questions

What weather should you expect?

Spring (April-May): Pleasant temperatures, blooming flowers, ideal weather, moderate crowds, excellent for most regions, comfortable travel.

Fall (September-October): Perfect weather, clear skies, comfortable temperatures, peak tourist season, higher prices, autumn colors beautiful.

Summer (June-August): Hot and humid, rainy season, crowded tourist sites, highest prices, but best for Tibet and western regions.

Winter (November-March): Cold temperatures, fewer crowds, lower prices, perfect for southern regions, harsh in north, unique winter experiences.

Regional Variations: Vast climate diversity, southern subtropical, northern continental, western plateau, plan according to regions visited.

How many days should I plan?

We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 12 and 18 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.

What to discover in China?

Ancient civilization meets modern superpower with Great Wall, forbidden cities, and cutting-edge technology. Experience diverse landscapes, incredible cuisine, and 5000-year cultural heritage. The country offers bustling megacities, pristine nature, and traditional arts. China provides overwhelming cultural richness and geographical diversity in rapidly modernizing nation.