Xi an to Dunhuang 12 Day Private Silk Road Tour
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About This Tour in Xian
Why Visit Xian?
Xian, China offers a wealth of attractions, cultural experiences, and activities for visitors. From historic landmarks to modern attractions, Xian provides an unforgettable travel experience with something to discover around every corner. Explore local cuisine, discover unique culture, and create lasting memories in this remarkable destination.
Getting to Xian
You can reach Xian, China by air, train, or road depending on your starting location. The city offers various transportation options including taxis, public transit, and private transfers to help you reach your destination. Many hotels can arrange airport transfers, and local transportation options vary by location.
What's Included
- 12-day private tour with customized itinerary
- All entrance tickets to attractions listed in the itinerary
- 11 nights accommodation in carefully selected 4-star hotels (double/twin occupancy)
What's Not Included
- Lunches and dinners (local dining recommendations will be provided)
- Personal expenses and optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary.
Cancellation Policy
If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
Additional Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
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Meeting and Pickup
Pickup Information
Pickup Option: Pickup available for all travelers
Pickup Time: 30 minutes before departure
Custom pickup locations may be available. Please contact the supplier for details.
Itinerary
Arrival in Xi’an
Meet your private guide and driver upon arrival...
Meet your private guide and driver upon arrival at Xi’an airport or train station. Transfer to your hotel and enjoy free time to rest or explore the surrounding area at your own pace.
Xi’an – Shuilu’an Temple – Terracotta Army – Xianyang
Visit Shuilu’an Temple, known as “Little Western Paradise,”... 2 hours
Visit Shuilu’an Temple, known as “Little Western Paradise,” famous for its well-preserved Ming Dynasty clay sculptures depicting Buddhist figures, heavenly guardians, and vivid narrative scenes. The temple is also recognized as a filming location for Black Myth: Wukong.
Explore the Terracotta Army Museum, where thousands of... 4 hours
Explore the Terracotta Army Museum, where thousands of life-sized clay warriors, horses, and chariots were buried to guard the tomb of China’s first emperor. Learn about their construction, military formations, and historical significance.
Xianyang – Qianling Mausoleum – Famen Temple – Baoji
Visit the only Tang Dynasty imperial tomb jointly... 2 hours
Visit the only Tang Dynasty imperial tomb jointly buried by an emperor and an empress, Wu Zetian. Walk along the Spirit Way lined with stone statues and learn about Tang burial customs.
Explore Famen Temple, one of China’s most important... 3 hours
Explore Famen Temple, one of China’s most important Buddhist sites, known for housing the finger bone relic of Shakyamuni Buddha. Visit the underground palace and modern temple complex.
Baoji – Baoji Bronze Museum – Maijishan Grottoes – Tianshui
Discover ancient bronze ritual vessels and artifacts that... 2 hours
Discover ancient bronze ritual vessels and artifacts that illustrate the origins of Chinese civilization and the development of early dynasties.
Visit the Maijishan Grottoes, carved into a sandstone... 4 hours
Visit the Maijishan Grottoes, carved into a sandstone cliff and connected by walkways. Admire expressive clay sculptures and murals reflecting early Buddhist art styles.
Tianshui – Lanzhou – Gansu Provincial Museum – Xiguan Grand Mosque – Yellow River Iron Bridge
Visit one of northwest China’s most important museums,... 3 hours
Visit one of northwest China’s most important museums, featuring Silk Road artifacts, Buddhist relics, ancient manuscripts, and the iconic “Flying Horse of Gansu.”
Visit the Xiguan Grand Mosque in Lanzhou, an... 1 hour
Visit the Xiguan Grand Mosque in Lanzhou, an active place of worship that reflects the long-standing Muslim presence in northwest China. The mosque features a large prayer hall and Islamic architectural details, offering travelers a glimpse into the region’s religious traditions and daily community life along the historic Silk Road.
Walk across the Yellow River Iron Bridge, a... 1 hour 30 minutes
Walk across the Yellow River Iron Bridge, a historic landmark in Lanzhou that once served as one of the most important crossings over the Yellow River. The bridge highlights Lanzhou’s strategic role as a transportation hub along historic trade routes connecting central China with the northwest.
Wuwei – Xixia Museum – Confucian Temple – Kumarajiva Temple
Learn about the Western Xia Dynasty through stone... 1 hour 30 minutes
Learn about the Western Xia Dynasty through stone inscriptions, Buddhist sculptures, murals, and artifacts that reveal its culture, religion, and history.
Visit one of the best-preserved Confucian temples in... 1 hour 30 minutes
Visit one of the best-preserved Confucian temples in northwest China, reflecting Wuwei’s historical role as a center of education and scholarship.
Explore the temple dedicated to the renowned Buddhist... 1 hour
Explore the temple dedicated to the renowned Buddhist translator Kumarajiva, who played a key role in spreading Buddhism from India to China.
Wuwei – Mati Temple – Ganzhou Market - Zhangye
Visit Mati Temple, a scenic grotto complex set... 3 hours
Visit Mati Temple, a scenic grotto complex set in the foothills of the Qilian Mountains, known for its cliffside caves, Buddhist sculptures, and the blend of Han and Tibetan cultural influences.
In the evening, explore Ganzhou Night Market, where... 1 hour 30 minutes
In the evening, explore Ganzhou Night Market, where you can stroll through lively streets, experience the local atmosphere, and sample regional snacks at your own expense.
Zhangye – Giant Buddha Temple – Zhangye Danxia – Jiuquan Western Han Ruins – Jiayuguan
See the Giant Buddha Temple, home to Asia’s... 1 hour
See the Giant Buddha Temple, home to Asia’s largest indoor reclining Buddha, and learn about its religious and artistic significance.
Explore the colorful Danxia landforms, known for its... 3 hours
Explore the colorful Danxia landforms, known for its naturally layered, multicolored rock formations.
Visit the Jiuquan Western Han Dynasty Site, also... 1 hour
Visit the Jiuquan Western Han Dynasty Site, also known as the West Han Dynasty Jiuquan Park. This historic garden and cultural scenic area preserves ancient landscape features and traditional Han‑era architectural elements, including springs, lake views, pavilions, and classical walkways. The site highlights the historical importance of Jiuquan in the Western Han period and offers insight into local cultural development along the Silk Road.
Jiayuguan Great Wall Sites – Jiayuguan
Begin the day at Jiayuguan Fort, the largest... 2 hours
Begin the day at Jiayuguan Fort, the largest and best-preserved military pass of the Ming Dynasty Great Wall. Explore its inner city, gates, and defensive walls while learning how the fortress controlled trade and military movement along the Silk Road.
The overhanging Great Wall was built along a steep mountain ridge 1 hour 30 minutes
The overhanging Great Wall was built along a steep mountain ridge. Unlike the flat terrain of the main fort, this section demonstrates how the Great Wall adapted to rugged landscapes and served as a strategic lookout point.
Visit the First Beacon Tower, marking the point... 1 hour
Visit the First Beacon Tower, marking the point where the Great Wall meets the ancient Silk Road routes. From here, learn how beacon towers were used for signaling and early warning across the desert frontier.
Jiayuguan – Suoyang Ancient City – Yulin Grottoes – Son of the Earth Sculpture – Dunhuang
Explore the ruins of Suoyang Ancient City, a... 1 hour 30 minutes
Explore the ruins of Suoyang Ancient City, a key Silk Road military and administrative center from the Han and Tang periods. Walk along remnants of city walls, watchtowers, and gates, and learn about its role in protecting desert trade routes. The site is also historically connected to Buddhist pilgrimages, including the journey of the famous monk Xuanzang (Tripitaka).
Visit the Yulin Grottoes standard caves, a series... 2 hours
Visit the Yulin Grottoes standard caves, a series of Buddhist cave temples with murals and sculptures dating back to the Tang Dynasty. Admire the well-preserved artwork reflecting religious, cultural, and artistic exchanges along the Silk Road.
Stop at the “Son of the Earth” sculpture...
Stop at the “Son of the Earth” sculpture and memorial to Emperor Wu of Han, commemorating the region’s historical significance and cultural legacy during the Han Dynasty. The open-air sculptures provide insight into local art and the Silk Road heritage.
Dunhuang – Mogao Caves – White Horse Pagoda – Mingsha Mountain & Crescent Lake
Visit the Mogao Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage... 4 hours
Visit the Mogao Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring extensive Buddhist murals and sculptures carved into desert cliffs. Explore selected caves with your guide and learn how Dunhuang became a major center of religious art and cultural exchange along the Silk Road. Travelers may also choose to explore additional special caves for a deeper experience. This is an optional activity and tickets can be purchased onsite.
Stop at the White Horse Pagoda, a historic... 30 minutes
Stop at the White Horse Pagoda, a historic monument commemorating the white horse that carried Buddhist scriptures brought by the monk Kumarajiva. The pagoda reflects Dunhuang’s important role in the transmission of Buddhist teachings along the Silk Road.
In the afternoon, visit Mingsha Mountain and Crescent... 3 hours
In the afternoon, visit Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Lake, where towering sand dunes surround a natural desert oasis. Walk on the dunes and enjoy panoramic views of the crescent-shaped lake below. Optional activities such as camel riding or ATV experiences may also be available at the scenic area for travelers who wish to participate.
Departure from Dunhuang
Private transfer to Dunhuang airport or train station for departure
Private transfer to Dunhuang airport or train station for departure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cancellation policy?
If you cancel at least 3 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will…
How do I book this tour?
Click the "Book Now" button on this page to complete your reservation through Viator's secure booking platform. You'll receive instant confirmation via email.
Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Please check the age requirements and physical fitness level requirements listed in the tour details above. Some tours may have age restrictions or require a certain level of physical fitness.
