Created on the orders of Qin Shi Huang, the first Emperor of China, the Terra Cotta Army was meant to accompany him in the afterlife. The level of detail on each soldier - from the weapons they hold to the expressions on their faces - serves as an awe-inspiring testament to the craftsmanship and artistry of the time.
Each year, the Labrang monastery attracts scholars, monks, and pilgrims who come to study, worship, and participate in the annual Monlam Prayer Festival—a spectacle of vibrant robes, intricate rituals, and grand processions that is nothing short of awe-inspiring.
Imagine a landscape adorned with gigantic, candy-colored sandstone formations that look like they were carved by the gods themselves. Binggou Danxia area is characterized by its surreal "ice cream cone" rock structures, spirals, and columns that look like they belong in a Salvador Dalí painting rather than a geographical location on Earth.
The true beauty of camel riding in the Taklamakan lies in its raw authenticity. These magnificent creatures, often referred to as the "ships of the desert," offer a slow, rhythmic ride that allows you ample time to absorb the vastness around you. As you saddle up and your camel rises, you'll feel a connection to the countless traders, explorers, and adventurers who once used this very mode of transport to cross the unforgiving yet mesmerizing landscape.
Constructed during the early Ming Dynasty, Xi'an Ancient City Walls is one of the oldest, largest, and best-preserved city walls in China. The wall envelops you in a tale of emperors, warriors, and profound cultural shifts as soon as you step onto its age-old bricks.
Standing at an imposing 64 meters, the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda is a classic example of Tang Dynasty architecture. Originally built in 652 AD, this seven-story structure has withstood the test of time. It was originally constructed to house sutras and figurines of the Buddha that were brought to China from India by the Buddhist translator and traveler, Xuanzang.
Terracotta Warriors and Horses, is an enthralling archaeological site that begs to be seen in person to truly grasp its grandiosity.
For travelers, Labrang Monastery offers an authentic and enriching experience. Whether you're interested in Buddhism, architecture, or simply seeking a serene and thought-provoking environment, Labrang ticks all the boxes.
Iron Bridge of Yellow River is an iconic structure that embodies both the historical evolution and modern aspirations of Lanzhou, Gansu.
Nestled among the barren hills and stark landscape that epitomize this part of western China, the reservoir is an oasis of blue that defies the arid conditions surrounding it. Created by the Liujiaxia Dam on the Yellow River, Liujiaxia reservoir is not just an engineering marvel, but also a focal point of both livelihood and leisure in the region.
Bingling Grottoes is a treasure trove of ancient Buddhist art and a fascinating waypoint in the Silk Road's fabled journey. This remarkable site is situated in the vast expanse of Gansu Province in China and is a living testament to the profound influences of Buddhism, art, and culture over the centuries. The best time to visit Bingling grottoes is during the summer and autumn months. The weather is favorable, and the ferry service on the Liujiaxia reservior to the site is more reliable.
The Overhanging Great Wall is near Jiayuguan in Gansu Province. Perched perilously on the steep ridge of the Black Mountain, this section of the wall is a stunning spectacle of engineering and a hidden gem among China's wealth of historical landmarks.
The Kizil caves are a large complex of rock cut Buddhist caves located on the northern bank of the Muzart River in Xinjiang, China. The site itself, which is thought to be the earliest Buddhist cave complex in China, contains around 339 caves the earliest of which date from around 300 CE with ongoing development up until the 8th century CE. As well as depicting religious themes such as scenes from the life of the Buddha, the caves also depict day-to-day scenes from life along the Silk Roads including figures of merchants, travellers, monks, musicians, and farmers.
Situated in the Tian Shan mountain range of Xinjiang, China, the Flaming Mountains are a surreal geological wonder that captivate the imagination.
Despite its grandeur, Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon remains relatively unexplored and untouched by the blight of mass tourism. This makes it a perfect haven for adventurers and explorers looking to discover something rare and unspoiled. Local legends even speak of hidden caves and secret passages leading to lost civilizations, adding to its mysterious allure.
Nestled in the heart of the Xinjiang region, the Tian Shan Mysterious Grand Canyon is not merely a canyon but a gateway to an almost mythical world. Its towering cliffs of red and orange sandstone seem to rise infinitely into the sky, resembling ancient fortresses or sacred temples crafted by unknown civilizations.
The Id Kah Mosque is not just a place for prayers; it's a social and cultural hub where you can see a vivid tableau of life in the region. On Fridays and during Islamic holidays, the square outside the mosque transforms into a bustling area.
Baisha Lake is located on the way from Kashgar to Tashkurgan, a lesser-known but absolutely spellbinding destination in China's Xinjiang region! Imagine a lake so pristine that the sky's reflection on it seems clearer than the sky itself.

TRAVEL SCHEDULE

DAYS CITIES  TOUR HIGHLIGHTS ACCOMMODATIONS
1 Xi’an Arrival Airport/Train Station Pickup Hotel
2 Xi’an Emperor Qin’s Terra Cotta Army, Giant Wild Goose Pagoda Hotel
3 Train to Lanzhou Shaanxi History Museum, Xi’an City Wall, The Great Mosque of Xi’an, Muslim Quarter, Bullet Train to Lanzhou Hotel
4 Xiahe Liujiaxia Reservoir, Bingling Temple Grottoes, Sangke Prairie Hotel
5 Lanzhou Labrang Monastery, Zhongshan Bridge over Yellow River Hotel
6 Train to Zhangye High-Speed Train to Zhangye, Binggou Danxia, Zhangye UNESCO Global Geopark Hotel
7 Jiayuguan Jiayuguan Pass, Overhanging Great Wall, Xincheng Mural Tombs of Wei & Jin Dynasties Hotel
8 Dunhuang Yulin Grottoes, Echoing Sand Mountain, Shazhou Night Market Hotel
9 Train to Turpan Mogao Grottoes, Liuyuan-Turpan Train Hotel
10 Turpan Tuyoq Valley, Ancient Tuyuk Village, Emin Minaret, Karez Well, Jiaohe Ruins Hotel
11 Train to Kuqa Turpan Museum, Overnight Train to Kuqa On the Train
12 Kuqa-Aksu Kizil Thousand-Buddha Cave Murals, Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon Hotel
13 Makit Taklamakan Desert, Farmer Paintings Hotel
14 Kashgar Kashgar Old Town, Local Uyghur Family Visit Hotel
15 Kashgar Id Kah Mosque, Sunday Bazaar, Handicraft Street Hotel
16 Tashkurgan Karakul Lake, Tajik Family Visit Hotel
17 Kashgar Stone Fort, Golden Pastureland Hotel
18 Kashgar Departure Transfer to Kashgar Airport. /

INCLUSIONS & EXCLUSIONS

PRICE INCLUDES PRICE EXCLUDES
Trains: 2nd-class seat tickets on high-speed trains from Xi’an to Lanzhou, Lanzhou to Zhangye, Dunhuang to Turpan,  and overnight soft-sleeper train ticket from Turpan to Kuqa. China Visa: You should apply for it in your country. If any visa invitation is needed, please inform us. Visa Invitation is a free offer.
Accommodations: Well-selected 3/4-star hotels with breakfasts (or you can upgrade to better levels with extra charges). One night on the train. Flights: No international or domestic arrival/departure flights are included on the 1st day and the last day.
Transport: From 5-seat cars to 61-seat tour buses, different types based on group size, but all are well-maintained and comfortable. Gas fees and parking fees are all included. Meals: No lunches or dinners included (your guide can make recommendations according to your needs).
Entrance Tickets: All included except for optional activities. Personal Expenses: Laundry, phone calls, snacks, soft drinks, optional tour activities such as boating, camel riding, performances, etc.
Guide: Licensed local English-speaking guides. Tips: Tips to tour guide and driver.
Travel Insurance: A free one from a Chinese insurance company, but you should buy one from your country for better insurance services. Extra Expenses: Additional days’ cost caused due to unexpected situations such as natural disasters, political incidents, or any other force majeure.

Starting from Xi’an’s Terracotta Warriors to the remote heights of Tashkurgan, this comprehensive journey offers an enriching mix of history, culture, and awe-inspiring landscapes. With an itinerary meticulously designed to provide a deep dive into each destination, this tour promises an experience you’ll cherish forever.

What’s On the Menu?
Comfortable stays capturing local aesthetics
Modern yet culturally respectful transport
Polyglot guides with local expertise
Exclusive entry to must-see landmarks
A culinary tour within your tour – local cuisines that delight

What’s so fascinating about the tour?
Step Into Xi’an’s Time Capsule – The Terracotta Warriors
Your journey kicks off with an intimate encounter with Xi’an’s millennia-old Terracotta Army. Walk amid life-sized statues and feel the pulse of ancient China reverberating through the earthen corridors.

Unlock the Secrets of Amdo: Whispering Bingling Grottoes & Little Potala in Xiaha
Located along the Yellow River, the Bingling Grottoes seem almost like an ethereal dream chiseled into the cliffs. The remote location lends an air of untouched sanctity, as if guarding ancient secrets. The whispers of Tibetan monks merge with the winds that caress the sprawling grasslands, offering you a meditative experience beyond words.

Rainbow Journeys in Zhangye’s Danxia Mountains
Marvel at the Danxia’s geological masterpiece – a riot of colors that dance across the mountains. It’s nature’s own art gallery, where each hue narrates a geological tale untold for millennia.

Chronicles Etched in Stone at Dunhuang’s Mogao Caves
Dive deep into the spiritual corridors of the Mogao Caves. Gaze upon intricate murals and sculptures that portray Buddhist devotion through generations, dating back to the 4th century AD.

A Geologist’s Dream and a Poet’s Muse – Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon
Beyond the beaten path of conventional destinations lies a geological marvel that defies imagination – the Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon which offers an otherworldly panorama of surreal landscapes, mystical caverns, and geological wonders. It’s time to tick this enigma off your travel bucket list!

Kashgar’s Enigmatic Corners – Where Every Turn Tells a Tale
Meander through the maze-like streets of Kashgar, where each corner is a portal to another world—be it a fragrant spice market, a hubbub of craftsmen, or an alley steeped in historical intrigue.

Pamir Plateau via the Karakom Highway – Nature’s Grand Theatre
End your voyage with a grand spectacle, cruising the Karakom Highway. The Pamir Plateau unveils itself like a colossal amphitheater where nature’s grandest performances take place, from iridescent lakes to towering peaks.

Popularity 86%
Difficulty 19%
Cost Performance 67%
SEASON PRICE
Off Season (Nov., Dec., Jan., Feb.) US$5,439
Shoulder Season (Mar., Apr., May) US$5,689
Busy Season (June, Oct.) US$5,739
Peak Season (July, Aug., Sep.) US$5,999

  • Recommended travel seasons being May, June, and October to avoid crowded Chinese tourists and the excessively hot climate though the best time to join in this tour is from March to October.

  • Prepared oxygen bags if the package included high-altitude areas like Tashkurgan.

  • DAILY complimentary two bottles of mineral water.

  • FREE days in Xi’an can be arranged.

  • BIG discounts for kids or seniors. Please consult your travel advisor for more information.