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China Silk Road Tours - Ancient Silk Road Travel 2024/2025

Follow Marco Polo's footprints to enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime journey to the Ancient Silk Road!

In order to help you better explore the cultural and natural splendor of the Silk Road, China Discovery here has selected the best-selling tour packages covering the most preferred attractions and activities. You could also browse the short trips filtering by the most popular destinations on the Silk Road, or customize a Silk Road tour according to your own interest, travel length or budget. Besides, we offer the most-updated travel information and travel guide about Silk Road which assist you with a full preparation for your coming Silk Road holiday in advance.

China Discovery is a leading China tour agency offering quality all-inclusive tour packages, including one-to-one itinerary-organizing, hotels and tickets booking, local knowledgeable tour guide, comfortable private transfer, etc. We have got 3,580+ commendatory feedback from our customers and 1,800+ good reviews on TripAdvisor. You can completely trust us! Remember to enjoy the real travel stories shared by our past customers and get inspiration for your Silk Road holiday.

Why you can trust our Silk Road tour? Check what our customers are reviewing about us!

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Miga
"Hi Wonder, Thank you again for coordinating wonderful itinary seamlessly. Every tour guide was kind, friendly, welcoming and informative. Especially guide at Dunhuang and Kashga..." read more
Reviewed on December 20, 2023
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Miga I
"My husband and I took private tour to Silkroad from Xian to Kashgar through China Discovery. If I knew this tour company earlier I would have been there long time ago. Their consultant and..." read more
Reviewed on December 22, 2023
  • Top 8 Silk Road Tour Packages

Find Your Favorite China Silk Road Adventure by Destinations

Do you have any ideas where to go to explore China Silk Road better? In fact, the Silk Road passes through six provinces in China, including Henan, Shaanxi, Ningxia, Qinghai, and the essence of the Silk Road - Gansu and Xinjiang. In these provinces, there are many cities and towns cherished with numerous brilliant historic & cultural treasures. Here we list the top 10 destinations (including Xian, Luoyang, Dunhuang, Kashgar…) with priceless relics and breathtaking landscape to experience. Just click your favorite destination to find the general travel information and the most recommended tours. If you are looking any other places for a more in-depth experience (such as Kuche, Korla, Baoji, Zhongwei, Guyuan…), feel free to contact us for more detailed information.

  • Xian
  • Dunhuang
  • Kashgar
  • Luoyang
  • Turpan
  • Qinghai
  • Uruqmi
  • Jiayuguan
  • Zhangye
  • Lanzhou
Xian - the Origin of the Silk Road

Explore China’s past glory in the World Historic and Cultural City recognized by UNESCO!

The Silk Road was originally opened in 139 BC during the Western Han Dynasty, when Emperor Wu ordered Zhang Qian to visit western regions from the capital - Xian (called Chang’an in the old times). As the origin of the Silk Road and an old capital of 13 Dynasties, Xian offers many wonderful historic sites and cultural experiences.

  • Location: Shanxi Province in Central China
  • Best Places to Go: Great Wall, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace
  • Recommended Activities: Biking, Food Class, Tang Dynasty Show, Minatare Terracotta Warrior Making…
  • Recommended Trip Length: 2 ~ 4 days
Terracotta Warriors in Xian - Our Customers

3 Days Classic Xian Tour

Travel the best highlights and the unique historic relics of the ancient capital Xian at an enjoyable pace in 3 days. This is the most classic Xian itinerary, with visits to all the bests of this ancient capital!

Price from $271

Abakh Khoja Tomb

10 Days Classic Silk Road Tour

Most classic trip to follow the footprints of the ancient Silk Road. You will visit Xian, Urumqi, Kashgar, Turpan and Dunhuang. Private tour package, competitive price.

Price from Request

Dunhuang - the Most Important Post along the Silk Road

Appreciate the finest Buddhist art in the Oriental Louvre and the magic desert view with a never-dry lake!

As the westernmost city in the Hexi Corridor, Dunhuang held a strategic post along the Silk Road. With many goods, handicrafts, religions and cultures from central China and other regions in central Asia or Europe mixed here, it became a flouring trade and cultural center. Lots of historic relics are preserved in Dunhuang, including world-famous Mogao Grottoes.

  • Location: Gansu Province in northwestern China
  • Best Places to Go: Mogao Grottoes, Mingsha Mountain & Crescent Lake, Yardang National Geopark, Yumen Pass, Yangguan Pass..
  • Recommended Activities: Camel-riding, Desert Camping, Silk Road Shows…
  • Recommended Trip Length: 2 ~ 4 days
Watch a documentary film in the Dome Theater of Mogao Grottoes Digital Exhibition Center

3 Days Dunhuang Culture & Scenery

Trace the Silk Road in Dunhuang, also enjoy marvelous Gobi Desert landscape, incredible Yardang landforms, Crescent Lake, etc. with your private guide and driver.

Price from $352

Erin’s family from USA - Zhangeye

8 Days In-depth Gansu Highlights Tour

A thorough tour to discover the Gansu highlights from Lanzhou, via Xiahe, Zhangye Danxia Landform, Jiayuguan, to Dunhuang.

Price from $1284

Kashgar - the Convergence of North and South Route of the Silk Road

Get a memorable cultural and spiritual exploration in the essential part of Xinjiang!

Kashgar in Xinjiang is a must-be-visited site if you are seeking for the authentic Xinjiang atmosphere and the essence of the Silk Road culture. It is honored as the fusion of the Eastern and Western cultures, and various ethnic groups and different spiritual believes coexist here till now. In addition to cultural significance, an amazing plateau landscape can be viewed as well.

  • Location: Xinjiang Province in northwestern China
  • Best Places to Go: Kashgar Old City, Id Kah Mosque, Abakha Hoja Tombe, Karakul Lake, Tashkurgan Stone City…
  • Recommended Activities: Handicrafts Making, Local Tea Tasting…
  • Recommended Trip Length: 3 ~ 4 days
Charming Tajik lady in Tashkurgan

5 Days Legendary Pamirs Tour from Kashgar to Tashkurgan

This legendary Pamirs Tour combines the Silk Road culture with Pamirs adventure perfectly. It is all-inclusive private tour package that is strongly recommended for those who are seeking for authentic culture and wild landscape.

Price from Request

Tashkurgan Fort (Stone City Ruin) in the morning of September

8 Days Urumqi Turpan Kashgar Xinjiang Tour - Classic Xinjiang Discovery

This is the most classic and enjoyable Xinjiang tour on which you will visit the Golden Triangle - Urumqi, Kashgar and Turpan to get the best Silk Road exploration and Xinjiang's best culture and nature.

Price from Request

Luoyang - the Capital of the Most Glorious Dynasties

Go back to the earliest days of China’s antiquity, and enjoy the enlightenment of Chinese Buddhism and Chinese Kungfu!

Just like Xian, Luoyang is also an ancient capital of 13 dynasties, including China’s most prosperous Sui and Tang Dynasty (581~907). As a great cradle of Chinese civilization, Luoyang provides travelers with many cultural surprises, such as the masterpiece of stone Buddha carving arts, China’s first Buddhist temple, the ruins of the capital of China’s first dynasty, etc. It is also known as the city of peony and you can enjoy a variety of peony flowers from April to early May. Besides, many travelers take a sidetrip to Shaolin Temple - the Birthplace of Chinese Kung Fu.

  • Location: Henan Province in central China
  • Best Places to Go: Longmen Grottoes, White Horse Temple, Luoyang Museum…
  • Recommended Trip Length: 2 ~ 3 days
White Horse Temple in Suny Days

3 Days Luoyang Essence Tour

Apart from the surviving Longmen Grottoes, you will also explore more of Luoyang by visiting its local museums and experience the authentic Shaolin Kung Fu in nearby Dengfeng Shaolin Temple.

Price from Request

Grandiose ancient temples in Shaolin Temple

6 Days Henan Highlights Tour

Explore the essential highlights of Henan in a brief but enjoyable way, including the ancient Yinxu Site in Anyang, famous Shaolin Temple and magnificent Longmen Grottoes in Luoyang, etc.

Price from Request

Turpan - A Veritable Oasis in the Desert

Discover the ancient city ruins, mysterious villages and sweet grapes in China’s most burning city!

Turpan is the hottest city in China, and its highest temperature can reach over 40 °C. However, it can easily enjoy coolness in the mud buildings or green vineyards because of the irrigating project of Karez System. There are also many historic sites in Turpan, from which travelers can take an insight into the brilliant culture of the Silk Road as well.

  • Location: Xinjiang Province in northwestern China
  • Best Places to Go: Jiaohe Ancient City, Karez System, Turpan Museum, Bezeklik Thousand Buddhas Cave, Tuyuk Valley, Gaochang Ancient City, Kumtag Desert…
  • Recommended Activities: Desert activities like desert safari, sand surfing, desert spa…
  • Recommended Trip Length: 2 ~ 3 days
Charming Desert with Changing Colors

3 Days Turpan Highlights Tour

This 3-day tour takes you to visit the Buddhist relics, city ruins, great engineering project as well as the magnificent Kumtag Desert.

Price from Request

Peaceful Mazar Village in Tuyugou Valley

6 Days Urumqi Turpan Kashgar Efficient Tour - Brief Xinjiang Impression

This is a time-and-money efficient tour on which you will start your tour from Urumqi and end in Kashgar with a well-arranged itinerary. You will have all the classic experiences in your pocket, and at the same time enjoy vacation-standard tour services. It is available all year around.

Price from Request

Xining (Qinghai) - Gateway to China’s Amazing Plateau Landscape

Immerse in the beauty of the colorful salt lakes and Buddhist atmosphere!

Xining is the capital and the tourist distribution center of Qinghai Province, and also an important stop along the ancient Silk Road during the Wei-Jin Dynasties and the late Tang Dynasties. Many travelers start a memorable Qinghai trip from Xining to nearby amazing lakes, geo-parks, holy mountains as well as Amdo Tibet Regions and Tibet.

  • Location: Qinghai Province in northwestern China
  • Best Places to Go: Qinghai Lake, Chaka Salt Lake, Kumbum Monastery, Dongguan Mosque, Tibetan Medcine & Tibet Culture Museum…
  • Recommended Activities: Biking, Hiking, Cruising, Photography, Bird-watching…
  • Recommended Trip Length: 2 ~ 3 days
Sightseeing train travel at Chaka Lake

4 Days Enchanting Qinghai Lake Chaka Salt Lake Tour

Bring you to see high-plateau Qinghai Lake and mirror-like Chaka Lake as you have never seen before. It’s the perfect escape from our city life to enjoy with family and friends. You will be taken to the most classic and highlighting sights to take photos on our well-paced tour.

Price from Request

Zhangye Danxia Landform Photography

6 Days Qinghai Lake Zhangye Danxia Rainbow Mountains Dramatic Tour

Ease into the simple joys of natural travel that you can only find in northwestern China – vast plateau lake, mirror-like salt lake, rainbow mountains, hanging temples stretching out from caves… this is what our 6 days dramatic tour will bring to you.

Price from Request

Urumqi - Window of Xinjiang’s Culture & History

Get the first impression of Xinjiang!

As Xinjiang’s capital receiving convenient flights from many other cities of China, Urumqi always serves as the starting point of a Silk Road Tour. It is worth strolling among the exhibitions displayed in Xinjiang Regional Museum, experiencing local life in the busy bazaars, tasting featured local food, and most importantly enjoying the scenic beauty of the Heavenly Lake.

  • Location: Xinjiang Province in northwestern China
  • Best Places to Go: Heavenly Lake of Tianshan Mountains, Xinjiang Regional Museum, Xinjiang International Grand Mountains, Nanshan Pasture…
  • Recommended Activities: Biking, Hiking, Cruising, Photography…
  • Recommended Trip Length: 2 ~ 3 days
Id Kah Mosque is the most influential Islamic mosque in Xinjiang

6 Days Urumqi to Kashgar Dream Tour - Best Xinjiang Tour for the First-timers

Urumqi and Kashgar are the two Must-go destinations for all the first-timers. They are the very essence of Xinjiang, no matter you are seeking for Silk Road history, authentic local culture, or marvelous scenery.

Price from Request

Walking on the grassland of West Baiyanggou Scenic Area of Southern Pasture

4 Days Urumqi Holiday Tour with Southern Pasture Landscape and Kazak Culture Experience

This is a leisure holiday in Urumqi as well as a unique Urumqi trip. It is strongly recommended for families with kids, photographer and natural lovers.

Price from Request

Jiayuguan - Crucial Transportation Hub on the Silk Road

See the westernmost fortress of the Great Wall of the Ming Dynasty!

Jiayuguan is most famous for its fortress situated at the end of the portion of the Great Wall of the Ming Dynasty. Unlike other sections built with stones or bricks, Jiayuguan Great Wall was built with rammed earth. The yellow hue of the pass blends harmoniously with the surrounding desert. Till now, it is still a great stop between Zhangye and Dunhuang for travelers.

  • Location: Gansu Province in northwestern China
  • Best Places to Go: Jiayuguan Pass, Great Wall Museum, Overhanging Great Wall
  • Recommended Trip Length: 1 ~ 2 days
Mrs. Garlen Chan’s group from Canada - Jiayuguan

6 Days Zhangye Jiayuguan Dunhuang Tour

Memorable trip to discover three most glorious destinations in Zhangye, Jiayuguan and Dunhuang - diverse experience, enjoyable pace, budget price!

Price from $892

Taking a relaxing cruise on Heavenly Lake

11 Days In-depth Wild Silk Road Adventure Tour

An in-depth Silk Road adventure takes you to explore the most outstanding destinations in northwest China’s Gansu and Xinjiang and encounter both historic heritages and amazing natural landscapes.

Price from Request

Zhangye - Magical Rainbow Mountains

Be awed at the most spectacular Danxia Landform and Grottoes Temple Hanging on the Cliff!

Zhangye, literally translated as extending arm, excerpted from a phrase “to extend the arm of the country through to the Western Realm”. It is an important trade center holding a strategic position in the Hexi Corridor. Many historic sites can be found in Zhangye. Now, it is also attractive with its beautiful Rainbow Mountains in Danxia Geopark - colorful Zhangye Danxia.

  • Location: Gansu Province in northwestern China
  • Best Places to Go: Zhangye Danxia, Matisi Temple, Dafo Temple
  • Recommended Activities: Photography, Hiking
  • Recommended Trip Length: 2 ~ 2 days
Binggou Danxia Landform

3 Days Zhangye Danxia Classic Private Tour

Explore Zhangye with the classic itinerary, covering Zhangye Danxia Geo Park, Binggou Danxia, Giant Buddha Temple, Matisi Grottoes.

Price from $342

Taer Monastery Barbola

10 Days Qinghai Gansu Highlights Tour

Start from the stunning Qinghai Lake to the famous Buddhist monastery - Labrang, then travel northward to explore Zhangye Danxia, Jiayuguan Fort and Mogao Grottoes.

Price from $1647

Lanzhou - Transfer Center in Northwestern China

Enjoy an easy transfer to Lanzhou and start to discover the essence of the Silk Road!

Jiayuguan is most famous for its fortress situated at the end of the portion of the Great Wall of the Ming Dynasty. Unlike other sections built with stones or bricks, Jiayuguan Great Wall was built with rammed earth. The yellow hue of the pass blends harmoniously with the surrounding desert. Till now, it is still a great stop between Zhangye and Dunhuang for travelers.

  • Location: Gansu Province in northwestern China
  • Best Places to Go: Jiayuguan Pass, Great Wall Museum, Overhanging Great Wall
  • Recommended Trip Length: 1 ~ 2 days
Mrs. Garlen Chan’s group from Canada - Jiayuguan

6 Days Zhangye Jiayuguan Dunhuang Tour

Memorable trip to discover three most glorious destinations in Zhangye, Jiayuguan and Dunhuang - diverse experience, enjoyable pace, budget price!

Price from $892

Yellow River Mother Statue

3 Days Lanzhou Short Break

Visit the best city highlights to meet Yellow River culture of Lanzhou and explore hidden Buddhist cave art existed over 1,600 years.

Price from $489

China Silk Road Travel Guide Useful Articles

Silk Road is really a precious cultural treasure for human beings and a wonderful travel route for explorers. Do you want to know more about it? Such as how the Silk Road got its name, where the Silk Road started and ended, how long it took to cross the Silk Road in ancient times, who traveled on the Silk Road… Or do you want to have more travel information about it? Such as how to plan a Silk Road tour, what the top destinations on the Silk Road are, how the accommodation condition is, some important travel tips, etc. Just browse the following Silk Road articles for a better understanding of the Silk Road, as well as a more efficient Silk Road exploration.

Get Inspired by Our Customers’ Amazing Silk Road Travel Stories

We have helped numerous customers complete their Silk Road holiday in China. Are you curious about what they saw, did and felt about their tours.. Here we select some of the top inspiring travel stories to let you know not only the wonderful highlights they had enjoyed but also the forever unique memorable moments! Now, it’s your turn and your time to unveil your own story! >> Read All Our Customers Travel Stories during 2011-2024

Monica's 15-day In-depth China Discovery from Modern Shanghai to Remote Urumqi
-- 15 Days to Unveil the Mysterious Ancient Silk Road
Traveling to the Silk Road is like a dream come true. Monica had an unforgettable time discovering 9 cities from the modern Shanghai all the way northwest to Urumqi in Xinjiang.

Destinations Visited: Shanghai - Xian - Pingyao - Lanzhou - Zhangye - Jiayuguan - Dunhuang - Turpan - Urumqi - Shanghai
China Silk Road Travel Story
Continue Unfinished Silk Road Trip in China after 20 Years
-- 13-Day 6-City Silk Road Exploration from Lanzhou to Khasgar
I had a very long journey on China’s Silk Road, starting in Lanzhou Gansu Province and 3000 km later ending up at the edge of Taklamakan desert. He crossed endless deserts and rediscovered long forgotten cities. It was a remarkable journey.

Destinations Visited: Lanzhou - Zhangye - Jiayuguan - Dunhuang - Turpan - Urumqi - Khasgar
China Silk Road Travel Story
Memorable Fabulous Xinjiang Photography Trip
-- Mr. Florian’s 9 Days Xinjiang Photography Travel with His Friend in 2020
Mr. Florian and his friends, all photography lovers enjoyed a photography trip in late September and early October since they were all photography lovers!

Destinations Visited: Urumqi - Urho - Hemu - Kanas - Fuyun - Urumqi - Turpan - Turpan - Shanghai
China Silk Road Travel Story
Two China Trips during the Pandemic Year - Keep Calm and Journey on
-- 9 Days Qinghai Gansu Trip and 7 Days Guilin Zhangjiajie Trip
Thomas and Simona enjoyed a vacation to Guilin and Zhangjiajie to marvel at the nice landscape of two nature wonderland. And in 2020, they contacted us again to discover Qinghai and Gansu on the Silk Road during the pandemic period.

Destinations Visited: Shanghai - Xining - Zhangye - Badain Jaran Desert - Zhangye - Shanghai; Shanghai - Guilin - Yangshuo - Guilin - Zhangjiajie - Shanghai
China Summer Travel Story
“Only You” - Couple’s Resounding 69 Days Private China Journey
-- Elie & His Wife’s Romantic 10 Weeks Discovering Vast China
A couple from Belgium customize a private China trip of total 69 days to travel around the very large China to its south, north, east and west. During the nearly 10 week long China trip.
Destinations Visited: Beijing - ... - Luoyang - Xian - Dunhuang - Jiayuguan - Xining - Lanzhou - ...
China Silk Road Travel Story

2024-2025 China Silk Road Tours with More Fun

Want to enjoy a longer Silk Road holiday in China and visit more valuable destinations for more fun? China Discovery offers you more choices. You can visit the most classic destinations together with Silk Road destinations in one go! If you are a first timer to China, we suggest you get a first touch of China by visiting Beijing, Xian, Shanghai and Guilin - where China’s history, culture, nature and city view can be exhibited perfectly. Yangtze River Cruise is also a great option added into your itinerary for a leisurely experience. Besides, many travelers prefer an adventure to Zhangjiajie for an jaw-dropping view of the Avatar World. Moreover, you can step into Yunnan (Kunming, Dali, Lijiang, Shangri-La) and Anhui(Huangshan, Jiuhuashan) to have minority fun, Shanxi (Datong, Pingyao, Wutaishan…) and Henan (Luoyang, Zhengzhou…) to discover the civilization of ancient China. There are lots of wonders in China awaiting your exploration. Just select your favorite or customize your own tour according to your own interest and preference as well.

CD-BXS-08 8 Days Best of China Tour
8 Days Best of China Tour (Flight/Bullet Train Covered)

Beijing / Xian / Shanghai

from $1267

Taking a relaxing cruise on Heavenly Lake
11 Days In-depth Wild Silk Road Adventure Tour (Cultural Relic & Unrivalled Landscape)

Lanzhou / Zhangye / Jiayuguan / Dunhuang / Turpan / Urumqi / Kashgar

from Request

Jiayuguan Fort
12 Days Epic Silk Road Tour including Qinghai Lake and Zhangye Danxia

Xining / Zhangye / Jiayuguan / Dunhuang / Turpan / Urumqi / Kashgar

from Request

Kim - Mutianyu Great Wall
10 Days Classic China Tour from Beijing - First Touch of China

Beijing / Xian / Guilin / Yangshuo / Shanghai

from $1634

Sailing on Yangtze River in Autumn
13 Days Classic China Vacation Tour with Yangtze Cruise

Beijing / Xian / Guilin / Yangshuo / Yangtze Cruise / Shanghai

from $2069

A Bullet Train Running on the High Speed Rail in Xinjiang
15 Days Classic Ancient China Silk Road Tour with Bullet Train Experience

Kashgar / Tupran / Dunhuang / Jiayuguan / Zhangye / Xian / Beijing

from $2805

Mogao Caves
12 Days Silk Road Tour from Beijing

Beijing / Xian / Dunhuang / Turpan / Urumqi

from Request

Yangtze River Cruise
17 Days China Paradise Tour with Tibet Discovery & Yangtze Cruise

Beijing / Xian / Lhasa / Chengdu / Chongqing / Yangtze Cruise / Shanghai

from $2876

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