10-Day Classic Silk Road Group Tour (Xinjiang, Gansu & Qinghai)

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Themes China Silk Road Tours

Home China Tours

Duration 10 Days

Route Urumqi → Turpan → Dunhuang → Jiayuguan → Zhangye → Xining → Qinghai Lake → Chaka Salt Lake → Xining

Entry City Urumqi

Exit City Xining

Overview

This 10-day journey connects Urumqi, Turpan, Dunhuang, Jiayuguan, Zhangye, Xining, Qinghai Lake in a sociable small-group format. It is designed for international travellers who want a well-paced China Silk Road tour with clear transfers, essential landmarks and time for local culture.

Route at a glance

Urumqi → Turpan → Dunhuang → Jiayuguan → Zhangye → Xining → Qinghai Lake

Who this tour suits

First-time visitors, couples, families and friends who prefer a practical itinerary with guided sightseeing and balanced daily pacing.

Daily Itinerary

Arrival in Urumqi, Day 1 of 10-Day Classic Silk Road Group Tour (Xinjiang, Gansu & Qinghai).

Welcome to Urumqi, the vibrant capital of Xinjiang. Arrive in Urumqi by flight or train.

Heavenly Lake and Urumqi Grand Bazaar, Day 2 of 10-Day Classic Silk Road Group Tour (Xinjiang, Gansu & Qinghai). Photo by 罗布泊, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Journey to the serene Heavenly Lake of Tianshan. Enjoy the sweeping views. Explore Urumqi Grand Bazaar.

Urumqi to Turpan: Jiaohe Ruins and Emin Minaret, Day 3 of 10-Day Classic Silk Road Group Tour (Xinjiang, Gansu & Qinghai).

A historic oasis city - Turpan, known for its ancient ruins and unique grape cultivation.

Turpan to Dunhuang by High-Speed Train, Day 4 of 10-Day Classic Silk Road Group Tour (Xinjiang, Gansu & Qinghai).

Transfer to Dunhuang in Gansu Province by high speed train. Explore Dunhuang on your own.

Mogao Caves, Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Spring, Day 5 of 10-Day Classic Silk Road Group Tour (Xinjiang, Gansu & Qinghai). Photo by Hiroki Ogawa, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Visit Mogao Cave housing thousands of Buddhist cave paintings and sculptures; and Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Moon Spring.

Dunhuang to Jiayuguan Pass, Day 6 of 10-Day Classic Silk Road Group Tour (Xinjiang, Gansu & Qinghai).

Drive from Dunhuang to Jiayuguan, visit Jiayuguan's attractions - Overhanging Great Wall, Jiayuguan Pass.

Jiayuguan to Zhangye Danxia, Day 7 of 10-Day Classic Silk Road Group Tour (Xinjiang, Gansu & Qinghai). Photo by ArishG, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Head to Zhangye to view the colorful landscape of rainbow-hued sandstone formations. And visit Dafo Temple in Zhangye city.

Zhangye to Chaka via Xining and Qinghai Lake, Day 8 of 10-Day Classic Silk Road Group Tour (Xinjiang, Gansu & Qinghai). Photo by Terry Wu, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Transfer to Qinghai Province from Zhangye to Xining by high speed train. Be escorted to Qinghai Lake and accommodate in Chaka Town.

Chaka Salt Lake and Return to Xining, Day 9 of 10-Day Classic Silk Road Group Tour (Xinjiang, Gansu & Qinghai).

Explore Mirror of the Sky Scenic Area by sightseeing train of the Chaka Salt Lake.

Ta'er Monastery and Xining Departure, Day 10 of 10-Day Classic Silk Road Group Tour (Xinjiang, Gansu & Qinghai).

Explore Ta'er Monastery before depart from Xining.

What's Included & Excluded

What is included in this tour

Private or group transport

Air-conditioned vehicle and transfers listed in the confirmed itinerary.

English-speaking service

Professional English-speaking guide service as specified in the quotation.

Accommodation

Selected hotels with breakfast when included in the confirmed proposal.

Sightseeing

Entrance tickets and activities specifically marked as included.

What is Not Included in this tour

International transport

International flights and transport to the tour starting point unless stated otherwise.

Personal expenses

Laundry, minibar, optional activities and other personal purchases.

Insurance and visas

Travel insurance, China visa fees and permit costs unless explicitly included.

Unlisted meals

Meals, drinks and gratuities not shown in the confirmed inclusion list.

Frequently Asked Questions

The format shown in the tour title applies. Private departures can be adjusted, while small-group departures follow the confirmed group schedule.

Private tours can usually be adjusted for pace, hotel level and special interests. Transport and attraction availability are reconfirmed before booking.

Bring a valid passport, comfortable walking shoes and season-appropriate clothing. We will advise on any permits or weather-specific equipment.

Final hotel and meal inclusions depend on the confirmed quotation. Your written proposal will list every included service before payment.

Expect a mix of walking, steps and vehicle access at the places included in this route. The exact level depends on the day-by-day sequence, so share any concerns about mobility, children, older travellers or rest breaks before the itinerary is confirmed.

10-Day Classic Silk Road Group Tour (Xinjiang, Gansu & Qinghai)

Overview

Route at a glance

Who this tour suits

Daily Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival in Urumqi −

Day 2 Heavenly Lake and Urumqi Grand Bazaar −

Day 3 Urumqi to Turpan: Jiaohe Ruins and Emin Minaret −

Day 4 Turpan to Dunhuang by High-Speed Train −

Day 5 Mogao Caves, Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Spring −

Day 6 Dunhuang to Jiayuguan Pass −

Day 7 Jiayuguan to Zhangye Danxia −

Day 8 Zhangye to Chaka via Xining and Qinghai Lake −

Day 9 Chaka Salt Lake and Return to Xining −

Day 10 Ta'er Monastery and Xining Departure −

What's Included & Excluded

Private or group transport

English-speaking service

Accommodation

Sightseeing

International transport

Personal expenses

Insurance and visas

Unlisted meals

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this 10-day tour private or shared?

Can the itinerary be customised?

What should I prepare before travelling?

Are meals and hotels included?

How much walking is involved on this 10-Day Classic Silk Road Group Tour (Xinjiang, Gansu & Qinghai)?

Other Destinations

Urumqi

Turpan

Dunhuang

Jiayuguan

Zhangye

Xining

Delingha